--- title: "·ecology by design, inc. — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ecology-by-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~883068917 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~883068917.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "·ecology by design, inc." category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/3dd368b10864784c_0616-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Asheville, North Carolina 28801, United States" latitude: 35.5971 longitude: -82.5565 phone: "(510) 227-7804" website: http://ecobydesign.net rating: 4.9 review_count: 26 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 9 last_updated: 2026-08-24 --- # ·ecology by design, inc. > Designing and Building Ecological Landscapes Since 1999 Original Houzz profile: [·ecology by design, inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ecology-by-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~883068917) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Asheville, NC - **Serves:** Asheville, Arden, Woodfin, Mills River, Royal Pines, Swannanoa, Weaverville, Fairview, Avery Creek, Biltmore Forest, Bent Creek, Alexander, Candler, Enka, Leicester, Skyland - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (26 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2020–2026), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - Woman owned ### Business highlights - Woman owned - Eco-friendly - Best of Houzz winner I offer comprehensive landscape consultation, design, and project management, bringing to the table 25 years of ecological landscape design and a masters degree in the subject. The objective is to blend your budget and dreams with pragmatism that benefits you and the environment. I can help you see your property with new eyes, and extract more utility and enjoyment from it than you thought possible! If you are looking to renovate an existing landscape or add features or usability, I am your (native, wild) huckleberry. If you are doing new construction, I hope you will contact me before siting your house on your land. Builders and architects often gloss over what I think are very important details relating to ingress and egress, solar aspect, drainage, microclimate, existing landforms, and noise, as they get caught up with the building itself and don’t always have the landscape literacy. At multiple points I was so glad I am a landscape designer when I was designing my earth-sheltered home, and integrating it with the renovated quonset hut on my childhood property outside of Asheville.. A rule of thumb is that landscaping can cost about 10% of your home’s value. Landscape design fees are generally 15%-20% of the projected project cost. I use a composite of various metrics to arrive at your design fee. Landscape design and “landscaping” in general have been grossly undervalued and underutilized in my opinion. Design has the power to change your life, with repeated use and viewing of a landscape that pleases you and that fits your lifestyle: Every drive down a well placed driveway, each look out of a window onto a colorful display, each downpour when you know your drainage plan is working, all can add up to a boon to your quality of life and to your resale value. Your home is everything within the confines of your property line, and beyond. Isn’t it time to start thinking and designing that way? Call me! ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Pool Landscaping - Custom Fire Pits - Swimming Pool Design - Custom Water Features - Gazebo Design & Construction - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Drafting - Organic Gardens - Pond Construction - Shed Design & Construction - Edible Gardens - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Living Walls - Greenhouse Design & Construction - Natural Swimming Pools - Potted Plants - Dog Run Construction - Rooftop Deck Installation - Green Roofing - Barn Design & Construction - Landscape Supplies - Construction Drawings - Dog Runs - Masonry - Native Plants - New Construction Home Siting and Master Plan - Rain Gardens and Erosion Control - Shed Design ### Areas Served - Asheville - Arden - Woodfin - Mills River - Royal Pines - Swannanoa - Weaverville - Fairview - Avery Creek - Biltmore Forest - Bent Creek - Alexander - Candler - Enka - Leicester - Skyland ### Typical Job Cost $2500 - TBD $2500 - TBD ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | ·ecology by design, inc. | | Address | Asheville, North Carolina 28801, United States | | Phone | (510) 227-7804 | | Website | http://ecobydesign.net | | Followers on Houzz | 9 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [·ecology by design, inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ecology-by-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~883068917) - **Website:** http://ecobydesign.net - **Phone:** (510) 227-7804 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 36" x 72" x 3/4" glass & steel sculpture on permanent display, at the Fine Arts Center at the University of TN in Chattanooga. - Participation in early brainstorming for an award-winning 2004 San Francisco Flower and Garden Show. - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2020–2026), for Service. **Affiliations** - [Green Built Alliance](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/green-built-alliance-pfvwus-pf~881622133) - [Conway School of Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/conway-school-of-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~849081442) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 26 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 49.0 - Communication: 49.0 - Value: 49.