Can you please give us a brief description about your background including your career, education and family?
My educational background includes a B.Sc. in Agricultural Sciences from the American University of Beirut as an M.Sc. in Soil Sciences from the same university. I have had extensive experience in the UAE as well as in Lebanon, where I founded the landscape company Agrintet s.a.r.l. that continues to grow and thrive to this day with several prestigious projects in Lebanon to its name.

Can you tell us about the history of Terraverde, its activities, divisions, workforce, and expertise?
TerraVerde was founded in 2004 with a mission to pioneer unforgettable solutions in landscape design. From our humble beginnings we have grown to over 250 employees, which form a team dedicated to creating the ideal garden for each and every one of our clients. Our business is centered on a wealth of experience in landscaping construction in the UAE and our collaboration on a wide variety of projects has led to extended relations with many of the region’s leading developers, architects, and engineers.

TerraVerde is a professional landscape contracting company specialized in creating original outdoor living spaces with innovative style and design. TerraVerde provides complete landscaping solutions including water features, irrigation, indoor plants, contemporary lightweight terrazzo pots, garden maintenance, and lighting solutions through exclusive brands, low maintenance CorrectDeck composite wood decking, and rustic African thatch gazebos for creating a tropical oasis in any space. From concept to completion, TerraVerde is the landscape solution.

What were your major achievements and projects in the past few years?
TerraVerde was recently awarded ‘Landscaping Contractor of the Year’ for the 2nd consecutive year 2008 and 2009 at the Facilities Management Awards, for the implementation of innovative ways in landscaping, including the conservation of natural resources. The judges were particularly impressed with our passion to “ensure a sustainable legacy for generations to come”, and our efforts to implement organic solutions wherever possible. We are especially pleased that our holistic, environmental approach is leading the way.

Can you take us through Terraverde’s new villa and showroom?
TerraVerde’s Show Villa was created to inspire clients as they take a tour of our grounds. As clients enter the gate they are often stunned to find such luscious surroundings for an office space, which instantly arouses an image of what their gardens can become. Two magnificent water features frame the entrance of the garden; one being a wall feature that incorporates the use of various plants and stones, and the other with our exotic pebble pot as the main feature. As the tour continues, clients will find a sunken majlis framed in travertine and limestone meanwhile up ahead the TerraVerde showroom features our various pots along with indoor plants. Next comes TerraVerde’s feature stone wall, an example to help clients in choosing the right material for their landscape design. Towards the back, clients will find a Balinese paradise featuring marble sinks, Chinese coins, and teak wood planters. To the right of the villa, comes the custom built-in barbeque situated next to our African thatch gazebos; a combination which creates the perfect atmosphere for outdoor parties and get-togethers. Keep in mind that all along the path clients will experience various outdoor plants, stones, finishes, and paving styles. The tour is not complete until clients come in to see our presentation providing magnificent images our pride and joy…TerraVerde executed projects.

The Landscape industry in the UAE has gone through major changes in the last couple of years; what are your views about the market and its potential especially after the economic crisis that had a major local and international impact?
Private owners are looking for ways to increase the usefulness of their space, and looking to add value to their homes by enhancing the exterior to generate increased market value, and to combat the current economic situation. We believe that a well designed garden is an investment that will continue to give back for years. We campaign for sustainable landscapes, with an appealing atmosphere, that is in harmony with the local climate, and requires minimal resource input. The most effective way of achieving a sustainable landscape starts with an appropriate design that is functional, cost efficient, aesthetically pleasing, environmentally friendly, and easy to maintain. We let our clients know that sustainability is not all or nothing; implementing sustainable methods is a giant step for advancing the way our generation preserves essential natural resources.

Who are your major clients?
Our main focus has been to serve the higher end community who demand high quality and have respect for great design. Our clients are mostly found in the private and residential fields as well as commercial; we also cater to developers who are looking for solutions for their exclusive projects. Our clients appreciate superior material choices and value proper assessment and procedure.

How do you motivate and maintain such a large work force?
Our large work force is motivated by the achievements of the company which are a reflection of the collective efforts of the entire TerraVerde team. TerraVerde is run by team spirit and a positive thinking environment which drives the company on the right track that leads to a successful future. Success is shared by everyone, and everyone has pride in the company’s achievements.

What do you think are the major challenges in the local market?
It is essential to make people aware that the ultimate garden is an investment in quality design, material, and execution. A great outdoor design will bring a positive change to the environment and allow residents to enjoy the greener spaces.