Let’s take a break to get back to where it all began, which was a literal BREAK. While playing soccer in high school in early summer, there was a throw-in, and I collided with a kid. When I got up, I knew something wasn’t right with my leg, and so I started walking over to the bench and then I heard it… POP… then pure pain, and I knew my leg broke. Well, there goes my career in soccer…
After breaking my leg, I didn’t shed a tear after the pain went away that I couldn’t do play soccer. I turned breaking my leg into an opportunity. I will always be thankful for having the best mom that pushes me into creating, building, and making my dreams come to reality. I hope you can find someone who can give you the motivation to becoming the best person you can be and let them give you both criticism and advice. We will discuss this mentorship and education down the road some more. Mom said to me “Jay you have always wanted to build a pond and now that you don’t have soccer you should do it” that was true, but soccer had taken my summers and time away from me to concentrate on only that.
So on that encouragement, I kicked off my first landscape project with a broken leg, spray paint, shovel in hand, and my dad's strength and good legs wheelbarrowing my soil away. It was an amazing experience, I got to create something that brought so many different passions that I didn’t know that I had together. I am always evolving those passions and skills because you should always be learning what you are passionate about so you can bring the best product or skill to the customer.
That project defined my passion for Landscape Architecture.
I feel like this is a good point to interject to say my name is Jay Holinger. I am hopeful that I will be able to make a connection to you through my writings, videos, email, or once this crazy covid business is sorted out in person! If you wish to reach out please find my contact info HERE.
I attended Iowa State University and got my Bachelor's of Landscape Architecture in 2013. I will definitely do a blog post on why Iowa State is one of the absolute best schools for Landscape Architecture. Before attending ISU, In 2008 I received a scholarship from the Geneva Garden Club and there I met my first client. We still are in touch to this day because it is relationships that you need to build in the landscape industry, not just the landscape. I started INNovation STUDIO or INN Studio LLC for short in 2013. If you are interested in how to create a passion or service head over there! Also, we have other services and products besides Landscape services available in the Chicago Land Area.
Back to the PAIN...
I did work for many landscape companies and each there were different painful experiences that eventually lead me to go out on my own. I did enjoy the people and learned a lot from them and worked on some amazing projects! So with that pain, I did gain some wonderful contacts, clients, and design knowledge. This is not to say that you have to go out on your own if you enjoy what you are doing or looking for information to get your garden or landscape looking amazing. There are many that love to work on their garden and there will be info on this blog for you for sure!
Let's get to the Nitty-Gritty Landscape Info
My tagline for INNovation STUDIO LANDSCAPE “It is all about the PLACE” As landscape architects and designers we are always looking at spaces… like I sometimes catch myself looking at an empty alley and thinking what an amazing opportunity to change that into a vibrant place for people to enjoy! There is always potential whether it is a small space such as a backyard landscape or a large area of land. Now how this change happens is up for discussion and what purposes, people, site amenities, plantings, and activities going on there is what changes that space into a PLACE!
A PLACE-first philosophy ensures the results are exceptional and the landscape will continue to evolve so that your place truly lasts. The place, to make it special and not a cookie-cutter design you have to bring expertise and imagination to every project.
Kick it into high gear on PLACE details in the next blog post.