Fernando Wong’s Green Legacy
Fernando Wong has built a reputation as one of the most influential landscape designers in America, a title bestowed upon him by Elle Décor and reaffirmed by his exceptional body of work. His firm, Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design, has become synonymous with luxurious, meticulously crafted landscapes that seamlessly integrate with their natural surroundings. With an innate understanding of scale, balance, and elegance, Wong transforms outdoor spaces into masterpieces that feel as though they have existed for generations.
Born in Panama, Wong developed a deep appreciation for nature from an early age. His journey into landscape architecture was unconventional yet driven by passion. After studying architecture at the University of Panama, he relocated to Miami in 2001, where he found his calling in landscape design. Within a few years, his keen eye for detail and ability to merge architectural elements with organic beauty earned him a dedicated following among high-net-worth homeowners, architects, and developers seeking extraordinary gardens. Since founding his firm in 2005, Wong has consistently delivered breathtaking landscapes, from sprawling estates to boutique hotels, each reflecting his philosophy of understated sophistication.
His signature aesthetic is one of restraint and refinement, where every tree, plant, and pathway is thoughtfully placed to enhance the environment rather than overwhelm it. Wong is known for his ability to create mature, established landscapes through strategic plant selection and the relocation of large trees—his team has famously moved trees as large as a 90-foot Kapok. His work spans residential estates, luxury hotels, and public spaces, each project demonstrating an unparalleled respect for the land and an understanding of how people interact with outdoor environments.
Among his most celebrated projects is the landscape design for the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, a historic property in Surfside, Florida. Wong masterfully balanced modern luxury with the site’s rich heritage, crafting gardens that pay homage to the original 1930s design while embracing contemporary elegance. His work on the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami is equally striking, where he transformed a 15,000-square-foot space into a serene sculpture garden that seamlessly complements the museum’s avant-garde collection. Wong has also worked on major international projects, including a national park in Nassau, Bahamas, developed in partnership with the Bahamian National Trust.
His work has been widely recognized, earning him prestigious awards such as the DCOTA Stars of Design Award, the Lesly S. Smith Landscape Award, and multiple Luxe RED Awards for residential excellence. He has received the Addison Mizner Medal from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, as well as the esteemed Palladio Award for classical landscape design. His accolades reflect not only his technical prowess but also his ability to interpret and elevate the spirit of a place.
Media coverage of Wong’s work is extensive, with features in Architectural Digest, Garden Design Magazine, Veranda, and Forbes. He has been praised as “the creative mind behind some of Miami’s lushest landscapes” and a “landscape legend” whose work exudes timeless beauty. His influence reached a broader audience through his role as a judge on Discovery+’s Clipped, where he worked alongside Martha Stewart to critique top landscape designers in a competition format.
Despite his success, Wong remains dedicated to the integrity of his craft, personally overseeing every project and ensuring that his vision is carried through with precision. His ability to craft gardens that feel both effortless and deeply intentional has set him apart in the industry. His work is not about following trends but about creating landscapes that will stand the test of time, growing even more beautiful with each passing year. For Wong, the ultimate achievement is designing outdoor spaces that invite people to connect with nature in a way that is both luxurious and profoundly meaningful.
Always In Style. The Timeless Design
Rooted in simplicity, functionality, and a deep connection to its surroundings, this style transcends fleeting trends, creating spaces that remain relevant and sophisticated for generations. Defined by clean lines, open layouts, and an effortless balance between form and function, Timeless Modern design embodies both restraint and refinement.
At its core, this architectural approach values natural materials—stone, wood, glass, and metal—allowing the raw beauty of each element to shine through. Neutral palettes, subtle textures, and the interplay of light and shadow create a sense of calm and sophistication. Expansive windows and open-plan interiors blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, reinforcing a connection to nature while maximizing natural light. Functionality is a key principle of Timeless Modern design. Spaces are designed with purpose, eliminating excess and focusing on essential, well-crafted elements. Built-in storage, concealed hardware, and carefully selected furnishings contribute to an environment that is as practical as it is aesthetically striking.
While rooted in modernism, this style embraces timeless elements, ensuring it remains relevant beyond passing architectural trends. Thoughtful proportions, quality craftsmanship, and sustainable design practices contribute to longevity, making these structures as enduring as they are elegant.
Timeless Modern is not just about creating buildings—it’s about designing environments that stand the test of time. It’s an approach that respects tradition while embracing innovation, resulting in spaces that are both forward-thinking and deeply grounded in architectural integrity.
