Meet Fi Campbell | Artist and Landscape Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Fi Campbell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi fi, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Over time, my work-life balance has become much more grounded and stable. Landscape design now flows naturally into my everyday rhythms, allowing me to approach it in a more holistic way. This shift has helped me stay more centered and connected to my creative process, making the work feel less like a task and more like a natural extension of my life. This balance has also allowed me to be more present in my everyday life. I’m no longer feeling as rushed and harried, which lets me fully engage with the people and activities that matter most. It’s brought a sense of calm and clarity that enhances both my personal well-being and my work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Drawing from my background in sculpture and ceramics, my design process is more intuitive, blending artistic creativity with practical execution. My 18 years experience as a set designer for print advertising informs my landscape design approach in a bespoke fashion, treating each landscape project as a living canvas. Instead of relying solely on computer generated renderings, I prefer scaled hand-drawn sketches to share my ideas and will use CAD drawings when needed. Having learned to trust my creative experience, this method fosters flexibility as well as a dynamic interaction with the materials and elements allowing me to create immersive environments that resonate my vision.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a “true blue” Eastsider!
There are so many amazing things about the Northeast of LA, and I have lived in the tree’d city of South Pasadena for 24 years.
First stop, morning coffee at Two Kids on Mission in South Pasadena. They make their own almond milk in-house and the pastries are divine. Then it’s up to Millard Canyon in Altadena for a hike. There are countless trails and the indigenous chaparral is my classroom. Then it’s a trip to Plant Material in Altadena to chat with the amazing staff and hold a chicken, that’s right, shop with a chicken under your arm, it’s the best. They have fabulous garden supplies, hats and books as well.
I would hit Homestate on Lincoln for their delicious tacos and festive seating area outside. If you’re going to imbibe, have a frozen spicy Paloma.
The Huntington Garden in Pasadena transcends all botanical garden experiences. They just added a 320 year old Japanese Heritage Shoyu House.
When it’s time for a drink and a bite Eastside there are so many great choices. I love Hippo in Highland Park or Barra Santos in Cypress Park.
The Lodge Room on Figueroa, also in Highland Park is an incredible little venue. I’ve seen some amazing musical shows there. The space is a stylish old Masonic Lodge from the 20’s and the sound is phenomenal.
Dinner and Art is another wonderful combo – my fave experience is at Hauser and Wirth DTLA and their in-house restaurant Manuela which boasts a gorgeous outdoor dining experience.
Some Eastside galleries not to miss are South Willard and Foyer LA, as well as Alto Beta in Altadena and La Loma Projects.
Theodore Payne hosts many artists at the nursery as well as it’s giant selection of Southern California Native Plants. Studio-Tutto’s outdoor installation of their seed spires erected in early Spring are unbeliveable.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family encouraged me to follow this path from the very beginning. As I became more experienced in plant layouts and hardscape design, I leaned more on Nestor Campos, whom I hired in 2008, to collaborate and bring my ideas to life. Our partnership has been key in transforming my vision into reality. I’m also deeply grateful to my friends who, early on, trusted me with their gardens and helped me build my portfolio. Their support has been invaluable.

Website: https://ficampbell.me

Instagram: Fi Campbell Design

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fi-campbell-08882aa/

Image Credits
Caitlin Atkinson Photography – for landscape images only
Myself for all other images