--- title: "McDugald-Steele — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/mcdugald-steele-pfvwus-pf~1040281168 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1040281168.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: McDugald-Steele category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/a903c5630d326a23_7798-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "811 E. Crosstimbers, Houston, Texas 77022, United States" latitude: 29.8299 longitude: -95.3769 phone: "(713) 868-8060" website: http://www.mcdugaldsteele.com/sitemap.html rating: 5 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 11 followers: 490 last_updated: 2026-09-24 --- # McDugald-Steele Original Houzz profile: [McDugald-Steele](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/mcdugald-steele-pfvwus-pf~1040281168) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Houston, TX - **Serves:** Houston, Bellaire, West University Place, River Oaks, Hunters Creek Village, Bunker Hill Village, Piney Point Village, Southside Place, Memorial, Stablewood, Tanglewood, Uptown - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2012–2023), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves McDugald Steele is Houston’s premier landscape architecture firm specializing in luxury landscape design, construction and garden management services. The firm’s success is built through a full team of licensed landscape architects and contractors that provide a full range of services to ensure your landscape is extraordinary and sustainable. Since its inception in 1975, McDugald Steele has received numerous awards and accolades including the John Staub Award which establishes McDugald Steele as the superlative choice for your landscape and garden oasis needs. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - Gazebo Design & Construction - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - Project Management - Drafting - Pond Construction - Organic Gardens - Edible Gardens - Living Walls - Greenhouse Design & Construction - Dog Run Construction - Artificial Living Walls - Rooftop Deck Installation - Green Roofing - Landscape Supplies ### Areas Served - Houston - Bellaire - West University Place - River Oaks - Hunters Creek Village - Bunker Hill Village - Piney Point Village - Southside Place - Memorial - Stablewood - Tanglewood - Uptown ### Typical Job Cost $15,000 - 2 million All our gardens are unique therefore design, build projects cost varies with each landscape. Gardens requiring planting only would be in the lower range of this scale. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | McDugald-Steele | | Address | 811 E. Crosstimbers, Houston, Texas 77022, United States | | Phone | (713) 868-8060 | | Website | http://www.mcdugaldsteele.com/sitemap.html | | Followers on Houzz | 490 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [McDugald-Steele](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/mcdugald-steele-pfvwus-pf~1040281168) - **Website:** http://www.mcdugaldsteele.com/sitemap.html - **Phone:** (713) 868-8060 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - •2015 NALP Grand and Judges Award Winner - •2015 Institute of Classical Architecture, John Staub Award - •2016 TNLA Garden of Excellence, Gold Award - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2012–2023), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Landscape Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014062207) - [National Association of Landscape Professionals](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-landscape-professionals-pfvwus-pf~1351514719) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — Vicki Kanaly, Dec. 2016** > After interviewing other professionals in this field, I decided to go with McDugald-Steele. David Samuelson listened to all of my concerns and focused on what I exactly wanted to accomplish with the new landscaping. He then prepared a plan and later presented it for review. We tweeked it a bit and came up with a great plan. He sent an excellent foreman in charge of installation. All of the men were curteous, professional, and took great pride in their work. > I highly recommend this company for professionalism and value. **Comment from McDugald-Steele:** > Thank you Vicki, we strive to provide the best service, and it means a lot to everyone at McDugald Steele that you took the time to write such a positive note about our crew. **★★★★★ — joycetucker2000, Oct. 2016** > MS was excellent to work with for the design of my high rise terrace. David Himel was patient, thoroughly researched planter products to work with my budget and tastes. I have been very happy even and especially now that the project is 98% complete. In 1993 they designed and installed the landscaping for our other penthouse terrace. It is still magnificent. They are an excellent firm. **Comment from McDugald-Steele:** > It was a pleasure for our team to work with you and create a solution that exceeded your expectations. The garden enhancements will provide a backdrop to many family functions while framing the great views from your terrace. **★★★★★ — ashleyputman, Oct. 2016** > We had a great experience with McDugald-Steele. Their entire team was courteous, professional and knowledgable. Great customer service, quick turn-around time and beautiful work. Highly recommend. **Comment from McDugald-Steele:** > Thank you so much Ashley! I know that everyone here really enjoyed working with you during the project. **★★★★★ — tyoung86, Sept. 2016** > McDugald-Steele is one of the finest organizations we have ever had the pleasure to work with. Everything they do is world-class. The projects are handled professionally and perfectly. The maintenance is clean, safe, trusted and the results amazing. We have been working with them for over 12 years through three major installations and weekly maintenance. They handle everything and make life so pleasant for the rest of us. PLEASE do yourself the favor of working with them - guaranteed you will never regret the choice. **Comment from McDugald-Steele:** > We are overjoyed by your wonderful comments! Our teams certainly work towards such high praise. It's a pleasure to work with you and take care of your garden. Thank you! **★★★★★ — HU-8664423, Aug. 2016** > McDougald Steele is quick to respond and provide excellent customer service! Their follow up and follow through from routine service to large renovations far surpasses any other companies we've worked with. They also