--- title: "SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction — Landscape Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/surrounds-landscape-architecture-construction-pfvwus-pf~1577319336 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1577319336.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction" category: ["Landscape Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/2e1309b900194df3_7560-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "21580 Blackwood Ct., Sterling, Virginia 20166, United States" latitude: 38.9814 longitude: -77.4723 phone: "(703) 430-6001" website: http://www.SurroundsLandscaping.com rating: 5 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 14 followers: 1599 last_updated: 2026-09-11 --- # SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction > DC Area's High-End Custom Landscape Design/Build Firm 12X BOH winner Original Houzz profile: [SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/surrounds-landscape-architecture-construction-pfvwus-pf~1577319336) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Contractors - **Location:** Sterling, VA - **Serves:** Arlington, Alexandria, Centreville, Reston, McLean, Leesburg, Ashburn, Manassas, Oakton, South Riding, Sterling, Herndon, Fairfax, Chantilly, Brambleton, Vienna, Broadlands, Great Falls, Sugarland Run, Dranesville, Belmont, Dulles Town Center, Arcola, Haymarket, Round Hill, Middleburg, Clifton, Aldie, Upperville, Bethesda, Bluemont, Catharpin, Charlestown, Chevy Chase, Darnestown, Dulles, Mount Airy, Paeonian Springs, Potomac, Purcelville, Washington DC - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 14 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 500,000 Ideabook Saves - Locally owned - High-end - Offers Custom Work ### Business highlights - High-end - Offers Custom Work - Locally owned Surrounds Landscape Architecture + Construction is a high-end design/build firm comprised of Registered Landscape Architects, skilled craftsmen, and experienced landscape crewmen all joined together as one team to serve the needs of homeowners who envision an outdoor living environment that will be the envy of their neighbors and friends. At Surrounds, we also offer landscape management services. We do not simply "maintain" landscapes, but rather we manage and enhance each and every one of our clients' properties to meet individual needs and desires. The comprehensive nature of our landscape management program provides a scientific and aesthetic approach to horticulture services. Our mission is to develop and nurture outdoor environments that positively change the way our clients live and experience the outdoors. We do this by creating award-winning outdoor living environments that enhance lifestyles and increase property values. We carefully merge artistic landscape architecture design services with professional construction and meticulous landscape management. A turnkey company, we provide unparalleled customer service, deliver exceptional results, and forge lasting client relationships. One of our experienced Landscape Architects will consult with you one on one to achieve the perfect concept for your home. This design will be inspired by your personal style and taste, making each project unique while complimenting the existing architectural character and local topography. Then, our team will work flawlessly together to move your project from paper to reality with stunning results. Whether you want the natural tranquility of an organic design with free flowing water over massive boulders, or the refined beauty of a formal setting, contact Surrounds today to find out what we can do for you. ### Services Provided - Landscape Construction - Hardscaping - Landscape Maintenance - Patio Construction - Garden Design - Deck Building - Pergola Construction - Paver Installation - Retaining Wall Construction - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Custom Water Features - Masonry - Outdoor Lighting Installation - Outdoor Fireplace Construction - Swimming Pool Construction - Gazebo Design & Construction - Landscape Lighting Installation - Brick Masonry - Planting - Landscape Drainage System Installation - Sod Installation - Tree Planting - Irrigation System Installation - Trellis Construction - Custom Putting Greens - Sprinkler System Installation - Lawn Care - Gate Installation - Mulching - Wood Fence Installation - Arbor Design and Construction - Organic Gardens - Edible Gardens - Lawn Mowing - Driveway Gate Installation - Wrought Iron Fence Installation - Hedge Trimming - Lawn Aeration - Lawn Treatment & Fertilization - Lawn Seeding - Dry Wells - Aluminum Fence Installation - 3D Rendering - Landscape Design - Site Planning - Swimming Pool Design - Deck Construction - Masonry Construction & Repair ### Areas Served - Arlington - Alexandria - Centreville - Reston - McLean - Leesburg - Ashburn - Manassas - Oakton - South Riding - Sterling - Herndon - Fairfax - Chantilly - Brambleton - Vienna - Broadlands - Great Falls - Sugarland Run - Dranesville - Belmont - Dulles Town Center - Arcola - Haymarket - Round Hill - Middleburg - Clifton - Aldie - Upperville - Bethesda - Bluemont - Catharpin - Charlestown - Chevy Chase - Darnestown - Dulles - Mount Airy - Paeonian Springs - Potomac - Purcelville - Washington DC ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 1,000,000+ ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction | | Address | 21580 Blackwood Ct., Sterling, Virginia 20166, United States | | Phone | (703) 430-6001 | | Website | http://www.SurroundsLandscaping.com | | Followers on Houzz | 1599 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Surrounds-Landscape-Architecture-and-Construction-107157855981207/?fref=ts - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/surroundsinc - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/surrounds-landscape-architecture-construction?trk=top\_nav\_home - Blog — https://www.surroundslandscaping.com/blog/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/surrounds-landscape-architecture-construction-pfvwus-pf~1577319336) - **Website:** http://www.SurroundsLandscaping.com - **Phone:** (703) 430-6001 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 33 Local Grand Awards from the Landscape Contractors Association (LCA) - 2 National Grand Awards from NALP - Environmental Improvement Award 2009 (NALP) - National Hispanic Landscape Alliance (NHLA) - International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) - **Best of Houzz:** 14 awards (2013–2026), 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) - [Pool & Hot Tub Alliance](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/pool-and-hot-tub-alliance-pfvwus-pf~881802885) - [National Association of Landscape Professionals](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-landscape-professionals-pfvwus-pf~1351514719) - [Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/interlocking-concrete-pavement-institute-pfvwus-pf~1829823913) - [VNLA-Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/vnla-virginia-nursery-and-landscape-association-pfvwus-pf~2115339908) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Jennifer Reeves, July 2017** > We had an amazing experience with Surrounds when redoing all of the landscaping at the front of our home. We have continued on with them for our weekly grounds maintenance and have been thrilled. Excellent customer service and friendly staff. Highly, highly recommend. **Comment from SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction:** > Thank you for great review and kind words Jen. We look forward to a continued partnership for many years to come! ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — Town & Country Pools, Inc., July 2017** > We have been working with Surrounds on their beautiful projects for over a decade. Howard, Chad, and their landscape architect team have a special sense of design and work with their clients to ensure their satisfaction down to the smallest details. Their production management team takes the design and brings it to life. We enjoy every interaction we have with them from the design phase to the construction phase to handing the project over to the client to enjoy. Surrounds has put together a top notch team and portfolio of work. **Comment from SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction:** > Burton, thank you for your kind words and continued relationship. We look forward to working together on many more great projects in the future! **★★★★★ — sjones71, June 2017** > I highly recommend Surrounds. They designed and installed hardscaping and landscaping at my house. They did a fantastic job from beginning to end. The end result looks exactly like the design we agreed upon. Howard and Stacy hooked me when they introduced the idea of Corten steel. The design includes clean lines and planting and blends perfectly with the style of my house. Throughout the whole process they were attentive to my concerns and understood the look I wanted to achieve, and made some fantastic recommendations that make the end result that much better. The maintenance crew does a great job too. **Comment from SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction:** > Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We have enjoyed working with you on both your construction project, as well as throughout our garden management program. **★★★★★ — Karen Nussle, April 2017** > If you are looking to make your back yard an extension of your living space, and a place that is an oasis for your family, then hire Surrounds. They do excellent work from start to finish. They have creative and talented design staff. They are extremely thoughtful, careful and respectful during installation. And then they have excellent garden management staff that can help you maintain your new paradise. We did our yard in phases and have now done 4 projects with Surrounds. We could not recommend them more highly. They simply do excellent work. **Comment from SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction:** > Thank you for your great review and continued business Karen! We have enjoyed working with you throughout each project phase and through our garden management program. **★★★★★ — heronpointme, March 2016** > We have used several companies over the past 15 years for residential landscape construction, installation and maintenance. We switched to 'Surrounds' in the spring of 2015 and we are delighted that we did. Service consists of weekly mowing, edging, trimming, pruning and weeding, as well as periodic applications of fertilizer, etc. Every spring includes a massive clean-up from the winter, edging of beds and application of mulch. We receive weekly emails letting us know what they did this week and what they plan to do next week. We also receive suggestions from time to time