Q & A with Arik Solberg, The Artist Behind Solmauna Design

In this Q&A with Arik Solberg, the artist behind Solmauna Design, we’ll learn about his favorite plants, Colorado landscape challenges, and memorable discoveries in landscaping.

Q & A with Arik Solberg, the artist behind Solmauna Design

What’s your favorite plant or tree to work with—and why?

I’m a big fan of native plantings, mainly for their natural look and their resilience in our challenging environment. My favorites are:

Coneflower

Sandcherry

Rabbitbrush

Sages

Little Bluestem

What’s one tool or piece of equipment you couldn’t live without?

We purchased our first Bobcat MT100 a few seasons back, and they are incredible machines! You can fit them in just about any space, and they can lift a decent amount/ratio for their size.

What’s a surprising or funny thing that happened on a landscaping job?

I once fell back while cutting down a tree in AZ. I got poked right in the butt cheek by a large agave spear.

What’s your go-to snack or drink to keep you fueled during a long day outside?

Coffee, water, more coffee 🙂 My guys always look for my snack cooler filled with dehydrated fruits, nut mixes, protein bars, and jerky.

What’s the biggest landscaping challenge unique to Colorado?

The Colorado landscape is truly a desert, and the combined dryness & harsh soils make gardening a challenge.

What’s your favorite outdoor spot in Colorado for inspiration?

I have several, so it’s hard to nail down just one. But my go-to is The Poudre Canyon, and by now, it feels like a second home. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains always excite my imagination and are such a rugged, beautiful place.

What has been one of your most memorable projects and why?

This one is also hard to nail down, but probably two projects I did in Estes Park. After the projects were finished, both families told me how the patio spaces were dedicated to family members who had passed away. The families use the spaces for gatherings to celebrate life together.

It’s so great hearing how clients use spaces we design/build to get outdoors more, enjoy their surroundings, and create memories.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a shy guy & introvert by nature. Most would never guess with my outgoing personality.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve accidentally dug up in someone’s yard?

The first pool/landscape I broke ground on, we actually dug up an old pool during excavation. It was backfilled by concrete, old tires & rubble ( what a mess).

What was the most challenging project you have conquered?

I am very proud of the challenging landscape we completed on a Ranch in Livermore, CO. Not just for the scope/size but the amount of experience it required, but the problem-solving & coordination it took. The project had just about every aspect you could think up, including:

Grading and Backfilling

Running multiple utilities

Downspouts

Hardscapes and diverse plantings

Lighting and carpentry

Custom features

I was very proud of my crew for stepping up to meet all the challenges with the outdoor space we created for our client.

What do you do during the off-season?

This really doesn’t exist when you own your own company. But I take advantage of some travel when weather hits. I love an epic road trip combined with hiking and photography.

This last off-season, I traveled to Baja, Mexico, and pretty much drove/camped the entire peninsula. I actually answered emails and responded to a few leads camping on a remote beach near Loreto.

How many states have you visited in the US? What was your favorite state?

It’s probably around 20 or less, I tend to gravitate West as the landscape attracts me the most. My favorite place to visit is Utah. The landscape is gorgeous, and its some of the most remote wilderness I’ve experienced.

Mountains, meadows, or desert landscapes—what’s your favorite aesthetic?

Well, I’ll probably always pick mountains, but it’s like the saying you can’t have sweet without the sour! You gotta sprinkle oceans, desserts & meadows to help you gain an appreciation for them all.

What is your favorite wild animal to see out in the wilderness?

I think I would say a Moose. They are such wild-looking creatures & demand respect. I have had some great encounters over the years and always admire seeing them.

Another animal that I admire is the coyote. They are so resilient & adaptive, thriving in so many different types of landscapes. Plus, I also love the music they make:)

SOLMAUNA Creations & Landscaping Designs in Colorado

Our team of landscape designers brings a unique combination of landscape architecture education paired with extensive knowledge of plants to the table. Contact us today.

Q & A with Arik Solberg, The Artist Behind Solmauna Design

In this Q&A with Arik Solberg, the artist behind Solmauna Design, we’ll learn about his favorite plants, Colorado landscape challenges, and memorable discoveries in landscaping.

Q & A with Arik Solberg, the artist behind Solmauna Design

What’s your favorite plant or tree to work with—and why?

I’m a big fan of native plantings, mainly for their natural look and their resilience in our challenging environment. My favorites are:

Coneflower

Sandcherry

Rabbitbrush

Sages

Little Bluestem

What’s one tool or piece of equipment you couldn’t live without?

We purchased our first Bobcat MT100 a few seasons back, and they are incredible machines! You can fit them in just about any space, and they can lift a decent amount/ratio for their size.

What’s a surprising or funny thing that happened on a landscaping job?

