--- title: "Laughlin Design Associates, Inc. — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/laughlin-design-associates-inc-pfvwus-pf~1577078564 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1577078564.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Laughlin Design Associates, Inc." category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/37d325c70f54fe25_1206-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1371 Ramona Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84105, United States" latitude: 40.7372 longitude: -111.8581 phone: "(801) 554-0878" website: https://laughlindesignassociates.com rating: 4.7 review_count: 28 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 139 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # Laughlin Design Associates, Inc. Original Houzz profile: [Laughlin Design Associates, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/laughlin-design-associates-inc-pfvwus-pf~1577078564) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Salt Lake City, UT - **Serves:** Salt Lake City, SLC, West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy, Millcreek, Taylorsville, Murray, Bountiful, Kearns, Midvale, Cottonwood Heights, Holladay, South Salt Lake, North Salt Lake, East Millcreek, Oquirrh, Woods Cross, Canyon Rim, Little Cottonwood Creek Valley, Mount Olympus, Willard, Centerfield, Will work anywhere - **Houzz rating:** 4.7 out of 5 (28 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2015–2022), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Houzz Research - Insider - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - Online consultation Laughlin Design Associates eliminates your stress and gives YOU a sense of pride and joy in your dream landscape project. We cover low maintenance landscapes, native plants-drought tolerant, food/vegetable gardens, back yard fire pit, patio/deck for entertaining, sustainable and ecologically sound designs. Enhanced curb appeal, lighting & audio landscape, and vertical & inside landscaping permeable paving. We use Vectorworks 2021 to design your 3D and 2D landscape. With 28 years of experience, we have a veteran team of Certified & Licensed team of contractors: Glen Christiansen, Greg Strong, Glen Trople. I work mostly remotely using Vectorworks2020, remote contracts, and virtual consultations. For lighting, Utah Landscape Pro of Utah Landscape-Keith & Ty Rosser are preferred. I depend on my contractors to make site visits. Reach out today! We would love to hear more about your project. Please leave your email, phone number....you can text me this information @ 801.554.0878 Fees: -Minimum for design is $3,200.00 and up. I charge $150.00 for a consultation, waived if you sign a design fee. -Construction management fee is 10% of the total job cost. I will make timely site visits to insure every thing is going as I planned. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Custom Water Features - Gazebo Design & Construction - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Drafting - Organic Gardens - Pond Construction - Shed Design & Construction - Edible Gardens - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Living Walls - Dog Run Construction - Artificial Living Walls - Green Roofing - Construction Drawings - Deck Building - Fence Installation - Fence Installation & Repair - Fence Repair - Masonry - Masonry Construction & Repair - Petscaping - Sustainable Design - Trellis & Pergola Construction - Trellis Construction ### Areas Served - Salt Lake City - SLC - West Valley City - West Jordan - Sandy - Millcreek - Taylorsville - Murray - Bountiful - Kearns - Midvale - Cottonwood Heights - Holladay - South Salt Lake - North Salt Lake - East Millcreek - Oquirrh - Woods Cross - Canyon Rim - Little Cottonwood Creek Valley - Mount Olympus - Willard - Centerfield - Will work anywhere ### Typical Job Cost $3,200 - 500,000.00 $3200-10,000.00 & Up-design fees. Install range from $30,000.00-1000,000.00. A typical design starts at $3200.00 and up. One of my contractors will meet with you and explain his bid, usually between $30,000.00 and Up. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Laughlin Design Associates, Inc. | | Address | 1371 Ramona Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84105, United States | | Phone | (801) 554-0878 | | Website | https://laughlindesignassociates.com | | License Number | \#317 | | Followers on Houzz | 139 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/laughlinds - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/?lang=en - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricklaughlin?trk=nav\_responsive\_tab\_profile\_pic - Blog — https://www.houzz.com/pro/laughlinds/laughlin-design-associates-inc ## Offers Please Leave Phone\#/Email Address ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Laughlin Design Associates, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/laughlin-design-associates-inc-pfvwus-pf~1577078564) - **Website:** https://laughlindesignassociates.com - **Phone:** (801) 554-0878 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - APLD Certified Professional Landscape Designer \#317 since 2008 (Association of Professional Landscape Designer) - FAPLD since October 2018 (Fellowship of Professional Landscape Designer) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2015–2022), for Service, Design. **Affiliations** - [Association of Professional Landscape Designers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/association-of-professional-landscape-designers-pfvwus-pf~92795973) - [GardenComm](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/gardencomm-pfvwus-pf~127690096) - [Perennial Plant Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/perennial-plant-association-pfvwus-pf~1327712472) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 — 28 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 46.0 - Communication: 45.0 - Value: 46.