--- title: "Staghorn NYC — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/staghorn-nyc-pfvwus-pf~882105281 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~882105281.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Staghorn NYC" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/b56375a004b5708b_2477-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Brooklyn, New York 11231-4374, United States" latitude: 40.6794 longitude: -74.0014 phone: "(347) 674-3994" website: http://staghornnyc.houzz.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 34 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 153 last_updated: 2026-09-21 --- # Staghorn NYC Original Houzz profile: [Staghorn NYC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/staghorn-nyc-pfvwus-pf~882105281) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Brooklyn, NY - **Serves:** Brooklyn, Manhattan - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (34 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2016–2023), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Staghorn NYC is a woman-owned residential landscape and garden design studio founded by Kat Aul Cervoni in 2014. We create sophisticated rooftop gardens, terraces, townhouse gardens, and outdoor living spaces that feel like natural extensions of the home. Our work combines strong spatial planning with naturalistic, ecologically minded planting to create landscapes that are refined, resilient, and designed to mature beautifully over time. We guide clients from initial concept through detailed design, early budget guidance, and implementation support. By collaborating with trusted builders and horticultural professionals, we remain an advocate for the design as each landscape is brought to life. Builders and garden teams are selected and contracted directly by our clients. Based in New York City, we work throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Connecticut, traveling beyond our core service area for select commissions. We also offer virtual landscape design for clients seeking a collaborative remote design experience. Staghorn’s work has received awards from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and has been featured in Dwell, ELLE DECOR, Domino, and the Gestalten book Penthouse Syndrome. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design ### Areas Served - Brooklyn - Manhattan ### Typical Job Cost $75,000 - 300,000 $75,000 - 300,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Staghorn NYC | | Address | Brooklyn, New York 11231-4374, United States | | Phone | (347) 674-3994 | | Website | http://staghornnyc.houzz.com | | License Number | 2043108-DCA | | Followers on Houzz | 153 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/staghornnyc - X (Twitter) — staghorn\_nyc - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-aul-06b62725 - Blog — www.staghornnyc.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Staghorn NYC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/staghorn-nyc-pfvwus-pf~882105281) - **Website:** http://staghornnyc.houzz.com - **Phone:** (347) 674-3994 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - - APLD Design Award 2021 - - Licensed Home Improvement Contractor - - M.S. Landscape Design, Columbia University - - Best of Houzz 2016 - 2019 - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2016–2023), 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) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 34 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — emr257, Oct. 2022** > I am so happy that we hired Kat, Ethan and the Staghorn / Cedrus team to complete our roofdeck. Kat is an EXCELLENT designer and a great communicator - she was able to interpret my goals into a tangible vision and her design plans were thorough, detailed, and exactly what we hoped for. We wound up aligning on a mix of custom cedar planters and prefabricated black planters. We also decided on a cedar pergola, array of plants, irrigation and lighting design. The team who installed the design were extremely professional and great to partner with as well. Excellent communication all around. I couldn’t be happier with the way Kat and team transformed the roof space. **★★★★★ — Michael Thibodeau, Jan. 2019** > We had a very good experience with Kat and her crew. We definitely got what we needed and wanted. From the inception to the final product and build, the project was managed and completed in a manner that reinforced our comfort and trust. We discussed our budget and vision and Kat worked with us to get there. The project was efficiently managed and progress communicated on a consistent basis. Brian worked with us to finalize and raise the level of work to fit our needs. Wish we had another project to work on with Kat and her crew. **★★★★★ — Nyla Mabro, Dec. 2018** > Our experience with Staghorn was exceptional. I would highly recommend Katherine and her team. They renovated and landscaped our NYC backyard, transforming it into an oasis from the city. The work was of great quality. The service was fantastic - they are great communicators, emailing us on a daily basis during the work to let us know what had been achieved and what was happening next. As changes or issues