when Surrounds notices that a plant or tree needs extra help, or when they believe they can help us address other issues and problems with landscaping, such as erosion. They offer optional extras such as planting annuals for color, seasonal outdoor decorations, firewood, outdoor gas grill maintenance, and landscape lighting maintenance. We have a single point of contact at Surrounds (Mr. Kohler Brafford), which adds accountability and makes communications super easy. Their crews are pleasant and respectful, highly efficient, easy to communicate with, and they are very considerate of our schedules and the needs of our three dogs. I wholeheartedly recommend Surrounds for your residential landscaping needs. **★★★★★ — CHIP-N-DALE'S CUSTOM LANDSCAPING, Oct. 2015** > I have been a landscape contractor for 21 years and have worked with Barry for the last year in a peer to peer networking group. The passion, knowledge and commitment Barry brings to his clients is amazing. I would highly recommend anyone looking for a professional landscape contractor that specializes in creative and unique projects with a focus on quality and customer service to consider Surrounds Landscape Architecture > > Sincerely, > > Greg Struhl > President > Chip-N-Dale's Custom Landscaping > Las Vegas, NV **★★★★★ — Alex511, Sept. 2015** > We obtained estimates from various landscape architectural companies. Howard Cohen from Surrounds came up with a beautiful plan, and we had to go with Surrounds. The process was long (but worth it), and we were grateful for the customer service we received, particularly from Howard Cohen, who, even one year later, is still very responsive. The construction work was so amazing that many professionals doing other work at our house asked take pictures of it. I am attaching photos so you can see how beautiful our backyard looks. It is a mix of professional and amateur photos. (If Houzz allowed me to put more than 4 pictures, I would have done it.) They built the covered structure, the 13-foot fireplace, the patio, the arbors and columns around the French doors, the decking and stairs outside the French doors, and the sitting wall. The landscaping surrounding this project is gorgeous! They got us a gorgeous granite fountain (the 2nd photo shows it), that is one of my favorite parts of the project. I would highly recommend Surrounds and particularly Howard Cohen. He really put a lot of thought into the design he did, and it shows! **★★★★★ — ablocher2319, Oct. 2013** > Chad and the entire surrounds team really delivered on an incredible backyard renovation. We went into the project with concerns about utilizing a new contractor, but Surrounds exceeded our expectations. Design team was extremely professional and met their budget (outside of our scope changes and limited unforeseen conditions). Chad and the team were always readily available to discuss issues or concerns, and addressed them in a timely and professional manner. The team did a good job coordinating schedules and project execution with our other outside vendors. Very professional staff executed the project well and went beyond expectations keeping the job site clean and interacting with our kids - Gianni was incredible on the job every day. **★★★★★ — pjnorton, Oct. 2013** > Barry, > > We wanted to share with you our appreciation for the outstanding work done by John Peer and his crew in the execution of phase 2 of the landscape project at my home. We have found all your staff to be very professional. John is a fun person and was responsive to our requests and always had a can-do attitude. I have an attention to detail and a fair amount of construction knowledge, so I particularly appreciated that I never saw corners cut or inferior construction. From footers to finished stone work to placement of plants, all was top quality. We also appreciated the proactive approach taken by your firm to address the inevitable surprises that arose with the installation of the hardscape. We quietly monitored construction and repeatedly observed your crews address issues that we expected we would have to bring up but never had to. > > We also wanted to acknowledge the effort that went into the final push to wrap up the project in time for a large party that we had. John ensured that all was taken care of, including the assembly and placement of the outdoor furniture. This was one of the unexpected surprises that was very considerate and we appreciated greatly. > > We really appreciate the great design by Chad and the quality of execution and follow up by your firm. **★★★★★ — jilllawson, July 2013** > I hired Chad at Surrounds, because I was looking for someone who could transform our backyard into another area for entertaining. We trusted him. He worked closely with us to present and modify the designs. He let us know when things would not work. > > We wanted a football field for the kids, as well as covered porch for the back and stone patio /fireplace or the fall. The landscaping was to tastefully hide our close neighbors and provide a southern style charm with year round color and lots of green texture. > > It is gorgeous on all counts. They flattened the yard and stonework is perfect. > > We love it. ## Selected projects - [2025 LCA Grand Award Winner and Judge's Choice](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2025-lca-grand-award-winner-and-judge-s-choice-pj-vj~7821072) - Location: Vienna, VA - Photos: 11 - [2025 LCA Grand Award Winner in Vienna, Virginia](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2025-lca-grand-award-winner-in-vienna-virginia-pj-vj~7821082) - Location: Vienna, VA - Photos: 9 - [2025 LCA Award Winner in Bethesda, Maryland](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2025-lca-award-winner-in-bethesda-maryland-pj-vj~7821110) - Location: Bethesda, MD - Photos: 5 - [2025 LCA Award Winner in Vienna, Virginia](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2025-lca-award-winner-in-vienna-virginia-pj-vj~7821105) - Location: Vienna, VA - Photos: 6 - [2025 LCA Award Winner in Great Falls, Virginia](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2025-lca-award-winner-in-great-falls-virginia-pj-vj~7821118) - Location: Great Falls, VA - Photos: 6 - [Backyard Adventure](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-adventure-pj-vj~7382915) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 14 - Description: To keep their four athletic daughters busy on weekends, the homeowners invested in a sports court and pool with a high boulder diving ledge for cannon balls. - [Riverview Residence, a 2024 LCA Grand Award Winner](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/riverview-residence-a-2024-lca-grand-award-winner-pj-vj~7577399) - Location: Potomac, MD - Photos: 9 - [Monroe Residence, a 2024 LCA Grand Award Winner](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/monroe-residence-a-2024-lca-grand-award-winner-pj-vj~7577346) - Location: Herndon, VA - Photos: 6 - [Percussion Way, a 2024 LCA Grand Award Winner](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/percussion-way-a-2024-lca-grand-award-winner-pj-vj~7577414) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Blackthorn Residence, a 2024 LCA Grand Award Winner](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blackthorn-residence-a-2024-lca-grand-award-winner-pj-vj~7577333) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Hamptons Style Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hamptons-style-estate-pj-vj~7800613) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 21 - [Foxcreek Residence, a 2024 LCA Grand Award Winner](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/foxcreek-residence-a-2024-lca-grand-award-winner-pj-vj~7577401) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Lupine Residence, a 2024 LCA Grand Award Winner](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lupine-residence-a-2024-lca-grand-award-winner-pj-vj~7577396) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [A Landscape Design That Completes a Newly Built Home in Arlington](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-landscape-design-that-completes-a-newly-built-home-in-arlington-pj-vj~7385485) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: A custom home builder wanted the exterior of his property to showcase the home he built for himself and his family of eight. Tight space and local regulations called for some creative thinking to accommodate all the features he wanted to include in his front, side, and back yard spaces. - [Formal Landscape Design in McLean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/formal-landscape-design-in-mclean-pj-vj~7385525) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: The architect used terracing to tame a twenty-foot elevation change from one side of the backyard to the other. Lush plantings border a walking path that gracefully runs along the high side of the yard overlooking an elegant pool house. - [Bethesda Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bethesda-residence-pj-vj~2654575) - Location: Bethesda, MD - Photos: 9 - Description: The project encompassed design and build of the front and rear areas of the property as well as the building stone of the home. The project entailed front and rear hardscape, landscape, lighting, drainage, and irrigation. The design was very challenging due to the size of the home and the overall space constraints of the lot and topography. The project was situated with a very severe slope in the rear yard with limited space as shown in the water feature area finished photography. Additionally,… - [Spectacular Outdoor Living Environment in Great Falls](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spectacular-outdoor-living-environment-in-great-falls-pj-vj~7385513) - Location: Great Falls, VA - Photos: 9 - Description: This backyard pool environment features a soaring open-air pool house with a massive stone fireplace. The primary structure is flanked on each side by pergolas that define the cooking and dining areas. - [Parkview Hills](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/parkview-hills-pj-vj~2604690) - Location: McLean, VA - Photos: 7 - Description: The project was a complete rear renovation involving a new swimming pool, patio areas, fireplace, outdoor kitchen, deck renovation, and surrounding landscape, and lighting. The site was very challenging due to very steep slopes and a limited amount of land area to accomplish the overall goals of the project. Those were lawn areas for the kids to play as well as patio space for entertainment and a swimming pool. Due to county requirements, multiple infiltration trenches were needed to accommodate… - [Poburn Woods](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/poburn-woods-pj-vj~2593798) - Location: Fairfax Station, VA - Photos: 10 - Description: Our client