We had a several challenges to face with this project. Not only did we need to update a dated landscape to accommodate two seemingly different design tastes (modern & minimalistic vs natural english garden), we were tasked with improving the property’s drainage, improving the driveway access, reducing water usage and plant maintenance, and fixing a crumbling wall. To marry the two design tastes, we started with the more modern elements of metal planters and softened the landscape with mass plantings of ornamental grasses and native sedge. These grasses act as a turf replacement that do not need to be mowed and require less regular watering. On each side of the yard we constructed new cedar fences to provide updated and additional privacy. In addition, we poured a new concrete wall to replace the existing retaining wall and play off the new modern vibe.

A physician couple loved the location and interior of their Brookline home, but wanted to perform radical surgery on the front facade. The existing Tudoresque entry seemed out of place, and the front stairs were crumbling. We rebuilt the front addition, changing the roofline to create a dressing off the master bedroom. A custom aluminum pergola was built to break up the height and add interest, which transitions to a plexiglass covered entryway. Note the water chains that carry water from the integral plexi roof gutters to the built in planters below.

With a narrow driveway and leaning concrete retaining walls, parking was a major challenge at this 1938 brick Tudor on Spokane's South Hill. Crumbling concrete stairs added another layer of difficulty, and after a particularly rough winter, the homeowners were ready for a change. The failing concrete walls were replaced with stacked boulders, which created space for a new, wider driveway. Natural stone steps offer access to the backyard, while the new front stairs and sidewalk provide a safe route to the front door. The original iron railings were preserved and modified to be reused with the new stairs.

The landscape design for this property in an established New York City suburb marries stately elegance with relaxed outdoor living. The greatest challenge of the site was a considerable grade change over a small area (a third of an acre). We replaced overgrown shrubs and crumbling stonework with a clean hardscape design that clearly defines the flow around the property. A long play lawn in front is linked to a sideyard patio space and natural-gas campfire with broad bluestone block steps. A cozy dining terrace behind the house is hugged by a retaining wall that showcases friendly flowering plants and edibles. Set into the terrace wall is a custom water feature that brings sound and movement to the seating area. Exposed ledge in the backyard provides a fun playspace for adventurous kids, with a rope bridge leading to a playhouse.

A physician couple loved the location and interior of their Brookline home, but wanted to perform radical surgery on the front facade. The existing Tudoresque entry seemed out of place, and the front stairs were crumbling. We rebuilt the front addition, changing the roofline to create a dressing off the master bedroom. A custom aluminum pergola was built to break up the height and add interest, which transitions to a plexiglass covered entryway. Note the water chains that carry water from the integral plexi roof gutters to the built in planters below.

This customer wanted several pre-welded planter boxes to install at their residence in Salt Lake City, UT. These will be filled with plants that are allowed to root directly into soil allowing large, hardy plants. Metal above ground planter boxes, do not chip, crack, or crumble like concrete, and do not rot or twist like wood garden boxes.

A new stoop was constructed and Valders Rustic Pavers replaced the original crumbling paving. Westhauser Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary front yard stone garden path in Milwaukee.

With a narrow driveway and leaning concrete retaining walls, parking was a major challenge at this 1938 brick Tudor on Spokane's South Hill. Crumbling concrete stairs added another layer of difficulty, and after a particularly rough winter, the homeowners were ready for a change. The failing concrete walls were replaced with stacked boulders, which created space for a new, wider driveway. Natural stone steps offer access to the backyard, while the new front stairs and sidewalk provide a safe route to the front door. The original iron railings were preserved and modified to be reused with the new stairs.

This is a work I did in Quincy MA, we took down a crumbling brick retaining wall and installed a 2-tier new england fieldstone wall with built in bluestone steps.

While these homeowners' 1966 Asian-inspired rancher was built for entertaining, the backyard wasn't living up to its potential. A combination of crumbling composite and wood decks wasn't functional and had become an eyesore, so they were replaced with an expanded single-level PVC deck. A new paver patio features a sunken fire pit and inset bench rocks, providing further space for entertaining. Additionally, a paver path wraps around the existing retaining wall and ramps up to the deck, providing a barrier-free entry to the house that will enable the homeowners to age in place.

While these homeowners' 1966 Asian-inspired rancher was built for entertaining, the backyard wasn't living up to its potential. A combination of crumbling composite and wood decks wasn't functional and had become an eyesore, so they were replaced with an expanded single-level PVC deck. A new paver patio features a sunken fire pit and inset bench rocks, providing further space for entertaining. Additionally, a paver path wraps around the existing retaining wall and ramps up to the deck, providing a barrier-free entry to the house that will enable the homeowners to age in place.

The landscape design for this property in an established New York City suburb marries stately elegance with relaxed outdoor living. The greatest challenge of the site was a considerable grade change over a small area (a third of an acre). We replaced overgrown shrubs and crumbling stonework with a clean hardscape design that clearly defines the flow around the property. A long play lawn in front is linked to a sideyard patio space and natural-gas campfire with broad bluestone block steps. A cozy dining terrace behind the house is hugged by a retaining wall that showcases friendly flowering plants and edibles. Set into the terrace wall is a custom water feature that brings sound and movement to the seating area. Exposed ledge in the backyard provides a fun playspace for adventurous kids, with a rope bridge leading to a playhouse.

This is a work I did in Quincy MA, we took down a crumbling brick retaining wall and installed a 2-tier new england fieldstone wall with built in bluestone steps.

With a narrow driveway and leaning concrete retaining walls, parking was a major challenge at this 1938 brick Tudor on Spokane's South Hill. Crumbling concrete stairs added another layer of difficulty, and after a particularly rough winter, the homeowners were ready for a change. The failing concrete walls were replaced with stacked boulders, which created space for a new, wider driveway. Natural stone steps offer access to the backyard, while the new front stairs and sidewalk provide a safe route to the front door. The original iron railings were preserved and modified to be reused with the new stairs.

This is a work I did in Quincy MA, we took down a crumbling brick retaining wall and installed a 2-tier new england fieldstone wall with built in bluestone steps.

This is a work I did in Quincy MA, we took down a crumbling brick retaining wall and installed a 2-tier new england fieldstone wall with built in bluestone steps.

This project at 703 South Grand Avenue involves the redesign and rebuilding of the homes crumbling front porch. See the project video here: https://youtu.be/6lIf19XYYvk The scope of work will be to remove the porches existing concrete foundation, concrete slab surface, two sets of concrete steps, and 3 steel roof support columns. Other than replacing the wood shingles to match, the existing roof structure will remain un-touched. The porch roof will be supported with a new concrete foundation wall, Craftsman style columns and a low lap siding railing wall. The siding, color scheme, and trim details will be in character with the existing home. This new porch will be accessed with wood steps from both the front street side and the south driveway side. The new design is primarily focused on matching the character of the existing 2 story home, yet upgrading it visually in a way that is harmonious with this South Bozeman neighborhood’s historic character.

Bathroom - bathroom idea in Raleigh

This is a work I did in Quincy MA, we took down a crumbling brick retaining wall and installed a 2-tier new england fieldstone wall with built in bluestone steps.