arose, they were incredibly responsive and came up with solutions without delay and without pushback or drama. And they're fun to be around. Couldn't recommend them more. **★★★★★ — HU-551981262, Dec. 2018** > Working with Kat and the rest of the Staghorn team was a pleasure! I re-landscaped my roofdeck and added a built in kitchen, including a built in pop up TV. From design to execution, the team was great - Kat completely understood the look I wanted and the construction team was great, including providing daily updates of what was done and what would be done the net day. I highly recommend Staghorn. **★★★★★ — Michael, Oct. 2018** > Katherine and team just renovated my roof deck. To say they were fantastic would be an understatement. It was complicated because they built a kitchen with grill from scratch as well as did planters and landscaping. They were collaborative and when changes to the original scope needed adjustments they were flexible and understanding. I would highly recommend them. **Comment from Staghorn NYC:** > Thanks so much, Michael! Ya'll were so much fun to work with and we're so glad you're enjoying your new rooftop space. **★★★★★ — Raphaella Bennin, Sept. 2018** > Kat and her team are wonderful. They completely understood our vision for our backyard and delivered on it impeccably. They were communicative and available every step of the way. Every member of the team was professional and friendly. My partner and I were new homeowners and a little intimidated by such a big project, and we'd heard horror stories about price creep and difficult contractors and this couldn't have been further from our experience. **Comment from Staghorn NYC:** > Thank you, Phia! Ya'll were a blast to work with, and were so thrilled you're happy with the space! **★★★★★ — Stephanie Kaplan, Sept. 2018** > What an amazing experience it was working with Kat and Staghorn. We wanted to transform our NYC backyard into something that was usable and an extension of our home, and Kat listened throughout the process and delivered a project vision that was exactly what we were looking for. She and her construction team tolerated all the last minute changes and updates and delivered so perfectly on our backyard - with incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail. The crew was respectful, clean, friendly and did incredible work. I cant help but smile every time I go back there. It's everything we had hoped for and more. She kept us in check and on budget, while still delivering on the details. Her team came back and without hesitation replanted when a few of the newly planted bushes didn't quite make it. They've been incredible before, during and after the build. Thank you for giving our family a beautiful space to play and spend time. We love it! **Comment from Staghorn NYC:** > Stephanie - thank you for incredibly kind review!! So glad ya'll love your new space - it's been such a pleasure working with you. **★★★★★ — Francois KRESS, Sept. 2018** > I hired Staghorn to beautify the terrace of my new penthouse apartment Upper West Side in a landmark building. The old tile flooring needed to be covered with a deck, teak furniture was needed to be built and obviously, an entire landscaping of the 1,500 sqf was required. From the design phase to execution, Staghorn has been extremely professional all along and patient as the permitting took forever. The result is breathtaking. Katherine, the owner, is a pleasure to work with as is the rest of the team. Hire them! I wholeheartedly recommend Staghorn. **Comment from Staghorn NYC:** > Thank you, Francois! It's been so fun seeing your space transform - we're so pleased you're happy with it!! **★★★★★ — Lisa Roth, Jan. 2018** > I cannot write highly enough about Staghorn NYC. Katherine Aul is an incredible landscape architect. She took a dilapidated Brooklyn backyard and created an oasis. We feel like we have gained a new dimension both to our home and to our quality of life. > From design inception to execution, Katherine was great to work with. While we knew that we wanted our yard to be an extension of our home, we did not know how to get there. She came up with a plan taking into consideration cost, upkeep and style. She was open to our feedback and her choices for plants, materials and lighting were exactly what we wanted. The project was finished on time and there were no budget surprises. We are thrilled with our backyard and continue to work with Staghorn. **★★★★★ — Jonathan Wald, Jan. 2018** > I can't say enough about how great Katherine and the crew at Staghorn are. They Did an amazing job on my rooftop space on a very tight budget -- and exceeded my expectations. Everything from planning to execution and even a tricky irrigation job, handled with extreme care and confidence. They had my rooftop looking lush and put-together on time and on budget. Maintenance and billing also expertly handled. I would recommend them to anyone and I will definitely keep using them in the future. **★★★★★ — Anjali, Jan. 2018** > Katherine and the Staghorn team were exceptional and extremely professional! Katherine is such a pleasure to work with. She came listened to what I was trying to achieve, and came back with ideas that transformed our space