Chuck Hess established his eponymous firm in 1998, and has operated as Founding Principal since the firm’s inception. After completing his undergraduate studies in Ornamental Horticulture at Delaware Valley College in 1988, Chuck received a Masters of Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1991. Before founding the firm, Chuck worked at a large, internationally recognized design firm, and then later at a smaller Philadelphia-region design/build firm. The diverse variety of scales in which Chuck has practiced landscape architecture inform his methods, enabling design consensus between dynamic, visionary analysis and holistic, cogent sensibility.
As lead-designer, Chuck is involved in all projects undertaken by the firm. He has over 20 years of experience completing high-end residential commissions. His design philosophy incorporates: a careful balance between functional pragmatism and artful whimsy; the utilization of substantial, finely-detailed construction techniques; and incorporation of a diverse and environmentally responsible planting palette. Creating projects of enduring value that surpass his clients’ expectations and dreams is his ultimate goal.
Chuck especially enjoys interacting with clients, other design professionals, and contractors during the design and construction process. He is interested in exploring the interrelationships between building and site, the formation of memories in garden spaces and their lasting sociological significance, and implementation of cutting-edge technologies in the built landscape.