Preston Montague – Native Piedmont Perennials

Designing for the Experience: Composition in Practice

Description
Choreographing experiences with designed plantings is a feat of art, science, and will. The old adage of “right plant, right place” applies to plant survivability of course, but can also apply to the way we arrange plants to encourage particular reactions from visitors. There’s an art to the design of an experience, and there are also simple tactics that can hasten decision-making and help organize a design process. For landscape architect, Preston Montague, those tactics come from composition he learned from an earlier practice as an artist. Join Preston for an examination of planting design strategies he deploys in his studio that are rooted in principles of composition.

Bio
Preston Montague is a landscape architect and artist dedicated to fostering stronger connections between people and the natural world. Raised in the rural foothills of Virginia, he developed a deep interest in the environment while studying landscape painting with professional artists. After earning a degree in Fine Arts, Preston worked as a freelance
exhibit artist and aquarium professional, where his passion for built landscapes and environmental justice grew. Later, he earned degrees in Horticulture and Landscape Architecture to expand his ability to contribute to public-sector projects at various scales. Currently, Preston leads a landscape architecture and art studio where he produces research-driven environmental designs with a focus on conservation. His work aims to create resource-efficient, long-lasting places that foster education, promote public health, and encourage environmental stewardship, benefiting both human and non-human communities alike.