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Gran Felditoman, July 2025** > When Teresa first came to look at our property and discuss our project, we handed her a list of our problems and priorities, ranging from water drainage to support of wildlife, ease of maintenance and accessibility for seniors. We explained that we had lots of ideas, but were stuck in our own heads and needed someone who could come in with new eyes and a lot more knowledge on how to address these. She listened to us, asked questions, walked the property with and without us, and over a few iterations came up with a landscape design that integrated solutions with aesthetic. During that process, she patiently answered our questions and changed elements when necessary to address our concerns. > > We had to reprioritize, compress and otherwise adjust some of the implementation plan after Hurricane Helene came through, and Teresa worked with us to do that. Now, water goes to where it will be useful. And, as the plantings mature, our maintenance will decrease considerably, and the wildlife that lives in the area will be able to enjoy it as much as we will. Until then, we get to marvel at the resilience of native transplants and each individual flower that makes its first appearance on a newly rooted plant. > > If you're looking for someone with a wealth of knowledge and a highly collaborative process, we'd definitely recommend Teresa and .ecology by design. **Comment from ·ecology by design, inc.:** > This is great! I am so glad you are happy with things. Your property is unique and it speaks volumes that you were open to something completely different than I have done before with the weeping wall. I can't wait to see the results of the hard work everyone put in... Maximum Cheers! Thanks again. ### All 26 reviews **★★★★★ — amymatheny, April 2026** > Teresa is AMAZING! She has a keen eye and a keen ear, listening to our needs, curious about our goals and willing to make suggestions to guide us to a cohesive and native design. Plus she introduced us to a wonderful hardscape contractor/team to pull it all together. Do not hesitate to meet with and work with Teresa. She is easy , communicative , knowledgeable and personable....not to mention deeply talented. We love our yard and outdoor space and owe it all to her! **Comment from ·ecology by design, inc.:** > Thank you so much, Amy! I appreciate how coachable you were, and how you loved every minute of the process (mostly!?) Thank you for the kind words. **★★★★★ — Maureen Scott, April 2026** > We love the design that Teresa did. > We wanted an outdoor sauna w/ native plants that were low maintenance. Her crew worked very hard and cleaned up after each visit. It's beautiful! We will be enjoying this area for many years to come! **Comment from ·ecology by design, inc.:** > Thank you so much, Maureen! I'm jelly of that sauna. Enjoy! It looks great there. I love the path into the woods. It's lovely. **★★★★★ — holtteza, Feb. 2026** > Teresa and her team are all attentive, knowledgeable, efficient and creative. Ecology by Design transformed our backyard into a garden beyond our imagination. It was basically unusable and it is now a beautiful garden with pathways, steps, intimate seating areas and access to our creek. We are so grateful for her skills and good care of us. **Comment from ·ecology by design, inc.:** > Thank you so much for the kind words! Yeah, what a difference, huh? I am going to schowcase your property to show the transformation after Hurricane Helene's damage in another project post. Can't wait to see the finish of the front yard patio and retaining wall seatwall. So good! **★★★★★ — HU-371970970, Nov. 2025** > Teresa and her crew have been the best experience possible! We had our front and back yards landscaped and she worked with us from root to fruit. It has turned out fabulously and we will continue to work with her in the future! **Comment from ·ecology by design, inc.:** > I think my new favorte phrase is "from root to fruit"! Can I borrow it? Haha. I loved turning your house on the hill into something everyone in the neighborhood will enjoy- namely you two! Thank you for your fun attitude, and your openness to new ideas. Staining your concrete wall wa a highlight for me, with the simple and non-toxic secret sauce. It looks so good! Now to wait for spring. She is on the way, and it's time to give winter the boot and for those roots and fruits to shoot! **★★★★★ — Darla Engelmann, Nov. 2025** > My yard was the eyesore of the neighborhood. The