Raymond Jungles, Inc. is recognized as a dynamic, creative, award-winning landscape architecture firm, practicing landscape architecture from its studio on the banks of the Miami River.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shade sails designed by Bamboobarry. 

Our passion lies in the exploration and study of the relationship between the natural and built environment. By approaching landscape architecture as an art form applied through principles of ecology, botany, architecture, culture and art, our firm builds unique botanically rich landscapes, places and spaces that comfort the human psyche and raise the human spirit. 

All of our designs begin with defining spatial possibilities.  Poetic interpretation–”What should it be?” not “What could it be?” –informs our process.  Bringing people closer to nature, creating space that is inspirational, advancing curiosity, knowledge, and appreciation of the relationships between people, nature, and art–these are our goals. 

Success and growth are directly proportional to having passionate and committed individuals on your team.  We believe in internships and fostering an environment where one feels inspired to create and contribute, and is recognized for his or her efforts. 

 

Raymond Jungles, FASLA, has had a lifelong passion for nature and the out-of-doors. As a boy in Ohio, he gravitated toward hiking, camping, and outdoor sports.  His first job was in a landscape nursery.  To this day, Raymond loves being on-site, marking out a footprint, indicating where trees will soon grow.  A can of spray paint and a handful of flags are his true pencil.

Raymond’s interest in design and architecture developed after moving to Florida in 1974. Landscape Architecture ultimately offered the ideal fusion of his talents. While attending the University of Florida, he was introduced to the work of the Brazilian artist and landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, whose book, the “Tropical Gardens of Roberto Burle Marx,” opened Raymond’s eyes to the poetry of landscape design.  The master and student became friends when Burle Marx lectured at UF in 1979, and a lasting mentorship ensued.

After graduating with honors, Raymond Jungles, FASLA, founded his own design/build practice in Miami.  He traveled often to Brazil to visit Burle Marx who led him throughout that country to see many of his projects.  Burle Marx also opened his studio and estate to Raymond and, later, invited him to design and construct the columnar bromeliad sculpture for his 1991 Museum of Modern Art exhibition in New York.

Raymond’s gardens are identifiable for their inclusion of water features such as pools, fountains, waterfalls, ponds, and lakes, exemplifying his belief that water is the mirror to the universe, and the heart and soul of any garden.

The firm is primarily known for private residential gardens, however they have also designed landscapes for communities, boutique hotels, and numerous botanical gardens.  Raymond Jungles, Inc. has designed civic landscapes, collaborating with Herzog and de Meuron on 1111 Lincoln Road and with Frank Gehry and Partners on the New World Symphony’s new campus, both in Miami Beach, FL.

Raymond is the recipient of thirty-four Professional Design Awards from the Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, including thirteen Awards of Excellence and four Frederic B. Stressau Awards. Raymond has also received a Professional Award from the National Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and was elected a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects in 2006.  He has twice been selected as a member of the Design Awards Jury for the Broward County National Professional  Association of Architects (AIA).  He was named Most Distinguished Alumni in 2000 by the University of Florida.  In 2003, he was honored as the Miami Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Landscape Architect of the Year.

Raymond’s projects have been featured in more than thirty books, including his first monograph “Ten Landscapes” published by Rockport Press in 1999.  His second monograph, “The Colors of Nature: Subtropical Gardens by Raymond Jungles” was published in 2008 by Monacelli Press.  He has been profiled in the New York Times’ Design section, and his work has appeared in over 38 national and international publications.  He has and continues to lecture for the American Society of Landscape Architects, Colleges around the country, and many Botanical Gardens.

Since its founding in 1982, Raymond Jungles, Inc. has grown to a firm of over 12 dedicated professionals.  Raymond Jungles, FASLA, is the sole principal and the firm is consciously structured to ensure his involvement in each project, while ensuring interdisciplinary collaboration.

Paul Weinberg RLA
Chief Operating Officer
B.S. Landscape Architecture/Michigan State University/2000
paul@raymondjungles.com

Paul joined our firm as the Chief Operating Officer, with more than a decade of experience in project management, master planning, design development, construction documentation and site observation services.  His portfolio includes a broad range of projects including waterfront parks, urban parks, small and large-scale resort destinations, residential communities, urban districts and mixed-use developments.  Paul specializes in translating large scale vision planning into site specific project implementation. He has the ability to mold raw site and program data into innovative and workable design solutions that are easily transformed into implementable plans.  He fully understands and applies our firm’s design process, adds extensive technical experience using digital and hand graphics and has successfully developed a leadership role in a team setting.

Matthew Lewis
Studio Director
B.A. Landscape Architecture/Ohio State University/2000
matthew@raymondjungles.com

Since the beginning of his career in the field of landscape architecture, Matthew Lewis has been actively involved in the design for a variety of award-winning projects, ranging from large-scale environmental planning to detailed resort design with a focus towards sustainable design solutions and technologies.  His expertise in the area of sustainable design and construction provides clients financial benefits through long-term savings.  With his strong design aptitude and experience, Matthew gives great guidance and quality control within the studio.  Matthew is currently a member of the USGBC and pursuing his professional accreditation for LEED as well as licensure for the state of Florida.

