Nicolas Fouquet and the Vaux-le-Vicomte
The history of collaborative landscape design can trace its formative roots to 1641 when the wealthy Frenchman Nicolas Fouquet purchased an obscure chateau known as the Vaux-le-Vicomte. While surveying the grounds, he had a grand vision of transforming his humble estate into a magnificent piece of botanical and sculptural art.

He knew he couldn’t do it alone

Inspired by love of art and country, Fouquet commissioned the finest artists and craftsmen of the day, individuals who typically worked in a solitary fashion and not as a unified force. Fouquet brought together landscape architect Andre Le Notre, architect Louis Le Vau and the decorator and artist, Charles Le Brun. In a precedent display of camaraderie, Fouquet and his designers worked 20 years to create a lavish and enchanting estate that, once completed, showcased a glorious castle and astounding gardens that stretched for almost a mile and a half.

To celebrate the completion of the Vaux-le-Comte, Fouquet ordered an extravagant ball in honour of King Louis XIV. So enthralled were the guests by the beauty of the castle, gardens and festivities that even the King was jealous of its magnificence.

To this day, the Vaux-le-Vicomte is considered one of the most breathtakingly brilliant gardens in the world. Its lasting influence can be attributed to the vision and esprit de corps shared by Fouquet and his team of designers who set the standards for collaborative work between experts in their fields.

Lenkin Design Inc
In the cooperative spirit of Nicolas Fouquet, Los Angeles landscape architect Heather Lenkin and Lenkin Design carries on the tradition of inspiration and collaboration with experts, working as a team to connect every project to the rich heritage of architectural, landscape architectural and interior design. With an exceptional blend of talent, education and deep reverence for history and art, our team creates magnificent Los Angeles garden designs, as well as Santa Barbara and Orange County landscaping projects that, just as the French gardens and the grand fete at the Vaux-le-Vicomte, inspire all who experience them.