I once fell back while cutting down a tree in AZ. I got poked right in the butt cheek by a large agave spear.

What’s your go-to snack or drink to keep you fueled during a long day outside?

Coffee, water, more coffee 🙂 My guys always look for my snack cooler filled with dehydrated fruits, nut mixes, protein bars, and jerky.

What’s the biggest landscaping challenge unique to Colorado?

The Colorado landscape is truly a desert, and the combined dryness & harsh soils make gardening a challenge.

What’s your favorite outdoor spot in Colorado for inspiration?

I have several, so it’s hard to nail down just one. But my go-to is The Poudre Canyon, and by now, it feels like a second home. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains always excite my imagination and are such a rugged, beautiful place.

What has been one of your most memorable projects and why?

This one is also hard to nail down, but probably two projects I did in Estes Park. After the projects were finished, both families told me how the patio spaces were dedicated to family members who had passed away. The families use the spaces for gatherings to celebrate life together.

It’s so great hearing how clients use spaces we design/build to get outdoors more, enjoy their surroundings, and create memories.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a shy guy & introvert by nature. Most would never guess with my outgoing personality.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve accidentally dug up in someone’s yard?

The first pool/landscape I broke ground on, we actually dug up an old pool during excavation. It was backfilled by concrete, old tires & rubble ( what a mess).

What was the most challenging project you have conquered?

I am very proud of the challenging landscape we completed on a Ranch in Livermore, CO. Not just for the scope/size but the amount of experience it required, but the problem-solving & coordination it took. The project had just about every aspect you could think up, including:

Grading & Backfilling

Running multiple utilities

Downspouts

Hardscapes & diverse plantings

Lighting & carpentry

Custom features

I was very proud of my crew for stepping up to meet all the challenges with the outdoor space we created for our client.

What do you do during the off-season?

This really doesn’t exist when you own your own company. But I take advantage of some travel when weather hits. I love an epic road trip combined with hiking & photography.

This last off-season, I traveled to Baja, Mexico, and pretty much drove/camped the entire peninsula. I actually answered emails & responded to a few leads camping on a remote beach near Loreto.

How many states have you visited in the US? What was your favorite state?

It’s probably around 20 or less, I tend to gravitate West as the landscape attracts me the most. My favorite place to visit is Utah. The landscape is gorgeous, and its some of the most remote wilderness I’ve experienced.

Mountains, meadows, or desert landscapes—what’s your favorite aesthetic?

Well, I’ll probably always pick mountains, but it’s like the saying you can’t have sweet without the sour! You gotta sprinkle oceans, desserts & meadows to help you gain an appreciation for them all.

What is your favorite wild animal to see out in the wilderness?

I think I would say a Moose. They are such wild-looking creatures & demand respect. I have had some great encounters over the years and always admire seeing them.

Another animal that I admire is the coyote. They are so resilient & adaptive, thriving in so many different types of landscapes. Plus, I also love the music they make:)

SOLMAUNA Creations & Landscaping Designs in Colorado

Our team of landscape designers brings a unique combination of landscape architecture education paired with extensive knowledge of plants to the table. Contact us today.

Q & A with Arik Solberg, The Artist Behind Solmauna Design

In this Q&A with Arik Solberg, the artist behind Solmauna Design, we’ll learn about his favorite plants, Colorado landscape challenges, and memorable discoveries in landscaping.

Q & A with Arik Solberg, the artist behind Solmauna Design

What’s your favorite plant or tree to work with—and why?

I’m a big fan of native plantings, mainly for their natural look and their resilience in our challenging environment. My favorites are:

Coneflower

Sandcherry

Rabbitbrush

Sages

Little Bluestem

What’s one tool or piece of equipment you couldn’t live without?

We purchased our first Bobcat MT100 a few seasons back, and they are incredible machines! You can fit them in just about any space, and they can lift a decent amount/ratio for their size.

What’s a surprising or funny thing that happened on a landscaping job?

I once fell back while cutting down a tree in AZ. I got poked right in the butt cheek by a large agave spear.

What’s your go-to snack or drink to keep you fueled during a long day outside?

Coffee, water, more coffee 🙂 My guys always look for my snack cooler filled with dehydrated fruits, nut mixes, protein bars, and jerky.

What’s the biggest landscaping challenge unique to Colorado?

The Colorado landscape is truly a desert, and the combined dryness & harsh soils make gardening a challenge.

What’s your favorite outdoor spot in Colorado for inspiration?

I have several, so it’s hard to nail down just one. But my go-to is The Poudre Canyon, and by now, it feels like a second home. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains always excite my imagination and are such a rugged, beautiful place.

What has been one of your most memorable projects and why?

