Brand new website! Brand new blog!
Founder Michael Bernier introduces his new blog “Think Outside” and talks on making sustainability simple and easy....
07.26.2016No comment
THINK OUTSIDE - RECONNECT - TRANSFORM
WHO WE ARE
Bernier Design Group, a full-service landscape and exterior design firm, is a collective of designers, skilled craftsmen, and sustainability experts led by the vision of Michael Bernier.
By utilizing Xeriscaping design methods and sustainable materials, our design solutions emphasize water conservation and ease of maintenance in order to reduce our carbon footprint and excel as good stewards of our environment.
Working closely with our clients as partners, we take meticulous care to listen, communicate, and inform them of the project’s progress every step of the way, completing an inspiring outdoor space that fulfills and often exceeds our client’s expectations.
“I can’t do THIS anymore…”
Like a cosmic 2×4 to my head, this revelation hit me while developing yet another campaign to sell more carbonated high-fructose corn syrup to the masses. In that moment, over 10 years ago as Creative Director of a prominent advertising and marketing agency, I decided I could no longer part of the problem, that it was time I become part of the solution.
My 25-year design career – working in fields as varied as fashion and sportswear, branding, advertising and product design – has afforded me the experience of working with global mega-brands such as Coca-Cola, MTV, Nike, and Paramount Pictures. But it was while studying Landscape Architecture at UCLA that I realized my life’s purpose by combining my design skills with my passion for Nature and preserving the environment. I am now on the path to certification in Sustainable Development and Permaculture Design.
I believe our outer environment has the power to transform our inner constitution in profound ways. My mission is to reconnect people to their relationship with Nature, and in turn back to themselves.
Once people experience their innate connection to natural world, I know it’s possible, as a society, we can make the world a more beautiful and sustainable place for every living being.
WHAT WE DO
Using the highest quality craftsmanship and materials, we create sustainable outdoor environments and inviting living spaces that excite all your senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. With projects spanning from Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Malibu, Santa Monica, to Silver Lake and the South Bay, the BDG team will take care of all your outdoor needs, bringing your dream home or inspired office space to reality.
COLLABORATE
Initial client meeting to discuss needs and wants
CONCEPT
To the Drawing Board! Create inspired design concepts
DEVELOP
Work with the client to evolve and finalize design plan
INSTALL
Bring it all together and make it come to life.
CELEBRATE
Time to pour some wine and enjoy your new outdoor living space!
DROUGHT-TOLERANT
Drought-tolerant and native plants beautify your space while being easy on the environment.
WATER-WISE IRRIGATION
Low-flow drip irrigation systems conserve water, save you money and make maintenance care-free.
OUTDOOR LIVING
Patios and decks, outdoor kitchens and dining areas provide perfect spaces for open-air entertainment.
LIGHTING
Custom low-voltage outdoor lighting adds safety, a touch of drama, and saves you money on your electric bill.
FIRE ELEMENTS
Fire pits, fireplaces and lounging areas allow you to enjoy your outdoor space long after the sun goes down.
WATER FEATURES
Unique fountains, waterfalls, swimming pools and spas create a relaxing oasis that’s all your own.
CONCRETE AND BRICK
Custom driveways, paver stone paths, hillside terracing and retaining walls transform and define your outdoor living space.
LIVING ART
Green roofs, vertical gardens and exotic succulent arrangements can turn your home into a living gallery.
EDIBLE GARDENS
Wanna grow your own? We can help you plan and install your very own edible garden or fruit orchard.
ZEN GARDENS
Asian and Zen-inspired gardens provide a calming environment to unwind and rejuvenate.
WATER WISE
Water-Wise Landscaping – Why Change?
It’s no secret, we here in the West are experiencing a severe, extended drought, and the price of water is only going up.
BDG is a leader in the design of water efficient planting plans and irrigation systems for commercial and residential landscapes. Let us show you how easy and cost-effective it is to transform your traditional thirsty lawn into a stunning, water-wise environment. Now is a great time to take advantage of generous monetary incentives offered by participating local water districts to replace your existing lawn with drought tolerant landscaping.
Water efficient landscaping doesn’t have to look like a desert! We design unique landscapes utilizing the color and diversity of a gorgeous palette of water efficient plants – even retaining some of your lawn areas if that is preferred. The natural attractiveness of your new, climate appropriate landscape will also increase your property’s value.
Combining these water-wise plants with efficient, low-flow drip irrigation systems, along with installing grey water reuse systems and rainwater reclamation (when applicable) we can potentially save a typical household 10,000 to 50,000 gallons of water per year! Contact us and we’ll show you smart and simple ways to have these kind of significant water savings – TODAY!
THINK OUTSIDE
Think Outside Project is an environmental and human-centered educational program, fully integrated into the core curriculum of public K-12 schools. This ‘Green Academy’ engages students with a hands-on approach to learning permaculture and sustainability concepts through a living outdoor demonstration garden constructed within the existing school campus.
The gardens and interactive displays act as dynamic outdoor classrooms, where we spark children’s interest in science by directly connecting them with the natural world. Within this living laboratory is the ideal place to teach earth and life sciences, introduce key ecological and permaculture concepts, and implement the latest in bio mimicry technology. Plus, there is nothing quite like experiencing the joy of growing, harvesting, and eating your own fresh produce!
Cultivating a deep understanding of our interconnection with Nature is critical for the successful development of practical solutions to the monumental social and ecological challenges we face on our planet today. Instilling this awareness early in the life of our young students, I believe, is at the core of forging real and lasting behavioral change now, and for future generations.
46
Projects Completed
237
Trees Planted
655000
Gallons of Water Saved (approx.)
2880
Cups of Coffee