have a large network of subcontractors with the same dedication to superior work. **Comment from McDugald-Steele:** > Thank you so much for the kind words. We certainly do our best to choose our subcontractors wisely, so it's good to hear that you appreciate them. **★★★★★ — HU-681220, July 2016** > David Samuelson has an unusual creativity in landscaping.. He listened to our desires and hopes of a "look" for our gardens. My property and yards were beautiful at installation four years ago and today it still looks extraordinary and perfectly sized to the space and house. He created gardens that have something blooming at every season of the year, have an out of the ordinary look and is perfectly suited to Houston weather and soil. I would trust his judgment and expert eye on any future project we undertake. **Comment from McDugald-Steele:** > Thank you so much, it's really nice to hear that you're still enjoying your beautiful garden. It would be a pleasure to work with you again on a future project. **★★★★★ — Jackie Spell, July 2016** > First time in a very very long time I smiled during a rain storm. From initial consultation (back yard drainage issues) thru French drain installation and the first rain storm, the process could not had gone better if I had scripted it myself. Reputation intact, expectations surpassed, my confidence in the next rain storm, let's just say...I'll be smiling. **Comment from McDugald-Steele:** > Thanks for the kind words. We are happy that our efforts have enabled you to have stress free rain events. **★★★★★ — HU-578986, June 2016** > Our experience with McDugald Steele was excellent. They are very professional and dependable. They have the best design architects and ideas. They provide you with detailed plans after visiting with you about your ideas and vision for your project. After completing and agreeing upon the final design they implement the entire plan from the smallest to largest of detail. We have been very pleased with their work on two separate occasions. They also do our weekly maintenance to our beautiful yard. **Comment from McDugald-Steele:** > It was such a pleasure designing and creating your garden with you. We really appreciate your very kind review and look forward to managing your garden for many years to come. **★★★★★ — jrmacbeth, May 2016** > If you are looking for a Landscape Architect who has vision outside the box look no further. David Himel of McDugald Steele was a perfect fit for us. His professionalism, creativity and commitment exceeded our expectations. > We purchased a mid century home several years ago and after a major renovation there was one phase left and that was to create a landscape that would complement the interior of our home. After talking with firms we knew right away David had the expertise we were looking for in generating a comfortable, stream lined, modern look to accentuate our home. > A few of the highlights David designed was a beautiful contemporary pool, unique pool equipment area, colored concrete slabs that enhanced the zoysia grass and planting material, and a cantilever kitchen that made the back yard complete. David Himel's design was even published in a high-end modern luxury magazine. > A Warm and inviting landscape allows us to enjoy and entertain with our family and friends. Our front and backyard are an extension of the interior of our home. > When dealing with McDugald Steele you are receiving a look that exceeds your expectations. Thank you David Himel for a job well done. **Comment from McDugald-Steele:** > We certainly appreciated working with you and bringing the vision to life. **★★★★★ — Michael Anderson, April 2016** > My wife and I have been using McDugald-Steele services since 2007. First, for a major landscape architectural project, where we re-did/upgraded our landscape and hardscape (atrium, back yard, driveway, had a fountain built in the atrium). We wanted to let others know what a wonderful job they did on the landscape architectural project. Their outstanding expertise & professionalism (for example, they used the plans of our house to design beautiful planting & views from all of our house’s observation points), persistence and attention to details (they won’t stop until they get the job “done right”) makes them in our opinion truly the “best in this business”. > > We have also been using McDugald-Steele during this period to manage our landscape. We are extremely pleased with the state of our property and the good care that they are taking. The flowers, grass, bushes, vines and trees are in great shape and very healthy. The appearance is very professional and pleasing. We take great pleasure in sitting outside to enjoy the spring. Excellent care and service have been shown by Shane Wilbur, Santos Guzman and their team, who are the McDugald-Steele employees managing our landscape. They have taken personal interest in the work and plantings at our house and have offered good suggestions to us in keeping the property in top condition. > > We highly recommend McDugald-Steele to others for architectural landscape projects and landscape services. **Comment from McDugald-Steele:** > Michael, It is great for us to be involved in projects such as your that are rewarding to both parties. Thank you for reaching out. ## Selected projects - [Bayou Peninsula](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bayou-peninsula-pj-vj~1571188) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 11 - [Staub Renaissance Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/staub-renaissance-garden-pj-vj~1609587) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 10 - Description: ICAA John Staub Award Winner - 2015 Landscape Architecture Category 2016 GRAND AWARD - National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) - [Linear Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/linear-landscape-pj-vj~1141038) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 4 - Description: This project fronts a lake that provides a tranquil backdrop to the glass structure of the residence. Our design capitalized on the interior viewpoints and attempted to keep those views unobstructed. Replacing the previous kidney shaped swimming pool with a relocated rectangular pool that responds to the architecture was result of the attempt to open the lake views. Creating an outdoor kitchen and dining space opposite of the pool area allowed us to meet this objective as well and pushed the gat… - [Southern