LECTURES

[ Design Lecture Series ]

Our design lecture series highlights our studio's design process and philosophy as contemporary place makers. We share anecdotes about our experiences, invaluable lessons and illustrations of our favorite secret gardens and design details. Please contact our firm to inquire about opportunities to speak at your next professional design organization meeting.

Tropical Modern: Design Principles for Contemporary Florida Gardens

Join award-winning landscape architect Carlos Somoza as he explores the intersection of contemporary design and the subtropical landscapes that define modern South Florida gardens. Rooted in the principles of Tropical Modernism, Carlos Somoza’s work balances clean, bold geometries with lush subtropical plantings and a refined use of materials. The studio’s gardens are a play between the wild beauty of Mother Nature and the structured patterns of architectural design.

Drawing from over 25 years of experience designing high-end residential landscapes across South Florida and the Mid Atlantic, Carlos shares key design principles that respond to the region’s subtropical environment and rise in tropical modern vernacular. The presentation will examine how gardens can feel both contemporary and deeply connected to a place, highlighting minimalist use of materials, authenticity of place and a layered approach to planting design.

DATE: Saturday, September 27, 2025
TIME: 10:30am to 12:30pm
LOCATION: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
REGISTER ONLINE: via event website

The New Florida Garden:
Creating Resilient Subtropical Gardens

In this inspiring lecture, award-winning landscape architect Carlos Somoza explores what it means to design gardens that are not only beautiful, but ecologically resilient and rooted in the unique character of South Florida’s subtropical environment. Drawing from native ecosystems like pine rocklands, coastal dunes, and tropical hardwood hammocks, Carlos presents a design philosophy that balances craftsmanship, ecology, and a refined subtropical aesthetic.

Attendees will gain insight into how resilient plant palettes, sustainable materials, and climate-responsive design can transform outdated landscape clichés into vibrant, modern outdoor spaces. Whether you’re a design professional, homeowner, or plant enthusiast, this lecture invites you to rethink the Florida garden - not as a generic paradise, but as a living, adaptive system that reflects the genius of its place.

DATE: Saturday, October 25, 2025
TIME: 10:30am to 12:30pm
LOCATION: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
REGISTER ONLINE: via event website

Mid Century Garden | Coconut Grove, Florida

tropiCOLOR: Planting Combinations for Subtropical Gardens

Join award-winning landscape architect Carlos Somoza on an engaging journey through subtropical gardens and contemporary landscapes. The lecture will explore the studio’s philosophy of sustainable planting design, highlighting the key principles that shape their renowned gardens. The discussion will touch upon the use of color, form, and texture, alongside the cultural, growth, and architectural characteristics of both native and exotic plant palettes. A curated list of the studio’s favorite plant combinations for Zone 10, as well as a selection of local nursery resources for sourcing plant materials will be presented during this session.

This lecture is part of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden's
Horticulture and Design Lecture series.

DATE: Winter 2026
TIME: 10:30am to 12:30pm
LOCATION: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
REGISTER ONLINE: via event website

Mid Century Garden | Coconut Grove, Florida

Building Materials for Subtropical Gardens

The key to building beautiful outdoor spaces relies heavily on planning, choosing the right building materials and applying common sense construction techniques when building a garden. Miami landscape architect, Carlos Somoza, will present case studies of South Florida garden projects highlighting the design process and the firm's expertise in creating award-winning outdoor spaces and noteworthy gardens. Carlos will present both natural and man-made building material alternatives including precast concrete pavers, local and imported stone, and tropical hardwood decking.

This lecture is part of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden's
Horticulture and Design Lecture series.

DATE: Winter 2026
TIME: TBD
LOCATION: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

NOTE: This lecture focuses on the building materials and construction aspects that arise when building a residential garden. If you are seeking information on planting design and the plant species suitable for South Florida landscapes, please consider registering for the course, TropiCOLOR: Planting Combinations for Subtropical Gardens.

PAST ENGAGEMENTS

2024