“My philosophy on design has always been Lebih gila, lebih biak , which in Indonesian means the more odd, the better,” says Bangkok-based architect and landscape architect Bill Bensley. Raised in Southern California and educated at Harvard, he oversees a 45-member firm that specializes in exotic luxury resorts. “We pride ourselves on our attention to every detail, from the architecture and gardens down to the napkin rings and signage.” Although Bensley worked as a landscape architect for 20 years before discovering his talent for architecture (he collaborated with such prominent architects as Norman Foster), he believes that distinctions between disciplines are largely immaterial.

“I consider myself a designer of environments. There are no boundaries. As a landscape architect I’ve been taught to protect the earth and environment, and as an architect I want to do the same.” Even in a resort as large as the new Four Seasons on Koh Samui, Bensley’s work reflects his eco-sensitivity. “I was presented with a site four years ago that had 856 very mature coconut palms and a brief to build 80 hotel villas,” he recalls. “Today, there are 856 palms on the site and 80 villas. Coconut palms penetrate the roofs, the decks, even the kitchens. It took 17 trips to the site, and I drove the client, the surveyor and the contractor mad, but it was worth it. The site is still as beautiful as when I first laid eyes on it.”

Bill Bensley

66-2-381-6305

www.bensleom