--- title: "Lorax Design Group — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/lorax-design-group-pfvwus-pf~1350587583 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1350587583.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Lorax Design Group" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/f98367b4022c6c49_2883-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "8021 Santa Fe Dr #200, Overland Park, Kansas 66204, United States" latitude: 38.9921 longitude: -94.6771 phone: "(913) 972-7244" website: http://www.loraxdesigngroup.com rating: 5 review_count: 22 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 161 last_updated: 2026-08-15 --- # Lorax Design Group Original Houzz profile: [Lorax Design Group](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/lorax-design-group-pfvwus-pf~1350587583) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Overland Park, KS - **Serves:** Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, Shawnee, Lenexa, Leawood, Prairie Village, Merriam, Mission, Fairway, Mission Hills, Westwood, Lake Quivira, Westwood Hills, Mission Woods, North Kansas City, Shawnee Mission - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (22 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves We are a Landscape Architecture & Planning firm located in downtown Overland Park that designs outdoor spaces for both private residences and commercial developments. We are involved at every step of the process, from planning and graphic visualization through construction management and the project's completion. In addition to standard industry software, we also utilize 3D printing to bring clarity to the design process. For more than 21 years, Kurt Kraisinger has provided design and consulting services for various planning and landscape architecture projects throughout the United States. In June of 2009, he left as a managing partner of MKEC Engineering Consultant in Kansas City to open the doors of LORAX Design Group. This opportunity allows him to continue doing what he does best – using his passion for design to turn outdoor spaces into meaningful and memorable places that invite people to fully engage in their surroundings and make a positive impact on the environment. Kurt has an extensive background in the industry where his professional focus has included private residences, large master-planned residential communities, corporate office campuses, commercial retail centers, entertainment districts and mixed-use development projects. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Pool Landscaping - Custom Fire Pits - Swimming Pool Design - Custom Water Features - Gazebo Design & Construction - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Drafting - Greenhouse Design & Construction ### Areas Served - Overland Park - Kansas City - Olathe - Shawnee - Lenexa - Leawood - Prairie Village - Merriam - Mission - Fairway - Mission Hills - Westwood - Lake Quivira - Westwood Hills - Mission Woods - North Kansas City - Shawnee Mission ### Typical Job Cost $25,000 - 2 million $150 for initial 1 hour on-site consultation ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Lorax Design Group | | Address | 8021 Santa Fe Dr \#200, Overland Park, Kansas 66204, United States | | Phone | (913) 972-7244 | | Website | http://www.loraxdesigngroup.com | | License Number | Kansas: \# 629 | | Followers on Houzz | 161 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorax-Design-Group/131898410243605 - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=19483794&trk=nav\_responsive\_tab\_profile - Blog — https://instagram.com/loraxdesigngroup/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Lorax Design Group](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/lorax-design-group-pfvwus-pf~1350587583) - **Website:** http://www.loraxdesigngroup.com - **Phone:** (913) 972-7244 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 22 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Stuart Clark, May 2020** > Kurt and his team did a master plan for our property and we couldn't be happier. Kurt took very detailed notes as we walked around the property and he brought those to life on page and animation. Professional, attentive, detailed, and creative. We highly recommend Lorax Design Group. **★★★★★ — Julie Lambert, April 2020** > A company that acts with integrity and architects who listen intently. My husband and I were looking for a professional we could trust to design our backyard space including a pool, pergola, yoga spaces, kitchen and shower. Kurt and Jim were those people! I saved hundreds of pictures on different sites and Kurt drove 4 hours to sit with me and ask me what I liked about each picture. When we sat down for the first plan review, they were 95% there. My husband, a commercial general contractor, was