Amanda Eva Jungles
Marketing and Business Development Director
B.A. Public Relations/ Florida State University/ 2009
amanda@raymondjungles.com

Amanda has been frequenting her father’s project sites since she was old enough to walk.  Prior to that, she was carried.  A drawing board was a focal point in the household, as her father often designed from home.  Prior to working at RJI, Amanda worked in a prominent lobbyist firm in Tallahassee, representing both the private and public sector.  After this brief foray in public affairs, she returned to Raymond Jungles, Inc.  Amanda often acts as a liaison to many of the firm’s potential, current and past clients, coordinates all marketing initiatives and public relations efforts, and contributes to the firm’s business development.  She is the direct assistant to the principal, Raymond Jungles.  She admits taking a big risk in working within the duality of both a boss and a father, but fear is not her modus operandi.

Tyler Nielsen RLA  LEED AP
Design Staff
B.A. and MLA Landscape Architecture/University of Colorado/2008
tyler@raymondjungles.com

Tyler Nielsen started working for Raymond Jungles, Inc. fresh out of college, and has recently passed his LARE to become a fully licensed landscape architect.  Tyler’s affection for native plants and ecologically sensitive design led him to become a member of Raymond Jungles, Inc.  Along with his technical skill set, Tyler contributes a healthy dose of optimism and energy to the design studio.   He is also a LEED Accredited Professional with LEED design experience from projects that extend from Florida, Colorado, and even Africa.

Corey Seltenright
Design Staff
B.A. Landscape Architecture/ Ball State University/ 2007
corey@raymondjungles.com

Corey’s educational pursuits at Purdue and Ball State University are what first introduced him to architectural elements and their function in the landscape architecture industry.  He was previously employed at EDSA, where he was involved in many international projects that focused on sustainable design, urban design, master planning as well as hotel and resort design.  At RJI, Corey manages projects, both domestic and abroad.  His beautifully executed hand renderings have brought our firm much success in advancing proposed design elements for several projects.  He enjoys collaborating with project consultants, from lighting to engineering, to ensure the best results for each of our clients. Corey is actively pursuing licensure to become a fully licensed landscape architect as well as LEED accreditation.

Peter Anselmo
Design Staff
B. Architecture/ University of Miami/ 2009
peter@raymondjungles.com

Peter Anselmo began his relationship with Raymond Jungles, Inc in 2009 as a design intern, while completing his degree at the University of Miami’s School of Architecture.  His internship evolved into a full-time position within the firm.  Peter applies his knowledge from his collegiate education as well as his past studies in Europe to each and every project endeavor.   With great passion for the integration of architecture and landscape, Peter has become more familiar with native plant material, project deliverables and overall project management.  Peter is at the inception of a multidisciplinary career in landscape architecture.

Kirsten Siegel
Design Staff
BA Industrial Design/Rochester Institute of Technology/1999
MLA Landscape Architecture/Florida International University/2009
kirsten@raymondjungles.com

Kirsten brings a multidisciplinary design approach to the studio.  Her attention to detail is evident in all phases of design development. Whether she is developing 3D models, renderings, or laying out design booklets, her graphic abilities  help clients visualize and see the evolution of our designs.  Kirsten’s industrial design background informs her analysis of each site, and adds a high level of functionality.  She has been living in South Florida for over ten years and has extensive knowledge of the state’s ecosystems and plant palettes.  Kirsten is currently pursuing state licensure and LEED accreditation.

Ashley Hagan RLA LEED AP
Design Staff
MLA/University of Texas/ 2009
BA Anthropology/ University of Florida/ 2005
ashley@raymondjungles.com

Ashley applies her knowledge of sustainable technologies to our projects with the elegant execution of a designer.  She has experience in project management, high end residential design and sustainable post-disaster redevelopment. A lifelong Roberto Burle Marx enthusiast, she is excited to be working alongside his mentee, Raymond Jungles. Prior to joining our firm,  Ashley was the director of the sustainable landscape program at the Make It Right Foundation in New Orleans. She has participated in a number of nationally awarded architecture and landscape architecture projects.

Juan Magarolas
CAD Manager
B.A. Business Administration/Florida International University/2001
juan@raymondjungles.com

Juan has a wide variety of experiences gathered over his 25 years in the South Florida A/E community.  He is the current Vice President of the local chapter of AutoDesk Users Group International (AUGI).  He brings his appreciation of Architecture and extensive CAD knowledge to Raymond Jungles, Inc. to guide us with all things technical.  Juan’s interests and ability to bring another point of view makes him a valuable addition to our studio environment. 

Gina DeSouza Jungles
Public Relations

Gina Jungles has been Raymond’s closest confidant for the past three and a half years.  They married at Casa Morada, a Raymond Jungles designed boutique hotel, on June 7, 2009.  Gina is an avid plant lover, a Brazilian from Sao Paulo, with a background in interior design and decorating.  She brings her impeccable taste and sense of style to all matters RJI.  Gina coordinates travel with Raymond, participates in design and day-to-day management matters with Amanda Jungles.