Cultivated by Design: Elevating the Art of Outdoor Living
Reconnecting people to nature through purposeful design.
Photo: Audrey Hall
As screens command more of our attention around the clock, many of us sense a growing imbalance in our daily lives. We can see the effect on our physical, mental, and social health: slumped posture, disrupted sleep patterns, and the lure of endless notifications pulling us away from genuine human connection.
Photo: Draper White
The best antidote is often right outside our doors. By shaping outdoor environments—from residential gardens and community parks to larger destinations like resorts and national parks—we help people rediscover the restorative power of nature.
Residential Design
Residential design often provides the most immediate break from digital overload. Spaces where all five senses can be engaged help us reconnect to our environment.
Photo: Draper White
Well-designed outdoor living areas could include areas for meditation or yoga, an herb or vegetable garden, or pools, ponds, and spas where even just the sound of water benefits our sense of wellbeing.
Photo: Sandy Kaplan
These design elements don’t just beautify your property; they create a more balanced lifestyle.
Destination Resorts
Beyond hometown settings, our work on hot springs and destination resorts creates opportunities for people to engage with the unique landscape of each place. Our approach to site design integrates native plantings and locally sourced elements into the landscape for a deeper site authentic experience.
Photo: Blake Gordon
In national parks, our design approach weaves in a respect for cultural heritage and ecological stewardship. A “light on the land” ethic balances visitor access with resource protection, ensuring these cherished places remain healthy and welcoming for future generations.
Photo: Blake Gordon
At hot springs, hydrotherapy circuits with warm mineral pools, invigorating cold plunges, and calming spaces encourage relaxation and rejuvenation. What truly makes a vacation meaningful is the feeling of being “away”—of breaking from routine to rediscover a sense of wonder.
New experiences not only spark joy and curiosity but remind us why these landscapes connect us so deeply with the greater human spirit.
Community Parks and Open Spaces
Not everyone owns land or has the means to travel to their own oasis; community parks and open spaces are vital for overall well-being and they’re accessible to everyone. We strive to create public spaces as critical hubs for us to create and strengthen community, connecting with nature and each other.
Photo: Draper White
Integrating native plantings, pollinator meadows, and nature-focused play areas encourages discovery, while subtle trail design uses gentle curves, varied elevations, and well-placed rest points to reveal new experiences at each turn.
Photo: Courtesy DHM Design
Intergenerational features—such as accessible loops and fitness stations—allow families, seniors, and individuals to engage side by side. By blending these elements into the environment, we invite exploration, reflection, and genuine connection.
No matter the scale, well-planned outdoor environments enrich our mental, physical, and social health. By weaving nature into our daily routines—through residential gardens, local parks, or far-flung retreats—we can counter the draining pull of our devices. Thoughtful design leads us back to what matters most: the restorative power of nature and the meaningful connections we make with each other when we step outside.
Jen DiCuollo is Principal with DHM Design, an ecologically grounded landscape architecture firm specializing in creating spaces that promote healing, the art of wellness, and immersion in nature. View their profile or call 970-963-6520 for more information.
Content for this article provided by DHM Design.
