Zachary Feinsilver is a forward-thinking landscape architect based in Boca Raton, Florida. Known for his sustainable and community-centered designs, Zachary has shaped some of South Florida’s most stunning outdoor spaces. With a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s in Urban Design and Sustainability from the University of Southern California, he seamlessly blends artistry with science. His career spans residential gardens, urban parks, and eco-conscious designs that reflect his deep love for the natural world.
Zachary has led design teams as a Principal Designer for Coastal Elements Landscaping and served as Project Manager for GreenScape Urban Solutions, where he developed innovative solutions for urban green spaces. As an independent consultant, he collaborates with architects, developers, and municipalities to create spaces that balance functionality with beauty.
Rooted in a childhood spent exploring South Florida’s vibrant ecosystems, Zachary is passionate about environmental stewardship and community engagement. He’s a Licensed Landscape Architect in Florida, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). When he’s not designing, Zachary enjoys kayaking in the Everglades, cultivating his home garden, and volunteering for conservation initiatives.
What first inspired you to become a landscape architect?
Growing up in Boca Raton, I was surrounded by South Florida’s unique beauty. The beaches, wetlands, and tropical foliage felt like my playground, and I spent so much of my childhood outdoors. It wasn’t just the scenery—it was the way people interacted with it. Watching families gather in parks or kids running through community gardens made me realize how outdoor spaces can bring people together.
But it wasn’t until high school, during an environmental science class, that it clicked for me. We were studying wetland restoration, and I learned how human hands could repair nature instead of harming it. That was a big “aha” moment. I realized I could channel my love of the outdoors into a career that helps both people and the planet.
How has South Florida shaped your design philosophy?
South Florida is such a delicate ecosystem. On one hand, we have these lush, tropical environments full of life and color. On the other, we’re constantly dealing with challenges like hurricanes, flooding, and rising sea levels. It’s a constant reminder that nature is beautiful, but it’s also powerful—and we have to work with it, not against it.
For me, that means focusing on sustainability. I prioritize native plants because they’re already adapted to the local climate and require less water. I also incorporate drainage systems that handle heavy rain and prevent runoff. Everything I design has to respect the environment while enhancing it.
At the same time, South Florida’s vibrancy inspires my artistic side. The colors, the textures, the interplay of sunlight and shadow—they all influence the way I approach my work.
You’ve worked on both small residential projects and large urban developments. Do you approach these projects differently?
The core principles are the same. Whether I’m designing a backyard or a city park, I ask myself: How will this space be used? How can it serve its environment and its people?
That said, the scale and complexity change. With residential projects, there’s often an emotional connection. A family might want a garden that reminds them of a vacation or a space where their kids can grow up playing. It’s very personal, and I love that.
Urban projects, on the other hand, are about the bigger picture. They require collaboration with engineers, architects, and city planners. You’re designing not just for one family but for thousands of people. It’s more technical, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to see an urban park become a hub for the community.
What role does sustainability play in your work?
Sustainability is at the heart of everything I do. It’s not just a trend; it’s a responsibility. We’re at a point where we can’t afford to ignore the environmental impact of our designs.
For me, sustainability starts with choosing the right materials and plants. Native species are a must—they thrive in the local climate and support the ecosystem. I also focus on water conservation, using drip irrigation systems and rain gardens to minimize waste.
Another big part of sustainability is planning for the long term. A landscape shouldn’t just look good today—it should evolve gracefully over decades. That means designing with resilience in mind, whether it’s building windbreaks for hurricane-prone areas or choosing plants that can handle fluctuating temperatures.
What’s the most challenging project you’ve ever worked on?
One project that stands out was a public park revitalization in a low-lying urban area. The site had poor drainage, and every heavy rain turned it into a swamp. On top of that, it was underutilized because people didn’t feel safe there.
The challenge was twofold: How do we manage the water, and how do we make the park welcoming again?
We started by installing a sustainable drainage system with permeable surfaces and bioswales to redirect and filter the water. Then we focused on creating open, inviting spaces with better lighting and clear sightlines. We added native plants to restore the natural habitat and designed multi-use areas for sports, picnics, and relaxation.
Seeing the park come back to life was incredible. It went from being an eyesore to a vibrant community space.
You’re passionate about community engagement. How do you incorporate that into your work?
I think outdoor spaces are at their best when they reflect the people who use them. That’s why I always try to involve the community in the design process. It could be as simple as hosting a workshop or as detailed as surveying residents about what they want to see in their neighborhood park.
I’ve worked with schools to create urban gardens where kids can learn about plants and sustainability. I’ve also partnered with local organizations to restore native habitats. These projects aren’t just about design—they’re about education and empowerment.
When people feel a sense of ownership over a space, they’re more likely to care for it and use it. That’s the real success.
How do you balance creativity with practicality in your designs?
That’s the sweet spot of landscape architecture. You want your designs to be innovative and beautiful, but they also have to work. A space can’t just look good in a rendering—it has to function in real life.
For me, the balance comes from staying grounded in the site’s natural context. The environment often tells you what will work and what won’t. From there, I layer in creative elements, whether it’s a unique plant palette or a bold structural feature.
I also rely on collaboration. Engineers, architects, and other professionals bring expertise that can refine and elevate a design.
What inspires you outside of work?
Nature is my biggest inspiration. I spend as much time as I can outdoors—kayaking in the Everglades, hiking, or just exploring local trails. Every experience gives me new ideas.
Travel is another big influence. Visiting gardens and landscapes around the world opens my mind to different styles and techniques. I’ve been inspired by the symmetry of European gardens, the minimalism of Japanese Zen landscapes, and the vibrant biodiversity of tropical rainforests.
Even my home garden is a source of inspiration. It’s a space where I experiment with new plants and designs.
What advice would you give to someone interested in landscape architecture?
Start by spending time outdoors. Observe how people interact with spaces and how nature responds to its surroundings. That curiosity will guide you.
I also recommend getting hands-on experience early. Internships, volunteering, or even gardening at home can teach you so much.
Finally, stay adaptable. Landscape architecture is always evolving, especially with the push for sustainability. Embrace new technologies and ideas, but stay grounded in the fundamentals.
What’s next for you?
I want to continue pushing the boundaries of what landscape architecture can achieve. That means exploring new ways to integrate technology and sustainability into my designs.
I’m also passionate about mentoring the next generation of designers. I think it’s important to share what I’ve learned and encourage others to prioritize eco-conscious practices.
Ultimately, my goal is to create spaces that make people feel connected—to nature, to each other, and to themselves. If I can do that, I’ll feel like I’ve made a difference.