guy that mowed the grass disappear on me and the yard is too steep for me to handle. Landscaping was a MUST. After looking at all the websites I could find for landscape architects in my area I chose “ecology by design” and called Teresa. She came, looked at my mess of a yard, listened to what I wanted (no lawn to mow!) and saw some of the art I have created. It makes me so happy that she took those sculptural pieces and created a design that could use them beautifully in my yard. She researched what could and could not be done (septic field) and designed something just for me. Once the time came to go to work, Ryan at A & R Landscaping and his crew went to work. They cleared a place in the woods that is open and peaceful. They build an amazing bench of giant stone against the steep hill with beautiful flagstones and fire pit, the perfect place to sit in the evening when it gets a little warmer. They built a stone wall that highlights my art work and a place for another one of my pieces in the clearing. Teresa was here often to see that all was going to plan. Ryan and his crew were the best and worked so hard to complete the job. Teresa worked with me so that I could have dogwoods and a Japanese Maple, trees that mean something to me…and no grass to mow. I can hardly wait until spring to see how all these plants blossom, turn green and make my yard even more amazing. **Comment from ·ecology by design, inc.:** > Darla, it was so much fun working with you! You are a great artist, and I loved, loved integrating your works into the landscape. I think we gave your totems good homes, and I still look forward to seeing Crow Mother peeking out of the woods in a soft snow- a woods that we turned into usable space with just a little clearing! Those Catalpa trees will be happy we gave them space, and I hope your meditations feel spacious as well. Thanks again. **★★★★★ — sharonavl, July 2025** > Teresa is a gem! She redesigned the landscaping in our yard that was damaged by Hurricane Helene. Our yard looked apocalyptical and she had the vision to create a beautiful landscape. She used native plants and worked with the existing landscape to make the area look natural. She also redesigned the drainage that Hurricane Helene destroyed to ensure we would not incur further damage from heavy rains. We would definitely go with Teresa for any of our landscaping needs. **Comment from ·ecology by design, inc.:** > Thank you so very much, Sharon! I am so glad you are satisfied, and I personally love your spot now. Also, straightening up that tree by your house did psychological (and safety) wonders as well.. Amazing how those details make such a big difference. **★★★★★ — Angie Parrish, July 2024** > I was looking to create a more natural front yard with less grass and more native plants. Teresa was so skillful in helping me think through the design and what best fit what I was seeking. I was delighted with the outcome. Much more natural, while still fitting within the general vibe of the landscaping in my community. She also designed a winding forest path for my wooded backyard and a plant plan for adding texture, color and interest along the path. Teresa is very creative, easy to work with, and always with the client's goals in the forefront. **★★★★★ — HU-36683252, May 2024** > Teresa did a standup job helping our 30+ year-old grounds and yard with a fresh look. > She listened to our ideas and incorporated them into the final plan. She knows her plants, knows where they should be situated, and even offered to provide names of contractors who could assist. > We have a number of variety of new plants that we will be putting in the ground, including American Cranberry which I am totally excited about using the berries for Thanksgiving. > I highly recommend her. Alan **★★★★ — Hal Bonnette, March 2024** > Teresa Rogerson was referred to me by the company that mows my lawn. From the first time that Teresa and I met in person, she did two things that I needed: (1) she listened and (2) she advised. I knew what I wanted in general, but not specifically. In general, I wanted her to incorporate the existing plants (even if not in the same places) into the new organized flower bed across the entire front of my house. Specifically, I needed her advice on what other plants to use and where to put them. I told Teresa from day one that I wanted a garden that was simplistic, uncluttered (so the plants could expand over time to their full potential without growing into each other), and attractive. She and her team fulfilled my hopes and expectations. **★★★★★ — Mary Geitner, Dec. 2023** > Tree has been a friend of mine for decades, and I hired her to help transform my Boulder Co. front and backyard into something interesting, beautiful, and natural. I always know I'm in good hands because she's such a unique designer in everything she does…and she doesn't skimp and make choices that aren't in harmony with the land. I feel like all in all she kind of pushes me to think next level, and I love that about her. > > First of all it was so fun, and we worked together to make intelligent