Barbara Fealy

Barbara Fealy, FASLA, was long-known as the matriarch of landscape architecture in the Northwest and for her significant contribution to a Northwest style of design. She practiced in Oregon until she reached her early 90s. In 1985, Barbara became the first Oregon woman to be named a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), a prestigious national recognition.

Fealy had very strong design sensibilities. Her work was characterized by its simplicity of form, casual elegance, and timeless quality. Through Fealy’s remarkable artistic abilities, she created rich, beautiful compositions in the landscape that were always appropriate to the setting, yet effortless in appearance.

One of Fealy’s most notable signature projects was Salishan Lodge near Lincoln City on the Oregon coast. Salishan was awarded one of the prestigious 100th Year Medallions by the ASLA, in addition to a previous Honor Award for design. Fealy successfully blended the Salishan resort development into the rich coastal landscape through her careful sitting of buildings, control of grades, and use of native vegetation. Other commercial work included the Oregon College of Art and Craft and Timberline Lodge. While practicing in her 80s, Fealy designed a master plan for the Leach Botanical Garden in Portland and a Portland Garden for Sister City, Sapporo, Japan. Several of her projects were showcased in Garden Design, History, Principles, Elements, Practice (1984) by William Lake Douglas, et al and featured in Sunset Magazine. She also won an ASLA award in 1989 for her work on the Faber Lewis Garden.

Fealy’s reputation spread widely through her work on numerous residential gardens in the Northwest. She cultivated close personal relationships with architects Pietro Belluschi and John Storrs, and with residential clients throughout her practice. As biographer Kate Supplee noted, “A common characteristic of nearly all of Fealy’s clients is their great appreciation of her work and their personal attachment to Fealy herself.” The attitude was reciprocal. In Fealy’s own words, “People’s homes are the heart of my work…to stand with drawings out there…to help them visualize…” was an experience that gave her extraordinary satisfaction.

Fealy was born and raised in Utah and California. With strong encouragement from her father, a nurseryman, Fealy attended the landscape architecture program at the University of Illinois in the 1920s. While there, she studied under Stanley White and was heavily influenced by his teachings. She also recalled the enlightening field trips she took with Jens Jensen, who opened his students’ eyes to the natural beauty and simplicity in the native landscape.

Fealy moved from Utah to Oregon in 1947. It took her about a year to adjust to the verdant landscape of the Northwest, its climate and the quality of light. When she discovered the natural beauty of the Northwest, she embraced the opportunities the region afforded. 

As with most artists, Fealy maintained absolute quality control over the construction of her work. She cultivated a particularly special relationship with landscape contractor, Ron Vandehey. Fealy personally oversaw the execution of her projects making field adjustments for correct scale and proportion, and giving them a life of their own. 

In addition to her built work, Fealy was known for being particularly influential in the lives of younger women landscape architects and designers. She had a tight inner circle of women who had either worked with her or were close friends and colleagues. She strongly supported the notion that women can achieve great success and personal satisfaction in raising a family while passionately pursuing a career. Beyond the circle, Fealy inspired many more young practitioners with her positive attitude, integrity, humor, and enthusiasm for the profession of landscape architecture.

Barbara Fealy inspired friends and clients with her astute views of the world around her throughout her lengthy career. She would often remind her professional colleagues of their unique ability as landscape architects to create beauty. She would say, “What a gift we have in our chosen profession…we’re lucky—we have chosen a path of beauty…I feel so fortunate, way beyond money.”

 Written by Carol Mayer-Reed, FASLA

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• Naming Wall, 1-1