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Melanie Flaherty, April 2021** > Rick has provided two outstanding landscape designs for us. Rick adapts his design to the needs of the project. Our first project was a traditional design which turned out spectacularly on Capitol Hill. Neighbors immediately asked who did the design. Rick also went over and above to advise us on maintenance over the years. The second landscape Rick designed was modern xeriscape in the up and and coming neighborhood of Marmalade in SLC. Rick's vision is on point and he is a straight shooter. He also works with the best and most knowledgeable installation crew. Many thanks, and we hope to work with Rick again soon! Rick is highly recommended. Melanie Flaherty **Comment from Laughlin Design Associates, Inc.:** > Fantastic review Mel...thank you so very much and I do hope to work with you in the future! **★★★★ — tracyjnuttall, March 2021** > Rick's knowledge of plants is second-to-none, particularly regarding water-wise plants and both native and nonnative plants that all thrive in Utah. He is bold in his use of color (in a great way!) and one of our favorite things about Rick is his knowledge of vegetable and fruit gardening. Before we knew much about gardening he designed us the most beautiful little vegetable garden that also was incredibly functional. We were the envy of all gardeners who came to take a look! His talent and skill as a designer is clear. We're grateful to know him. **Comment from Laughlin Design Associates, Inc.:** > Thank you so much Tracy and Marc for your kind words...hope all is well with you! > > Rick Laughlin, FAPLD **★★★★★ — robert wilde, Feb. 2021** > If you are looking for a landscape design with right angles, foundation only coverage and strict adherence to structure, Rick Laughlin is not your choice. Rick’s designs are more like how nature structures space. His plans flow with variations of patterns, colors and textures that fold into one another. Nature throws in a boulder or two. It folds in a pathway through floral arrangements that is coherent but not overwhelming. The design may also focus on hardscape softened by outlying ground cover or small perennials. Perhaps, a small stream or “forest” is an answer. His plans yield numerous options and decisions before finalization. > > As with nature, things change. Due to climate change, new variety of plants and trees adapted for our area or just for personal preference, Rick has been called on to help over the past three decades. His choices for adaptation of plantings and his insight have been welcomed. Rick is not adverse to “debate” about his plans and suggestions, which lead to a better understanding for what might look better in an area of a yard. We have learned a tremendous amount from him about the art and science of building a landscape design. > We highly recommend him for both full, new plans or for changes to existing areas within a space. **Comment from Laughlin Design Associates, Inc.:** > Hey Bob & Shawna, > Thank you for leaving such a great informative review for me, > > Thanks Bob & Shawna! > > Rick Laughlin, FAPLD **★★★★★ — Rob Ross, Dec. 2019** > If you are looking for fast, cheap, and commodity look somewhere else. With Rick you get a thoughtful, thorough, and custom design that fits your home, taste, and style. The extra time and money are well worth it. Rick will help you appreciate how landscaping can really improve your enjoyment (and value) of your home. > > On the first consultation with Rick, we hardly discussed the property at all. He wanted to know about my style, my partner’s, what we want to do with the home, how long we are staying, and much more. He asked about favorite memories, desirable colors, and smells. Do we like wildlife? What types of activities do we enjoy? Will we be entertaining? > > On the second consultation we walked the property. I pointed out things I liked and didn’t like. With every square foot, Rick had an idea or improvement that could be made. The ones that resonated with me, we kept. The ones that didn’t Rick dismissed without any debate. He really made sure the selections worked for everyone. > > When it came to plants, we didn’t know the first thing of what we wanted. Rick worked off of color preferences and showed some samples. Ultimately, we left this in his more than capable hands. > > When the design and estimate came via email, I’ll say we were quite shocked at the bottom number. It was much higher than we originally