choices that worked perfectly with my timeline, my budget, and the land. Fifteen years later I have a really awesome mature space that has grown into itself and become more interesting with time. > > I was grateful I took her suggestion and put in the larger architectural pieces that didn't give a lot of bang for the buck when they were planted, but now they are my favorite parts of the garden. There was plenty of space for me to add things or change little things over the years, but what I have is water wise, super easy to maintain, very integrated looking both with the home and the surrounding ecology, not too prissy or manicured -- LOVE -- and has given our family years of enjoyment. > > I was also excited that she knew so much about our native plants around here, or was willing to learn when she had questions. It was fun to walk around the nursery with her and pick up plants, and walk around the Landscape and envision how the backyard would be used, where the people would naturally walk, and where the sun was in the sky so we could optimize shade and sun when desired. The whole process was enjoyable. Couldn't be happier and can't refer her enough! > > Over the years she has only become more polished and more of an exceptional designer. She still has a very natural vibe, but she has earned the respect of extremely high-end clients and I love that she can span her creativity and skillfulness to lots of different kinds of people and projects. > > Everyone deserves a beautiful, thoughtfully integrated and natural landscape! it's like a little piece of paradise… that you get to interact with every single day. I wish she could do all of the 'scapes across the entire United States of America; if she could get her hands on them... I bet the birds and the bees might be able to make a comeback. **★★★★★ — lucydog12, Dec. 2023** > Teresa was so wonderful to work with. As a London-based interior designer, I knew I wanted something unique when we decided to create an outdoor patio at our vacation rental property in Virginia. We looked for her guidance to create something to take best advantage of our peninsula view, help to add structure to our large (and largely unlandscaped) grounds, sit beautifully in our hillside, and also offer an elegant and unique destination point as well as great views. Teresa listened to what was important to me, delivered a thoughtful consultation, and created something uniquely beautiful that is such a wonderful departure from the standard paver patio so many landscape designers suggested. She is professional, thoughtful and creative and working with her was a great experience. **★★★★★ — ALTHEA SKEELS, Dec. 2023** > Teresa has been very creative. She communicates well and has done an excellent job of satisfying our quirky ideas. The firms she contacted on our behalf were beyond our expectations. She worked directly with them to ensure our results, and stayed on top of the project. **Comment from ·ecology by design, inc.:** > Althea, you and Phil have been so great to work with! And we're not done yet! I can't wait to see your yard awash with woodland perennials and ferns in the spring, and some sunny Asters in the rear. It will all pop so beaufitully against the new hardscape and trails. Yeehaw! **★★★★★ — Christopher Stephens, Oct. 2023** > Teresa is wonderful. She took plenty of time to understand our really basic vision, and used her design experience to offer creative suggestions to bring it to life in a way that we couldn't have done on our own. She also has great partners to help plant, etc., which made all of the difference. > > We love our new yard and are grateful to have found Teresa. **Comment from ·ecology by design, inc.:** > Thank you, Christopher and Alisha! I love how it turned out. Thank you for obliging my oval patio dream, and water those Rhodies deeply! Cheers and thank you again- **★★★★★ — JOHNNY LLOYD, Feb. 2023** > Teresa is talented, intelligent, hardworking and listens to what her clients need. She understood what we wanted, designed plans to accomplish it and saw our project through from beginning to end. She is great to work with and very professional. **Comment from ·ecology by design, inc.:** > Thank you so much foir the kind words! Y'all were great to work with. **★★★★★ — azarrella57, Aug. 2022** > Finding Teresa was one of the luckiest days of our building journey. She was able to take my wish list, budget, and blank canvas of a lot, and turn it into an exciting homesite plan. She worked within a very short timeframe to get all the drawings necessary to submit to our HOA. She collaborated beautifully with our architect and was fun and easy to work with. I appreciated her communication style - again, simple, clear and timely. I highly recommend Teresa for your next project. **Comment from ·ecology by design, inc.:** > Thank you so much, Angela! It was a pleasure and I look forward to seeing your home grow! **★★★★★ — The Consulting House Inc, July 2022** > Teresa was a pleasure to work with on our landscaping project. It was a very steep property and we had to work within the constraints