New season & a new adventure
This is a really difficult post to write. After six amazing years being part of the SPVV team, I’ve [...]
Back to School!
It's that time of year again: changing leaves, cooling weather, "bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils..."* School is in session, [...]
On 25 Years
On the one hand, the terror of those early days hangs with me like it was yesterday; on the [...]
Addressing the Covid-19 Outbreak
SPVV is committed to the health and safety of our staff and their families. We also recognize that Covid-19 [...]
2020 Outdoor Classroom Summit
Want some inspiration and ideas for developing an outdoor classroom? Wondering what you can do to your existing landscape [...]
Trading in construction boots & drafting tools for “mom-jeans”
Some of you may know this but many may not: I (Laura) am leaving SPVV to stay home with [...]
Pateros Christmas in the Park
Over on our Instagram last week, we shared some photos of the Pateros well project hosting the annual Christmas [...]
Farewells & New Seasons
With the end of November comes the end of our time with our intern, Kathryn. Since May, she's been [...]
Plum Trees & Snow
It was a typical Tuesday night as I left dance class, making my way up Spokane’s South Hill. Rain [...]
Reflections from our intern!
A few reflections from our amazing intern, Kat, at the halfway point of her time with us: "My first [...]
In project news…
Two of our school projects have been dedicated and welcomed their first students: Selkirk Middle School (Central Valley School [...]
Rolling toward autumn
The heat of summer is now past us, and the fall rains have arrived. We’re rolling into the cooler [...]
Escaping Technology & Getting Outside
My love/hate relationship with technology A recent article got me thinking about my relationship to technology, both when I [...]
Podcast Alert!
I recently had the opportunity to discuss the impact of thoughtful, evidence-based design in dementia and memory-care settings with [...]
Planning to Play
Bringing projects to life It’s a rare opportunity to build [...]
Tales from Scotland: Part 3
Whisky Respite The Glengoyne Distillery, north of Glasgow, at one time used this pond as the water supply for [...]
Tales from London: Part 2
This great little parklet, a temporary feature, was down the street from the flat where [...]
Tales from London: Part 1
A Visit to Kew Gardens The Sherrys recently visited the UK for a couple of weeks, primarily to watch [...]
Don’t You Name Your Houseplants?
No? Well, I do, and apparently, this emotional connection with my little collection of plants is a good thing [...]
30 Days, 30 Workouts
Every spring I seem to struggle with my fitness or lack thereof. 2019 has been no different, possibly even [...]
It’s All Manipulation
For a thought-provoking (and kind of dark) take on the relationship between humans and nature, check out this article [...]
It Is, in Fact, a Thing
SPVV was a vendor at the Best in the Northwest Autism Conference, put on by the Autism Society of [...]
Designing Environments for Memory Care Residents
(in collaboration with Jill Kurtz, senior associate, NAC Architecture) Incorporating memory care gardens in retirement communities, adult day health, [...]