Kari bases her golf course design philosophy on the following four principles:

COMPELLING STRATEGY AND PLAYABILITY
Develop an enjoyable experience for golfers of all abilities.

MEMORABILITY
Design hazards, routings, and golf holes that are unforgettable.

WATER CONSERVATION AND LAND PRESERVATION
Protect and restore ecosystems for future sustainability.

BEAUTY
Enhance the unique character of a place without overpowering it.

Design Philosophy for the 21st Century
Having played competitively as well as for fun, Kari understands the challenges and charms that draw golfers of all abilities, and she believes the course design should be accessible and equally playable for all who play. As the “baby boomers” age, women’s golf grows, and clubs develop junior programs to keep their client base alive, there will be an increased need for thoughtful placement of forward and development tees. At the same time, there will continue to be a need for strategic play from the tips and Kari’s competitive play has prepared her to create exciting and compelling challenges for the low handicapper.

Hazards are the essence of the game and the elements that will call on the emotions of the golfer to create lasting memories. When the golfer steps up to the tee or approach shot, it is often the hazard that provides the adrenaline rush, the call to arms. Which club should you choose? Where should you place your shot? How much can you bite off? Will you conquer it? Hazards make the game interesting, challenging, fun, and memorable. Their placement, visibility, and aesthetics are essential to great golf course design.

Kari’s philosophy on beauty is based on writings by Ralph Waldo Emerson and founded in basic principles of fine art. Her study of sculpture, American landscape painters, landscape architecture, and design of Scottish links courses comes together to form a minimalist approach to golf course design and construction. She believes beauty exists inherently in nature and it is the architect’s job to reveal it, enhance it, or frame it; and a good routing and subtle hand on the land will make the difference.

Kari believes that water conservation and land preservation are crucial to a sustainable future for golf. Her landscape architecture education at the University of Minnesota provided Kari with a strong philosophical and technical foundation for sustainable design. Where possible, Kari will employ water quality and conservation design elements, which may include water filtration, harvesting or retention techniques, stream restoration or lakescaping. In addition, she will use her knowledge of ecology, soils, drainage, landform, and native flora and fauna to set aside preserves in out-of-play areas to reduce maintenance costs.