We recently connected with Meg Coffee and have shared our conversation below.

Meg, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

For me, success has involved taking advantage of opportunities when they appear. Like this interview, for example. Success as a sole-proprietor takes time management and commitment to the work. And being successful is sometimes about adjusting one’s goals and looking at “success” as a sliding scale. I’ve found success where I wasn’t necessarily looking for it.

Meg, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started my one-woman landscape design office in 2013 after being laid off twice in three years. I had no clients, start-up funds nor business plan. Luckily I had made valuable connections working at well-known LA design firms for over 10 years, and teaching at UCLA Extension in the Landscape Architecture Program. At first, I cobbled together as many design-related jobs as possible, from home inspections to drafting for a lighting designer, to small yard remodels. Eventually I built up a portfolio and was able to focus on larger design projects. Now ten years later, I have work that has been featured in Regional Landscape Architecture: Southern California (2019) by Jeffrey Head, LUXE Interiors+Design magazine, Garden Design magazine, and Landscape Architecture magazine.

I specialize in creating thoughtful & beautiful landscape designs for people’s yards. The majority of my projects are for mid-to high-end single-family residences. My clients’ landscape goals usually involve remodeling their yards for themselves to enjoy with families and friends. I am always delighted to hear how their improved yards increase the time the family spends together, how the designs impact their daily lives, and how useable they are. That’s what I think I’m known for–making landscapes that feel comfortable, thoughtful and fun to be in.

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

Almost all of my clients come from referrals. Referrals from past clients, architects, contractors, and other landscape architects. So for me, the most effective strategy has been attending networking events, being involved in professional organizations, and taking an active role in local design.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is to provide beautiful, thoughtful & sensitive landscape designs that respond specifically & collaboratively to each client, site, project & budget.

Contact Info:

• Website: mrcladesign.com
• Instagram: @mrcladesign
• Facebook: meg rushing coffee landscape architecture & design
• Linkedin: Meg Rushing Coffee

Image Credits
Susan Wieder Joseph Wright Dan Arnold Brandon Shigeta Robyn Beck