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We’re honoured to celebrate Virginia Burt as the r We’re honoured to celebrate Virginia Burt as the recipient of the 2026 OALA Research and Innovation Award. Virginia’s work bridges interdisciplinary research and landscape architecture, exploring how thoughtfully designed environments can support behavioural health and well-being. Through Morgan’s Garden at Monarch Lifeworks—North America’s first therapeutic urban garden designed for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder—she helped advance evidence-based, neurodiversity-informed design in both research and practice. Her 2025 book, A Story of Stone: The Quiet Wisdom of Placing Rock, carries this spirit of inquiry forward, sharing the meaning, intention, and craft of stone with professional and public audiences. Available for purchase; link in bio. We’re grateful to our nominators, to the collaborators who brought this work to life, and to @oala_on for recognizing its contribution to a more inclusive, thoughtful, and therapeutic profession. Photography by: @asquaredphoto @rsmphoto @lightandshadowphoto
Celebrating the launch of Capturing Essence. Tha Celebrating the launch of Capturing Essence. Thank you to everyone who joined us in Muskoka to celebrate this special milestone. It was an unforgettable evening filled with a shared appreciation for the enduring lessons found in meaningful landscapes. Next stop: Los Angeles! We look forward to seeing everyone at @nationalasla and our book launch event at LA LO LA Rooftop, Moxy Downtown LA. Be sure to visit @oro_editions booth #960 on September 16th, Virginia will be signing books at 11:00 am. Link to purchase is in our bio. Special thanks to @kirrieglen @bowkerproductions and @cedarcanoebooks for helping make this event such a success.
Introducing… Capturing Essence, a collection of 17 Introducing… Capturing Essence, a collection of 17 projects by Virginia Burt Designs. Now available for purchase, link in bio. #CapturingEssence #VirginiaBurtDesigns #BookLaunch #NewBook #IntentionalDesign
Virginia’s book, A Story of Stone: The Quiet Wisdo Virginia’s book, A Story of Stone: The Quiet Wisdom of Placing Rock, is in the running for the People’s Choice Award at the 19th edition of the GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN. Vote now, link in bio. Thank you for your support! #GrandsPrixDuDesign #GPD19 #PeoplesChoice #INTDESIGN Book photography by @lightandshadowphoto @rsmphoto
We are seeking two talented and driven Landscape A We are seeking two talented and driven Landscape Architects with 5–10 years of experience to join our dynamic and collaborative studio in a full-time, in-person role. We are looking for individuals with skills in all aspects of landscape architecture, from conceptual design and detailed working drawings to on-site reviews during construction, ensuring seamless project execution from start to finish. In this role, you will be an integral part of our team, responsible for bringing innovative design solutions to life and contributing to a variety of exciting projects, including residential and institutional work. We are open to variations on the following core qualifications: • Licensed Landscape Architect with a minimum of 5 years of experience • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture, or a relevant college diploma • Highly proficient in AutoCAD, Vectorworks, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and Lumion • Preference will be given to candidates who are proficient in Vectorworks • OALA accreditation or equivalent is required; additional accreditations are considered an asset • Ability to commute to Dundas, Ontario; this is an in-person position To apply, please send a single PDF (maximum 10 MB) to leanne@vburtdesigns.com with the subject line “VBD Application” and include the following: • Resume • Cover letter • Portfolio or link to an online portfolio Please, no phone calls. We will be in touch and look forward to sharing our studio’s goals. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence. Thank you! #landscapearchitecture #landscapearchitect #Hiring #JoinOurTeam Photography by @rsmphoto
Landscape architecture shapes the places where eve Landscape architecture shapes the places where everyday life unfolds. This April, the VBD team has been celebrating Landscape Architecture in Action and the ideas that become places supporting health, resilience, and community. Join us in making landscape architecture visible. Tell us in the comments: what’s your favourite thing about landscape architecture? #WLAM2026 | @nationalasla Photography by @rsmphoto Contributors: @out_standing_in_a_field @rockscape @tamaracknorth.ltd @ba_collective @blackwellengineers @lifeatbartlett @environmentaldesigngroup @pinnaclesignaturelighting
A moment to reflect in a season of renewal. Grate A moment to reflect in a season of renewal. Grateful for our team, clients, and collaborators who help shape what’s ahead. Photography by Francine Barrett
COMPLETION | CONSTRUCTION | CONCEPT Norma’s Garde COMPLETION | CONSTRUCTION | CONCEPT Norma’s Garden was created to extend and support the services of The Gathering Place, a non-profit cancer support centre. The garden began as an idea to transform a forgotten suburban space into something meaningful. Once host to “plastic bag tumbleweed” and dandelions, the land is now healed and renewed. The landscape offers its healing energy to those affected by cancer, including patients, survivors, families, volunteers, staff, and the wider community. The Gathering Place @touchedbycancercle, The Arnold & Sydell Miller Family Campus Contributors: Karen McCoy, FASLA of MKSK (formerly MSI), Sylvia Behr, OALA Architect: Bialosky Partners Architects @bialoskyarchitects Civil Engineer: Chagrin Valley Engineering Landscape Contractor: Greensward Landscaping (now Native Landscapes and Gardens) Artists: Walt Rickli, David Hind, Melissa Daubert Photography: Richard Mandelkorn @rsmphoto & Virginia Burt @virginiaburtdesigns
WINTER | SPRING | SUMMER | AUTUMN A serpentine Co WINTER | SPRING | SUMMER | AUTUMN A serpentine Corten steel picket fence, shifting beautifully through the seasons. Photography: Jessica Crandlemire @lightandshadowphoto & Virginia Burt @virginiaburtdesigns Metal work: K‑Weld
“The design and placement of rock requires a degre “The design and placement of rock requires a degree of awareness of its spirituality - its connection to that which is greater than we are. Intention is a large part of this work and clarity of intent is critical.” This philosophy is woven throughout every landscape featured in A Story of Stone. A book by Virginia Burt.
