Influential Woman · Horticulture and landscape design
Bernice Fielding
Founder and Owner, Mala Designs
Kihei, HI 96753
Her Story
About Bernice
Bernice Fielding is a Managing Director of Māla Designs and a highly experienced horticulturist, landscape designer, and project management professional based in Hawaiʻi. Born in Singapore and raised internationally, she brings a global perspective to her work, combining creativity, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of environmental sustainability. With over 30 years of experience, Bernice has built a career centered on designing meaningful, functional, and ecologically responsible landscapes.
Her professional journey spans estate garden management, botanical garden leadership, and large-scale residential and commercial landscape design across Hawaiʻi and beyond. She has held senior roles with leading organizations, including WATG and Sperber Landscape Companies, where she led design, horticulture, operations, and business development initiatives across multiple regions. Her award-winning work has been featured in publications, books, and media outlets including HGTV, reflecting her reputation for excellence in sustainable and innovative landscape design.
In addition to her design practice, Bernice is a consultant, educator, and leader in sustainability-focused landscaping. Through Māla Designs, she is committed to bridging the gap between environmental stewardship and aesthetic design, creating spaces that enhance wellbeing while respecting natural ecosystems. Passionate about mentorship and collaboration, she continues to inspire others in the industry while advancing biophilic and therapeutic landscape solutions throughout Hawaiʻi and beyond.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Bernice
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to mentoring others and helping them grow into their potential. While I have been honored to receive awards for landscape design and sustainable projects, I consider my greatest accomplishment to be the success of the people I have had the opportunity to guide and support throughout my career.
One experience that stands out is mentoring a woman transitioning from the fashion industry into landscaping, who went on to become the top salesperson in the company, generating approximately $5.6 million in sales in a single year. Moments like this reflect the impact of investing in others and building confidence through mentorship.
I also find deep fulfillment in designing therapeutic gardens and sustainable landscapes that create meaningful, lasting impact for individuals and communities. Seeing my work come to life while helping others succeed remains the most rewarding part of my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is the importance of learning from experienced professionals throughout my career. I’ve found that observing successful leaders, staying open to feedback, and continuously improving have all played a key role in my professional growth.
While I didn’t have one specific mentor, I learned valuable lessons from many people along the way. Those experiences shaped how I lead, work, and approach challenges in my field.
Today, I take great pride in serving as a mentor myself, supporting women and young professionals as they grow and succeed in the landscape industry.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Watch and learn before trying to prove yourself. Sit back, watch, and learn. Prove yourself through your actions versus through your words.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Helping redefine what exceptional leadership looks like in traditionally male-dominated industries and building a track record of operational excellence in an industry where women remain underrepresented.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are integrity, environmental stewardship, mentorship, collaboration, service, and lifelong learning. I believe strong leadership means helping others grow while also protecting and respecting the natural environment for future generations. In both my professional and personal life, I strive to build meaningful relationships and create sustainable, impactful work.
Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, and spending time outdoors appreciating Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty. I also love spending time with my two rescued dogs and remain deeply passionate about conservation and environmental sustainability.
My work in therapeutic garden design reflects my belief that thoughtfully created outdoor spaces can support healing, enhance well-being, and improve overall quality of life.
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