Simon Beer is a Design Director in OJB’s Boston office.

What inspired you to become a landscape architect?
I was always intrigued with the idea of design, even from a young age. The way that a space, structure, or moment can conjure an emotional response was always something fascinating to me. I knew that I wanted to do that even if, at the time, I really didn’t know how to capture that. It has been a culmination of the great people that I have had the opportunity to work with through my career that taught me how to capture that moment.

How has an artist or landscape architect influenced your design and plant materials?
I would say that moving to California after graduating from Purdue University in the Midwest probably influenced me more than any one landscape architect or artist. This immersion into a completely different design style and plant palette really opened my eyes to the possibilities of good design and curated planting. Being surrounded by a culture of art and design in Los Angeles definitely helped me to grow as a designer.

What is your focus when designing? What makes your work rewarding?
I can’t say that any one area of design is my focus. I think that the focus transitions through the design process, from a big idea to the small details. I think this process and all of the different aspects of our profession are what makes my work rewarding.

Where do you go to feel inspired?
The ocean. My walk to work across the Charlestown Bridge is always inspiring and reinvigorating.

What has been your favorite OJB project to work on and why?
Partners HealthCare Campus was the first OJB project that I have had the opportunity to take from the planning stages through construction. My favorite moment was being on the roof terrace just after opening and seeing the number of people enjoying the space. There was hardly a seat left in the entirety of the 7,000-square-foot roof terrace.