Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Camille Wildburger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Camille, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
For me, Bylines Studio Outdoor Design encapsulates the heart of my design process and personal journey.
The name stems from two core ideas. First, it reflects the foundation of landscape design—starting with lines on paper, where every idea begins to take shape. Lines are the essence of design, guiding creativity from concept to creation. Second, it plays on the idea of a “byline,” symbolizing authorship and personal connection. I wanted the name to reflect the personal touch I bring to every project, showing that each design is thoughtfully crafted by me.
The story of how the name came to be actually dates back to my graduate studies while earning my master’s degree in landscape architecture. As part of our curriculum, we had a business development course, and one of the exercises was to write a proposal and contract as if we were bidding for a project under our own business name. I brainstormed and came up with “Bylines Studio.” Even back then, the name felt right—it combined creativity, professionalism, and a personal element.
After that, the idea stuck with me. Over time, I’ve slowly evolved Bylines Studio from just a concept into my freelancing brand and now into my small business. The name has grown with me, serving as a reminder of where I started and where I’m headed. It’s more than just a name; it’s a reflection of my journey, my passion for design, and my commitment to creating meaningful, sustainable outdoor spaces. It reminds me that every project is a unique story, written line by line, and signed with intention and care.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Camille Louise, and I’m a landscape designer and parks and recreation professional with a passion for connecting people to nature through thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. Originally from Dallas, Texas, I’ve been living in San Diego, California, for about four years now. By day, I manage a portfolio of public park projects, and by nights and weekends, I run Bylines Studio Outdoor Design—an online-based business providing custom, high-quality landscape designs for homeowners, architects, and builders. My journey into this field has been a blend of personal discovery and professional growth, and every step has shaped the work I do today.
I didn’t always know I wanted to work in a creative field. Early in my academic journey at the University of Arkansas, I was focused on studying human behavior, unsure how to translate my interests into a fulfilling career. Toward the end of college, I had a pivotal realization: creativity and the ability to put my name on something tangible were essential to my happiness. Around the same time, I fell in love with the Ozark & Boston Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, where my connection to the natural world deepened. Technically they’re plateaus or highlands and not mountains. It was in these moments that I discovered landscape architecture—a field that merges design, human interaction, and the built and natural environments.
After graduation, I returned to Dallas to earn my master’s degree in landscape architecture, and from there, I gained years of professional experience in the field. The seeds for Bylines Studio were planted during my graduate studies, where the name originated from a class project in business development. At the time, it was just a soft brand for my freelance work, but over time it grew into the successful small business it is today.
At Bylines Studio, I specialize in creating beautiful, functional, and sustainable outdoor spaces, whether for full-yard renovations or blank-slate designs. My process is entirely online, making professional landscape design accessible and convenient. I pride myself on blending sustainability with nature-inspired design, ensuring that every project is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible.
What sets my work apart is my unique combination of creativity, technical expertise, and personalized service. I don’t just design pretty spaces—I solve practical problems, such as improving functionality, creating cohesive designs, and selecting plants and materials that thrive in specific climates. Beyond that, I help my clients foster stronger connections to their outdoor environments, whether by enhancing the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces or designing tranquil landscapes that invite relaxation.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how Bylines Studio has made professional landscape design more accessible while staying true to my values of sustainability and thoughtful design. I want potential clients to know that when they work with me, they’re not just receiving a design—they’re gaining a partner who is deeply passionate about transforming their outdoor spaces into places that inspire joy and connection.
Whether you’re a homeowner ready to create your dream yard, a builder seeking seamless collaboration, or an architect integrating landscape into a larger vision, I’d be honored to help bring your ideas to life.
If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?
Yes, my business is evolving to incorporate multiple supplementary revenue streams. Until recently, I focused exclusively on offering a la carte design packages, such as front-yard-only designs or full-property plans. However, I’m now pivoting to provide comprehensive design development packages with a more personalized client-designer experience. These packages are ideal for clients seeking complete renovations or starting from a blank slate, allowing me to dedicate more focused attention to each project and deliver tailored, high-quality results.
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m thrilled to introduce a series of digital products designed to empower ambitious DIYers to create their own outdoor spaces. These offerings will include premade mood boards, budget templates, and eventually a design guidelines e-book packed with practical tips for crafting cohesive and sustainable landscapes.