budgeted for. We spent a few days reviewing and reading the plan. We decided to go forward with the plan, even though it would cost more in the short term. Rather than pick away at items over time, this plan thoughtfully gave us everything we wanted in a few months. We are planning on staying in the home for at least 5 year. The sooner we have something we love, the longer we could love it. > > The work went quickly. Rick was onsite for planting with his two dogs. Rick directed and placed plants while the pups roamed the yard. For the rest of the installation, Rick kept a watchful eye on the progress via text, phone, and email. Working with the landscaper crew, whenever they faced a challenge, Rick was quick to jump on the phone or drive over to ensure a timely solution was put in place. > > Overall this was a fantastic experience. If you are the type of person who appreciates quality then Rick Laughlin, FAPLD is your choice. **★★★★★ — Glen Christiansen, Dec. 2019** > I’ve Been Working with Rick for over 20 years on many landscape installations. Rick has great knowledge of plants and is very creative with his landscape plans focusing on the customers wants and needs keeping there budget in mind . With water conservation at high Importance with our population increasing rapidly here in Utah Rick is very good at selecting plants and landscape plans that conserve water . I’m looking forward to working with Rick on projects in the Future and love the look of the completed project . **★★★★★ — Mrs. Simpson, Nov. 2019** > We had the great opportunity to work with Rick about 10 years ago. The time and care he took to design landscaping around our needs (pets, privacy, views) was so impressive. He put so much time into looking at different views and coming up with new ideas. Unfortunately, we could not do all of the work at once, but over the years, we keep going back to the original plan. We have faithfully stuck with Rick's vision and now our yard is everything we could ask for. I just wish I would have taken pictures in the height of the season to share with you! **Comment from Laughlin Design Associates, Inc.:** > Thank you so very much Mike and Sue...for the positive review on houzz...!!! **★★ — Brett, Aug. 2018** > We hired Rick in the spring of 2018 to provide a landscape design for our home. Before receiving final payment, Rick was quite responsive, albeit a few weeks late on the deliverables, such as the preliminary drawings and final plan. Rick also has a good knowledge of plants and trees and he has a good design sense. He was good about scheduling meetings to discuss the design and he elicited a lot of feedback from us. And before receiving final payment, Rick was very personable. > > Unfortunately, two issues spoiled our experience. The first was that Rick ignored the budget we had in mind. Early on, he asked about our budget and was told that it was in the neighborhood of $10,000 to $20,000. I realize that's a broad range, but as I explained to Rick, we've never done landscaping and had no real idea how much it would cost. > > After the design was delivered and we obtained bids from landscapers, we discovered that the design Rick had delivered was a $50,000+ design, which was a good $30,000 more than what we could spend. (We got three bids, including a bid from the landscaper that Rick had enthusiastically recommended, which was the highest bid of the bunch.) As a result, we scaled back the project significantly and discarded much of what Rick included in the plan. That was frustrating. Either Rick didn't have an understanding of what his design would actually cost to implement or he didn't pay attention to what we told him concerning our budget. > > Our other principal complaint is that Rick, once fully paid, was rude and stopped responding to calls, emails, or texts. That was surprising and disappointing, given that we had a pleasant relationship up to that point. > > Rick had gone on at length about how he only used certain landscapers on his projects. I knew that landscapers are extremely busy in the summer, so weeks before Rick delivered the final plans, I asked him if we could get on one of his recommended landscaper's schedules. Rick had recommended a particular landscaper, who I'll refer to as "Landscaper S." Rick told me that he had been discussing our job with the landscaper and that he had reserved a spot for us on Landscaper S's schedule in June. > > As soon as Rick delivered the final plan to us, which Rick himself sent to Landscaper S, I tried to schedule a meeting with Landscaper S in order to obtain an estimate. Unfortunately, he wasn't responding to me. I therefore emailed Rick on May 23, advised him of the issue, and asked if I could have the name of one the other landscapers that he had talked so much about. Rick, who was now fully paid at this point, didn't respond. I sent Rick a follow-up email on May 29, which said: > > "Just following up on my \[May 23\] email. We understood that you had other landscapers that you recommend. If so, can you please send me their names? Last Wednesday, I sent \[Landscaper S\] an email with proposed dates to meet this week but he hasn’t responded. It doesn’t appear that he wants/needs the job