James Doyle Design Associates Launches Second Book

The Intersection of Nature and Art by James Doyle Design Associates. Photograph by Allegra Anderson

James Doyle Design Associates recently launched a second book, Intersection of Nature and Art. The book features many of the Greenwich-based landscape design firm’s projects, from the East Coast to Italy. CTC&G, JDDA principal James Doyle, JDDA partner Justin Quinn, and the rest of their team celebrated the new launch with a book signing in November. Learn more about the firm and their book below.

CTC&G Editorial Director DJ Carey with James Doyle, Justin Quinn, and Yvonne Brandt of James Doyle Design Associates. Photograph by Cara Gilbride

C&G: Why did you choose to title the book Intersection of Nature and Art?

James Doyle: There is much beauty in the natural environments of our projects and through our work, we compliment and infuse these spaces with our designed elements. These can take the form of structural plantings or outdoor art pieces and help to create that ‘Intersection of Nature and Art.’

A custom spillway at the base of the architecture, fills a reservoir with a bluestone bridge that connects the lawn with the deck and dining terrace. Photography by Neil Landino

How did you choose which projects to include in the book? While they are all different, do they share any similarities/themes?

Justin Quinn: The process was similar to selecting a batting lineup or picking a team. We started with a list of 10 or so projects and narrowed it down based on their combined value and complement. Recently, an architect told me our work was clean and legible; I think that’s true—a theme you might see in the book. Editing and designing with restraint are shared values in our studio.

JD: There is a diversity in our breadth of work, but distinctive and creative detailing runs throughout each project.               

The entertaining terrace and pool terrace have beautiful views of Lake Como. Photography by James Doyle

Do you have a favorite project featured in the book? 

JD: I particularly enjoyed working on our Lake Como, Italy project. It was a challenging location but one of the nicest places I have ever visited. 

JQ: No favorites here. Each project has something unique to offer, whether it’s a memory of the actual design process or a great detail finally realized.

A computer rendering of a future project.

Your projects are in many different locations and environments—from California and Florida to Connecticut, the Hamptons, and beyond. Do you have a favorite geographical place to design a landscape?

JQ: The location we haven’t worked in yet—we are always down for a new challenge. Part of the reason we take on work across different geographies is because it improves our practice. It offers our studio different perspectives on people, materials, and methods.

JD: Each geographical location provides us with multiple opportunities, and it is this diversity that enthralls us. We have to contemplate historic preservation, local culture, climate and ecologies, many architectural styles and of course varying plant palettes, which is very exciting to us.

A new flowering meadow with blooms of allium, yarrow and beardtongue grow among the native grasses and is in close proximity to the front of the original 1846 home. Photography by Neil Landino

Favorite feature to include in a project?

JD: The planting scheme is always the most favorite part of the design for me. 

JQ: I like a feature grounded in a site’s particulars. Understanding the site’s specific vernacular style influences the materials selected and how they are composed.

A year-round water feature serves as a dynamic art piece outside the dining room. Photography by Neil Landino

What trends do you expect your clients to gravitate toward in 2023?

JD: There is a new awareness about creating an environment with connections to nature and sustainable landscapes. Our clients are more welcoming to diverse landscapes with meadows and gardens of flora and fauna that provide pollinating habitats.  

JQ: Indoor-outdoor spaces are definitely an underlying prerequisite.