This one is also hard to nail down, but probably two projects I did in Estes Park. After the projects were finished, both families told me how the patio spaces were dedicated to family members who had passed away. The families use the spaces for gatherings to celebrate life together.

It’s so great hearing how clients use spaces we design/build to get outdoors more, enjoy their surroundings, and create memories.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a shy guy & introvert by nature. Most would never guess with my outgoing personality.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve accidentally dug up in someone’s yard?

The first pool/landscape I broke ground on, we actually dug up an old pool during excavation. It was backfilled by concrete, old tires & rubble ( what a mess).

What was the most challenging project you have conquered?

I am very proud of the challenging landscape we completed on a Ranch in Livermore, CO. Not just for the scope/size but the amount of experience it required, but the problem-solving & coordination it took. The project had just about every aspect you could think up, including:

Grading and Backfilling

Running multiple utilities

Downspouts

Hardscapes and diverse plantings

Lighting and carpentry

Custom features

I was very proud of my crew for stepping up to meet all the challenges with the outdoor space we created for our client.

What do you do during the off-season?

This really doesn’t exist when you own your own company. But I take advantage of some travel when weather hits. I love an epic road trip combined with hiking and photography.

This last off-season, I traveled to Baja, Mexico, and pretty much drove/camped the entire peninsula. I actually answered emails and responded to a few leads camping on a remote beach near Loreto.

How many states have you visited in the US? What was your favorite state?

It’s probably around 20 or less, I tend to gravitate West as the landscape attracts me the most. My favorite place to visit is Utah. The landscape is gorgeous, and its some of the most remote wilderness I’ve experienced.

Mountains, meadows, or desert landscapes—what’s your favorite aesthetic?

Well, I’ll probably always pick mountains, but it’s like the saying you can’t have sweet without the sour! You gotta sprinkle oceans, desserts & meadows to help you gain an appreciation for them all.

What is your favorite wild animal to see out in the wilderness?

I think I would say a Moose. They are such wild-looking creatures & demand respect. I have had some great encounters over the years and always admire seeing them.

Another animal that I admire is the coyote. They are so resilient & adaptive, thriving in so many different types of landscapes. Plus, I also love the music they make:)

SOLMAUNA Creations & Landscaping Designs in Colorado

Our team of landscape designers brings a unique combination of landscape architecture education paired with extensive knowledge of plants to the table. Contact us today.

Q & A with Arik Solberg, The Artist Behind Solmauna Design

In this Q&A with Arik Solberg, the artist behind Solmauna Design, we’ll learn about his favorite plants, Colorado landscape challenges, and memorable discoveries in landscaping.

Q & A with Arik Solberg, the artist behind Solmauna Design

What’s your favorite plant or tree to work with—and why?

I’m a big fan of native plantings, mainly for their natural look and their resilience in our challenging environment. My favorites are:

Coneflower

Sandcherry

Rabbitbrush

Sages

Little Bluestem

What’s one tool or piece of equipment you couldn’t live without?

We purchased our first Bobcat MT100 a few seasons back, and they are incredible machines! You can fit them in just about any space, and they can lift a decent amount/ratio for their size.

What’s a surprising or funny thing that happened on a landscaping job?

I once fell back while cutting down a tree in AZ. I got poked right in the butt cheek by a large agave spear.

What’s your go-to snack or drink to keep you fueled during a long day outside?

Coffee, water, more coffee 🙂 My guys always look for my snack cooler filled with dehydrated fruits, nut mixes, protein bars, and jerky.

What’s the biggest landscaping challenge unique to Colorado?

The Colorado landscape is truly a desert, and the combined dryness & harsh soils make gardening a challenge.

What’s your favorite outdoor spot in Colorado for inspiration?

I have several, so it’s hard to nail down just one. But my go-to is The Poudre Canyon, and by now, it feels like a second home. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains always excite my imagination and are such a rugged, beautiful place.

What has been one of your most memorable projects and why?

This one is also hard to nail down, but probably two projects I did in Estes Park. After the projects were finished, both families told me how the patio spaces were dedicated to family members who had passed away. The families use the spaces for gatherings to celebrate life together.

It’s so great hearing how clients use spaces we design/build to get outdoors more, enjoy their surroundings, and create memories.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a shy guy & introvert by nature. Most would never guess with my outgoing personality.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve accidentally dug up in someone’s yard?

The first pool/landscape I broke ground on, we actually dug up an old pool during excavation. It was backfilled by concrete, old tires & rubble ( what a mess).

What was the most challenging project you have conquered?

I am very proud of the challenging landscape we completed on a Ranch in Livermore, CO. Not just for the scope/size but the amount of experience it required, but the problem-solving & coordination it took. The project had just about every aspect you could think up, including:

Grading & Backfilling

Running multiple utilities

Downspouts