desired a functional, tasteful, and improved environment to compliment their home. The overall goal was to create a landscape that was subtle and not overdone. The client was highly focused on their deck environment that would span across the rear of the house with an area for a Jacuzzi as well. A portion of the deck has a screened in porch due to the naturally buggy environment, since the home is situated in the woods and a low area. A mosquito repellent injection system was incorpor… - [Meyer Woods](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/meyer-woods-pj-vj~2604658) - Location: Fairfax, VA - Photos: 7 - Description: Our client desired a diversely landscaped environment with natural stone and an expansive deck across the rear of the home. The existing landscape consisted of randomized plantings and the client desired to transplant all of the plant material throughout the rear of the property. The current plant palate reflects the client's love for having a diversity of plants. Extensive landscape lighting was used for accenting both hardscape and softscape features. We created increased privacy from the adja… [See all 68 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/surrounds-landscape-architecture-construction-pfvwus-pf~1577319336) ## Video - [Company video](https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/p/2605401/sp/260540100/playManifest/entryId/1_juamtoo4/format/applehttp/protocol/https/a.m3u8) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Are you licensed and insured?** Yes, we are licensed landscape contractors, as indicated by our professional type. We operate with the utmost professionalism and adhere to all industry standards for quality and safety. **What landscaping installation services do you offer?** We offer comprehensive landscape installation, including swimming pools, custom water features, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, patios, pergolas, and various hardscaping. Our team handles everything from planting and sod installation to fencing and custom putting greens, transforming your outdoor space completely. **Do you build retaining walls and outdoor structures?** Absolutely! We specialize in building custom retaining walls, patios, and other stonework. For outdoor structures, we design and construct pergolas, arbors, gazebos, pool houses, and decks, creating defined and functional outdoor living spaces tailored to your vision. **Do you handle grading and site preparation?** Yes, we absolutely handle grading and site preparation. Our landscape architects and craftsmen are adept at transforming challenging terrains, even 'moving mountains of dirt' if needed, to create the perfect foundation for your dream outdoor living environment. **Do you install patios, walkways, and other hardscaping features?** Yes, hardscaping is a core part of our expertise. We design and install beautiful patios, garden paths, and various stonework features. Our services include patio construction, paver installation, and masonry work to create elegant and functional outdoor 'floor plans' for your home. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Surrounds' Fountains & Ponds](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28552948/list/surrounds-fountains-ponds) — 12 ideas - [Surrounds' Gates & Fences](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28553161/list/surrounds-gates-fences) — 6 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/surrounds) ## Community Q&A **Q: how steep is the hillside** *(in Photo Questions)* method of terracing the hillside and materials used thanks A: Hi Sandra, the overall elevation change from the patio to the grade level above the highest retaining wall is 8.5 feet. We used large boulders and a CMU wall to retain the slope. The river rock swale handles the flow of stormwater during rain events. **Q: Is the siding hardie plank? What color is the siding and gable wood?** *(in Photo Questions)* We’re building our home and choosing exterior siding/colors now. These colors are rich and pretty. A: Hi Sherry and Michael, the gable wood is custom cedar. We were not a part of the home construction. However, Kohlmark Architects might know the answer. **Q: Lovely design. What is the green bush above the lavendar? Thanks in** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you Chris! It is a white Hibiscus (Rose of Sharon). **Q: are there house plans for this pool house** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Gloriaduncan. Thank you for your question. The pool house was designed by KohlMark architects. They would be the appropriate folks to reach out to. **Q: Beautiful home!** *(in Photo Questions)* Would you be able to provide the colour of the siding? A: Sylvia, thank you! Unfortunately, we are not able to provide the color of the siding, since we were solely involved with the landscape design and construction. **Q: Crape myrtle companion plants?** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you share what you planted around the crape myrtles and possibly the width of the planting bed in the particularly elegant strip to the left of the driveway? Thanks! A: CB Retiree, thank you for your question and kind words! The crape myrtles are multi-stem 'Natchez' cultivar. They were under-planted with Endless Summer Hydrangeas, as well as lamb's ear. The approximate width of the bed is 6'. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-11.*