Rebuilding Historic Landscapes Around Los Angeles: Terremoto's Approach to Ushering in a New Era for Architecture
Terremoto: A Landscape Architecture Firm Embracing Sustainability and Wildlife
Terremoto, a landscape architecture practice based in Los Angeles, is making waves in the industry with its unique approach to design. Founded in 2013 by David Godshall and the late Alain Peauroi, the firm has since grown into a thriving collective with a second base in San Francisco.
Godshall, inspired by the book "City Form and Natural Process" by Michael Hough, decided to go into landscape architecture with a mission to change the way wildlife is designed into urban environments. This ethos is reflected in Terremoto's work, which emphasizes the importance of stewardship in carving a sustainable path for the future.
The team at Terremoto practices in ways that reflect their beliefs, advocating for the individuals and crews who build their projects. They believe that historic architecture can be brought into its next era through revitalizing the landscapes around them. Embracing the land and understanding the process of change is crucial in achieving a sustainable future, according to Terremoto.
Terremoto's projects often involve working adjacent to architectural icons in California, such as Richard Neutra's Lovell Health House in Los Angeles. The firm recently completed phase two of a project at the Sea Ranch Lodge, and is currently reworking the planting around Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House.
The firm's ethos emphasizes transparency and values that are ecological, philosophical, social, and moral. Terremoto aims to design landscapes purposefully for wildlife, and advocates that gardens are never truly finished, as they are in a constant process of change.
Terremoto's stance on labor is proactive and public, which is almost non-existent in their industry. The firm values the individuals and crews who bring their designs to life, and advocates for fair labor practices.
In addition to their work in landscape architecture, Terremoto is passionate about America undergoing an ecological revolution and endowing its citizens with the necessary skills and ecological literacy. They believe that by designing with wildlife in mind, they can help create a more sustainable and harmonious urban environment.