impressed with the thoroughness and details of the plans. Throughout the building process they have been there to answer questions, offer suggestions and cheer our progress. I cannot recommend Lorax Design Group enough!! Our backyard is turning into not only the space we dreamed of, but something much better. **★★★★★ — Trevor DeVore, Dec. 2018** > My wife and I hired the Lorax Group to create concept and master plans as well as construction documents for our backyard. I reached out to them after looking at their portfolio. When Kurt came by the house to look at the yard it was clear that he had a lot of great ideas as well as the knowledge necessary to address the challenges that our backyard presented. For example, a lot of water flows through our yard during rainstorms and we were having a lot of problems with erosion. > > During the design phase the team took the time to find out how we envisioned using the backyard and what type of atmosphere we desired. We are so pleased with the design that they came up with. Most importantly though, the team that handled the construction was able to convert that design into reality using the construction documents that were provided. **★★★★★ — Mark Kelpe, May 2017** > Lorax Design Group was instrumental in helping us get our landscape ideas down to paper and blending a cohesive modern design. **★★★★★ — 360 Builders LLC., May 2017** > I was fortunate to have worked with Kurt on a number of his projects over the period of four years. As a seasoned contractor I have to admit I can be quite skeptical of architects, but Kurt defied those prejudices and excelled not only at unique designs but also organization, focus, ethics and communications. > I would highly recommend Lorax Design Group to any clients. **★★★★★ — RDM Architecture, April 2017** > Kurt and his firm Lorax are excellent to work with. Wow can you all design! It's wonderful to collaborate with talented professionals who get it. We look forward to many more projects together in the future. **★★★★★ — Nature's Touch, Jan. 2017** > We've worked on dozens of projects with Kurt and can say, without a doubt, his designing is hands down the most creative designing in the Kansas City area. **★★★★★ — Andy Eby, Nov. 2016** > Lorax Design Group created a great design for a resort pool for my backyard. I had pretty unique expectations in that I wanted my backyard to feel like a lot of the Hawaiian resorts my father took me to when I was young. Lorax created a unique one-of-a-kind pool where visitors are overwhelmed with its creativity. I was hesitant in making such a big investment in my backyard but it has been one of the best investments I've ever made because of the memories it has created. I would highly recommend this firm for anyone who wants something different and unique. **★★★★★ — Chuck Campbell, March 2016** > Lorax Design Group possesses the rare combination of exceptional design, sound engineering and outstanding customer service. Their work is second to none. **★★★★★ — blindeblad, Dec. 2015** > Designed an outstanding outdoor living area consisting of living, bar/grilling and dining spaces. They listened and were very responsive in design solutions. They also thought of a number of details that I would not have thought of, as they have much experience in designing these spaces. **★★★★★ — mister1975, Sept. 2015** > Very good experience. > Highly recommend. > They made a master plan for our 1 acre property in Prairie Village. > Kurt and his team prepared construction documentation for our new pool. > They also worked with contractors to get estimates for the project. > 100% satisfied. > Thank you! **★★★★★ — bvince, March 2015** > My wife and I had the pleasure of working with Kurt and the Lorax Design team on our recent pool, waterfall and pool house project. Kurt and his staff did an overall impressive job, not only with the design of the pool but with the construction management as well. His assistance regarding material selection to lighting details truly led to an unbelievable finished product. More importantly, I was personally impressed with Kurt’s responsiveness and making himself available at all times including evenings and weekends. > > I would truly recommend Kurt and the Lorax Design Group to others. > > Dr. Bradley Vince ## Selected projects - [Prairie Village Refuge - Prairie Village, KS](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prairie-village-refuge-prairie-village-ks-pj-vj~276558) - Location: Prairie Village, KS - Photos: 13 - Description: While the Prairie Village Refuge was a compact space, it was also a blank canvas. We attribute our success to the openness of the client: we were given free rein to accomplish the best possible design. We repeated the angles of the triangular backyard in the cantilevered fire feature, built-in grill element