Contact Us

“Her innovative solutions to space planning problems, strong artistic capabilities and diplomatic demeanor make her an asset to any team”  
Joyce C., Fireman's Fund Insurance Co.
 

       
After a quarter century, we continue to explore the important features of garden design, environmental challenges & art.  We respect & listen to each client's requirements & dreams; we endeavor to create beautiful, energetic, meaningful, & healthful environments that feed the spirit & support human excellence.   Our goal is to discover the essential nature of a site & its architecture, respond to it, develop it & merge it with our client's cultural, social, and environmental concerns.  We combine technical skill with imagination & sustainable materials.

  see PORTFOLIOS:
Gardens 

Interiors
(see projects from Vanessa's
25-year career as an interior designer)

AWARDS & PUBLICATIONS
July/August 2007, Lawn & Landscape Magazine, cover photo & article in Designer Insert

June 2007, Member of the Month, Oregon APLD web-site

May 2007, Member of the Month, National APLD web-site 

January 2003 to July 2006, numerous articles, The Columbian

5/2006, dig Magazine

4/2006, Sunset Magazine

2005, Silver Medal award, 2005 Portland Home & Garden Show

2004, Award of Excellence, Landscape Design Competition,  Sunset Magazine
 
2001, Hammurabi Award, Masonry and Tile Institute, Oregon chapter*
 
1999, Interior Design Citation Award, IIDA/AIA/ASID Oregon chapters*
 
1989, Honor Award, Redwood Empire AIA Chapter*
 
11/89, Architectural Record*
*projects awarded while employed by other firms 

About Us

Vanessa Gardner Nagel
principal
APLD & NCIDQ-certified
DESIGNER
(photo courtesy of Allan Mandell)

“She impressed us with her knowledge as well as with her ability to understand and meet clients’ needs.”  
 John R., Novato Fire Protection District

Vanessa Gardner Nagel became a gardener as a youngster at her grandfather’s side in Minnesota.  She is an award-winning, sustainability-conscious, garden designer, author, and lecturer.  She worked as an interior designer for Northern California, Oregon, and international design firms.  After 25 years supporting her gardening avocation, she left the corporate world, and founded MILIEUX DESIGN STUDIO LLC.  Drawing on her extensive experience, she provides innovative solutions to challenging projects.  Vanessa carries a shovel and knows how to use it in her garden, Dragonfly Hollow, in Vancouver, Washington.

Ms. Nagel is a certified member and Oregon Chapter's President-Elect of APLD, (Association of Professional Landscape Designers), a member of ANLD (Association of Northwest Landscape Designers), a former Hardy Plant Society of Oregon (HPSO) Director, NCIDQ-certified, taught at Marylhurst University & PCC Rock Creek, was an Oregon-chapter president of IIDA (International Interior Design Association),  serves on the City of Vancouver's Design Review Committee and is authoring a book on garden design for Timber Press.