At Lucido & Associates, we believe that great design begins with people. The individuals who inspire our work—whether artists, architects, community leaders, or even entire populations—are at the heart of what we do. From our team members to the communities we serve, people are the foundation of our PLACE philosophy.

For this blog post, we asked four of our talented team members to share the inspirations that drive their work, the moments that have shaped their careers, and the goals they hope to achieve through their designs. These stories provide a glimpse into the passion and purpose behind Lucido & Associates.

Matthew Yates – Designing Spaces That Evoke Emotions

Title: Director of Landscape Architecture
Tenure: 22 years

For Matt, inspiration often comes from an unexpected source: doubt. “Those who doubt me are my greatest inspiration,” he shares. “Whenever I’ve encountered skepticism, I’ve used it as motivation to achieve my goals.” This determination has shaped his career and helped him embrace challenges as opportunities to prove what’s possible.

Professionally, Matt is deeply influenced by the principles of Modernist design. The ideas of functionalism—”form follows function”—and simplicity guide his philosophy, particularly in blending indoor and outdoor spaces to create seamless, harmonious designs.

Matt recalls a pivotal moment early in his career at the grand opening of the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA. “The plaza we designed was at full capacity,” he says. “It was filled with veterans, civilians, and active-duty service members, all connecting with the space and each other. The design was successful because it evoked pride, emotion, and interaction.”

For Matt, a great space is practical and usable but also sparks emotion and harmony. “An effective space draws people in, encourages interaction, and keeps them engaged,” he explains. It’s a philosophy that has shaped his two decades at Lucido & Associates, and one that continues to inspire his work today.

Liz Diaz – Inspired by Nature, Designing for Community

Title: Project Designer
Tenure: 2 years

For Liz, inspiration comes from a force greater than any designer: Mother Nature. “In our industry, we often fight against her to build neighborhoods and commercial sites,” she says. “But I want to design with her in mind, using native plants that blend seamlessly with existing vegetation to create designs that will last for decades.”

One of Liz’s most meaningful projects has been the landscaping for Wylder, Glynlea Neighborhood, which she describes as a turning point in her career. “It was one of the first projects I worked on after joining Lucido & Associates,” she shares. “It helped me fine-tune my CAD skills, learn new design techniques, and form strong relationships with our team, clients, and co-consultants.”

What sets Liz apart is her desire to create spaces that encourage people to spend more time outdoors. “We spend so much of our time indoors,” she explains. “I hope my designs invite people to step outside and appreciate their surroundings. I also want to design neighborhoods that feel like true communities—not cookie-cutter developments.”

Derrick E. Phillips Jr. – Balancing Market Demands with Creativity

Title: Project Manager
Tenure: 2.4 years

Derrick Phillips finds his inspiration in the dynamic interplay between his peers and the market. “Being able to adapt to client needs and market trends is crucial to creating beautiful, sustainable environments,” he says. This adaptability is a cornerstone of his work at Lucido & Associates.

Derrick’s professional inspirations include trailblazers like Roy Donahue Peebles and Frank Lloyd Wright, whose contributions to architecture and design continue to influence his perspective.

A key part of Derrick’s role has been creating and amending Master Planned Unit Developments (PUDs). “These projects require a balance of beauty, functionality, and sustainability,” he explains. Derrick takes pride in designing spaces that are not only visually appealing but also practical and responsive to community needs.

“I hope our designs create safe, enjoyable, and luxurious experiences without sacrificing the basic needs of a community,” he says. For Derrick, the ideal design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about enhancing the quality of life for everyone who interacts with the space.

Morris A. Crady – A Legacy of Giving Back

Title: Senior Partner
Tenure: 35 years

For Morris Crady, inspiration comes from the impact of giving back. He finds motivation in the work of non-profit organizations like Save the Chimps, Habitat for Humanity, and Florida Oceanographic Society. “These organizations inspire me with their dedication to bettering the world,” he says.

Morris has brought this passion for community impact to several meaningful projects, including the Save the Chimps sanctuary and the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Science Center.

The Save the Chimps sanctuary, completed in 1998, provided a safe, nurturing environment for chimpanzees. Meanwhile, the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Science Center, designed in 2000, became a hub for education and conservation, connecting people to the beauty and importance of marine ecosystems.

Morris believes in creating spaces that foster a connection to nature. “I hope our designs help people appreciate the natural world and its beauty,” he says. For Morris, landscape architecture is about more than design—it’s about leaving a legacy that benefits both people and the environment.

Shared Inspirations and Common Goals

Although their experiences and inspirations vary, the team members at Lucido & Associates share a common commitment to creating spaces that matter. Whether drawing inspiration from nature, mentors, or the communities they serve, they all strive to design environments that balance beauty, functionality, and connection.

Key themes emerge in their stories:

• Respect for Nature: From Liz’s focus on native plants to Morris’s conservation-driven projects, the natural world plays a central role in their designs.
• Connection to Community: Matt, Derrick, and Liz all emphasize the importance of fostering connection—between people, spaces, and the environment.
• A Commitment to Longevity: Every design reflects a desire to create spaces that not only meet today’s needs but endure for generations.

Celebrating People in PLACE

At Lucido & Associates, we know that great design begins with people: the team members who bring their creativity and passion to every project, the clients who trust us with their vision, and the communities we serve.

As we continue to embrace the People pillar of our PLACE philosophy, we’re reminded of the incredible individuals and inspirations that shape our work. Whether it’s a veteran attending a memorial plaza, a family exploring a community park, or a student learning about marine life, our designs are ultimately about creating spaces that resonate with the people who use them.

Who Inspires You?

We’d love to hear about the people and places that inspire you! Share your thoughts with us on social media or drop us a line. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on more stories and projects from Lucido & Associates. Together, we’re building connections that last a lifetime.