--- title: "ZDA Inc. — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/zda-inc-pfvwus-pf~436699242 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~436699242.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "ZDA Inc." category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0f33ccad0193d950_9013-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "4797 Capitol View Road, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States" latitude: 43.1052 longitude: -89.5073 phone: "(608) 831-5098" website: http://www.zdainc.com rating: 5 review_count: 6 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 29 last_updated: 2026-09-30 --- # ZDA Inc. Original Houzz profile: [ZDA Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/zda-inc-pfvwus-pf~436699242) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Middleton, WI - **Serves:** Madison, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Middleton, Waunakee, Verona, De Forest, Windsor, Monona, Cross Plains, Shorewood Hills, Maple Bluff, Dane - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (6 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves ZDA is an award-winning landscape architecture, land planning and garden design firm dedicated to revitalizing your relationship with the outdoors. ZDA designs outdoor spaces that improve people's daily lives and the health of their communities, while creating sustainable, beautiful and resilient designs. We connect landscapes and people by preserving and enhancing the ecosystem within your space. ZDA Landscape architects, land planners, and garden designers use artistry and engineering to enhance your relationship with the outdoors. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Site Planning - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Custom Water Features - Gazebo Design & Construction - Drafting - Shed Design & Construction - Construction Drawings - Lake Front Landscaping - Trellis Construction ### Areas Served - Madison - Sun Prairie - Fitchburg - Middleton - Waunakee - Verona - De Forest - Windsor - Monona - Cross Plains - Shorewood Hills - Maple Bluff - Dane ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | ZDA Inc. | | Address | 4797 Capitol View Road, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States | | Phone | (608) 831-5098 | | Website | http://www.zdainc.com | | Followers on Houzz | 29 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/ZDA.OutdoorCreative/?ref=hl - Blog — http://www.zdainc.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [ZDA Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/zda-inc-pfvwus-pf~436699242) - **Website:** http://www.zdainc.com - **Phone:** (608) 831-5098 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Certificate of Achievement for Outstanding Commitment to Sustainability- 2012 from Sustain Dane Mpower Business Champions ProgramDynamic Developer Award- Isthmus Independent Business Awards by Isthmus PublishingChapter Support Award- WIASLA 2012Perennial Plant Association - 2012 Merit Award - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 6 reviews** ### All 6 reviews **★★★★★ — Susan Gruber, April 2017** > I have worked with the people at ZDA Landscaping in Middleton, WI for years. They designed and implemented my lake home landscaping over 15 years ago. It included natural gardens, deck, lake shore and entry way. Over the years they helped maintain it and improve when needed. I then sold the lake home and bought a condo on the lake. ZDA again helped me design and implement a small barrier flower bed, patio, raised large planter and divider between my unit and my neighbor. Their work again provided me with the privacy needed from people walking past my unit to the lake and from the street that runs next to our property. In both homes, I have received compliments on the design, easy of care and beauty of my yard. The best part is that everything is native and environmentally friendly. I highly recommend ZDA for any landscaping project, big or small. The team is knowledgeable, friendly and easy to work with, going far above my expectations. **★★★★★ — Julie Horner, March 2017** > We couldn't have picked better landscape designers than Steve, Joan and Jared, of ZDA, Inc. Our house is situated on a hill surrounded by woods and a rocky landscape with great views of the bluffs and valleys below. The house is partially embedded in the hill. The problem was that the only entrance to the house was from the lower level. We wanted an inviting entrance to the upper level, and after rejecting designs from three different landscape firms, we were giving up hope. Enter Steve with his unique ability to incorporate the surrounding landscape into his designs. He decided to build three terraces close to the house that curved to follow the contours of the hillside (see photos). The year-around flagstone walkway with stone steps to the existing deck area are from a Wisconsin firm and the natural sandstone outcrop retaining walls were built using rock from a nearby site. Joan Ziegler and Jared Vincent designed the perennial garden and woody ornamental plantings for the new front entrance garden areas. The rock garden terraces, steps, and entrance walk were installed in 2012. Five years later we are still thrilled with the results. In fact, in 2016, ZDA completed and installed a design for the east side of the house after a major renovation that addressed drainage, grading and retaining walls. If you have a complex landscape project, we have no hesitation in giving Steve, Joan and Jared, of ZDA, Inc. the highest recommendation. They can not only visualize the end product, they are great with communication, stay within budget and finish on time. **★★★★★ — Melissa Scholz, March 2017** > ZDA did a beautiful job on our yard. Our backyard was a crazy jungle. They created tiers and special spaces and varied and manageable garden areas (including 2 rain gardens), with a wonderful array of trees, shrubs and flowers. We love it! Whether we are enjoying the raspberries or huddling around the fire pit on a winter evening, it has been a great addition to our house. They created two perennial gardens in the front yard, which are literally patches of miracles, the way they come up and look great year after year with minimal effort. Steve, Joan, Jared and their team can do it all, from landscape design and engineering to plant selection and management. They've continued to provide support to