10 ?s | carson arthur, cad designs-green force-room to grow

What I love about 10 ?s is that it's probably more exciting for me than for all you readers out there.  I get the opportunity to find out more about some of my favourite people, personalities and professions [say that five times fast].  This was very true of today's subject - Carson Arthur.   Carson is the principle of Carson Arthur Designs, a landscaping and interior design firm.  He is also the host of HGTV's Green Force and Discovery Channel/Global's Room to Grow.  As well as an advocate for environmentally conscious design, construction and landscaping.  And a very resourceful guy.  For you Torontonians out there, some of the recent "greening" you've seen around the city - Landsdowne Subway Station, Trinity Triangle, the CN Tower and even Ontario Place - it's all courtesy of Carson Arthur and the team at Green Force.  Using native plantings and considering appropriate environmental products, applications and sustainability, Carson has not only provided a facelift to these areas, but has revitalized the community itself, creating spaces people can enjoy and spaces the community can take an interest in.

"Greening" our community one space at a time, Carson has also taken his message of environmentally friendly design across the country, being a guest speaker at many shows and events, as well as being a featured in newspapers, magazines and on TV shows such as CBC's Steven and Chris and Global's ET Canada.   You can find out much more on Carson's website www.carsonarthur.com.  One of my favourite people in design, here's 10 ?s with Carson Arthur.

1.  What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do or what has been the most rewarding experience you've had in your career?

Because I get to give needy people makeovers, the tears of absolute joy that someone has when they realize that they’re getting help makes every early morning, every blister, every day in the rain all worth while.

2.  Favourite time of day? 

I am a morning person.  I find I get the most done before everyone wakes up.

3.  Star Wars or Star Trek? 

I’m a Trekkie...and a Star Wars fan.  Next Gen vs. the Empire?  Why chose...I want both!

4.  What is one thing you would change about your industry or what you do? 

If I could, I would open the eyes of my fellow colleagues when it comes to using green materials.  We assume that landscaping is great for the environment.  Massive myth, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be better in the materials we chose to work with.

5.  What is your daily routine? If you don't have one, what is one thing you do everyday? 

My daily routine changes every single day.  I’m filming my series, doing commercials and radio spots, segments on talk shows...I don’t get the luxury of knowing what’s next.  The only thing that is guaranteed...I’m never bored and I ALWAYS read before I go to bed.

6.  If you weren't doing what you do, what else would you do?

If I wasn’t in landscaping or on TV, I’d be in law.  All of the ins and outs of creating an excellent argument fascinates me.

7.  Favourite Colour?

Favourite colour,  depends on my mood.  In my closet right now is a lot of black and blue.   Must be seasonal!

8.  Favourite board game? 

I’m a Scrabble fanatic.   I took a full size board on my last vacation so I could play on the beach. 

9.  Where do you see your industry or yourself in 10 years? 

In the next ten years, my industry is going to continue to grow (no pun intended). We constantly are purchasing homes that we can afford yet don’t really fit our lifestyles.  Sacrificing outdoor space continues to rise as a result.  The role of the landscaper with be all about maximizing what these smaller spaces can do for the lives we want to live.

10.  What do you feel is "trendy" right now and what do you feel will stand the test of time? 

Reclaimed and Reused is very trendy right now.  Not just because it’s green but also because the look of older materials is something very hard to fake.  Patina, Moss, Character will always be in fashion.