Know Indah Bulan

"Helping clients create spaces that to them are unimaginable, yet ultimately desirable is what Indah Bulan is all about! Vision and patience...."

Stephen Swafford was born in Jackson, Mississippi. Stephen is an eleventh generation American and member of SAR (Sons of the American Revolution). He is a classically trained Landscape Architect. After receiving a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree in 1987 from the accredited Mississippi State University, he was hired by Greiner, Vare and Partners, Inc. in Birmingham, Alabama. While working for this prestigious southern landscape architectural firm, he produced graphics and conceptual designs for Birmingham's Theater, Art, Civic and Financial Districts. In addition he tapped into his small town/southern roots to help redevelop southern downtown shopping areas, one of which won an ASLA award (American Society of Landscape Architects). He moved to Los Angeles in 1990 to work with Elliott, Maloney Landscape Architects. With this firm, he also produced graphics and conceptual design for sports fields, tract developments, and an award winning park for handicapped children in Fresno. Although grateful to be in Los Angeles, it was difficult for him to resolve obvious environmental issues around tract development thus, in 1992 he created "Land Art" his own practice to focus on responsible and environmentally sensitive residential design, which has allowed him to flourish. "In residential design, I can actually see to all the details that make gardens special places, and I love that---it makes me thrive!"

In the year 2000 he partnered with Michael Rodriguez a third generation Los Angelino. Together they created and launched Indah Bulan. Although Michael has a degree in Social Services, he has always been a great fan of architecture, design, photography, art and the modernist movement. His aesthetics, modern vision and business skills are appreciated by all who meet him. Michael, a prolific photographer, enjoys seeing the art of each project through his lens. The photography of IndahBulan.com is his thoughtful eye. He also frequently channels his Aztec roots to produce gorgeous masonry details which always draw kudos from clients who are fortunate to have his talents put to use in their gardens! "He is just so talented--he inspires me in ways I never even considered!" says, Stephen of his partner.

Their interior projects are now just as important as the gardens they design and build. Stephen's love of interior spaces and their decoration started while working for an Interior Designer, Jeanne Wakeman Interiors, Inc., while in college. He says, "I always had this concept of designing both spaces (interior and exterior) to create perfect harmony. It is marvelous that I now have the opportunity to do both as one!" The design duo understands how people move in and through a space and how to make that work in a stylish fashion. In addition to his landscape architecture in Birmingham, Stephen also worked as the resident interior designer for the prestigious Oxford Galleries in Birmingham. "I was so busy (and young) in Birmingham... I would work four days at Oxford and three days at Greiner, Vare... and loved every minute of it! Luckily both firms were flexible with me, so when I needed an extra day with the other, I had that freedom."

The Indah Bulan partners have a revolutionary albeit simple design process. "Over the years of designing for busy people, we have learned that the design process and the installation process both must be organically flexible. For what ever reason, we (or our clients) are inspired to go even further which has evolved into a basic plan, but with openness to continue to create as inspiration leads." Indah Bulan strives to exceed expectations; often by pulling ideas and inspirations from clients which they had not seen within themselves. Michael adds..."Lovingly pushing their creative envelope.. Living outside the box is what IB is about!" The design duo is committed to remaining in budget, unless we all agree the inspiration is worth it. Whether the project is a large estate plan or a small backyard garden, this organic philosophy works and works well for our clients because they feel a tremendous sense of pride through this collaboration.

Indah Bulan's design sensibility embraces the styles they encounter from other areas of the States, Canada, Europe and especially South East Asia. "Each project is different for us, and that is what we look for in clients---people who love style, but also something that is uniquely created for them. It does take a special person to boldly go where no one else in your neighborhood is going.... especially if everyone in the neighborhood has the same amount of grass, and a bunch of overgrown plants in the front!" Their design process is based on classic principles and is always in good taste. "Another issue we face is that lots of people want a garden that looks like it has been in place for years and years. If you want a low maintenance garden, this is not possible. Most landscapers, who are not classically trained, plant with no concern of how gardens, if over-planted, will look in three years. (These standardized unthoughtful gardens are easily recognized.... they all look alike, too!) The first year it may or may not look wonderful, perhaps the second year, too... but the third year it is an overgrown jungle. (The first year your garden sleeps, the second it creeps, the third it leaps!). This is a great catch phrase to remember when considering just putting some plants in the ground. What will the plants do as they mature? Even if you plan to be there only a few years, it is just not fair to the new property owners to have to deal with the mess that should have been avoided by hiring a professional who knows what is going on. Real Estate is your most valuable asset (besides your health and family). By asking a trained professional to help you plan a garden, your garden becomes an asset that buyers will easily envision themselves enjoying, instead of... oh my, ...the garden needs LOTS of work, and possibly pass up your otherwise great home! "I'd say half of our clients need us to do corrective landscape architecture---taking care of the mess some designer created to look beautiful without consideration of what a jungle they are really creating." Indah Bulan encourages the proper plant for the proper area. Stephen adds, "if you think a plant is pretty at the nursery, ask the nursery sales staff how large does this plant grow in 3, 5, 20 years and imagine what that plant is going to look like mature and give it room to grow!" Pruning takes lots of time and money. "Do it right the first time!"

"Spiritually Infused Design is our mantra. Our love of peace and harmony both in our personal lives, and also within the environment is at the heart of what we do... and it is with that vision that we infuse our creativity with spirit to produce something meaningful for our clients." Stephen and Michael both are sensitive to their clients unique lifestyle and produce results that help them find their own peace and harmony. "It's not about just buying a new sofa or sodding a new lawn---it's about creating intimate spaces to enjoy."

Lastly, the Indah Bulan design duo is committed to water conservation and regionally appropriate designs. "The East Coast is the East Coast and the West Coast is the West Coast; and Southern California is a desert, so there is a proper place for everything!" Michael says. "Why one hires a professional is to help them with something important. We take that to heart. Not only are we working for our clients, but we are working for the environment by using native plant materials, local artists, and appropriate design features."