(left to right) Fernando Wong and Tim Johnson of Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design.
Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernando Wong.
Fernando, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After studying architecture and interior design for seven years in my native country, Panama, I moved to the United States in 2001. I had $400 in my pocket and I spoke very little English so I literally worked from the ground up by starting on a landscape crew. During breaks, I would sketch landscapes on napkins. The owner of the company saw me and was impressed with my sketches so the next day I was working in the office. Four years later I launched my own business in a bedroom and today we have offices in Miami Beach, Palm Beach and Southampton and residential and commercial projects across the country and around the globe. This is why I always say America is the greatest country in the world.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are always struggles in life – but I do what I love so I am the luckiest person in the world. I am able to pursue my passion and make a living traveling the world creating beauty.
Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The company started in 2005 in Miami Beach with a focus on residential projects. Since then we have opened additional offices in Palm Beach and Southampton. We have residential, hospitality and commercial projects around the world. Presently we are working on three Four Seasons, a Starwood Luxury Collection Hotel, a museum, a National Garden for the Bahamian Government and a Soho House.
What sets us apart is that I do not have one particular style, I studied architecture and interior design so my approach has always been rooted in classical architectural principles. My philosophy has always been that the architecture is the picture and the landscape is the frame. I look at the design of the building and use scale, proportion, axis lines and view corridors to create my gardens. This approach resonates across every project, from the traditional ones that embrace the structure of English gardens to the more organic civilized jungle.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is doing what you love to do, having loved ones to share it with and the time to enjoy it.
Pricing:
- Design fees for residential projects range from $50,000 to $175,000 and for commercial projects start at $250,000. Most commercial project cost a $1,000,000 and up.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.fernandowongold.com/
- Phone: 305-604-0003
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fernandowong_old/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FernandoWongOLD/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FernandoWongOLD
Fernando Wong oversaw the stunning oceanside landscape design for the recently reimagined Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside.
Image Credit:
Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design
Brantley Photography
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