Additionally, I’m exploring the possibility of consulting courses in the future. These would provide a deeper dive into landscape design principles or project-specific guidance. Beyond residential and private work, I’m considering expanding my consulting services to leverage my professional expertise in public park development. This could include public engagement strategies, informed by my sociology background, International Association for Public Participation Certification, and hands-on experience hosting public meetings for park projects. By helping organizations or individuals integrate community-driven design into their work, I aim to bridge my public and private design experiences. These efforts, representing another set of “bylines” in my career, further reflect my passion for connecting people with thoughtfully designed spaces.
This diversification allows me to serve a broader audience—whether they’re seeking comprehensive design services, DIY resources, or community-focused planning expertise—all while staying committed to my mission of fostering sustainable, thoughtful design at every level.
Lots of exciting creativity and work ahead!
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
As an entrepreneur and landscape designer, I’m always looking for ways to optimize my time and expand my knowledge. Since 2017, I’ve essentially been living in podcast land—sorry, music! Whether I’m walking, running, cleaning, or engaging in any other activity where my hands are busy but my mind is free, I’m usually listening to a podcast or audiobook. It’s a great way to stay engaged and continuously learn. There are a few books and podcasts that have had a significant impact on how I approach my work, my business, and my personal growth.
One book that has truly shaped my entrepreneurial philosophy is Anything You Want by Derek Sivers. It’s a quick read but incredibly powerful. Sivers advocates for building a business that aligns with your personal values, rather than adhering to traditional advice. His approach has reinforced the importance of authenticity and simplicity in business, which has been central to the way I structure my landscape design services. Similarly, Cal Newport’s Deep Work has transformed how I approach focus and productivity. Newport promotes the idea of setting aside time for uninterrupted, deep work, and I’ve found that applying this principle helps me maintain a higher level of efficiency and creativity in my projects. Another essential read for me is Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This classic has provided me with invaluable frameworks for leadership, time management, and decision-making. Covey’s teachings have guided me in staying proactive and prioritizing the most important tasks in both my personal and professional life.
Creativity is also a significant part of my work, and Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist trilogy has provided a refreshing approach to nurturing my creative side. Kleon encourages readers to “steal” ideas from others—not in a literal sense, but by drawing inspiration from the work of others while staying true to one’s own voice. This idea has helped me find a balance between seeking inspiration and maintaining my unique perspective in design. These books have all contributed to my business philosophy and how I approach both the artistic and business sides of my work.
Podcasts, on the other hand, have become a constant companion in my journey. They’re an excellent way to absorb valuable knowledge while multitasking, and there are several that I turn to regularly. 99% Invisible is one of my favorites, as it explores the hidden design elements in everything from architecture to products to urban systems. It’s given me a deeper appreciation for how design influences everyday life, and I often find myself drawing ideas for my own projects from these episodes. The Design of Business | The Business of Design is another podcast that I find incredibly valuable. It bridges the gap between creativity and business, offering useful insights for anyone running a design-focused business. Through this podcast, I’ve learned how to manage both the artistic and financial aspects of my work more effectively. Another favorite is City as Landscape, which focuses on landscape architecture and urbanism. It’s been invaluable in expanding my thinking on how design can influence public spaces and foster community engagement, which is something I strive to incorporate into every project.
Open Space Radio is a podcast particularly relevant to my background in public parks and recreation. It covers trends and innovations in public spaces, which helps me stay informed on the best practices in park design and community-oriented projects. Similarly, Second Nature: The Business of Outdoor explores the outdoor industry, offering insights into creating immersive outdoor experiences. This has been helpful as I think about expanding my work to incorporate more environmentally focused design. Code Switch is another powerful podcast I listen to regularly—it addresses race, identity, and culture, offering thought-provoking discussions that have helped me approach my work with a broader perspective on inclusivity and diversity. Design Unmuted is another podcast that has expanded my understanding of design by highlighting diverse voices and perspectives. It’s reinforced the idea that design is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about making spaces that serve people from all walks of life.
These books and podcasts have all played an instrumental role in my growth as both an entrepreneur and a designer. They’ve helped me optimize my time, stay focused, and constantly improve. By integrating these resources into my daily routine, I’ve been able to continue learning and refining my skills, which is key to growing my business. If you’re looking to enhance your productivity, gain new insights into business, or simply stay inspired, I highly recommend these resources. They’ve made a lasting impact on me, and I’m confident they can do the same for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bylinesstudio.com
- Instagram: bylines_studio
Image Credits
Camille Wildburger