so I’d like to speak to someone else. I don’t feel comfortable using someone I have to chase in order to give them my business." > > This prompted Rick to call Landscaper S, who apparently gave Rick a different story. Rick then sent the following email, which was the last time I ever heard from him. (The ALL CAPS are Rick's.) > > "Landscaper S has attempted NUMEROUS times to contact you...he sent you a series of times that you and he can connect. Landscaper S said you have NOT responded. He just re-sent that, please respond. Landscaper S, I and my other contractors are extremely busy...you must be patient if you want a QUALITY job done...other wise you are on your own." > > For the record, what Landscaper S apparently told Rick was simply untrue, so the shouting and lecture in Rick's email was a bit surprising and offensive. And if Rick had stopped to think, he would have seen that it also made no sense. If Landscaper S had been so responsive, as Rick claimed, then why in the world would I have contacted Rick repeatedly asking him to provide the name of another, more responsive landscaper? And why wouldn't Rick simply provide the information, which he never did. Simply bizarre . . . . > > Notwithstanding Rick's email, I did eventually meet with Landscaper S and learned that--contrary to what Rick had promised--Landscaper S had not reserved a place on the schedule for June and couldn't start work until September. And as noted above, Landscaper S's estimate, which he delivered a week late, was the highest of the three we obtained. Thankfully we are just finishing up the job with another landscaper, who has been absolutely fantastic to work with. > > I am confident that Rick will post a lengthy response to this review, citing the positive reviews he has received. (While working with him, he bragged several times about how he "BURIES any negative reviews!!!") I certainly wish that we had the sort of positive experience that others claim to have had. Unfortunately, we didn't. > > In summary, while we have been able to use some of the design that Rick provided and we like most of the plants he selected, most of the plan he provided was simply out of budget and therefore unusable. We were also disappointed in his professionalism, responsiveness, and behavior at the end of the relationship. In good conscience, we cannot recommend him. **★★★★★ — Melanie Flaherty, April 2018** > Rick is a true professional, and he created an amazing landscape design for our Capitol Hill home over 10 years ago. Several neighbors requested Rick's contact information over time based on the remarkable transformation. Rick works with a great team of contractors to help complete projects on time and within budget. We were so pleased that we've hired Rick again to develop a contemporary design for a smaller, unique project in Marmalade. RIck is great at listening to your goals and developing a landscape vision you will love! **Comment from Laughlin Design Associates, Inc.:** > Wow Melanie...great review of course I am going to produce an even more awesome design for your next property!!! **★★★★★ — Kate Durbin, Nov. 2017** > I have worked with Rick on a number of projects over the past 3 years now. He is professional, precise, and highly creative- but perhaps the most important thing is his positivity. Rick is a joy to work with and brings light to every project he completes. **Comment from Laughlin Design Associates, Inc.:** > Thank you so very much Kate Durbin...you go in your new career at Chevy!!! **★★★★★ — Shawna Wilde, Nov. 2017** > When my husband and I were considering what to do with our very ugly yard, a coworker recommended I get in touch with Rick Laughlin. It turned out to be a very good idea and one of our best decisions. It was close to 20 years ago and I think we were one of his first dozen customers. > We weren't young, but we were novice gardeners. We described what we wanted: a yard lush yard which looked a little overgrown, lots of things that bloomed, plenty of shade, and preservation of our view of Mt Olympus. Plus we wanted it to be water-wise and easy care. The design he created was perfect for us. > Through the years things have changed. Some old plants began to look to shaggy and were replaced. Being fickle gardeners, we wanted to try new perennials, create a rock garden, expand the area for edibles. His plan has stood the test of time. The hardscape, placement of trees and bushes, perennial beds and overall continuity held together no matter how inept we were at making our experimental changes. > We had money considerations at the time we hired Rick and he helped us see how the plan could be implemented over time, which things would be easy to do ourselves, and which items would probably require professional help. We followed his advice and plan. He helped us discover we enjoy gardening. > We gained exactly what we wanted - beauty, privacy and a water bill we can control. My favorite thing is sitting in the back yard with a cup of coffee just enjoying the birds, bees and butterflies as they visit. My yard may not be what you want, but that is the joy of working with Rick. He gets to know his customers by listening and asking questions. He doesn't do