We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Camille Wildburger. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Camille below.
Camille, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Well from high school through the end of college, I actually suppressed my creative side. At the time, societal messaging and my surroundings convinced me that pursuing a creative field wouldn’t lead to financial stability. So, I focused on athletic goals and my interest in human behavior instead. While I enjoyed these pursuits, something always felt missing.
Toward the end of college, I started meditating, and that quiet time with myself made me realize something critical: if I couldn’t create and put my name on something, I wouldn’t truly be happy. Around the same time, I had fallen in love with the Boston Mountains of the Ozarks in Northwest Arkansas. It hit me that I needed to work intimately with nature. That’s how I found landscape architecture—a field that blended my passion for nature and my fascination with human behavior. I realized I could use outdoor space design to inspire and inform how people interact with the world around them.
Now, nine years later, after earning my master’s degree in landscape architecture and gaining six years of professional experience, I run my own business, Bylines Studio Outdoor Design. The name “Bylines Studio” reflects the heart of the design process: starting with lines on paper, where creativity and ideas first take form. It also plays on the idea of a “byline,” symbolizing designs authored by me and carrying my personal touch. It’s a direct connection to that deep need I felt to create and put my name on something—to leave my mark in a meaningful way.
Today, I keep my creativity alive by working on projects through Bylines Studio and getting outside. Whether it’s trail running, exploring parks, or simply immersing myself in nature, I continue to draw inspiration from the landscapes around me. Creativity and the outdoors are forever intertwined for me, and that connection fuels both my personal growth and my professional work every day.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’d love to share more about what I do and what makes it special. I run Bylines Studio, an online-based landscape design business that focuses on creating thoughtful and sustainable outdoor spaces. While I work closely with homeowners to transform their yards, I also collaborate with builders and architects to integrate outdoor spaces into their projects. Whether it’s a family home, a new residential development, or a unique architectural project, I tailor my designs to complement and enhance the overall vision.
Bylines Studio is built on accessibility and creativity. The online process allows me to reach clients regardless of location, offering a seamless and collaborative experience. I’m currently working on expanding the business in exciting ways, including developing digital products like landscape design mood boards and online courses. These offerings aim to make design tools and knowledge more accessible to DIY homeowners and professionals alike. I’m also preparing to introduce a more comprehensive, premium design package for clients seeking detailed, customized solutions.
For me, this work is more than just a business—it’s about making meaningful connections between people and the natural world. Whether working with a homeowner, a builder, or an architect, I strive to create outdoor spaces that inspire, support sustainability, and bring a project to life. I’m thrilled to continue evolving Bylines Studio and exploring new ways to bring creativity and purpose to outdoor design.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that shaped my path were gaining project management experience, understanding construction details, and building design software skills.
Gaining Project Management Experience: Early on, I realized that a successful design wasn’t just about creative vision; it required careful planning, organization, and the ability to manage timelines, budgets, and people. Whether it was coordinating with contractors, collaborating with architects, or keeping track of multiple design elements, project management has been essential. For those just starting out, I’d recommend gaining hands-on experience—whether through internships, freelance work, or even managing smaller personal projects. Learning how to keep things on track early will pay off as you take on bigger and more complex challenges.
Understanding Construction Details: Landscape design isn’t just about the plants and aesthetic—it’s also about how the elements will be built and how they will function in real life. Understanding construction details, from drainage systems to hardscaping techniques, has been crucial for making my designs both beautiful and feasible. I’d advise those starting out to immerse themselves in real-world applications. Visit construction sites while working on projects, ask questions, and learn how designs come to life. This hands-on knowledge will not only improve your designs but also make you a more effective collaborator with builders and contractors.
Building Design Software Skills: In today’s landscape design field, proficiency with design software is a must. From drafting initial sketches to creating detailed plans, design software is a vital tool for communication and execution. When I first started, I focused on learning software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite. For beginners, my advice is to start with the basics and gradually build your skills. There are tons of online tutorials and courses available to help you get started, and the more comfortable you become with these tools, the more confident you’ll be in bringing your designs to life.
For those early in their journey, my advice would be to embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and seek out opportunities to improve. These three skills—project management, construction knowledge, and design software proficiency—will serve as the backbone of your career, helping you turn your creative ideas into real-world projects.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is a homeowner, architect, or builder who is looking for a high-quality, tailored landscape design for a full renovation or who has a blank slate. They value thoughtful, nature-inspired design and seek a professional who understands the importance of sustainability and functional outdoor spaces. An ideal client is someone who appreciates the design process and is open to collaboration, understanding that a truly impactful landscape requires both creativity and technical expertise. They are also looking for a seamless, efficient online process that simplifies the design experience without sacrificing detail or quality. Whether it’s transforming an existing space or starting from scratch, they want a design that reflects their vision, enhances their lifestyle, and respects the environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bylinesstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bylines_studio/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/bylinesstudio/bylines-studio-landscape-design-llc
Image Credits
Camille Wildburger of Bylines Studio Landscape Design
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