and sculptural shade structure. Clean lines and geometry abound. - [Shawnee Wooded Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shawnee-wooded-retreat-pj-vj~723211) - Location: Shawnee, KS - Photos: 10 - Description: Shawnee Wooded Retreat was truly a big picture renovation. Initially, this project began as a small pool design but grew into encompassing project that included new pool, spa, fire feature, water feature, pergola structure and landscape design. With so many distinct area and features, our goal was to create a cohesive design that unified the entire space yet maintained the naturalistic environment. We accomplished this goal by using the same materials in a variety of applications. Our palette wa… - [Weatherby Lake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/weatherby-lake-pj-vj~38409) - Location: Weatherby Lake, MO - Photos: 5 - Description: Lorax Design Group's goal is always to create a backyard that enhances the home. In this residence, the homeowner was an architect with an established sense design and style. We worked with him to create a design that complimented his craftsman style home and as per his request, we incorporated unique plant material for our region. - [Rockwood Falls - Spring Hill, KS Pool Builders](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rockwood-falls-spring-hill-ks-pool-builders-pj-vj~1358185) - Location: Spring Hill, KS - Photos: 7 - Description: Rockwood Falls is a cantilevered freeform pool and spa that matches its mountain craftsman home. The sounds of running water, in both the natural water feature and rolled bond beam spa, add to this naturalistic setting. The soothing sounds and organic shapes and materials make this project an oasis in the woods. \\ - [Loch Lloyd Tropical Oasis - Loch Lloyd, MO Pool Builders](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/loch-lloyd-tropical-oasis-loch-lloyd-mo-pool-builders-pj-vj~337339) - Location: Loch Lloyd, MO - Photos: 9 - Description: Lorax Design Group successfully utilized the small lot with a preexisting property to accomplish multiple objectives and aesthetic goals. Set on a Tom Watson golf course, the design matches the Mediterranean style architecture of the home and functions as a family-friendly oasis. Drawing inspiration from the home owner’s travels, Lorax Design Group created a beautiful, family-friendly space for entertaining. We incorporated a fire feature, a vanishing edge that looks out on the golf course, an 1… - [Mountain Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-craftsman-pj-vj~337342) - Location: Mission Hills, KS - Photos: 13 - Description: Keeping with the style of the neighborhood, the front yard is arranged with formal beds and traditional plant material. However, the backyard is a sharp contrast to the front yard and harkens the homeowner's love of the mountains. From flagstone hardscaping and dry creek beds to pine straw mulch and Aspen trees, all the materials and design transport visitors to a Colorado-themed landscape. - [Hallbrook Rustic Elegance](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hallbrook-rustic-elegance-pj-vj~320655) - Location: Leawood, KS - Photos: 12 - Description: Hallbrook Rustic Elegance embodies a natural landscape. Natural stone and plant materials contribute to this organic design. Sandstone beam rock is used on the retaining walls and the sandstone boulders match the veneer on the home. The swim-in grotto is a relaxing place to escape the sun while the constant flow of water mimics a natural creek. Flowering Dogwood, Little Bluestem, and Weeping Cedar of Lebanon are a few examples of plant material in this natural palette. - [Plaza Metropolitan Luxury Pool - Kansas City, MO](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/plaza-metropolitan-luxury-pool-kansas-city-mo-pj-vj~1175471) - Location: Kansas City, MO - Photos: 3 - Description: The Plaza Metropolitan courtyard pool was designed for high-end multifamily residences. Our design created a functional recreational space--we included a large patio for ample seating and lounge areas, a built-in grill station and a pool edged by a linear water feature. - [Shawnee Suburban Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shawnee-suburban-estate-pj-vj~276561) - Location: Shawnee, KS - Photos: 10 - Description: The Shawnee Suburban Estate is a set on a sprawling piece of property and Lorax Design Group created a plan that utilized the entire acreage. The home is set back from the road and we capitalized on the winding entry drive to create a sense of arrival. The raised planter beds, filled with native plant material, function as milestones and shape the approach. This design also included a sandstone water feature, backyard circular fire pit and first generation oak pergola. - [The Woods French Country - Leawood, KS