of the ARC in the community. She was very open to collaborating on ideas and completed the design in a timely manner. She was open to preparing whatever documents the ARC required for the work to be approved. I recommend Teresa for any landscape design project. **★★★★ — HU-295809919, July 2022** > Teresa was a joy to work with. She was creatively engaged and able to think outside of the box to create a natural, organic feel for our project. We had a positive, open line of communication. Thus, she was able to receive critiques during the process and make alterations as situations arose. On a personal note, I truly enjoyed her company and am grateful to consider her a new friend. **★★★★★ — HU-166131353, April 2022** > Teresa worked very smoothly with us from concept through approval and installation. She listened to our ideas, applied her expertise in making recommendations, accounted for our surroundings, and oversaw installation (with a vendor of her recommendation). The result is a hardscape/landscape combination of which we are proud, and which we anticipate enjoying for many years to come. **★★★★★ — Todd Price, April 2022** > Based on word of mouth and seeing some impressive pictures of her work, we hired Teresa (or Tree) to come to our Coastal Georgia home to create a landscape plan for our newly built home. She arrived on time and was full of excitement, creativity and enthusiasm to fulfill our somewhat complex landscape design. > > We wanted a “Southern” feel for the front of our house (consisting of azaleas and other native plants) to complement the many established live oak trees in the yard. We wanted a more “Formal English Garden” feel in the back. Additionally, we requested a very large flower bed consisting of a variety of blooming specimen plants along with large view-obstructing plants (we did not want a traditional tall hedge) next to the detached garage. Finally, we wanted a tropical feel around the pool area. > > Teresa successfully designed each area with finesse and professionalism. Although each area has its own theme and feel, Teresa made sure that they all transitioned and worked together beautifully > > I feel 100% confident in my highest recommendation of Teresa and Ecology by Design. **★★★★★ — ckemp7032, Dec. 2021** > Teresa is easy to work with, responsive, and has integrity. She listened to and worked with us on our project. She didn't try to dictate to us what she thought we needed. Her plant selections and placement were spot on. She found high quality plants for a good price and a wonderful landscaper. We will use her again on our next project. I recommend her without reservation. **★★★★★ — Becky Wood, Dec. 2021** > We have a steep slope that is all clay. We were tired of string trimming it and sliding down the slope in the process. We called Teresa who came out to look at the project. She came up with a simple, but beautiful design of native(!) plants and some gabion terracing where we had erosion. The crew she works with to plant everything was great, too. Teresa came out several times to check on the progress of the planting based on her plans. We love the plants she picked, which should fill out beautifully. No more mowing a steep slope and a lovely, easy care garden. Thank you, Teresa! **★★★★★ — Anderson Research and Marketing, Aug. 2021** > Teresa did a great job mixing my concept to the local conditions. I am looking for to have the designs installed in Sept. > > Bill Anderson **★★★★★ — Putnam Real Estate, Aug. 2021** > Teresa spent a bunch of time really listening to our wants and our needs. She came up with ideas we had not considered but kept in line with our vision for the overall project. She even helped guide our thoughts about how our home remodel could be incorporated into the exterior landscape design. We are now attaching an add on to our house in a way we would not have considered had she not suggested that option. We are also adding a circular drive which will help us so much with parking and flow for visitors. She also helped us prioritize projects so we can chunk things over time. I can't wait till we can start implementing her plan. She's incredible! **★★★★★ — Lulu Garza, Sept. 2019** > Teresa was a pleasure to work with. Her creative ideas, unlimited energy, and enthusiasm made this project become a reality. We couldn’t be happier with the results. We wanted some plantings done to create privacy between us and an adjacent neighbor, but didn’t know how to achieve this. Teresa designed and planted a beautiful woodland area that gives privacy without looking like a privacy fence. It looks great from all sides, we think our neighbors like it as much as we do! We highly recommend Teresa. **★★★★★ — Julie Morris, Jan. 2019** > Teresa helped us transform a hillside below our home into a lush oasis that now serves as our main entertaining space. It's more than a garden, it's our retreat where we eat, relax, enjoy the views and hummingbirds and savor our California lifestyle. Her planting choices have withstood the test of time and - after 12 years - remain drought-friendly and attractive. Can't