cookie-cutter work. He is a knowledgeable landscape designer who strives to design the exact garden YOU want! **★★★★★ — Jeff Kurrus, Aug. 2017** > We asked Rick to provide a plan for a complete landscape remodel in the high avenues of Salt Lake City. We were very pleased with the resulting plan, and with the process we went through with Rick to get there. The first step was completing a questionnaire that he has developed that asked for such disparate information as places traveled, favorite childhood memories, favorite colors and interests. After looking at the first draft of the project, I was amazed at how well he incorporated that information into the final plan. He paid attention to details such as colors, drought and deer resistance, and even smells. He modified stair treads to take into account our aging bodies, and ergonomic considerations. In short, I was impressed with the thought and detail he put into our project. The end result was fantastic. Plus, I hope he won't mind me saying that I find him an endless source of philosophical ideas and life commentary. Try him out. I suspect you'll be pleased with the results. **Comment from Laughlin Design Associates, Inc.:** > Thank you so very much Jeff...I am always only a click or phone call away...do not hesitate to contact me and thank you again Jeff!!! **★★★★★ — Foster Cook, Aug. 2017** > I would highly recommend Rick for any future design projects! The man is very knowledgeable on plants and keeps up to date with current trends. He also responds very quickly to any calls or emails. Go Rick! **Comment from Laughlin Design Associates, Inc.:** > Thank you so very much Foster Cook you have done well! ## Selected projects - [Laughlin Design Associates, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laughlin-design-associates-inc-pj-vj~6184363) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 7 - Description: This is a promotional video show casing what Laughlin Design Associates, Inc. can do for potential clients in this c-virus atmosphere. Rick Laughlin, FAPLD tells potential clients he has addressed the c-virus, works remotely with three landscape contractors, works with Vectorworks 2020 in 2D/3D, and is asking client's for site plans, houzz/Pinterest photos and to fill out Client Questionnaire Form...text this information to 801.554.0878. - [Unforgettable Bulb Display](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/unforgettable-bulb-display-pj-vj~5492467) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 27 - Description: Various yards that I designed with spring flowering bulbs and landscaped in Salt Lake City, Utah - [Laughlin Design 2021](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laughlin-design-2021-pj-vj~6669281) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 61 - [Cape Cod Style New Back Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-cod-style-new-back-yard-pj-vj~2291201) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 34 - Description: Home owners wanted a re-make of their existing back yard. I met them in mid-January 2013 and by late summer the transformation was complete! I designed a custom shade sail pergola, raised grow boxes with gravel under neath, custom shrubs, trees and perennials plus fragrant plants, ledgered raised stone garden beds. A high light of the installation(which they did them selves) was a custom glass fire table in the left bottom foreground. - [Pueblo Modern Style Avenues Water Wise Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pueblo-modern-style-avenues-water-wise-landscape-pj-vj~912090) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 10 - Description: Fourth avenue modern water wise landscape features many colorful drought tolerant plants. Front yard features concrete pavers set in gravel, a circular turf type tall fescue lawn and many colorful drought tolerant perennials and ornamental grasses. Back yard features a custom fire pit with concrete seat bench and an "open ceiling". The grass was originally turf grass but switched out to artificial turf to accommodate their dog. Plants feature colorful drought tolerant perennials and ornamental g… - [Contemporary Style Sugar House Modern Water Wise Front Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-style-sugar-house-modern-water-wise-front-yard-pj-vj~1560291) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 15 - Description: It is a modern landscape with innovative elements like the large concrete pavers, the "edgy" steel core ten edging and the isolated bed in the center of the water wise lawn. Note the two entrances to the front door sets this apart! Many colorful water wise perennials and ornamental grass were incorporated into this design. - [Williams Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/williams-home-pj-vj~2502480) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 12 - Description: Italianate Architecture Williams Renovation Of Existing Landscape This project included re-doing the front yard, irrigation, lighting, beds and park strip. In the west side yard designer added water wise grass and perennials plus trellised plants as a divider. In the back yard which was extremely narrow, designer added a hot tub, wood decking, tv, private