In Conversation With John Howard
Landscape architect John Howard of Howard Design Studio reflects on his career and his legacy
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles: Take us back to the beginning. What inspired you to begin a career in landscape architecture?
John Howard: I was interested in art and drawing from a very early age and created graphic art my whole childhood. In high school I took technical drafting classes and ended up working for both architects and engineers doing drafting during the summers. When I was researching college curriculum while still in high school, I discovered landscape architecture, which combined my interest in horticulture with my drawing interests. I had no idea at the time where all of this would lead.
AH&L: Your firm has become a cornerstone in the Atlanta design community. What do you believe has been the driving force behind its longevity and reputation?
JH: A big part of the longevity of my firm has been our commitment to excellence and the focused detail in landscape design that my team puts into our projects from design development to construction follow-through. We try to give special attention to every project large and small, and we create gardens that are appropriate to the style of the architecture and context of the neighborhood. We love what we create as a team, and love bringing joy to the families that are our clients. Happy clients and collaborators spread the word.
AH&L: You have countless projects that span the country. What project challenged you the most, and what did it teach you?
JH: All of our projects have challenges, so I am constantly learning new lessons along the way. I had an interesting project in Maui a few years back, where the clients wanted a lush European-style landscape for entertaining, but they did not want the typical tropical plants as you find in Hawaii. They preferred plants of the Mediterranean. To top it off, the property was zoned agricultural and required use of plants that produce fruit and foliage products. We ended up creating an allée of olive trees leading from the house to the pool area, and we created clipped parterres for formal layout using rosemary. Potted citrus trees were used at the pool and Italian cypress trees created structure. It passed all reviews. It taught me to keep a sense of humor and realize that there are creative solutions to any challenge if you have an open mind.
AH&L: Outdoor spaces are ever-changing. How do you know when a landscape is finished, if ever?
JH: A landscape design can be completely constructed and planted, which I suppose could be considered “finished,” but landscape is a dynamic art that always has to consider the passing of time since plants grow and mature. So in that sense, a landscape is always evolving and perhaps never finished. I love this aspect of my field, that you have to consider what things will become in five years, 10 years, or 50 years in the future.
AH&L: You founded Howard Design Studio in 2002. What keeps you curious after so many years in practice?
JH: About half of our commissions are out of town, so this helps with keeping things interesting, as we get to consider site planning, horticulture, and planting design in many different places and environments. The design of outdoor spaces is so interesting at different scales, and the travel to different locales makes you think with a fresh mind. Plus, we have such interesting clients and families with unique programs for their outdoor living.
AH&L: When you look at your career path from beginning to present, what stands out as a defining moment?
JH: Although I see my career path as a continuous unfolding, I think one defining moment was landing the commission to bring the garden at Boxwood House, a historic Philip Trammell Shutze-designed estate in Atlanta, back to life. It became an opportunity for restoration and reimagination of an important house and garden, which helped establish my reputation in the classical garden design realm. Many other historic house commissions have followed and continue today, along with commissions for new and historic homes in the classical vernacular across the country.
AH&L: What advice do you wish you had received when you were starting out?
JH: Believe in yourself, be fearless, allow the law of attraction to manifest your desires, and always work from a place of giving the best of yourself in all you do.
AH&L: What legacy do you hope your firm leaves within the Atlanta design landscape?
JH: Atlanta is a city of beautiful residential neighborhoods, which I think are becoming even better with the passing of time. My firm tries to create landscapes of impeccable detail with thoughtful outdoor spaces, lasting hardscapes, and planting designs that enrich the outdoor experience and raise the bar of design into the future. I hope that our work will inspire others in the Atlanta design community and beyond to always strive to create bountiful and lasting beauty. howarddesignstudio.com
A Day in the Life
Morning to night with John Howard
6 a.m. I start my morning with green tea by candlelight, then catch up on the news, market headlines, and emails. Sometimes I scroll Instagram but try not to get trapped there.
9 a.m. I go to my office in Midtown, which is within walking distance from my home. I usually log in on my computer and check emails, then start my appointments.
10 a.m. This time can be filled with site visits, client meetings, internal design review, or design development on projects. I like to check in with my team to see if anyone needs my eyes on a developing design or construction detail.
12 p.m. I try to break for lunch, and there are plenty of great options in the neighborhood around our office. I usually get a take-out salad or something light, and often eat at my desk and at my computer.
1 p.m. The afternoon can be filled with site visits, meetings, and more internal design review. We work on collaborative teams with architects, interior designers, and construction teams, so often project meetings are at someone else’s office or on a project site. In the late part of the day, I like to focus on sketching when things slow down a bit.
6:30 p.m. I like being home by now, and end my day with a walk in the neighborhood, quiet time, a glass of wine, dinner, conversation, and some reading before bed.
This is the second installment of AH&L’s Legends of Design. To learn more about the class of 2026, visit atlantahomesmag.com/futures-legends.