Luxury Pool Builders](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-woods-french-country-leawood-ks-luxury-pool-builders-pj-vj~337337) - Location: Leawood, KS - Photos: 4 - Description: The Woods French Country pool and spa is truly a custom creation. Visible from the home’s indoor walkway, the design extends the home’s living space while seamlessly tying the backyard to the home’s architecture. The result is a space that appears to have always been there. Inspired by Beaux Arts Design, designer Kurt Kraisinger implemented the repetition of geometric forms, a symmetrical design and strong lines to move the viewer’s eye through out the space, ultimately giving the the illusion t… - [Silver Lake Silver Lining](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/silver-lake-silver-lining-pj-vj~1744097) - Location: Silver Lake, KS - Photos: 3 - Description: Located in the wide open prairie, Lorax Design Group's striking infinity edge pool with an adjoining infinity overflow spa is a juxtaposition to the natural, organic surroundings. The contemporary, bold design contrasts with the more traditional home and Kansas landscape. - [Midcentury Linear Expression](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midcentury-linear-expression-pj-vj~1520623) - Location: Leawood, KS - Photos: 8 - Description: Lorax Design Group was directed by the client's strong preference toward ultra clean, contemporary spaces. We love contemporary design and we were excited for this opportunity. A textured water wall bookends this sleek, rectilinear pool while a pergola structure extends over an elongated fire feature to visually anchor the entry reef. - [Riverside Infinity - Kansas City](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/riverside-infinity-kansas-city-pj-vj~2641471) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: This compact site located north of Kansas City had a great view of the downtown skyline. We knew that we were limited on the size of pool but conveniently, our empty-nester clients desired more of a lounge pool that matched their lot. The clients' objectives were to clear the view of the downtown skyline and create an comfortable space suitable for casual dinners and relaxing. We capitalized on the steep grade changes by designing an infinity edge--however, we needed to balance the placement of… - [KCMO Infinity Edge - Kansas City, MO](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kcmo-infinity-edge-kansas-city-mo-pj-vj~2340785) - Location: Kansas City, MO - Photos: 11 - Description: KCMO Infinity Edge is a classic composition with a contemporary spin. Our design challenge was to blend a clean, contemporary pool design into a historically correct home. The rectilinear pool and the selection of natural stone melds the design together. Thermally-flamed Pennsylvania Bluestone and warm Kansas limestone (as seen in the eased edge coping and the honed, linear veneer and cladding) provide a simple but striking color palette that is in line with the classic Colonial style of home. T… - [20th Century Revival](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/20th-century-revival-pj-vj~6997032) - Location: Saint Joseph, MO - Photos: 8 - [Rustic Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-retreat-pj-vj~6997025) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Suburban Surprise](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suburban-surprise-pj-vj~6013520) - Location: Overland Park, KS - Photos: 7 - [Village of Loch Lloyd Marina Lot](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/village-of-loch-lloyd-marina-lot-pj-vj~2111972) - Location: Loch Lloyd, MO - Photos: 5 - Description: Village of Loch Lloyd Marina Lot is a challenging site. The magnificent home consumed most of the lot and the remaining space was an interesting shape on a steep grade. There was a question of how to even include a pool in this small space. Fitting for a marina lot, our design captured the best water views and was even inspired by the nautical form of a sailboat. We proposed a yacht-shaped curvilinear design to capitalize on the small space. For one, we liked the nautical reference and two, the… - [Prairie Village Garden Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prairie-village-garden-oasis-pj-vj~2607948) - Location: Prairie Village, KS - Photos: 7 - Description: The Garden Oasis was designed for a fellow landscape architect. He was incredibly easy to collaborate with because of his pre-established appreciation for design, material use, scale and outdoor spaces in general. He had lived in the single-story ranch home on a sprawling lot for years and a new backyard design would breathe fresh life into the entire property. He came to us for the design of the project. Together we looked through his inspiration images and gathered he