Mark Selles is an award-winning landscape architect and Executive Director and Senior Landscape Designer at DeSignia Inc in Kannapolis, North Carolina. He has built his career on discipline, craftsmanship and stable leadership in an industry often driven by trends.
From a young age, Selles was interested in gardening, camping, fishing and building mechanical devices. He enjoyed working with his hands and understanding how things worked. This early interest in both nature and technology shaped his professional career. Today he combines practical design with creative vision.
Selles believes that strong landscape design must reflect the architecture of a home and support the way people use the space. He has written about the difference between style and fashion in landscaping, arguing that trends fade but disciplined design endures. His approach focuses on quality over quantity and meticulous attention to detail.
Much of his growth came from his experience. Early professional challenges became learning moments. He continues to undergo certification processes and ongoing training. He values ​​humility and believes that arrogance is an obstacle to progress.
In addition to design, Selles is also an inventor. He holds a patent for a lawnmower blade sharpener that sharpens three blades simultaneously, reflecting his practical engineering mindset.
For Selles, leadership is rooted in character. Faith, responsibility and teamwork guide his decisions. He measures success simply: a finished landscape that works well, looks good and makes the customer truly happy.
In conversation with Mark Selles: Discipline, design and leadership
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. What first got you into landscape design?
I have always loved nature. As a child, I enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing, and spending time at the beach. I also liked building mechanical things. I was curious about how things work. Landscape design seemed a natural blend of these interests. This allowed me to work outside and think structurally and creatively at the same time.
Q: How did these early interests shape your career?
They gave me a practical way of thinking. I don’t see landscaping as decoration. I see it as structure, movement and function. A landscape needs to reflect the style of the home but also work in real life. Walkways, elevations, plant placement – ​​everything has a purpose.
Q: You have written about style and fashion in landscaping. What’s the difference?
Fashion changes. 25 years ago everyone wanted Bradford pear trees. Then Knock-out Roses became popular. Trends come and go. The style should be linked to the architecture of the house. If you design with discipline and follow a clear strategy, the result can outlast fashion.
Q: Were there any significant challenges early in your career?
Surely. Often problems were due to a lack of experience. These moments forced me to learn. I developed better forms, stronger design strategies and clearer processes. Failure was a motivator for me. It pushes you to improve.
Q: How would you describe your leadership style at DeSignia Inc.?
Quality over quantity. Attention to detail. I believe in offering everyone the same level of work, regardless of their status. I also rely on my team. When challenges arise, we discuss the customer’s needs and local conditions together.
Q: You are also a patent holder. How did this come about?
I enjoy mechanical engineering and prototyping. I developed a lawnmower blade sharpener that sharpens three blades at the same time. It reflects how I think. I strive for efficiency and improvement of systems, be it equipment or design.
Q: How do you stay current in the industry?
I submit to certification processes that require recertification and further training. This means seminars and self-study. One of the biggest risks in any field is arrogance. You must remain open to learning.
Q: What role does character play in your work?
Character defines everything. Work and private life influence each other. If your character is weak, your work will reflect that. For me, faith is fundamental. It shapes my work ethic and the way I interact with people.
Q: How do you measure success?
If I visit a completed website and the customer is happy and the space looks good, then that’s a success. The design must function well and age well. Landscaping is living art. It grows and develops.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?
Remain teachable. Work hard. Pay attention to details. Don’t follow trends without understanding the structure. Develop discipline. Over time, this foundation will speak for itself.
