Texas State Capitol

About the Project

This project involved designing and installing the landscape surrounding the Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. Working with Yarrow Landscaping (the company I co-founded with my sisters), we created a landscape that honors Texas firefighters while meeting the exacting standards required for work on state capitol grounds.

Memorial landscapes carry a unique responsibility. Every element must support reflection, honor, and a sense of permanence. The plants, materials, and spatial arrangement all work together to create an environment worthy of the sacrifice being commemorated.

When you're designing for a memorial, you're not just creating a garden. You're creating a space where people will come to remember, to grieve, and to honor. That responsibility shapes every decision.

Working with Government

Projects on state capitol grounds involve multiple layers of approval and coordination. The design had to satisfy historical preservation requirements, state facilities management, and the memorial committee—all while creating something that would serve its purpose for decades to come.

Key considerations included:

• Historical context - The landscape needed to complement the existing capitol grounds
• Durability - Materials and plants selected for long-term performance with minimal maintenance
• Accessibility - Ensuring the memorial is accessible to all visitors
• Symbolism - Plant choices and arrangements that carry meaning appropriate to a firefighter memorial

This project required patience with the approval process and careful attention to the specific requirements of institutional work.

The Significance

The Firefighter Memorial project represents the kind of institutional work that demonstrates capability and trustworthiness at scale. Completing work on state capitol grounds—navigating the approvals, meeting the standards, delivering on the vision—opens doors to other government and institutional projects.

1. Demonstrated capability - Successfully executing on high-profile government grounds
2. Process navigation - Proved ability to work within complex approval structures
3. Quality standards - Met the elevated requirements of memorial and institutional work
4. Lasting impact - Created a space that will serve visitors and honor firefighters for generations

This project was completed with Yarrow Landscaping, the company I co-founded and helped scale to 30 employees before moving on to other ventures.

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