Interview with Amy Hite of Amy Hite Design
Personal Journey & Inspiration
Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to start a land-based business?
I was working at an architecture firm in Santa Monica and a landscape architect named Katy Spitz came in with a playground design for an early childhood center we were working on. That was an Aha! moment for me when I realized that landscape architecture was the perfect blend of my love of design and nature. This lead down a path of biomimicry and permaculture.
Were there any pivotal moments or influences that shaped your path as an entrepreneur?
After I had my first daughter, I realized that I wanted to build a career where I could spend as much time as possible with her. I worked as a remote designer for a while and eventually started taking on clients and building a little business. It was a slow start and still is an ever evolving business model.
How has your personal connection to the land influenced your business philosophy?
I grew up on an acre of land that was sort of a little urban farm in the San Fernando valley of Los Angeles. We had a barn with a pony, fruit trees, etc. My mom loved gardening and encouraged us to help her in the garden and play outside all day.
Business Vision & Development
What does your business focus on, and what sets it apart from others in this space?
I have a landscape design and build company. I meet with clients, plan their landscape and then my amazing team builds it. We specialize in agrarian landscapes and natural playscapes. Since we are a design/build company it is a very hands on experience for us. We are involved in every stage of the process from design to implementation. We have a holistic approach to land use so it starts with water harvesting, soil building, and picking plants and materials that are good for the people and the planet. Our mission is to get people outside, engaging with nature and become stewards of our beautiful planet.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in getting started, and how did you overcome it?
I didn’t know a lot about construction so I always had someone who could help me do the “heavy lifting” or the building. As the years have passed, I have a very good understanding of construction but I still need help with implementation. My partner leads our construction team. He is an incredible artist and gardener, its a perfect match.
How do you balance the practical side of running a business with the creative and nurturing aspects of working with land?
To be honest, I wish I could be in the dirt all of the time but the majority of my job is sitting at a computer. I spend my mornings taking care of business stuff and designing and I typically spend the afternoons visiting sites, shopping for plants and materials, etc.
Connection to Land & Community
What role does sustainability or regeneration play in your business model?
I try to make every decision with sustainability and regeneration in mind. The construction industry is notoriously wasteful, so I try to minimize this in our practice. All of our designs incorporate an element of regeneration. I try to use native plants where I can and limit ornamentals. My order of importance for plants is usually : edible, native, drought tolerant.
How do you see your work contributing to your community or local environment?
I think of it like the “butterfly effect” . When a person grows food in their garden, they inevitably have extra and begin sharing with neighbors. This typically creates community and inspires others.
Do you collaborate with other women or local businesses, and if so, how?
Yes. My favorite clients are women entrepreneurs with land based enterprises! I love being part of other women’s journeys. I design and build a lot of school gardens and natural play spaces with women owners. I also love working with women farmers or people who work with plants.
Entrepreneurship & Growth
What advice would you give other women who want to start their own land-based business?
Do it! Its so rewarding and fulfilling
How do you measure success—beyond financial growth—in your work?
Am I happy? Is my family happy and fed? These are the questions I use to check in with myself and my sign of true success. Obviously I have bad days, and running a business is work, but I would be miserable if I didn’t get to create with nature everyday. For me, seeing a bee or bird visit a garden I’ve made, or am making, brings me so much joy. Or a client sending me photos of new blooms or veggies. Its magic and super simple . I’m probably a simpleton
What’s been the most rewarding moment in your entrepreneurial journey so far?
I love growing gardeners so when children show me what they are growing, or people I work with share their plants with me, that feels rewarding.
Looking Ahead
Where do you see your business in the next 5–10 years?
I would like to see myself having a bigger design staff and designing larger farms and gardens. I love the agritourism industry. I can see my business flourishing in this arena
Are there any projects, products, or ideas you’re especially excited about right now?
I am helping develop a 13 acre site into a food forest and teaching garden. It has an apothecary garden, and caves and a children’s garden. Lots of space, an ample budget and great people!
If you could leave readers with one message about entrepreneurship, land, and stewardship, what would it be?
I guess I’ve always connected with the Rumi quote ‘there are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the ground’. I feel like I am really in service to the earth and our people. I feel good about trying to do the best I can everyday, trying to make a positive change and live in harmony with nature. For me this feels right.