Land & Water Design

Name: Land & Water Design
Telephone: (571) 758-5730
Rating: 4.9

32 Reviews

Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers

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About Us

Land & Water Design specializes in creating award-winning outdoor landscapes and swimming pools, with over 30 years of experience assisting homeowners in the Washington, D.C. metro area. We focus on developing functional and elegant outdoor living spaces. We offer comprehensive planning, design, and management services, collaborating with top local contractors to ensure projects of exceptional quality. Since 2003, we have partnered with homeowners to craft unique and distinctive outdoor environments, providing expertise through all phases of landscape architecture, including construction oversight. Our extensive experience allows us to transform challenging terrains into creative design solutions. As a Landscape Architecture Design firm, our primary role is to work closely with you. We aim to understand your specific needs and expectations, then translate your ideas into a comprehensive and functional plan. This plan will be uniquely tailored to your home, property's natural attributes, lifestyle, and personality. Don Nesmith, Principal CEO and Founding Landscape Architect, has been practicing landscape architecture in the Washington D.C. area for the past forty years. He graduated from UMass, Stockbridge School of Agriculture with a major in Landscape Construction, and earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia in 1970, completing the five-year curriculum in three years. Don’s professional background includes working as a landscape architect for VVKR INC., Harry Weese & Assoc., and Greenhorne & O'Mara, Inc. He was responsible for diverse projects such as public parks, historic restorations, and private gardens. His work has received design awards for McLean Central Park and Sully Plantation Restoration, the latter being a joint venture with two close colleagues. Today, Don and his team primarily focus their design talents on upscale residential clientele.

Awards

Registered Landscape Architect ASLA Member LCA 2016 & 2017 Grand Award Outdoor Living Area Design/Build, LCA 2019 Grand Award Outdoor Living Area Design/Build, LCA 2019 Award of Distinction for Craftsmanship

37 Projects

Example of a small 1950s backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped natural pool landscaping design in DC Metro

Business Details

Business Name

Land & Water Design

Phone Number

(571) 758-5730

Website

www.landandwaterdesign.com

Address

Haymarket, VA 20169

Typical Job Cost

$100,000 - 1 million +

Gunite or Shotcrete pool costs $175K+. Entry point for a pool, hardscape, landscape, required fencing or auto cover, design & engineering, permit fees, & yard remediation costs $350K+. Authentic Resort-style backyard makeovers can value upwards to 7 figures. Full master plans with hardscape and landscape design 10k+. Potential engineering fees associated with topography and boundary surveys may be required. 80% of our clientele are in homes that are valued at 950K+.

License Number

VA # 0406000110

Followers

542 Followers

Socials

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Services Provided

Landscape Design

Garden Design

Hardscaping

Landscape Plans

Patio Design

Drought Tolerant Landscaping

Site Planning

Custom Fire Pits

Pool Landscaping

Custom Water Features

Swimming Pool Design

Gazebo Design & Construction

Design Consultation

Outdoor Lighting Design

Deck Design

3D Rendering

Project Management

Drafting

Custom Bocce Ball Courts

Natural Swimming Pools

Swimming Pool Construction

Construction Drawings

Custom Pools

Deck Construction

Outdoor Living Design

Patio Construction

Pergola Design & Construction

Pool Deck Design & Construction

Pool Remodeling

Spa Design & Construction

Swimming Pool Builder

Trellis Design & Construction

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Areas Served

Arlington

Alexandria

Centreville

McLean

Leesburg

Ashburn

Manassas

Oakton

South Riding

Sterling

Fairfax

Chantilly

Brambleton

Sudley

Gainesville

Vienna

Fort Hunt

Stone Ridge

Great Falls

Falls Church

Warrenton

Mantua

Bull Run

Belle Haven

Dulles Town Center

Bull Run Mountain Estates

Haymarket

Hamilton

Middleburg

Clifton

The Plains

Aldie

Waterford

Annapolis

Bethesda

Bristow

Catharpin

Chevy Chase

Darnestown

Dulles

North Potomac

Potomac Falls

Silver Spring

Tysons

Upper Marlboro

Washington DC

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Credentials

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Write a Review

32 Reviews for Land & Water Design

Newest first

4.9|32 reviews

Work Quality

5.0

Communication

5.0

Value

5.0

ncarso

Don was an awesome partner. He came up with a fantastic design, provided guidance throughout the entire process, and provided us with an outdoor space that is amazing.