into an oasis for the family! It makes me smile whenever I look out the window. Its beautiful and extremely functional, and the entire process was stress free! Thank you Staghorn! **★★★★★ — SHOBHANA CONSIDINE, Dec. 2017** > We hired Staghorn to demo and completely overhaul our 20x20 cement backyard. Having just finished a 2 year long gut reno of a brownstone in Brooklyn, Katherine and her team were the exact opposite of what we'd just experienced. They were an absolute treat to work with. > > Having spoken to a handful of landscape design contractors, we could immediately tell that Katherine was the real deal from the very start. Unlike some other landscaper contractors who were tardy or unresponsive, Katherine was on time, very engaged and very responsive. She was also very open to listening to our vision for our backyard and built it to our exact specifications. She patiently responded to our many questions (in a timely manner) and she was also ok with providing us a few different versions of proposal/cost breakdowns to help in our decision making process. > > When we were debating installing bluestone pavers vs. leaving the floor as cement, she offered to show us a client's backyard where she'd installed bluestone pavers in a size she thought would work for us. Through the initial stages of working with her, we became comfortable enough where we had her team start on the project while we were away on vacation. > > Her team was also excellent. They showed up on time, worked hard and had a positive attitude and, went the extra mile whenever they needed to. Overall, we'd recommend Staghorn wholeheartedly for anyone who is looking for a landscape designer & contractor who is trustworthy, fair, hardworking, on top of their game and...fun to work with! ## Selected projects - [Tribeca Rooftop Garden I](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tribeca-rooftop-garden-i-pj-vj~6085526) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 5 - Description: Tribeca rooftop garden designed and installed by Staghorn NYC. Modern fiberglass planters are lightweight and frame multiple outdoor rooms for dining, lounging, playing and entertaining. Birch trees provide shade and dimension, while evergreens provide 4 seasons of color and interest. Synthetic turf provides a soft surface for kids to play on. - [Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Rooftop Garden II](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carroll-gardens-brooklyn-rooftop-garden-ii-pj-vj~6037886) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 8 - Description: We designed and built this Brooklyn rooftop garden for a young family who loves to entertain. Custom cedar planters and fencing show off low maintenance plantings while a custom ipe kitchen with concrete countertops provides a place for grilling, food prep, and an outdoor-friendly beer tap. Dimmable low voltage lighting from FX Luminaire round out the space and allow for outdoor entertaining after sunset. - [West Village Backyard Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-village-backyard-garden-pj-vj~5320071) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: Landscape design and installation of this small backyard garden in the West Village neighborhood of NYC. Herringbone brick patio with custom horizontal ipe fencing, built in planter and custom cabinet and veneering. Low maintenance plantings and low voltage lighting finish off this modern backyard. - [Prospect Lefferts Backyard II](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prospect-lefferts-backyard-ii-pj-vj~6085539) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 3 - Description: Contemporary backyard garden in Prospect Lefferts area of Brooklyn designed and built by Staghorn NYC. A bluestone patio provides a gracious space for outdoor dining with a custom built outdoor kitchen. Synthetic turf provides a place for kids to play, and low maintenance plantings frame the space. A horizontal clear cedar fence with built-in lighting provides privacy and allows for entertaining after sunset. - [Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Rooftop Garden I](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carroll-gardens-brooklyn-rooftop-garden-i-pj-vj~2730472) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: The owners of this shared Brooklyn rooftop garden needed to create three individual spaces without feeling too closed off, dark, or boxed in. The solution is a series of custom cedar trellises at varying heights mixed with lightweight planters that delineate each of the owner's deeded spaces. Flowering vines grow through the trellises to provide added privacy during the warmer months as well as pops of color and texture. River birch trees offer dappled shade and dimension, flowering perennials a… - [Carroll Gardens Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carroll-gardens-backyard-pj-vj~5320237) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 10 - Description: Total renovation for a small backyard garden in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn. The scope included a bluestone patio, horizontal cedar fence with built in planters and bench with storage. Overhead cafe string lights and a pendant fixture allow