A labyrinth is not a maze. It is a unicursal path A labyrinth is not a maze. It is a unicursal path – one way in, one way out – guiding the walker gently to the center and back again. Unlike the left-brain puzzle of a maze, the labyrinth invites the right-brained experience: intuitive, meditative, and deeply personal. This ancient archetypal symbol has appeared across cultures and continents for over 3500 years, evolving from simple spirals to the 11-circuit pattern seen today. It has served as a tool for rites of passage, creative stimulation, spiritual practice and therapeutic healing. (Central Park Labyrinth Burlington)
In the heart of Muskoka, nature speaks in ember an In the heart of Muskoka, nature speaks in ember and echo #muskoka#landscapearchitecture #landscapedesi̇gn #firepits
Nature returns, not as it was—but as it longs to b Nature returns, not as it was—but as it longs to be. Where once was disruption, now thrives renewal. Through thoughtful design rooted in ecology and care, VBD shapes places where nature leads and people belong.
Earth Day is a time to reflect on the profound con Earth Day is a time to reflect on the profound connection between humanity and the natural world—a bond that drives VBD’s work as landscape architects every day. Nature is VBD’s partner in design, and today we reaffirm VBD’s promise to create landscapes that shape thriving environments that enrich lives and honour the Earth. Photography by @lightandshadowphoto
The signs of spring are everywhere - thank you for The signs of spring are everywhere - thank you for beautifully capturing @lightandshadowphoto
Season's Greetings from the VBD team! 🎄❤️🌿 A pop Season's Greetings from the VBD team! 🎄❤️🌿 A pop of red and green for the holidays! As we reflect on the year’s designs, challenges, and growth, we’re filled with gratitude for the connections we’ve cultivated. Here’s to peace, joy, and endless inspiration in the year ahead. Happy Holidays from all of us at VBD!
Happy Halloween from the VBD team 🎃👻! Trick or tre Happy Halloween from the VBD team 🎃👻! Trick or tree?! 🌲 🍬
Morning light casting over the pool of this countr Morning light casting over the pool of this country retreat #morningvibes ! Landscape Contractor @environmentaldesigngroup Landscape architects Virginia Burt and Paul Carabott @vbdlandarch
VBD creates landscapes that inspire - blending art VBD creates landscapes that inspire - blending art, nature, and design to nourish the mind, body, and spirit. We are now hiring an intermediate or senior landscape architect who loves creating innovative designs, managing exciting projects, and mentoring others. Visit our website and the OALA job board for more information about our firm and the role; resume and portfolio can be sent to leanne@vburtdesigns.com
From Virginia’s own vegetable garden, the VBD team From Virginia’s own vegetable garden, the VBD team juices their own shots for a morning energy boost! Today is carrot and ginger on top of a design extravaganza - thank you to @twospoons.ca for the recipe! Photography by @rsmphoto
Inside our clients’ kitchen looking out at the lan Inside our clients’ kitchen looking out at the landscape. Grateful for our collaborations with @plusvg , @tamaracknorth.ltd @rockscape and @steppingstonemasonry
At VBD, Virginia's hand drawings are integral to e At VBD, Virginia's hand drawings are integral to every design phase. Whether illustrating the overarching concept or conveying specific details, Virginia utilizes sketching as a vital tool for teaching her team and communicating with clients and collaborators. These sketches play an active role in bringing designs to life efficiently, effectively, and beautifully. Recently at the CSLA conference, Virginia and Ethan spoke to different visualization techniques in landscape architecture; from Virginia's sketches, to VBD's use of contemporary software, and integration of AI in the profession. You can learn out more about the presentation "From Pencils to Pixels: The Alchemy of Idea to Reality" in our upcoming summer newsletter. Sign up with the link in our bio! Photography by @rsmphoto #landscapedesign #landscapearchitecture #muskokalife #outdoorliving #pencilstopits #landscapesketch #landscapearchitect #construction #designdrawing #renderingsoftware #aiinlandscaping #pencilstopixels #csla
Get ready for som a-llium-inating content…we are e Get ready for som a-llium-inating content…we are excited to share what we’ve been up to lately in our summer newsletter! Our newsletters are published four times a year, coinciding with the solstices and equinoxes, ensuring each edition is seasonal, inspirational, and filled with the latest VBD updates. Sign up on the contact page of our website - link in bio. Photography by @lightandshadowphoto #landscapearchitecture #designnewsletter #gardeninspiration #goingtoseed #alliums #seasonalupdates #landscapedesigners #gardensofinsta
You may see more of this project in a couple publi You may see more of this project in a couple publications this month 👀! Pictured here is the custom-designed spa with views onto Lake Rosseau. Photography by @rsmphoto #lakerosseau #lakehouse #retreat #vacationhome #landscapearchitecture #ontariolandscaping #cottagelife #granitesteps #outdoorspa #landscapedesign #muskokalakes #shorelinerestoration #outdoorliving

Virginia Burt designs

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