Splendor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/southern-splendor-pj-vj~1672712) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 7 - [Louisiana Influenced Pool Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/louisiana-influenced-pool-garden-pj-vj~1803892) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 3 - Description: Residential Side Garden that focuses on swimming and a covered terrace to extend the interior living space outward. - [Modern Hill Country Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-hill-country-garden-pj-vj~965638) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Bayou Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bayou-residence-pj-vj~446131) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 34 - Description: The Bayou Residence is a renovation to a significant architectural work originally completed by Frank Welch in 1975. The house was purchased from the original owner by a young couple, looking to open up the floor plan and accomodate their social lifestyle. The renovation left in place the original 8000 square foot foundation, most of the exterior frame and little else. Much of the interior was re-arranged to accommodate an open floor plan and propose new layers of order. Limestone walls were int… - [Hemi Hideout](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hemi-hideout-pj-vj~1043549) - Location: Brookshire, TX - Photos: 10 - Description: The Hemi Hideout is a direct reflection of a lifelong dream fulfilled by owner John Hovas. It all started at age 16, with his love for the Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars of the 1960's and early 70's. Today, the venue is filled with 24 of the most desirable Mopars on earth, Icons from an era of Rock'n'Roll. Over 600 vintage porcelain and neon signs, all from days gone by, that date back as far as the early 1900's. Also featured in the venue, are many various pieces of memorabilia, antique tractor… - [Houston Estate - Casual](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/houston-estate-casual-pj-vj~463206) - Location: Hunters Creek Village, TX - Photos: 5 - [Houston Estate - Rustic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/houston-estate-rustic-pj-vj~463203) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 5 - [English Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/english-retreat-pj-vj~17962) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 6 - [Houston Southern Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/houston-southern-estate-pj-vj~10661) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 10 - [Houston Simplicity](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/houston-simplicity-pj-vj~13830) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 4 - [Austin Waterfront](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/austin-waterfront-pj-vj~56458) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 4 - [Garden District Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-district-estate-pj-vj~10660) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Austin Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/austin-residence-pj-vj~10727) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 4 - [Concept Design Work Examples](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/concept-design-work-examples-pj-vj~2150609) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 [See all 17 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/mcdugald-steele-pfvwus-pf~1040281168) ## Ideabooks - [Swimming Pool](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/62599062/list/swimming-pool) — 45 ideas - [Motorcourts](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/62974860/list/motorcourts) — 5 ideas - [Paving Details](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63246742/list/paving-details) — 4 ideas - [gates](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64969027/list/gates) — 12 ideas - [Fire Feature - Firepits and Outdoor Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/62599223/list/fire-feature-firepits-and-outdoor-fireplaces) — 5 ideas - [Covered Structures](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/62975030/list/covered-structures) — 5 ideas - [Fencing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63246869/list/fencing) — 5 ideas - [Spa Water Feature](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/62599153/list/spa-water-feature) — 23 ideas - [Outdoor Cookcenter](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50769343/list/outdoor-cookcenter) — 16 ideas - [pads](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1428846/list/pads) — 15 ideas - [Shade structures](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2267728/list/shade-structures) — 6 ideas [See all 11 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mcdugaldsteele) ## Community Q&A **Q: Where did you get the concrete vases?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where did you get the concrete vases? A: These were antiques sourced by the owner so i am unable to offer you a specific source. **Q: Skimmer cover** *(in Photo Questions)* Where did you source a bluestone skimmer cover? Thanks. A: Our stone skimmer covers are usually fabricated by our stone mason from 2" thick stone and sized to fit the pattern. These particular covers are custom and include a brick banding detail on the cover so that the pattern surrounding the pool is not interrupted. **Q: How did you make your magnolias look like a hedge? are roots invasive** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Judy, they are maintained in this fashion with pruning. The roots are shallow and a root barrier would be recommended if planting close to a paving surface. **Q: Bougainvillea** *(in Photo Questions)* How do you train a bougainvillea up a post or wall? A: Without viewing your particular situation, it is highly likely that a reduction in the number of canes would be desirable. It can often produce multiple shrub like branches that when removed will focus energy on the growth where its desired(at the ends of the canes to increase its height). Watch for pesky thorns. **Q: Pool interior** *(in Photo Questions)* Is the whole pool interior tiled instead of plastered? A: Yes, the pool and spa was entirely tiled. **Q: Beautiful containers gardens! What is the plant with the red flowers?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: These are Dragon Wing Begonias --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-24.*