wanted something simple w… - [Grand Lake O' the Cherokees](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grand-lake-o-the-cherokees-pj-vj~2627013) - Location: Afton, OK - Photos: 6 - Description: Overlooking the Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, Monkey Island is a water-side property situated in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The prairie-style home was built several decades ago and its definitive style laid the groundwork for our pool and patio design. While the existing home had a rectangular standard waterline pool and built-in spa, our main objective became clear when we discovered that the home owner wanted to capitalize on the water views with a well-placed infinity edge pool. Ins… [See all 33 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/lorax-design-group-pfvwus-pf~1350587583) ## Ideabooks - [Tree Houses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90474666/list/tree-houses) — 5 ideas - [Swimming Pool Decks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1892755/list/swimming-pool-decks) — 19 ideas - [Driveway](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59398418/list/driveway) — 35 ideas - [Stone Patios / Walks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22864308/list/stone-patios-walks) — 9 ideas - [Swimming Pool - Infinity Edges](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7731828/list/swimming-pool-infinity-edges) — 34 ideas - [Stone Walls](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18940332/list/stone-walls) — 14 ideas - [Swimming Pool Rock Formations](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54960008/list/swimming-pool-rock-formations) — 2 ideas - [Pergolas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1892456/list/pergolas) — 50 ideas - [Farmstead](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54619371/list/farmstead) — 15 ideas - [Stone Veneer](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/48537347/list/stone-veneer) — 7 ideas - [Fire Pits](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49520669/list/fire-pits) — 1 idea - [Fireplaces - Outdoor](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1892467/list/fireplaces-outdoor) — 9 ideas - [Wood Systems](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28968657/list/wood-systems) — 1 idea - [Textured Pool Deck Paving](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23342595/list/textured-pool-deck-paving) — 9 ideas - [Lawn Alternatives](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22864209/list/lawn-alternatives) — 2 ideas - [Water Features](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21370058/list/water-features) — 18 ideas - [Fireplaces - Indoor](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1892461/list/fireplaces-indoor) — 10 ideas - [Hobbit House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20412148/list/hobbit-house) — 7 ideas - [Sunken Hot Tubs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18105873/list/sunken-hot-tubs) — 11 ideas - [sunken patios](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/16605856/list/sunken-patios) — 1 idea [See all 24 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/loraxdesigngroup) ## Community Q&A **Q: vertical greenery** *(in Photo Questions)* Are those Equisetum between the pool terrace and fence? Great choice! A: Yes, horsetail reed. **Q: Beautiful Railing** *(in Photo Questions)* I'm curious, was this made by your own staff, or a separate metal fabricator? Looks great, very fitting! A: A custom metal fabricator built this guardrail for the project. **Q: Please explain to me exactly what I'm seeing here-where's the deep end** *(in Photo Questions)* missbridget6@gmail.com A: This is a perimeter overflow pool. The edge closest to the pool deck is the reef / tanning ledge. The edge closest to the infinity edge is the deep end. **Q: Where can I get the patio doors /window in the Prairie Village Rufuge?** *(in Photo Questions)* I would like steel french doors for new construction. They would be used to go from the kitchen area to the covered screened in porch. A: I am not sure where our client purchased these doors + windows, this was not part of our scope of work. **Q: Beautiful! What brand and color of plaster/aggregate was used? Thanks** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you! We used a white marble plaster with a Tahoe Blue additive. **Q: pool loungers** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me where the white pool,lounge chairs came from? So cool. A: Thank you for the inquiry! These chairs were modeled after a Cattelan Italia chair. Unfortunately, they're not intended for outdoor use. http://www.cattelanitalia.com/en/product/c5/874B670E-09FC-4B94-87D5-D25FBEAC78CF/sylvester --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-15.*