bedroom area and water wise plants. A new car trellis was added to the west border. - [McClelland Avenue Bungalow Colorful Water Wise Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mcclelland-avenue-bungalow-colorful-water-wise-yard-pj-vj~195263) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 10 - Description: Owners asked designer to design a low maintenance, colorful water wise plants with a drought tolerant yard. Designer added a belgard patio in the back yard, a pergola, drought tolerant grass and many colorful water wise plants. - [Above the Capitol Traditional Style Water Wise Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/above-the-capitol-traditional-style-water-wise-yard-pj-vj~2287260) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 56 - Description: This large expanse of lawn needed a major make over. Designer added many color full water wise shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennials. Took out 85% of existing lawn and added a new patio, steps, garden with grow boxes and strategic screens too. Designed for maximum enjoyment and preserving/enhancing their views while saving much water and maintenance. Being installed right now. - [Colonial Style Retirement Home Daybreak](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/colonial-style-retirement-home-daybreak-pj-vj~2221808) - Location: South Jordan, UT - Photos: 19 - Description: This is the ultimate retirement home for this couple. With a 360 degree view they have every thing! They wanted it to express sustainability, water conservation and good looks. This garden features several dry stream beds, raised corrugated steel grow boxes, fire pit, pergola, three different path way materials, patio and many water wise perennials, ornamental grass and ground covers. And the wind is always blowing those ornamental grasses! - [Italianate Style B Street Water Wise & Vegetable Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/italianate-style-b-street-water-wise-and-vegetable-garden-pj-vj~1511038) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 12 - Description: This water wise garden in the lower avenues features a decorative front entrance with fragrant plants and water wise perennials, fragrant water wise perennials and water wise shrubs. In the back yard we see raised bed planters, a pergola, fire pit, , water wise shrubs, retaining wall, water wise perennials, fragrant water wise perennials and many vegetables and herbs for use in their restaurant. Rick Laughlin - [Prairie Style Foothill Drive & 2100 South Water Wise Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prairie-style-foothill-drive-and-2100-south-water-wise-landscape-pj-vj~1555502) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 9 - Description: This modern house is anchored with core ten retaining walls and colorful water wise plants. Core ten steel grow boxes full of herbs and vegetables are anchored in low maintenance gravel. A Belgard concrete paver patio is perched on the upper level with a shade sail pergola over head. The back yard is enclosed by a custom core ten steel fence. - [Tudor Style Home East Salt Lake Back Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tudor-style-home-east-salt-lake-back-yard-pj-vj~2221756) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 12 - Description: Client needed a major make over for their back yard. Designer laid out a beautiful back yard complete with a custom fire pit, patios, colorful water wise shrubs and perennials, pergola, outdoor lighting, new exotic hardwood deck and stepping stones. - [Victorian Avenues Water Wise Fragrant Back Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/victorian-avenues-water-wise-fragrant-back-yard-pj-vj~198251) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 10 - Description: Re-designed the entire back yard, and added a spa, fish pond, arbor, flagstone patio, steps, gravel path and colorful, water-wise fragrant plants. Owner is color blind so all of the colorful, water wise plants are fragrant and tactile. - [Colonial Style Holliday Zen Garden & Water Feature](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/colonial-style-holliday-zen-garden-and-water-feature-pj-vj~198294) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: A multi tiered project that encompassed six years. Clients wanted to re-do their yard in a very natural and water wise way. They wanted many colorful water wise plants, two streams, water falls, a pond, gravel paths, a flag stone patio over looking the pond, and a hidden zen style courtyard showing the house and their bed room. - [Contemporary Modern Rebuild on 10th Avenue & K Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-modern-rebuild-on-10th-avenue-and-k-street-pj-vj~2290311) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 52 - Description: Owners are rebuilding this house to include three levels. They wanted a fire pit, fire pit patio w/built in seating, an open air pergola with grape vines trellised on it, fruit trees, winter interest planting, water wise plantings, a back stair way going up to the patio/pergola with core ten planter boxes going up the south and east sides, window boxes with water wise plants above the garage