Peter J. A. Leysen
EU licensed Landscape Architect
Senior Designer – Project Manager
Santa Barbara, California
EU licensed Landscape Architect
Senior Designer – Project Manager
Education
Classical Studies - Roman/Greek
Royal Atheneum Brasschaat – Belgium - EU
A-level Technical College
Rerum Novarum Merksem- Belgium -EU
Bachelor of Garden and Landscape Architecture
Erasmus University Brussels – Belgium -EU
Native Plants of California I & II
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Professional Experience
Senior Designer, Isabelle Greene & Associates, 2004 - present
Landscape Designer, Schwartz & Associates, 2001 - 2004
Landscape Architect/Owner, Holly & Boxwood, 1995 - 2001
Landscape Architect/Partner, Landscaping®, 1989 -1995
Landscape Architect/co-Owner, Jaeken & Leysen, 1986 -1988
Background
When graduating from Erasmus University, Brussels in Landscape and Garden Architecture in 1985 Peter was awarded an apprenticeship with Jacques Wirtz, one of the greatest European landscape architects. He mentored there one year in the arts of Landscape and Garden. Then he began practicing as an independent designer/builder doing exclusively his own designs. In high demand, he enjoyed an intense, wild and creativity-spilling ride, while 15 years passed by. Every aspect of designing and building gardens was encountered, as well as unique situations, locations and characters throughout Western Europe. Peter became particularly fond of the biology and climate of the Mediterranean area, and in 2002 emigrated to California to further his work in Mediterranean gardens. He worked for a time in Sausalito, Ca, until moving to Santa Barbara to take a position with Isabelle Greene and Associates. Here, Peter found his creativity “home:” every day inspires him and fills him with passion for Arts, Design and Life.
Activities
Occasionally he makes working computers as art sculptures, designs virtual buildings and furniture in 3-D and oil paints.
Traditional, no short-cut cooking is another passion (every day). With a 500+ cookbook collection, he's not worried at all about what's for dinner tonight.
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