My specialty, ecological design, is premised in the integration of art and science. I aim to create a built environment that is ecologically functional, contextually meaningful and personally engaging. I am a licensed professional landscape architect and have worked as a research ecologist. I presently do translational research that allows me to bring scientific discovery into design applications. Teaching includes ecological planting design studio, sustainable site design, urban agriculture, and civil engineering for designers. Research focuses on how to design urban areas to promote well-being and health of humans and the natural systems in which we are embedded.

As an ecological designer I place aesthetics—the visceral and psychological appeal of designed spaces, on equal footing with ecosystem considerations because there is no better way to engage personal stewardship than to elicit a protection response.

Bob Grese serves as Director of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. My teaching and research involve ecologically-based landscape design and management that respects the cultural and natural history of a region. I am particularly interested in the restoration and on-going management of urban wilds and the role such lands can play in re-connecting children and families with nature. I have long been fascinated by the work of early designers such as Jens Jensen and Ossian Cole Simonds who borrowed from the native landscape in their work. There is much to be learned about their designs and their fate over time. I have a growing interest in green roofs and other low impact design strategies.