Ruth Olde – partner of Blasig Landscape
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
Can you describe your design philosophy?
I believe that gardens can awaken all our senses and bring tranquility to our often frantic lives. Like anything worthwhile, gardens require nurturing and love and long term care, but financially and emotionally, they are an investment deserving of all the time, attention and creativity necessary to make them livable and enjoyable. I am committed to designing and developing gardens that will appeal and satisfy the varying tastes of their owners – and to helping people get started and realize their own garden dreams.
You recently told me that you have been commissioned to design a number of outdoor yoga rooms. Tell us more.
I’ve had clients, specifically women, who expressed the desire to have a very tranquil space outside where they can practice yoga and meditate; an outdoor room that is cut-off visually from the house, with a view of its own, enclosed on three sides with a roof. The best part about being a designer is to just let the imagination run…and it is even better when the client comes along for the ride.
How has the CLD certification helped your business?
CLD certification is a wonderful tool for promotion. It amazes me that the general public is impressed when they see CLD after my name. They probably don’t even know what it is, but it definitely adds stature. And it builds confidence. The people in our company have collectively earned many certifications, which really builds employee loyalty and consumer assurance that they have chosen wisely. I am the B.C. representative on the national CLD committee, and I, along with others, often review the B.C. CLD submissions. I know that it is a rigorous and demanding process, but deserving of respect when achieved.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
Ayn Rand, Donald Fraser and my husband Gunter Blasig. You are all familiar with Rand. Don Fraser is the owner of one of B.C.’s largest hardscape supply companies (northwest Landscape Supply) and so much more. He is an entrepreneur extraordinaire and a huge supporter of the industry, always telling us to raise our professional standards, and our prices, and be the best, or better than we can be. He is a staunch supporter of beginners and said, many years ago to me, “Why don’t you give presentations?” I had never thought about it before. The rest is history. And, Gunther Blasig, my husband, supports me no matter what, and has yet to ever complain about anything.
Current favourite materials?
Concrete for counter tops, etc. and glass and porcelain tiles.
Best client experience?
Every time they say, “We absolutely love what you have created,” and then proceed to write the cheque.
Worst client experience?
I refuse to ever go to court or hire a lawyer. Honestly, I will refund a total design fee first, or act as my own mediator. I believe that the client is right, even when I know they are wrong. After all, they create our pay cheques. And believing that, it is always about what we could have done differently to create a different outcome, and how to salvage what we can and move on before the experience sucks too much energy out of the other wonderful projects that are in front of us.
Currently reading?
Due to our industry’s demanding schedule, I’m unable to read anything after February 15 of any year, except mandatory industry stuff.