say enough about her passion, talent and dedication. You won't regret bringing ecology by design on board. ## Selected projects - [Properly Prepped Pathway Permits Perfect Pauses & Perspiration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/properly-prepped-pathway-permits-perfect-pauses-and-perspiration-pj-vj~7832512) - Location: Hendersonville, North Carolina - Photos: 7 - Description: You can’t quite see how uneven, pitted, and narrow the pathway is in the before pic. (Major pet peeve when flagstones aren’t laid over compacted base materials!) Also, the pathway led to nothing. Now there is room for bare feet on an ample and properly laid stone pathway, making trips back and forth to the new sauna easy and fun. The grass you are seeing is a “no mow” native blend of creeping and running Fescues from seed. Today we are adding flats of native perennials, as well as some natives i… - [Mountain Cabin Spatial Challenges Solved!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-cabin-spatial-challenges-solved-pj-vj~7826724) - Location: Black Mountain, North Carolina - Photos: 11 - Description: Almost done! Each new design keeps becoming my new favorite. At first they didn’t see it, but then they let me pull back that retaining wall and create a little space that has become the best place for a teatime moment. The neighbor donated moss for “the nook”, and a chair sized boulder means you’re set for a sit. This is a 1970s Montreat mountain cabin with several 120° walls, so instead of ignoring it, we leaned into it, and made every line and every return of the 50’ or so of linear walls hav… - [House on a Hill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-on-a-hill-pj-vj~7797967) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 31 - [An Artist and her Front Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/an-artist-and-her-front-yard-pj-vj~7797961) - Location: Mars Hill, NC - Photos: 11 - [Creating privacy and dimension for a hot tub & fire pit in a front yard.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/creating-privacy-and-dimension-for-a-hot-tub-and-fire-pit-in-a-front-yard-pj-vj~7609410) - Location: Alexander, North Carolina - Photos: 9 - Description: This is a front yard. One my favorite places is a front yard that needs a job. This front yard needed to house a fire pit, a patio, and a hot tub, while creating privacy from the situation of being at the bottom of a fishbowl. Hills (and neighbors) rise on more than 180 degrees around this earth-sheltered domicile, so a fence wouldn’t work- nor would it be a good solution to block the views into nature. We used native trees and shrubs, and berms, to tuck the hot tub in. We kept the hot tub close… - [A Long Lap Around The Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-long-lap-around-the-yard-pj-vj~7458804) - Location: Asheville, North Carolina - Photos: 13 - Description: This fantastic backyard was full of space and not much else. Althea and Phil wanted a yard that sings to them all throughout the year and that allowed for easy walking, since all any of us do is get a little older. I can’t wait until we plant this property. It is beautiful! A path loops around the entire property, for fitness, for meditiation, for pacing while chatting on the phone- like I like to do. To have a world of your own in your front, side, back, or barely-there yard, or to connect disp… - [A Modest Sized Patio to take in the Surrounds](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-modest-sized-patio-to-take-in-the-surrounds-pj-vj~7458807) - Location: Rutherfordton, North Carolina - Photos: 9 - Description: We carved a social gathering nook into a very gradual hill with the perfect amount of drop for a retainer at seat height. This is my favorite thing to do, and that is to create a flat space and retain the uphill side with a seatwall. Doing so tucks you into the landscape. It makes usable space that was previously avoided, gets you moving and engaging outside of the confines of your home, and it adds value to your asset. I am looking forward to planting this area. - [Elegant Ellipse: Existing diagonal flagstone walkway meets new patio, fire pit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elegant-ellipse-existing-diagonal-flagstone-walkway-meets-new-patio-fire-pit-pj-vj~7349325) - Location: Asheville, North Carolina - Photos: 7 - Description: It's the challenge of bringing new shapes in to cooperate with shapes that have already commanded the landscape. In this case, a nice, wide, grouted flagstone walkway cuts diagonally towards the architect-erected ADU. It's nice, as is the custom steel bannister and railing. But we need a patio, a fire pit, an “away”, and it has to harmonize with the inherited landscape. Also, it needs to look and feel like hiking around AVL. So, we slowed life down a bit for this family of four, with stepping st… - [Naturally, a Playground Upgrade: Phase 1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/naturally-a-playground-upgrade-phase-1-pj-vj~6965522) - Location: Black Mountain, NC - Photos: 17 - Description: Before and After photos of