Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Kheri Armer-Newell

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kheri Armer-Newell. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Kheri, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Hi! Thank you for inviting me to share my story.

Many people see landscape design as a luxury, something extra to think about after the practical work is done. But I see it as a form of storytelling. Every design at Kanvas is personal—a reflection of who my clients are, what brings them joy, and the memories they want to recreate outdoors.

I love weaving sensory experiences into my designs, maybe its the smell of lavender that reminds someone of a loved ones garden, or the texture of weathered wood that feels grounding and familiar. These small, intentional details help transform a landscape into an extension of home and self.

For me, design isn’t about extravagance; it’s about crafting spaces that quietly improve daily life and reconnect people to what truly matters.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Of course! I’m Kheri, the founder and designer behind Kanvas Landscape Design.
It’s been such an unexpected path — from interior design to wildland firefighting to creating spaces that connect people with nature.
My background started off in interior design, but after a few years in that field, I realized how much I missed the outdoors. That pull led me down a very different path — several seasons as a wildland firefighter.

The time spent on fires and prescribed burns gave me a deep respect for the power, beauty, and resilience of the natural world. When I returned to design, I knew I wanted to merge those two worlds — the creativity of interiors with the authenticity of the landscape. That’s how Kanvas Design came to life.

Today, my work focuses on design. I create personalized, thoughtful plans that help clients see the full potential of their outdoor spaces. Every project tells a story — who my clients are, how they want to live, and what memories they want to bring to life.

Through sensory details like the sound of rustling grasses, the scent of herbs, or the warmth of natural stone, my goal is to design spaces that feel deeply personal and emotionally grounding. What makes Kanvas special is that each design goes beyond appearance — it’s about creating outdoor spaces that reflect not just how we live, but who we are.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Perhaps not as a child but as a teenager, I distinctly remember saying I would never run my own company. I thought entrepreneurship meant long hours, high stress, and low chance of survival — and that was something I never wanted for myself. I imagined owning a business would pull me away from the things I enjoyed most.

What’s funny is that now, running Kanvas Landscape Design has given me the exact opposite — freedom, balance, and connection. It’s allowed me to design a life that aligns with my values. Family comes first, creativity is central, and the clients I work with share a similar appreciation for intentional living. Not saying its stress-free!

Over time, I’ve learned that success isn’t about being busy; it’s about being aligned. I take on projects that feel like a true partnership, where the client’s goals match my philosophy of creating spaces that feel personal, functional, and connected. When something a client wants isn’t the right fit — whether it’s a plant that won’t thrive or a design that doesn’t suit their lifestyle — I see it as part of my job to educate and guide them toward what will work beautifully long-term.

I’ve also built my business around the flexibility to travel as a family. I want our girls to experience the world — its architecture, food, art, culture, and history — and see that creativity isn’t limited to one place or profession. Every destination offers inspiration that finds its way into my work, whether it’s a color palette drawn from the coastal villages of Portugal or a layout inspired by the layered warmth and texture of Peruvian elements.

I used to think running a business meant giving things up, but I’ve learned it’s really about creating the space to live with purpose. Kanvas has become more than a company — it’s a reflection of how I want to live, raise my family, and connect others to the beauty around them.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Imposter syndrome has definitely been the fear that slowed me down the most. I used to believe I had to know everything before taking on something new.

I try to remember that the most powerful thing I can do is stay curious — to learn from every experience, ask questions, and surround myself with people who inspire me. Once I embraced learning instead of perfection, the fear lost a lot of its power.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely — I wouldn’t know how to be any other way. What you see is genuinely who I am, whether I’m meeting with a client, presenting a design concept, or chatting with someone in line at the nursery. I don’t have the energy or the interest in managing two versions of myself, and honestly, my work depends too much on trust and communication for anything less than authenticity.

Of course, the public version of me is polished in the same way anyone is when they’re representing their business, but the core of who I am — curious, transparent, occasionally goofy, always learning — stays the same. People hire me not just for design, but for clarity, honesty, and the sense that I’m truly invested in their space. Being myself is the easiest way to deliver that.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
My biggest regret would be not asking more questions — not learning as much as I can from the people and places around me. Every experience, whether it’s a conversation with a craftsman or a walk through an unfamiliar city, holds something to learn.

Seeing the world and understanding how others live, build, and connect to their surroundings feeds my creativity and grounds my perspective. Curiosity keeps me growing, both as a designer and as a person, and I never want to lose that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kanvasdesigns.com
• Instagram: @kanvaslandscapedesign

Image Credits
Emma Singletary, Aaron Madigan