Thursday, Oct. 24th 12:15 - 1:15 PM

Think Like a Client; Design Like a Pro

by Michael Bernier

Seminar Price: $50

CEUs: APLD, NALP, PGMS, QWEL

Room: Design Center

Increase your projects' bottom line by understanding the 'WHY' of Good Design!

Customers are more likely to say yes and increase their projects' budgets when the designer/builder attentively listens to what they want and need and is able to enroll them in a grand vision of what their space can become. Functional and delightful outdoor spaces don't just magically happen, however. As a landscape contractor, you already know HOW to BUILD the elements; but to truly optimize the space; you also need to know the WHY behind GOOD DESIGN.

GOOD DESIGN begins with paying attention to things you may not have noticed before. By learning to be aware, asking the right questions, and utilizing basic design principles, you can make your clients happier than they ever imagined while increasing your bottom line.

Michael Bernier

Founder and Lead Designer

Bernier Design Group

Michael Bernier, founder and lead designer of Bernier Design Group, a full-service landscape and outdoor living design & build firm, is a champion for sustainable design and installation practices. Michael's 25-year career as an award-winning designer has had stints in fashion and sportswear design, branding, advertising and product design, working with global brands such as Coca-Cola, MTV, Nike, and Paramount Pictures.

After studying Landscape Architecture at UCLA, Michael realized his life's purpose by utilizing his design skills combined with his passion for working with Nature and preserving the environment for generations to come.

On his way to certification in Sustainable Development and Permaculture Design, Michael's mission is to connect people back to Nature. "I want to show people how we are intimately connected to our environment, and the simplest way to do that is through the garden. People relax and breathe deeper when sitting peacefully in their tranquil gardens, they can feel their innate connection to Nature. I really just want to make the world a more beautiful place."

Previous TLE Presentations

Why Good Design Matters (UX in Landscape Design)

Why GOOD Design Matters! We all know about the important major elements of landscape design: Hardscape, Plant Materials, Structures, Lighting, proper irrigation, etc. But are you exploring every aspect of the end users full experience of the landscape beyond basic functions and aesthetics? Are you examining how they intend to use their new outdoor living space? Do they entertain frequently? Do they intend to cook? Do they have children? Is low maintenance a priority? How will the space feel? Are you taking into account how people will move through the space? What does the environment FEEL like? How are you heightening the overall experience of the garden? Emphasizing the relaxation factor? Is it cozy? Warm? Inviting? We will look at all aspects of how an outdoor living space can be utilized for maximum optimization, and ultimately up-selling the scope of each project, and increase your bottom line.

More . . .

Read VoyageLA's interview with Michael Bernier at https://tinyurl.com/y5dkvwko.

To learn more about the Bernier Design Group and to explore projects, visit https://bernierdesigngroup.com.



2019 Sponsors

Dr. Vassey, originally from Atlanta and formally a professor of turfgrass, landscape and golf course management at Cal Poly, SLO, is now the Superintendent at the Norman Course at PGA West in La Quninta, CA. His interests are in sustainable turfgrass management, environmental stewardship, native and ornamental grass establishment and management, and golf course management practices. He is associated with many turfgrass and golf course management organizations and contributes often to their educational efforts. He received his BS degree from the University of Georgia in 1980, his MS from Iowa State University (1983), and his PhD in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry from the University of Missouri in 1986. From there he completed two Post Docs; one at the University of Illinois and one at the University of Wisconsin.