Explore the art and science of integrating water into landscape and garden design during this comprehensive course led by acclaimed landscape architect and water designer James Garland.
From ancient aqueducts and Mughal reflecting pools to contemporary rain gardens and ecological water features, delve into the rich history of water in design and its evolving role in aesthetics, sustainability, and function. Explore key design principles, environmental and site considerations, and the basics of engineering and installation—including water movement, filtration, and system components. Whether you’re designing a tranquil backyard pond, a dynamic fountain, or a sustainable drainage system, this course equips you with the foundational tools to bring your vision to life—creatively and responsibly.
Certificate Information
This course is a elective component of our Landscape Design Certificate and may be taken only after completing the Landscape Design Process and Practice prerequisite.
Course Schedule
Thursdays, August 7–September 4, 2025
6:00–8:00 pm
Location
Online, live-streamed
Instructor
James A. Garland
James A. Garland is the founder, president, and design director of Fluidity Design Consultants. Garland began consulting on water design in 1986, while maintaining a private practice and teaching architecture at the university level. By 1994, Garland had concentrated all his professional time to water design. In 2002, Garland established Fluidity to create a new generation of water features conceived, crafted, and engineered for a more sustainable century with a fresh, invigorating aesthetic. Garland’s work in such projects as the Hearst Building (New York City, NY), Roppongi Hills (Tokyo, Japan), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City, NY), Myriad Gardens (Oklahoma City, MI), Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square, PA), Tongva Park (Santa Monica, CA), Eskenazi Health Center (Indianapolis, IN), and the Nancy Best Fountain (Dallas, TX), are all examples of Fluidity’s advanced design initiative.
Garland holds a master’s degree in architecture from UCLA, with a focus in architectural design and urban design. His undergraduate degree, also in architecture, was obtained from the University of Louisiana. In 2020, Garland was awarded an honorary PhD for his career in advancing the profession of water design.
