---
title: "Magee Design — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/magee-design-pfvwus-pf~1577275452
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1577275452.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Magee Design"
category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/51432f740ffb22c2_7675-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "21438 Steptoe Hill Rd, Middleburg, Virginia 20117, United States"
latitude: 39.0296
longitude: -77.6938
phone: "(703) 929-4275"
website: http://www.john-magee.com
rating: 5
review_count: 20
best_of_houzz_awards: 3
followers: 179
last_updated: 2026-08-17
---

# Magee Design

Original Houzz profile: [Magee Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/magee-design-pfvwus-pf~1577275452)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
- **Location:** Middleburg, VA
- **Serves:** Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Chantilly, Brambleton, Stone Ridge, Broadlands, Belmont, Purcellville, Dulles Town Center, Arcola, Bull Run Mountain Estates, Hamilton, Round Hill, Middleburg, Shenandoah Retreat, Aldie, Upperville, Rectortown, Bluemont, Dulles, Lincoln, Paeonian Springs, Philomont
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (20 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 10,000 Ideabook Saves

One of Washington DC's most experienced and recognized landscape designers in the use of native plants in the landscape.  Custom residential or commercial design & install.

### Services Provided

- Masonry Construction & Repair

### Areas Served

- Leesburg
- Ashburn
- Sterling
- Chantilly
- Brambleton
- Stone Ridge
- Broadlands
- Belmont
- Purcellville
- Dulles Town Center
- Arcola
- Bull Run Mountain Estates
- Hamilton
- Round Hill
- Middleburg
- Shenandoah Retreat
- Aldie
- Upperville
- Rectortown
- Bluemont
- Dulles
- Lincoln
- Paeonian Springs
- Philomont

### Typical Job Cost

No job is too big or too small; as long as it's a win-win for all parties, we're happy to be involved.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Magee Design |
| Address | 21438 Steptoe Hill Rd, Middleburg, Virginia 20117, United States |
| Phone | (703) 929-4275 |
| Website | http://www.john-magee.com |
| License Number | B408352 |
| Followers on Houzz | 179 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/home.php\#!/pages/john-magee-landscape-design/108365592550420
- LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb\_tab\_pro\_top
- Blog — http://www.flickr.com/photos/john\_magees\_mad\_pics/sets/

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Magee Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/magee-design-pfvwus-pf~1577275452)
- **Website:** http://www.john-magee.com
- **Phone:** (703) 929-4275

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- 2014 Loudoun/ Dulles Green Business Challenge Innovation AwardPlatinum awardB.S. Horticulture Ohio StateCertified Landscape Professional- National Wildlife FederationNWF Magazine “When carnivores come calling” Animal Planet’s “Backyard Habitat” program- native plant expert

- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 20 reviews**

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Claudia cat, Feb. 2020**

> It is always a pleasure to work with John Magee. He is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about native plants, and listens very closely to what we want before he starts designing, as well as during the process. He personally oversees the implementation, and makes sure that the end result is exactly what we wanted. We have worked on several different projects with him in the past, and we will be working with him more in the future. We were so lucky that we found him (Thank you, Julie Borneman of Watermark Woods Nursery!).
> If you have a landscape project, we highly recommend John Magee Design.

**★★★★★ — HEMAX Construction Services & Landscaping, LLC, Dec. 2013**

> It is a pleasure to be working side by side with John Magee.  His knowledge on native plants has impressed our clients and he has provided them with a beautiful landscaping.  John has become a key to our business and we are grateful to be able to do business with him.

**★★★★★ — Jardinier du Roi versailles planters, Oct. 2013**

> I love this company!!!, and also want to mention John C Magee, It's a pleasure to work with him, two Thumbs up!!!.  I highly recommend this company for any landscape project. Magee Design it's one of the most experienced and recognized landscape company.

**Comment from Magee Design:**

> Thanks so much for the kind words.  We’re looking forward to future endeavors!

**★★★★★ — walshwr1954, Sept. 2013**

> John took my basic idea for landscaping a private space in our small backyard and turned into a beautiful reality beyond my original expectation. The landscaping project looks good as the season has changed and we are very happy with the final result.

