Raymond Jungles

Raymond Jungles, founding principal of Raymond Jungles, Inc. (RJI) landscape architectural firm, is one of the world’s foremost designers of international cultural and educational gardens. Mr. Jungles, Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects, founded his landscape architecture firm soon after graduating with honors from the University of Florida in 1981. While attending college, he was introduced to the work of Brazilian artist and landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, whose book Tropical Gardens of Roberto Burle Marx, opened his eyes to the poetry of landscape design. 

With that inspiration as his guidepost, Mr. Jungles says, "Our gardens are expressive of their region and the time in which they were created. We endeavor to provide as much supportive habitat on each project, as is appropriate, to put back some of what has been lost to the local and migratory fauna. The recurring comment, 'It looks like it has always been here,' is a direct result of our goal to strive for timelessness and beauty."

Mangrove Wetland Water Feature  Freshwater Wetland  In a phrase, RJI is devoted to bringing people closer to nature, creating space that is inspirational, advancing curiosity, knowledge and appreciation of the relationships between people, nature and art. The Preserve showcases this creative, ecologically-appropriate approach to landscape design. Among his other projects, Mr. Jungles has designed a number of Florida landmarks, including Key West Botanical Garden's Butterfly Garden, Naples Botanical Garden's Brazilian Garden, Brickell Flatiron Park, and Norton Museum of Art. Mr. Jungles lectures to garden societies and public and private institutions around the world. He has won noteworthy professional recognitions including being elected a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects, becoming one of the University of Florida's Most Distinguished Alumni and being honored as the Miami Chapter of the American Institute of Architects' Landscape Architect of the Year.