this family to enjoy their garden after dark. Low maintenance flowering perennials and grasses as well as herbs and vegetables fill the planted areas. - [Cobble Hill Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cobble-hill-backyard-pj-vj~2730367) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 4 - [Prospect Lefferts Backyard Garden I](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prospect-lefferts-backyard-garden-i-pj-vj~2730433) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 7 - Description: Complete redesign and renovation of a backyard garden in Prospect Lefferts. A bluestone patio provides ample space for outdoor dining with a pea gravel patio selected for the lounge area. Custom ipe steps lead into the space and offer additional seating. Clear cedar screens safely hide HVAC units while low maintenance plantings frame the space. A light gray horizontal fence provides privacy and helps brighten the shady backyard. Outdoor lighting allows the family to use this inviting space after… - [Union Square Backyard Duplex Garden I](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/union-square-backyard-duplex-garden-i-pj-vj~6037922) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn Backyard Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/windsor-terrace-brooklyn-backyard-garden-pj-vj~1846193) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 5 - Description: Staghorn NYC designed, built, and installed this Brooklyn backyard garden with family and functionality in mind. A custom cedar fence provides privacy, and matches a custom storage bench and planter. The patio is thermal bluestone with an uneven edge into the lawn. Stepping stones lead to a new modern metal staircase into the house. - [Bed Stuy, Brooklyn Backyard III](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bed-stuy-brooklyn-backyard-iii-pj-vj~2730411) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 1 - Description: Brooklyn backyard garden designed and installed by Staghorn NYC. Bluestone patio, cedar fencing with custom stain, lawn and garden area. River birch trees for shade. - [Williamsburg, Brooklyn Rooftop](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/williamsburg-brooklyn-rooftop-pj-vj~860898) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 4 - Description: A simplistic, modern approach was called for this rooftop design project in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Ornamental grasses and sedum thrive on this highly exposed site while softening the Cor-Ten steel structure. This design was featured in the January 2014 issue of Dwell magazine. - [Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Terrace Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brooklyn-heights-brooklyn-terrace-design-pj-vj~860886) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 4 - Description: A penthouse terrace with a need for privacy without obstructing it's spectacular views of downtown Manhattan. A dense mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs peppered with brightly colored perennials and grasses. Located in an historic landmarked building in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. - [Additional Garden and Rooftop Designs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/additional-garden-and-rooftop-designs-pj-vj~1963571) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 4 - Description: A brief look at some of our other rooftop and garden design projects. - [Carroll Gardens Duplex Landscapes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carroll-gardens-duplex-landscapes-pj-vj~1846207) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: Playfully dubbed the "Cedar Wonderland," this Carroll Gardens duplex received a renovation overhaul with a nod to Japanese design on both upper and lower outdoor spaces. Minimalist bamboo fills an insulated cedar planter amidst cedar decking and fence on the upper level. Woodland understory plants mingle with upward reaching vines and sculptural trees and shrubs on the lower level. We can't wait to see the walls covered in green a few seasons from now. - [Grand Army Plaza Rooftop Garden II](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grand-army-plaza-rooftop-garden-ii-pj-vj~1206210) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 2 - Description: Lush, colorful, and contemporary were key goals of this rooftop and terrace landscape design project. Vibrant perennials mixed with small evergreen trees immediately attracted butterflies. Extra long window boxes filled with sedum flourish with the full sun exposure. - [Park Slope, Brooklyn Backyard Garden II](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/park-slope-brooklyn-backyard-garden-ii-pj-vj~1283573) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 8 - Description: The clients of the Brooklyn Brownstone backyard requested a serene, open, contemporary design for their space. We kept the color palette simple with greens, grays, and small pops of color from white and pink flowers and a neutral wooden tile. The two comfy lounge chairs and ottomans are from West Elm, and the table belonged to the owners prior to the installation. - [Midtown Manhattan