the playground and architectural drawings, for Phase 1 of the project, which was to solve the erosion problem and to make life interesting. As it was, the compacted "dirt" around the Pine trees, trampled by youthful feet, did nothing to stop the flow of the rain sheeting down the hill in downpours. Now we have a dry creek bed as added interest, with temporary bridges allow crossing while Asheville Playgrounds builds the fantastic new bridges that will be permanent. Ero… - [New Contemporary Home Construction with Front Patio for Gathering](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-contemporary-home-construction-with-front-patio-for-gathering-pj-vj~6915688) - Location: Weaverville, North Carolina - Photos: 25 - Description: My lovely client wanted to look out of his office and not have his view blocked by much at all. The office looks out onto the front yard, which was to be used as a social gathering space at their house atop the knoll. The neighborhood has many walkers, and my clients have two dogs that need to be kept in so they don’t run away when socializing. Also, the front patio was the best spot to view the sunset and the surrounding protected lands, so it needed to be a nice place to be. My opinion is that… - [Party in the Front..](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/party-in-the-front-pj-vj~6917649) - Location: Weaverville, North Carolina - Photos: 10 - Description: Once again, there was an untapped front yard, the need for a space to gather, and a landscape overdue for some general freshening up. To solve this, I had A&R Landscaping install a concrete patio on a simple grid format, right outside of my Client's front door. Then we neatened up the edge of the driveway with some wooden retainers, pruned a few years of neglect out of the beautiful Rhododendrons and Azaleas, and basically carved space and air back into this little suburban, back-40 gem of a cab… - [Pulling a Little Switzerland Cabin Out of the Weeds and Into Usefulness](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pulling-a-little-switzerland-cabin-out-of-the-weeds-and-into-usefulness-pj-vj~6915737) - Location: Little Switzerland, North Carolina - Photos: 18 - Description: My awesome client bought a mountain cabin from a hoarder whose predilections extended to gardening. You could barely get to the house for all the plants, many of them invasive punks that, no offense, are better off back where they came from. With the help of The Yard Bro, we peeled back the layers until the house and its bones were exposed. A man named Dirt brought his mason in, and with no formal announcement began major medical on the rear hillside, building a stone patio and steps down to a s… - [Why Mow This Steep Hillside?](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/why-mow-this-steep-hillside-pj-vj~6915700) - Location: Leicester, North Carolina - Photos: 8 - Description: My clients spent their entire weekend mowing the steep hill of grass upon which their house was built. If you know anything about how fast grass grows, especially when you’re watching it, by the next weekend they would have to risk their limbs and musculoskeletal systems to mow that useless hill- again. I asked them what kind of colors and feels they like, and chose native shrubs and perennials that bring four-season interest to their hillside, and now they can truly sit and relax while watching… - [QUONSET RE-HUT. From a metal shop, to abandonment, to My House.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/quonset-re-hut-from-a-metal-shop-to-abandonment-to-my-house-pj-vj~6915726) - Location: Alexander, North Carolina - Photos: 61 - Description: I bought my Dad’s old metal shop which had been abandoned and was full of a hoarder’s hoardings. This is the visual record of rescue, through rehab, to recreation hub at the Quonset Hut. It’s now my home for the meantime, and I am enjoying waking up each spring day and flinging the 12’ garage door all the way open. The building is now clean, ship-shaped, and insulated. I have a 10’ arc of the curve (x38’ length) effeciency apartment that can be shut off (and eventually locked), and is insulated… - [Boulder Creek Bright](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boulder-creek-bright-pj-vj~5943696) - Location: Boulder Creek, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: This favorite client has not been shy in augmenting his landscape with glass art and plats after the base layer of natives I planted grew in. I love the eclectic style and luscious chaos of my client's yard. - [Midcentury Modern Eichler Home Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midcentury-modern-eichler-home-makeover-pj-vj~5943686) - Location: San Rafael, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: Ah, what a lucky day to get the call to help a wonderful couple with the landscape adorning their lovely Eichler home nestled next to open space in the warm hills of San Rafael. There was a failing wooden wall that got refreshed into a clean, bright concrete wall. A native plant fan wife Director of San Francisco Environment and her