"Fallen Leaves" project by Fox Whyte Landscape Architecture. Nodi dining chairs and Branch Bistro table by Tribu.
For over a decade, Kate Fox-Whyte has refined her practice of designing outdoor spaces from large private estates to compact city gardens that are as purposeful as they are beautiful, each reflective of her scrupulous attention to detail. Having launched Fox Whyte Landscape Architecture & Design in Toronto in 2005, her portfolio has cultivated projects across North America. Working closely with her clients, Kate takes a hands-on approach, tailoring each project to an individual’s specific lifestyle and land, resulting in personalized spaces that are thoughtfully planned, custom detailed, carefully executed and truly unique.
We spoke with Kate about her design approach and strategies, as well as how she designs her own space.
"What Remains to be Seen" project by Fox Whyte Landscape Architecture.
AR: AVENUE ROAD
KFW: Kate Fox-Whyte
AR: Is there a defining quality to your work?
KFW: Our work is contemporary but never stark. The hardscape in our projects is always very considered, simple with careful attention paid to the details. We like to balance this with a richness in the planting.
AR: What was the genesis for your landscape design practice?
KFW: I have always been interested in design. I read fashion and design magazines from an early age. I came across landscape architecture by chance in an art class and was immediately drawn to the profession. Landscape architecture is both highly technical and artistic and I think that is reflected in our practice. Our gardens are very carefully planned and executed but they are also living and therefore when we are designing a garden we allow room for it to develop and change over time.
"Fallen Leaves" project by Fox Whyte Landscape Architecture. Nodi dining chairs and Branch Bistro table by Tribu.
AR: What are you particularly proud of?
KFW: We create spaces that are beautiful but they are meant to be lived in. What we are frequently told by our clients is how much they enjoy and live in the gardens we design. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing that the spaces we create are well used and loved.
AR: What is unique to designing outdoor spaces?
KFW: Gardens are living things. You are a designing a space that is going to develop and change overtime and that needs to be understood and considered in the planning. Gardens are also exposed to the elements and so the materials and detailing must be designed to stand up to the conditions.
AR: How does sense of place play a role in your work?
KFW: Sense of place is critical to designing a garden. Every garden is unique. It needs speak to the architecture and the site, consider views, climate, light and sounds. A garden that is true to its location will always resonate more deeply.
"What Remains to be Seen" project by Fox Whyte Landscape Architecture. Natal Alu sofa and armchair by Tribu.
AR: What kind of connections are you looking to create with your work?
KFW: We want to create places that aren’t just beautiful but are comfortable spaces to be in. We are also looking to create strong connections between the architecture and the gardens. Blurring the lines between the interior and exterior provides a more expansive living experience for our clients.
AR: What, for you, is the most livable city, and why?
KFW: I think we are very fortunate in Toronto to live in a built environment that is so integrated with nature. The ravines, parks and waterfront create a very livable city- to be able to slip between the bustle and nature so easily is quite incredible and it is only improving.
AR: What city would you most like to visit?
KFW: I would love to visit Tokyo. The simple aesthetic of Japanese design is something I’ve always admired.
"Summerhill Terrace" by Fox Whyte Landscape Architecture. Illum armchairs and Branch dining table by Tribu.
AR: What kind of connections are you looking to create with your work?
KFW: We want to create places that aren’t just beautiful but are comfortable spaces to be in. We are also looking to create strong connections between the architecture and the gardens. Blurring the lines between the interior and exterior provides a more expansive living experience for our clients.
AR: What, for you, is the most livable city, and why?
KFW: I think we are very fortunate in Toronto to live in a built environment that is so integrated with nature. The ravines, parks and waterfront create a very livable city- to be able to slip between the bustle and nature so easily is quite incredible and it is only improving.
AR: What city would you most like to visit?
KFW: I would love to visit Tokyo. The simple aesthetic of Japanese design is something I’ve always admired.
Nodi dining chair by Tribu.
Senja sofa by Tribu.
AR: What part of the design process do you enjoy most, why?
KWF: That’s tricky. I do love the early planning stages of conceptual design but also the complexity of the detail design development and of course planting design!
AR: Are you a collector? If so, of what?
KWF: I don’t know if I would call myself a collector- though I do love books. I have been collecting garden, planting, design, art and architecture books for many years.
AR: What was the last thing you bought for your home or garden?
KFW: Two new contemporary deck chairs for the garden, an LED lantern and a climber for our kids. With the pandemic we’ve been spending as much time outdoors as we can.
Branch dining table by Tribu.
Nodi lounger by Tribu.
To view more projects by Kate Fox-Whyte visit Fox Whyte Landscape Architecture and follow their projects on Instagram @foxwhytela.
To learn more about AVENUE ROAD'S Tribu outdoor furniture offering, contact arsales@avenue-road.com.
"Summerhill Terrace" by Fox Whyte Landscape Architecture. Nata Alu armchair and sofa by Tribu.