**★★★★★ — Alysoun Mahoney, Sept. 2013**

> Very knowledgeable about native plants and ecology underlying choice of particular species. Communicative, creative, and flexible about revising the plan in response to my particular goals.  Work was done efficiently and finished ahead of schedule.  Even left me with extra watering equipment to make sure the plants made it during a mini-drought that followed the planting work.

**★★★★★ — gembingol, July 2013**

> John Magee of Magee Design is an enthusiastic and super volunteer who has been a speaker in multiple (5) sustainable landscaping workshops that I have organized representing the Piedmont Environmental Council for different neighborhoods in Loudoun. The latest was in February 2013. He has generously donated his time to this program so that people are better informed about the positive impact they can make on the environment while meeting their own landscaping goals.
>
> He helps people see how beautiful a property can be using native plants which are his particular expertise. Using natives is not only good for ease of maintenance, it's good for the environment, and he demonstrates that very effectively.

**★★★★★ — green\_rider, July 2013**

> Magee Design has provided outstanding landscape advice, planning and execution. John has been supportive in our organization's mission of conservation education and his knowledge has complemented the appearance of our property and values.

**★★★★★ — elambeth, June 2013**

> I had to have my tiny townhouse yard dug up to repair water pipe damage. In the process, I lost a beautiful sugar maple tree--and basically everything else.  John Magee helped allay the distress by saving desired old plants, designing a new layout using native plants (important to me), and putting everything back together. The new growing season has demonstrated success of the project, with a hint of what will come as the yard matures.
>
> Not only was John accommodating, competent, fair in his fees, and efficient, he was laid back and easy to work with.  What could have been a dismaying process went smoothly and respectfully. Whew!

**★★★★★ — ahgarvey, June 2013**

> As a volunteer Master Naturalist in Loudoun County who is interested in Native plants I have had the pleasure of working with John over the last four years. I have asked him to lecture on various aspects of native plants to interested people in the community. His presentations are excellent presenting a clear picture of his topic and holding peoples interest as well as answering peoples questions. He was very thorough when conducting a field trip not only including his topic of shrubs and vines but all herbaceous plants in the landscape visited. Ann Garvey

**★★★★★ — Eliza Russell, June 2013**

> I have worked with John and Magee Design in a series of ways over the last year.
>
> John served as a guest presenter on a webinar for NWF constituents on providing advice on how to design wildlife friendly yards and landscapes.  His professionalism was outstanding and comment received by the participants reflected his knowledge.
>
> I have also worked with John on developing a Garden Tour as a fundraiser event for National Wildlife Federation.  John worked with his client to offer their homes pro bono to the tour, assist in recruitment of attendees and personal dedicated his time and talents to ensure the days success including giving NWF's landscape assistance.
>
> John also provide guidance and support for NWF's Headquarters landscape to assist in helping to maintain and diversify the landscape for both success of sustainability and wildlife species.

**★★★★★ — naudain, June 2013**

> John designed several beds of native plants with the theme of attracting birds and butterflies to our new "age in place" home.  The first beds were recently installed and we are more than pleased.  John is obviously very knowledgeable about plants and design, but he is also a very calm and pleasant person with whom to work.  We look forward to continuing our relationship as we add more sections of his plan.

**★★★★★ — rustyarchitect, June 2013**

> John took the small backyard pond I started and turned it into a much more enjoyable feature with a wonderful water fall.  The stonework is nice and hides the biofilter well.  He also came by diligently when I had questions that he needed to look at.  He took the time to answer my questions regardless of how simple they were!  This past spring he cleaned the pond, relocated some of the plants and reinforced the ponds natural appearance.  I will continue to use John for my landscape work!