complimentary husband, we were on the same page with plant choices and general values to enhance, rather than contrast, the open space adjacent. Featuring Delta Blue… - [Container Heaven](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/container-heaven-pj-vj~5943627) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 36 - Description: Corten steel planters by Veradek are awesome! A nice price and well made. They rust to a beautiful, varied patina that along with the straight lines of the steel creates a nice mix of organic and geometric. Plants look great spilling out of planters, and what a canvas! I love planters, and my clients do too! - [Nostalgic Return to a Patio I Designed in San Francisco](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nostalgic-return-to-a-patio-i-designed-in-san-francisco-pj-vj~7458809) - Location: San Francisco, California - Photos: 11 - Description: Container gardening! - [Instant Forest in Wisconsin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/instant-forest-in-wisconsin-pj-vj~5943590) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: These lakehouse dwellers needed friendly privacy from uphill neighbors, and with it a little less grass to mow. We opted for large evergreen Norway Spruce trees like that already flanking the lake. The trees were discounted as they needed a home- to be planted- before the winter season. An instant forest was created, including upper midwestern native species shrubs like those found on walks through the adjacent woods, to Sugar Maples these friends will tap again this winter. - [Santa Cruz Mountain Elevation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-cruz-mountain-elevation-pj-vj~5943709) - Location: Ben Lomond, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: These clients have a house where no exterior wall corner is 90 degrees! All angles are 60 or 120 degrees! So.. the stairs were going to be the same in order not to look out of place or thoughtless. The angle looks sharp, and now my clients can get down to the lower yard. Some native redwood forest plants in the side and front yards as well. [See all 46 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ecology-by-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~883068917) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What types of landscape design projects do you specialize in?** I specialize in a wide range of ecological landscape design projects, from comprehensive consultations and master planning to full installation management. This includes native plant gardens, drought-tolerant landscapes, edible gardens, and solutions for challenging sites like steep hillsides. I also design patios, custom fire pits, and features that enhance your property's utility and enjoyment, always blending your dreams with environmental pragmatism. **Do you offer design-only services or full project coordination?** I offer both design-only services and full project coordination. My approach is comprehensive, managing the entire process from initial consultation and design concepts through to installation. I work with excellent contractors to ensure a seamless transition from your vision to a beautifully realized landscape, allowing you to choose the level of involvement that best suits your needs. **Do you create detailed planting and layout plans?** Absolutely. I create detailed planting and layout plans tailored to your property. My process includes drawing on photos and flagging ideas on-site to ensure clear communication. I produce all necessary documents for your project, including specific plant selections based on availability, ensuring the installer has everything they need for a successful and beautiful outcome. **Do you design outdoor living spaces such as patios and outdoor kitchens?** Yes, I frequently design outdoor living spaces to maximize your property's potential. This includes creating beautiful and functional patios, custom fire pits, and other hardscaping elements. My goal is to transform your outdoor areas into inviting extensions of your home, perfect for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the natural environment. **Do you design drought-tolerant or sustainable landscapes?** Designing drought-tolerant and sustainable landscapes is a core aspect of my work. With 25 years of ecological landscaping experience, I champion the use of native plants to benefit local ecosystems and reduce environmental strain. My designs focus on creating beautiful, resilient, and water-wise outdoor spaces that thrive while minimizing resource consumption. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Community Q&A **Q: Veradek planter size** *(in Photo Questions)* Love this idea and how the planters rust over time. Beautiful! Can you please tell me which size you chose for the planters lined along the wall? I looked at Veradek online and note they have a 30” H x 10”W x 38”L or a larger one that is 32”H x 16”W x 42”L. A: hi, there are five of the larger sized (42" L) planters along the outside wall of the house. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-24.*