us each year. They listen well and are fun to work with. We are 100% satisfied. **★★★★★ — Jan Eisner, March 2017** > Everyone I encountered at ZDA is very knowledgeable and easy to work with but Jared Vincent really stands out. His attention to detail is amazing. He is so organized and efficient it is a pleasure to work with him. His knowledge of landscape architecture is amazing not to mention his impressive background knowledge. **★★★★★ — Samuel Moss, Feb. 2017** > This project had numerous design changes expertly handled by ZDA staff requiring 18 months for project completion. ZDA selected and oversaw work of major contractors. After numerous modifications this building restoration project was completed close to original cost estimate including Architect fees. **★★★★★ — Marcia Castro, Feb. 2017** > I have worked with ZDA for several years with my business, as well as my home landscaping. I love their attention to detail; we have a garden that has color through most of the seasons, as well as edibles and containers. I really appreciate that Joan is willing to help plan containers and add something new each spring. And having their staff available to help with garden clean up at the end of the season is a huge bonus! ## Selected projects - [Low Maintenance Gardens \| Lake Mendota](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/low-maintenance-gardens-lake-mendota-pj-vj~2294497) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 3 - Description: The goal of the owners of this small property on Lake Mendota was to improve access to the lake, stabilize the shoreline, provide year-round interest, and incorporate native plant material for bird habitat with low maintenance perennial gardens. ZDA restructured the existing three foot high lake edge rip rap within DNR guidelines to increase plant diversity and compliment the aesthetics of the site. The wheelchair accessible deck and boardwalk was designed to allow our client’s family to enjoy t… - [Green Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/green-design-pj-vj~798250) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 6 - [Quiet Sanctuary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/quiet-sanctuary-pj-vj~2294355) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 3 - Description: This serene backyard incorporates a tea house, ZDA designed Zen clothesline, and ornamental evergreens into a contemplative space. The at-grade brick patio provides an accessible entrance for aging in place. The espaliered pear, trellises, and evergreen hedges enhance the privacy of this small urban lot The front yard is highlighted by natural stone retaining walls, and wrought iron fence was designed to be in keeping with the English cottage style of the house. A collection of specialty evergre… - [Quam Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/quam-residence-pj-vj~2294539) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 2 - Description: TESTIMONIALS “I am extremely pleased with both the result and the entire construction process. This was due to your team’s experience and foresight with lake lot construction and your thorough knowledge of required local and state regulation compliance. I have lived on Lake Kengosa for over thirty years and built or remodeled a number of times and none were nearly as seamless as this one, relative to gaining the approval and cooperation from all the permitting agencies involved. I would strongly… - [Lakeshore House Museum](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeshore-house-museum-pj-vj~2290035) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 3 - Description: ZDA collaborated with the architect to site a large dwelling and private museum on a challenging property (6.5 acres) to optimize lake views and integrate the home into the landscape. ZDA’s Master Plan addressed site circulation and incorporated auxiliary parking and equipment access for the museum without compromising the residential character of the estate. The property includes orchards, kitchen and ornamental gardens, chicken coup, and boathouse. ZDA developed extensive construction document… - [Beauty in the Details](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beauty-in-the-details-pj-vj~1230259) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 7 - [Prairie Rock Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prairie-rock-garden-pj-vj~2289990) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 3 - Description: Artistic stone placement, selection of native materials, garden design, and lighting concept transformed a pathway to the front entrance and provides a segway from the home to the surrounding native prairie. A true nature lovers delight. This easy care gardens provides a continuous show of flowers, birds and pollinators. The widely diverse selection of perennial flowers where specifically chosen for their ability to thrive without additional water in this rural, rocky, wind swept garden.. - [Year Round Entertaining](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/year-round-entertaining-pj-vj~2294325) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 3 - Description: The clients goal was to carve out an inviting outdoor living space from a narrow leftover space between the addition of a new two car garage, driveway, and the treacherous back door. ZDA designed prominent steps and an elevated terrace to create personal, private space for outdoor living, dining, and kitchen prep. Richness of materials enhance the urban lines of this backyard, and include: custom designed fire and glass feature, and fabricated cedar and iron privacy trellises, and bluestone pati… - [Historic Farmstead](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-farmstead-pj-vj~2291552) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 3 - Description: ZDA developed a property-wide Land Management Plan that incorporated the client’s desired land uses and trail network with designated Forest Crop Lands, CRP lands, and wetlands. A summary of management protocol recommendations was included in our work to inform future development and investments. Our work also focused on creating new outdoor living space around the historic homestead to unify the collection of historic buildings: New entry patio and garden to link the main house and cottage. Rec… - [Sustainable Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sustainable-design-pj-vj~2294462) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 