Mark Selles of Kannapolis, North Carolina, highlights why disciplined design, continuing education, and character-driven leadership matter in an industry shaped by trends.

KANNAPOLIS, NC / ACCESS Newswire / January 22, 2026 / Mark Selles, Executive Director and Senior Landscape Designer at DeSignia Inc., is raising awareness around the long-term importance of craftsmanship, continuing education, and character in the landscape design industry. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, Selles is advocating for a renewed focus on disciplined design and practical execution over short-term trends.

The landscape services industry employs millions of workers across the United States and continues to grow as residential and commercial development expands. Yet industry observers note that rapid growth and trend-driven demand can sometimes outpace training, certification, and long-term planning. Selles believes this gap creates both risk and opportunity.

"Often in my career, issues arose from lack of experience," Selles said. "Those issues created opportunity to learn and develop strategies for success the next time."

Selles' career has been shaped by learning through experience rather than shortcuts. Early challenges taught him the value of structure, preparation, and humility. Today, he submits himself to ongoing certification and recertification through professional landscape associations, which require continuing education, seminars, and personal study.

"I submit to the scrutiny of a certification process," he said. "That means continuing education and being willing to learn from others and from past mistakes."

According to industry data, professional certification and continuing education are linked to higher project quality, improved safety outcomes, and longer-lasting designs. Landscapes built with disciplined planning often reduce long-term maintenance issues and costly redesigns, benefiting both clients and communities.

Selles is also calling attention to the role of character in leadership. He believes technical skill alone is not enough to sustain a career or an industry.

"A hard work attitude. Quality over quantity. Paying attention to the details," Selles said. "That quality should be provided to everyone, regardless of their status."

In his published work on style and fashion in landscaping, Selles has written about the risks of trend-driven design. While fashions change, he argues that landscapes grounded in the architectural style of the home and practical use of space are more durable and timeless.

"Trends come and go," he noted. "But a well-designed landscape that blends style with practical use will always hold its value."

Beyond design, Selles emphasizes balance and accountability. He believes professional success cannot be separated from personal character.

"Character is character," he said. "My attitude, work ethic, happiness, and success will be defined by it."

As part of this awareness effort, Selles encourages professionals, students, and business leaders in the industry to reflect on their own standards. He urges individuals to seek out continuing education opportunities, remain open to learning, and evaluate whether their work prioritizes long-term function over short-term appeal.

For homeowners and clients, Selles suggests asking deeper questions about design philosophy, training, and how a project will age over time. "When I walk a completed site and the client is happy and the place looks amazing," he said, "that's when I know the project was successful."

To read the full interview, visit the website here.

About Mark Selles
Mark Selles is an award-winning landscape designer and serves as Executive Director and Senior Landscape Designer at DeSignia Inc. in Kannapolis, North Carolina. With a background rooted in hands-on experience, mechanical design, and continuing education, Selles is known for his disciplined approach to high-end landscape design and his commitment to craftsmanship, character, and lifelong learning.

Contact:

Info@DeSigniaLandscape.com

SOURCE: Mark Selles