We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Destini Reavis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Destini below.

Destini , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Is there a lesson you learned in school that’s stuck with you and has meaningfully impacted your journey?

One of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned is that the majority of your learning will happen outside of the classroom — and just how personal that process in itself can be. That every student may be given the same curriculum stepping into their classroom for the first day, but no one is handed a rubric when you step into the classroom of life. This was something I’ve recognized and continue to navigate throughout my everyday life.
It really makes the saying “Life is the greatest teacher…” echo loudly throughout many of the pivotal moments of my life. And for myself, I’ve learned that I’m an extremely visual learner (shocker). That the elements of an enticing “visual”; the experiential elements of the lights, sounds, movements, and story was something that was integral in my connection to the work. Each time I’ve worked on a design project and I didn’t remind myself to continually connect to these elements in my own design process, the common critique would be “Where’d the magic go?”. And after the long hours that go into each design proposal, those words stung. It wasn’t about intelligence or work ethic; it was about honoring my unique process through the design. It’s something I’ll never forget and I’ve allowed it to serve as a checkpoint for me in my process.
Once I leaned into designing through this perspective —things clicked. The work became deeper, more intuitive. And ever since, that’s been integral to my process. Whether I’m designing a landscape, managing a project, or mentoring others, I hold that same lesson: we each have our own rhythm of learning — and honoring it is what unlocks true growth. It comes through lived experience — through your peers, your community, the lessons life hands you when you’re not looking. I’ve learned more from unexpected life events than I have from textbooks. Now don’t get me wrong, school taught me structure, but the world around me taught me intuition, empathy, and how to really see the world from so many different perspectives. And that’s a lesson I carry into every part of my journey — as a designer, business owner, and human being.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Destini Reavis — I’m a designer at the intersection of place, people, and purpose. My journey into this industry wasn’t a straight line — it was a layered path shaped by curiosity, lived experience, and a deep-rooted desire to restore soul and story into the spaces we move through.
My formal background is in architecture and landscape architecture, but the real work began when I started asking bigger questions: How can design heal? How can it honor memory? How can it empower communities to reimagine their environment? That led me to create not only landscapes and spaces but always incorporating elements that evoke emotion. My services range from landscape design and installation, but at the heart of it all is storytelling — every object or space I create is layered with intention, cultural reference, and environmental care.
What sets my work apart is the commitment to craft that’s personal and collective at once. I’m not interested in design that only looks good on paper. I’m interested in what it feels like when someone walks through it — when they find a sense of peace, joy, or memory sparked in a detail. Whether I’m transforming a forgotten plot of land into a native garden in Baltimore or designing a phased out a generational garden for a client, I want people to feel the care, the thought, and the rhythm of something deeper. And it invites others to slow down, to reconnect, and to reimagine the places they call home.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been rooted in genuine connection and storytelling. I’ve learned that when people understand the heart behind the work — the why — they’re more likely to trust you with the what. Much of my growth has come through word of mouth, intimate events, community engagement, and simply showing up authentically in every project I take on.

I also focus heavily on the experience — not just delivering a service or a product, but crafting a moment. Whether I’m creating a custom planting plan or designing a cultural space, I treat each project like it has a life of its own. That attention to detail and care resonates with people. Clients remember how they felt — and that feeling becomes a story they pass along.

Consistency in visual branding, staying active and intentional on social media, and aligning myself with values-driven collaborators have all helped amplify my reach. But at the end of the day, it’s the relationships, the listening, and the integrity in the work that have kept the growth organic and sustainable.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think what’s helped me build my reputation most is my commitment to intentionality — in both process and presence. I don’t rush through work just to say it’s done. Whether it’s a landscape design, or community engagement, I always ask: Does this reflect care? Does it hold meaning? Does it connect people to place or to self? That mindset resonates with clients and collaborators alike.

I’ve also built a reputation by showing up consistently and wearing many hats gracefully. I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty — literally and figuratively. From planting on a site to leading presentations, I treat each moment as part of the bigger narrative. People begin to recognize that level of commitment, and that builds trust over time.

Lastly, I think people are drawn to the soul of the work. I’m not chasing trends — I’m cultivating spaces and objects that feel rooted, personal, and alive. That approach helps me stand out, especially in a market that often moves fast and favors flash over foundation.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @soarings.o.u.l.

Image Credits

Destini Reavis