on the south wall, core ten planter on the west side of the existing stairs front yard, trellis's on the… - [Victorian 4th Avenue Colorful Water Wise Front Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/victorian-4th-avenue-colorful-water-wise-front-yard-pj-vj~898372) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 8 - Description: This is the second project designed and executed for this client. They wanted a colorful water wise landscape that would be low maintenance. Designer had to replace the crumbling retaining wall and build new steps and a walk way. Many colorful, water wise plants were used. - [West Foothill Modern Cottage Back Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-foothill-modern-cottage-back-yard-pj-vj~2293343) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 24 - Description: Owners bought this house in October, 2016 and were anxious to get going on a water wise, entertaining back yard that featured shade, water wise trees, perennials and shrubs. They wanted steps on the west side of the back door landing, a way to extend the space and get rid of the "bowling alley" affect. They needed shade on the west and east most borders of the back yard and a shade tree over the back patio. This project was installed in the late fall of 2016 by Glen Trople. - [Sugar House Bungalow Colorful Water Wise Back Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sugar-house-bungalow-colorful-water-wise-back-yard-pj-vj~198241) - Location: Salt Lake City, UT - Photos: 8 - Description: Original back yard was pretty plain. Designer laid out a water-wise design that included a flagstone pathway with thyme, many beautiful, colorful water wise plants and a natural stone patio. Owner added much eclectic art. - [National Style Sandy Colorful Water Wise Front Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/national-style-sandy-colorful-water-wise-front-yard-pj-vj~198279) - Location: Cottonwood Heights, UT - Photos: 13 - Description: A sunken front that only had ivy, stumps and rocks. New landscape has colorful water water wise trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs that the owners simply love. It is low maintenance and the entrance walk/door entrance completely re done as well. [See all 38 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/laughlin-design-associates-inc-pfvwus-pf~1577078564) ## Ideabooks - [Colorful water wise low maintenance landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/144298725/list/colorful-water-wise-low-maintenance-landscaping) — 4 ideas - [Walkway](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68001839/list/walkway) — 1 idea - [Pergolas & Arbors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44159878/list/pergolas-arbors) — 23 ideas - [Xeric Landscapes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44439651/list/xeric-landscapes) — 15 ideas - [Patios](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44159597/list/patios) — 37 ideas - [Outdoor Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44159734/list/outdoor-kitchen) — 24 ideas - [Japanese Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43734275/list/japanese-gardens) — 24 ideas - [Tiny City Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44088086/list/tiny-city-gardens) — 5 ideas - [Modern water-wise landscapes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44072482/list/modern-water-wise-landscapes) — 6 ideas - [Zen Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29300736/list/zen-gardens) — 8 ideas [See all 10 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/laughlinds) ## Community Q&A **Q: What are the plants up front with the red bloooms?** *(in Photo Questions)* Can anyone identify the plants with the red blooms? A: Zauschneria it blooms all out from late May till hard frost! **Q: What are the purple blooming plants used in this photo?** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautiful. I would like to plant some if I knew what they were. Thanks A: They are Aster × frikartii 'Monch' or Fall aster Heather...good luck with your planting! 0 **Q: where can I find the fire pit?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where can I find the fire pit? A: Talk to the owner at this house on the upper avenues in Salt Lake City, Utah! **Q: What type of** *(in Photo Questions)* grasses are these? A: Morning Light Miscanthus and Karl Foerster Grass, both grow 6' tall and are effective screens to people entering the property(they are hiding a sizable water feature near the front door! **Q: What type of** *(in Photo Questions)* tree is that on the right? A: It is some type of birch tree, there are three of them and they have been there for 15 years. **Q: maintenance of the yard** *(in Photo Questions)* It's really stunning to have so many tulips and narcissuses, but planting and cleaning bulbs are not easy and considering you have so many of them, how do you manage the yard and keep it pretty when they finish their flowers? A: That is very easy since the shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses envelope them once they are finished blooming; that is the way I planned it and in my yard too!!! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*