Terrace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midtown-manhattan-terrace-pj-vj~1283520) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 8 - Description: Designed, installed and maintenance by Staghorn NYC, this terrace garden is located in a landmarked Art Deco building in midtown Manhattan. Eclectic planters and iron furniture mix with fluffy white hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, and a variety of other perennials and evergreens. The plantings offer some privacy while allowing the awesome views to be unobstructed. - [Prospect Heights, Brooklyn Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prospect-heights-brooklyn-backyard-pj-vj~860859) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 4 - Description: A complete renovation and redesign of a brownstone backyard garden in the Prospect Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. Included a bluestone patio restoration, perennial beds, lawn, and raised vegetable patch. - [Putnam Valley Lakefront Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/putnam-valley-lakefront-landscape-pj-vj~1456626) - Location: Putnam Valley, NY - Photos: 7 - Description: Landscape design and installation of vast perennial gardens for a lakefront property in Putnam Valley, New York. New American inspired perennial pairings for 4 seasons of interest. The client, an avid gardener and plant enthusiast, played a collaborative role in the selection and placement of many of the plantings. The garden was photographed in the autumn, with late season grasses and perennials stealing the show. [See all 22 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/staghorn-nyc-pfvwus-pf~882105281) ## Ideabooks - [Modern Outdoor Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107082416/list/modern-outdoor-furniture) — 7 ideas - [Ceramic Planters](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121073136/list/ceramic-planters) — 1 idea - [Outdoor Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81952537/list/outdoor-lighting) — 35 ideas - [Fire Pits](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/92804091/list/fire-pits) — 14 ideas - [Metal Panels](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/113824069/list/metal-panels) — 3 ideas - [Entryway](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/112431735/list/entryway) — 2 ideas - [Outdoor Sectional Sofa](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/112058312/list/outdoor-sectional-sofa) — 1 idea - [Outdoor Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83014739/list/outdoor-kitchen) — 9 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110194424/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [Outdoor Rug - Tribeca Terraces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/109672803/list/outdoor-rug-tribeca-terraces) — 3 ideas - [Stone Veneer](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106816769/list/stone-veneer) — 1 idea - [Modern Planters](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/84727262/list/modern-planters) — 2 ideas - [W. Vill. Window Boxes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90325213/list/w-vill-window-boxes) — 3 ideas - [Rooftop Bar/Cafe Planters](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/82627830/list/rooftop-bar-cafe-planters) — 5 ideas - [Mexican Tile](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83406977/list/mexican-tile) — 5 ideas - [Park-Like Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/61644654/list/park-like-backyard) — 13 ideas - [Bed-Stuy Family Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53481883/list/bed-stuy-family-backyard) — 4 ideas [See all 17 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/staghornnyc) ## Community Q&A **Q: about the tiles** *(in Photo Questions)* what is that floor? where can I buy it? A: Hi there! The flooring is from Ikea. **Q: What kind of plant is this?** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the shape of the leaves and the orange flowers. A: Thanks for asking! This is Nasturtium - it's flowers are edible and make a tasty addition to salads. We love adding to planters with other herbs and veggies. **Q: Trees?** *(in Photo Questions)* What trees & plants were used? Shade tolerant? A: Hello! The trees are Betula nigra (River Birch) and the plants underneath are a combo of the following: \- Geranium maculatum (Cranesbill) \- Carex oshimensis (Evergold Sedge) \- Epimedium (Barrenwort) \- Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Hay scented fern) These are part-to-full shade tolerant plantings. **Q: Fence type and manufacturer?** *(in Photo Questions)* Please let us know who is the maker and type of fence please? A: The fence was built along with the interior renovation - so I'm not sure. However, if you want one just like it you can have your builder use 1x6 pressure treated pine planks and then stain or paint it gray. That's what was done here. **Q: Lovely fence** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi Where did you order this fence. Thanks T A: Hello - thanks for your kind words! We custom built this fence for this client, along with most of the others on our profile. The lumber is knotty/common cedar left natural (unstained). --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-21.*