What we do
As a designer, Urban Escape Designs enjoys helping others to make improvements and we excel at creating beautiful outdoor spaces as a gift to all who see it and may be inspired to do the same on their own plot of earth; therefore extending the gift beyond the reaches of their own property and inspiring the same in others.
Design Philosophies
Stewardship: Designs are created with a natural regard for an ethic that embodies stewardship, the responsible planning and management of resources. The concept of stewardship can be applied to the environment, public health and welfare, economics, and property preservation and improvement.
Good, Better, Best: In design, options for a solution can be many; however, after careful consideration, those options can usually be categorized as good, better, best. Whenever, possible, we strive to encourage that our clients might be happier in the long run with the ‘best’ option, even though it may mean spending a bit more and/or phasing a project over time.
The Concept of One Picture: Urban Escape Design knows that it can be overwhelming on how or where to start, so let us help you to gather your thoughts and ideas. All we ask is that you find a minimum of one photograph from any source which “speaks to you” about the way you envision your project at completion. Make a copy of the photo and mark it up with notes of what you would like to see (or not see). That one picture and our initial consultation with build the framework for your design process.
Who we are
Karen Taylor, of Urban Escape Design has been expertly designing Florida residential and commercial landscapes for over 20 years. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to all of her projects within her current specialty of Residential Landscape Design. Her extensive knowledge of Florida ecosystems and plant materials assures you of the successful outcome of your project and using the right plant in the right place.
Her ability to listen to the wants and needs of each individual client assures you that the landscape solution presented will enhance your goals and desires within the design process and budget. Phasing and prioritizing are key if funds are limited, but creativity is limitless. Karen has resided in South Florida and Atlanta, Georgia; and graduated from the College of Landscape Architecture at the University of Florida in Gainesville. She is a longtime resident in the Tampa Bay Area in Central Florida.
Favorite Quotes:
Doing it Well, Doing it Right:
“Anything worth doing, is worth doing well”…Quote by Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
“Anything worth doing, is worth doing right”…Quote by Hunter S. Thompson
No Dumb Questions:
“The only stupid question is the question that is never asked”… Quote by Ramon Bautisa
Professional History
City & County Government:
3 Counties of Atlanta, GA and City of Delray Beach, FL:
Parks and Recreation / Planning and Building Departments / Code Enforcement / Future Land Acquisition Studies.
Planned Unit Development:
Tampa Palms: Community Common Areas:
Design / Build / Contracting of Parkways, Entryways, Power Line Rights-of-Way, Mitigation. Commercial and Residential Landscape Design / Renovation.
Private Sector:
St. Petersburg, FL / Pinellas County:
Community Roadway Beautification, Institutional Designs for Schools, Hospitals, and Churches. Commercial and Residential Renovation, Educational Campus Monthly Landscape Maintenance Inspections.