EP 504 | Why Interior Designers Should Bring a Landscape Architect into the Project Early with Emily Inglis, hosted by Ellie Black

Interior designers are experts at creating beautiful, functional spaces—but what happens when the project extends beyond the walls of the home?

In this episode, guest host Ellie Black sits down with landscape architect Emily Inglis to talk about the often-overlooked connection between interior and landscape design. Emily explains why the exterior should be treated as an extension of the interior, why landscape architects should be involved early in new builds and major renovations, and how better collaboration can prevent expensive mistakes before construction begins.

From grading, drainage, zoning, and lot coverage to outdoor kitchens, pools, wellness spaces, and multi-generational living, Emily shares practical insight into how interior designers can bring greater value to their clients by thinking about the entire property—not just the rooms inside it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the landscape should be considered an extension of the interior—and how outdoor spaces can expand the way clients live in their homes
• Why bringing a landscape architect into a project early can prevent costly changes involving grading, drainage, windows, doors, decks, pools, and lot coverage
• How to help clients understand the investment required for a truly finished landscape and have better conversations about budget
• The difference between a landscape designer, landscaper, and licensed landscape architect—and when each type of professional may be appropriate
• Why interior designers and landscape architects can work most effectively as peers, collaborating directly to protect the client’s vision and avoid information getting lost in translation
• How thoughtful exterior planning can create spaces for wellness, entertaining, gardening, multi-generational living, and year-round enjoyment

Design Intervention

Being a good designer means being a good salesperson.

Emily challenges designers to rethink their relationship with sales. Talking about fees, budgets, and money isn't something to apologize for—it's part of guiding clients toward the result they hired you to create. When designers become more comfortable with the sales conversation, clients feel more informed, understood, and taken care of.

👉 WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE

About Emily Inglis

Emily would describe herself as a designer, dancer, and die-hard dog-mom. Born and raised in Loudoun County, Virginia she has always had a love of the outdoors and creative pursuits. Prior to college, she worked as a Landscape designer at a smaller firm while saving up for tuition. After 7 years of college, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture and a triple minor in Business, Horticulture, and Psychology from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) and then officially became a Licensed Landscape Architect in 2018. Since then, she has worked closely with high-end clients to help them develop their dream landscapes while also seeking out new challenges that push her creatively and foster innovation. Whether it's designing a resort style backyard, a beautifully manicured garden, or simply making sure your yard is as functional as possible. She now serves as a senior Landscape Architect at a Luxury Outdoor Living Firm in the DC metro area.

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About Ellie Black

Ellie Black is the owner of Garden with Ellie, a landscape design firm based in Arlington, VA. For Ellie, great landscape design isn’t just about beautiful outdoor spaces — it’s about understanding people, place, and the living systems that connect them. In a previous career, Ellie led media operations at a boutique advertising agency before deciding to pursue landscape design full-time. She brings a rare blend of creative strategy and botanical knowledge to every project, designing landscapes that are as attuned to her clients’ lifestyles and needs as they are to the natural environment around them.

www.gardenwithellie.com

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