What is One Nature?
Founded in 2004 by Bryan Quinn, One Nature is a unique hub where art meets science, and ecological restoration goes hand in hand with hands-on design. The project brings together artists, scientists, and builders who care deeply about the places where people live and work—from small backyard gardens to entire watersheds. One Nature’s mission is all about restoring and tending to landscapes in ways that create healthier, more beautiful environments. The underlying belief is simple yet profound: people and ecosystems are not separate, and a sustainable future depends on recognizing and strengthening these connections. With decades of experience and a strong commitment to ecological and social integration, this project stands as a testament to visionary design and regenerative practices.
Main Benefits
- Founded in 2004, built on decades of eco-conscious experience
- B Corp with an impressive score of 94.6
- Expertise spans plant nursery operations, art and design, and landscape construction
- Offers professional conservation techniques including ecological consulting and garden coaching
- Focuses on regionally appropriate native, edible, and medicinal plants
- Operates in key areas including the Hudson Valley, Brooklyn, NYC, and Beacon, New York
Expertise and Innovation
The project’s work is organized around a core set of expert services. The plant nursery specializes in cultivating and selling “more-than-organic” native, edible, and medicinal plants, many sourced from local genetic populations or varieties that excel in the local climate. In the realm of art and design, the studio is known for its artist-led, creative process that employs site models, hand drawings, paintings, and sculptures to envision transformative spaces. Landscape construction ranges widely from small residential gardens to expansive public parks and ecological restoration projects, all built using regionally appropriate materials like bluestone, fieldstone, native hardwoods, and regional gravel. Additionally, One Nature offers stewardship services and ecological consulting, which includes master planning, spatial analysis, and botanical inventories—all in a bid to support long-term ecological health.
Our Approach & Philosophy
The approach is unmistakably personal and adaptable. One Nature starts every project by understanding the unique character of each space and the client’s vision—whether that means designing a city park or a cozy backyard garden. There’s a clear emphasis on progress through practical, site-specific strategies: planting native species, conducting earthwork, and improving water movement through landscapes. For clients interested in a more hands-on role, garden coaching is available to offer tips on planting, pruning, soil health, and seasonal care… all aimed at empowering individuals to nurture their own spaces. This thoughtful, flexible methodology not only restores lost ecosystems but also transforms everyday outdoor spaces into vibrant, living art forms.
Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship
One Nature firmly rejects the superficial greenwashing that plagues many landscape construction projects. Instead, sustainability is woven into every aspect of its work. The focus remains on long-term ecological health, material responsibility, and social equity. The project champions bioregionally sourced materials such as locally quarried bluestone, hand-gathered fieldstone, and native hardwoods like oak and black locust. By integrating these elements, the project not only reduces carbon emissions but also creates spaces that feel both structured and alive. Planting native, edible, and medicinal species is central; these species help recreate microclimates and restore some of the ecological diversity that predated large-scale land disruptions. Plus, with every project, there is a pragmatic attitude toward invasive species—supporting native plant communities while recognizing that some invasive plants have become a lasting element of the local ecosystem.
Community Engagement and Authentic Design
The project thrives on a dynamic blend of art, science, and conscious design. It grew out of early art and design competitions, ecological sub-consulting gigs, and small garden installations, all rooted in a global perspective that respects local wisdom and culture. The creative process involves hands-on work in the studio where each project is first envisioned through sketches, models, and sculptures—a practice that continues to evolve while staying true to its foundational themes. There is also a clear emphasis on inclusivity and community, placing importance on equitable workplace practices and supporting minority- and women-owned vendors—a nod to the broader social impact art can have.
Project Impact
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by creating integrated outdoor spaces that foster community resilience
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – through the use of regionally sourced, organic materials
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by implementing strategies that support climate resilience through native planting and microclimate creation
- SDG 15: Life on Land – by restoring ecological diversity and enhancing native biodiversity
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – with a workplace where team members identifying as women or non-binary are central to the project’s ethos
Looking Forward
Looking ahead, One Nature continues to push the boundaries of ecological design. Its projects act as living examples of what happens when artistic vision meets scientific insight and ecological integrity. By nurturing landscapes that blend practicality with beauty, the project demonstrates that true sustainability isn’t achieved overnight—it is built slowly, with care, thought, and a whole lot of heart. Every garden, park, or restoration project is a step toward a future where nature and people thrive together. The ongoing work, including detailed botanical inventories and carefully considered seed selections, promises a legacy that will support both the natural world and the communities that depend on it, making every space a little greener and a lot more connected.
