James Rose was an iconic Modernist landscape architect. His writings are considered primary texts within the canon of landscape architecture theory. Rose argued for integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as adaptation of a design over time. During the 1960s, Rose was invited to Japan, fell in love with traditional Japanese design, converted to Zen Buddhism, and continued to visit Japan frequently until his death. Rose’s interest in Japan informed his designs thereafter, especially the design of his iconic Modernist residence in Ridgewood, New Jersey. However, his residence also changed due to the death of his mother, a leaking roof, and more. So, can the residence still be considered a Modernist design, despite these changes? Rose’s Ridgewood residence continues to be a Modernist design because his Modernist philosophies of integration and adaptation continued to shape his evolving design forms, enriched by his Zen spiritual beliefs.