2 - [Simple Whimsy](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/simple-whimsy-pj-vj~2294313) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 3 - Description: This simple, clean, and low maintenance backyard was designed to harmonize with the client’s modern ranch home and whimsical taste. Concrete steppers reference the kitchen’s tile backsplash designed by the client. Custom designed Corten steel planters create a sculptural focal point and provide easy care raised herb and vegetable garden beds. Regrading to solve drainage issues and adding a floating wood deck turned an unusable, constantly soggy backyard into a place to relax and host gourmet din… - [Bird Lovers Sanctuary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bird-lovers-sanctuary-pj-vj~2294442) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 3 - Description: In this 24.6-acre site in the Upper Sugar River floodplain, ZDA collaborated the the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association, and the Military Ridge Trail Society, all of whom have access through easements on the property. ZDA developed several Ecological Management Areas with long-range recommendations to enhance existing site features, decrease annual maintenance, and increase wildlife habitat for these avid birders. ZDA also developed detailed la… - [Gardener's Paradise](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gardener-s-paradise-pj-vj~2290071) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 3 - Description: ZDA worked to enhance the historic character of the 1900’s four-square farmhouse in rural Wisconsin. Reclaimed barnstone walls were incorporated into the landscape to create a welcoming entry and beautiful backdrop for our client’s perennial gardens. The front and rear entry were redesigned for easier access for the owners to engage their gardens, outdoor living space, and welcome guests at the front door. The front steps were redesigned with railing details to respect and enhance the architectu… - [ZDA Designs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zda-designs-pj-vj~1003747) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 17 - [Porches, Decks, and Patios](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/porches-decks-and-patios-pj-vj~1230134) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 5 - [Historic Home and Landscape Preservation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-home-and-landscape-preservation-pj-vj~235734) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 15 - Description: This historic gem in Madison's Prospect Hill Neighborhood was painstakingly restored to reflect its Arts and Crafts heritage while meeting the current and future needs of the homeowners. We designed a green-roofed garage tucked into the hillside to provide rooftop gardens and a cozy backyard patio. Materials were selected to complement the existing architecture, and create year-round gardens with an overall European feeling. Other projects include: The restoration of a Franz Aust pool and evegre… - [Private Garden Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-garden-oasis-pj-vj~2290011) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 3 - Description: Awards: 2006 Perennial Plant; Association Landscape; Design Honor Award The renovation of a 1920’s Bungalow in Madison’s first planned community won the Perennial Plant Association’s highest honor award for landscape design. The gardens are inspired by English cottage-style gardens and provide continuous bloom throughout the seasons and an abundance of cut flowers for the house. This residential design addressed a complete site renovation for a lot with severe slopes, drainage and circulation pr… - [Sustainable Gardens and Agriculture](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sustainable-gardens-and-agriculture-pj-vj~2294527) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 3 - Description: In this 35 acre project, ZDA developed a plan for our client to transition this land from fallow field and woods into an integrated, managed system of environmental restoration and alternative agriculture practices. This included plans for expanding the living area in the homestead, as well as providing office space and increasing production and storage capacity of the existing barn. ZDA also designed and coordinated the installation of a 7,000 square foot memorial perennial garden amid a grove… - [A Sense of Place](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-sense-of-place-pj-vj~2294420) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 3 - Description: This project involved developing a complete Master Plan and siting a new dwelling on an 11-acre piece of property overlooking Waunakee Marsh. In addition to the Master Plan, ZDA developed a complete land management and maintenance plan for the property including budgeting and phasing. Environmentally sensitive and unique management areas include an extinct limestone quarry, mature oak woodlands, a remnant goat prairie with a striking display of native Shooting Stars, and various degrees of old-f… - [Restored Franz Aust Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/restored-franz-aust-landscape-pj-vj~2290026) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: During an historic restoration and renovation of a private residence in the Village of Shorewood Hills, Wisconsin, our thorough site analysis uncovered extensive landscape components from the original 1930-1936 design by renowned landscape architect Franz Aust. Aust was a prominent landscape architect in the Madison area from 1930-1957, Head of the Landscape Architecture Department at the UW Madison, and was closely associated with Frank Lloyd Wright, Jens Jensen, and Arthur Caldwell. In discove… [See all 35 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/zda-inc-pfvwus-pf~436699242) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the evergreen tree on the right side of the photo?** *(in Photo Questions)* I would like to know the type of evergreen tree on the right side. How tall does it eventually get? If it is one that grows to 30 ft, does the designer just expect to replace it with a smaller one every few years? A: Lacebark pine is a zone 4 to 8 plant, and can do well if planted in the right location. Winter protection from sun and wind will help it establish. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-30.*