Milieux Design Studio LLC

Introduction	Garden Design Services	Gardens Portfolio	Blog: GardenChirps	Contact Us

"When people ask me how they can get strong interest in their property, I always tell them to fix up their landscaping." Walt McDonald, president of the National Association of Realtors.
award-winning, sustainable design,		Introduction
After nearly 30 years, we continue to explore the important features of garden design, environmental challenges & art. We respect & listen to each client's requirements & dreams; we create beautiful, energetic, meaningful, & healthful environments that feed the spirit & support human excellence. We discover the essential nature of a site & its architecture; we respond to it, develop it & merge it with our client's cultural, social, and environmental concerns. We combine technical skill with imagination & sustainable materials.
		About Vanessa
Vanessa Gardner Nagel became a gardener as a youngster at her grandfather’s side in Minnesota before she received her bachelor's degree in interior design. She worked as an award-winning interior designer for Northern California, Oregon, and international design firms. Returning to her roots, she founded MILIEUX DESIGN STUDIO LLC. She is an award-winning, sustainability-conscious, garden designer, author, and lecturer. 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) and the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon (HPSO). Currently, she serves her community as a member of the City of Vancouver's Design Review Committee and is authoring a book on garden design for Timber Press. Vanessa was an HPSO Director, is NCIDQ-certified, taught at Marylhurst University & Portland Community College/Rock Creek, and was an Oregon-chapter president of IIDA (International Interior Design Association). Interiors portfolio (see projects from Vanessa's 25-year career as an interior designer)		Vanessa Gardner Nagel principal APLD & NCIDQ-certified DESIGNER (photo courtesy of Allan Mandell) “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. “She impressed us with her knowledge as well as with her ability to understand and meet clients’ needs.” John R., Novato Fire Protection District
		Philosophy
		form does follow function, but it also follows budget. Conscious, purposeful, and balanced design enhances function and aesthetics . Balanced spaces help reduce stress, increase health, enhance creativity, promote concentration, and energize the spirit. Good design is like a game of dominoes. Expressive spaces encourage expression. Expression creates health. Health promotes energy. Energy optimizes excellence and creative spirit. The mind, body, spirit and environment connect. We must respect the environment through sensitive selection of sustainable materials. It is important to Integrate natural and crafted elements to celebrate artistic expression, express individuality, add whimsy and promote humor. Harmonious design should exist between interior and exterior spaces to support harmony within us and our aspirations to be the best we can be. Designs should be innovative, yet practical, and client-specific. Design services need to be independent from installing contractors to eliminate potential conflict-of-interest as design/build.
		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

Call Vanessa Nagel at Milieux Design Studio LLC to make an appointment for landscape design or garden design in the Portland, Oregon/Vancouver, Washington region of the Pacific Northwest. As a portland oregon landscape designer, portland oregon garden designer, vancouver washington garden designer and vancouver washington landscape designer, we offer consultation, planning and sustainable, award-winning landscape design. we help locate garden paths, retaining walls, plants, shrubs, trees, perennials, annuals, flowers, pergolas, arbors, gazebos, garden structures, gazebos, garden benches. We have participated in the Yard, Garden and Patio show and the Portland home and garden show. we are an association of professional landscape designers, the association of northwest landscape designers and hardy plant society of oregon member. we are APLD-certified and NCIDQ-certified. Vanessa is a member of the GWA and authoring a book for Timber Press about garden design. Vanessa provides presentations on a variety of topics. See the APLD and ANLD websites speakers bureau.

MILIEUX DESIGN STUDIO LLC- provides curb appeal consultation to assist in the sale of real estate and real property. Landscaping improves the value of each home and improves its salability.