## Selected projects

- [Creighton Farms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/creighton-farms-pj-vj~6109074)
  - Location: Aldie, VA
  - Photos: 13
- [The Plains](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-plains-pj-vj~5574270)
  - Location: The Plains, VA
  - Photos: 23
- [Spring 2015](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spring-2015-pj-vj~1182630)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [New Hampshire](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-hampshire-pj-vj~271397)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 11
- [Alder Lake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alder-lake-pj-vj~2581473)
  - Location: Ashburn, VA
  - Photos: 13
- [Tippecanoe](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tippecanoe-pj-vj~2100520)
  - Location: Ashburn, VA
  - Photos: 12
- [Various](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/various-pj-vj~1524963)
  - Location: Middleburg, VA
  - Photos: 43
- [Winter interest](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/winter-interest-pj-vj~1515173)
  - Location: Middleburg, VA
  - Photos: 14
- [Horsin' around](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/horsin-around-pj-vj~788368)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 24
  - Description: A horse farm in Western Loudoun County Virginia with native plant landscapes to enhance the beauty of this fine home.
- [Travertine patio and walls](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/travertine-patio-and-walls-pj-vj~788394)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Hamilton Chimney](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hamilton-chimney-pj-vj~788339)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
- [Pool house and native plants](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pool-house-and-native-plants-pj-vj~61235)
  - Location: Vienna, VA
  - Photos: 41
- [Gnomeo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gnomeo-pj-vj~661866)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
- [Ranger Rick's](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ranger-rick-s-pj-vj~661956)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Rescue Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rescue-ranch-pj-vj~661844)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 22
- [Marshall](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marshall-pj-vj~553067)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
- [Garden ideas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-ideas-pj-vj~346760)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 15
- [Blue on blue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blue-on-blue-pj-vj~346745)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [Entrance walk](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/entrance-walk-pj-vj~346726)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [Boyce rain garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boyce-rain-garden-pj-vj~61375)
  - Location: Boyce, VA
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: A rain garden built at a private school in Boyce, VA. This is called the N.E.A.L. garden (Nature Enhanced Approach to Learning) and is maintained by the students. The rainwater that comes off the roof is directed through this large rain garden to filter the water before reaching local streams.

[See all 41 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/magee-design-pfvwus-pf~1577275452)

## Ideabooks

- [Stonework](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31171875/list/stonework) — 9 ideas
- [Greenhouses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30496601/list/greenhouses) — 7 ideas
- [Pet houses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18171995/list/pet-houses) — 1 idea
- [Cool rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3239610/list/cool-rooms) — 10 ideas
- [Water](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3190897/list/water) — 16 ideas
- [Garden ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3239590/list/garden-ideas) — 12 ideas
- [buildings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3243034/list/buildings) — 3 ideas
- [Outdoor rec](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3190922/list/outdoor-rec) — 1 idea

[See all 8 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/john-magee)

## Community Q&A

**Q: What is the name of the plant in the center with flowers?** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the name of the plant in the center with flowers?

A: Those are Monkey Faced Orchid (Calanthe discolor).

**Q: What is the plant with the white flowers?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Yep, as mentioned above, the white flowered plants are indeed Goat's Beard  aka Aruncus dioicus and the Red & Yellow is Indian Pink aka Spigelia marilandica.  Let us know if we can help arrange flowers in your landscape.  ;-)

**Q: Wood Species Used?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Hi, can you please say what wood specie was used for the darker stained parts at the decking and railings, etc? For that matter, the gray stained siding as well?

Apologies if these questions have been asked and answered elsewhere.

Thanks very much.

Mark

A: Hi Mark, It's been awhile since we did the project, so forgive me if I'm a bit foggy, but here's my recollection:  The siding was some type of t-111 type product (Plywood equivalent), the darker wood on the deck and rails is Mahogany and the steps are covered in brass.  Let us know if we can be of help on your project!  -John

**Q: Gargoyles!** *(in Photo Questions)*

Where did you get them? They're awesome.

A: The homeowner is an Architect and they designed this house for themselves.  When they hired their first contractor to build it, things did not go well.  For the second round of contractors, they installed the Gargoyles to ward off any other bad contractors, which seems to be working.  I have no idea where they got them, but next time I speak to them, I'll ask.

**Q: were do you get the wire mesh rail material?  What guage is it?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: We did not install the wire mesh, so I'm afraid I can't answer that.  Let us know if we can help with your project.

**Q: Supplier?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Where can I find this mesh material for the railing?

A: It's been a while since we installed this project and we were not the installers of the mesh, so I'm not sure otherwise.  Please let us know if we can help on your project.  -Thanks

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-17.*