July 13, 2024

Comment from Land & Water Design:

Thank you Nick & Shin, you made Craig Smith, BR Design/Build Contractor, O’Kelly Russell, Land & Water Design’s landscape architect associate and my job easy. Your decisions regarding LWD design, landscape choices and the suggestion for using Belgard pavers & wall material. Only item left is the new composite fence which will be installed this week. Enjoy the remainder of the summer making memories with your family & friends in your new backyard.
Thanks for sharing the Before photo.

Jessica Gada

We are thrilled with the work that Land & Water Design has done for our backyard. Our yard and pool had not been touched in decades, and they completely revived it. Don incorporated the complex topography of our backyard and the aesthetic of our house to create a unified, flowing, beautiful and practical space. From hardscape (all new retaining walls, dining spaces, and shade needs) to native plantings (including thoughts about how to easily maintain the plants and trees), there's not a single detail they didn't consider. Their communication, consideration of our needs and wants, timeliness, and selection of supporting teams/contractors is above and beyond. We couldn't recommend them more, and look forward to using their services as we continue to add onto our project in the near future!

April 25, 2024

HU-278980845

Don was excellent throughout the process. His experience and creativity in designing water features are tremendous. He was professional, courteous and engaged. Even though he was suffering with serious back issues, he was consistently present and engaged in our project from design to the completion of the construction. I highly recommend him and his company.

September 25, 2023

HU-344702348

I have worked with Don and his team at Land & Water Designs for over 10 years. I would recommend them to anyone looking for their dreams to come true. Don attention to detail and craftsmanship are top notch!

September 11, 2023

Land and Water design represents the benchmark in HARDSCAPE design and integration into the GREENSCAPE. From coping to cooking; fire pit to wine fridge; shade structure to paving slabs I trust the team at L&W Design. If a personalized outdoor living space is on your wish list you can’t go wrong with the experience and creativity of Don!

September 8, 2023

Techo Taphouse (Southeast Hardscape Consultant)

I have known and worked with Don and his team for almost a decade. Don has been a trend setter for the outdoor living industry for even before I met him. He was on the cover of the Techo-Bloc catalog multiple times and is as talented of a designer as any I have met. He cares about his customers and is simply a great person. I highly recommend Don and his team at Land & Water Design!

September 8, 2023

Hiep Dao

We used Land and Water Design to design the hardscape and decking for our pool project in McLean, VA. They did a very thorough job and came out to discuss our wants/needs for the project. They did a great timely job in getting us the plans quickly as we were still bidding out the pool projects amongst pool builders in the area. We also had a long extensive variance process with Fairfax County that complicated matters as we were restricted what part of the yard we could use for the construction of the pool and deck. Don did a great job with the design and it looks great. Unfortunately we were not able to use the design as it was over our budget and violated the variance parameters but it gave us some really good ideas for our eventual build. They were very professional, timely and great with communication throughout the process. I would highly recommend Land and Water Design.

February 4, 2022

c|s DESIGN STUDIO LLC

We hired Don from Land & Water Design to help us design a refresh of our pool and backyard, as well as a master plan for our property in Fairfax Station. Don was very responsive from the first phone call and we immediately synced up well in terms of design philosophy and approach. So much in fact that we didn't interview any other designers for the project! I am an Interior Designer and had some initial ideas, but wasn't sure how to implement. Don was great in educating us and listened to our dreams for the project. He came up with a wonderful design that was even better than we imagined. We are currently in construction and seeing it come to life is amazing! Thanks Don and Mike for all your expertise!

January 20, 2022

Comment from Land & Water Design:

Christina & Scott thank you for being great clients and providing this review.

Nina Smith

Land and Water Design has more than met our expectations. Don is so easy to work with and very responsive to every text and phone call. His design is exactly what we wanted and we cannot wait to enjoy our backyard oasis this summer!

March 24, 2021

Comment from Land & Water Design:

Nathan & Nina, thank you for your review and your confidence in Land & water Design. It is exciting seeing the early stages of your backyard pool, hardscape and landscape coming together. Before you know it you will be sitting on your oversized sun shelf enjoying the sound of the sheer descents from the 3' raised fieldstone bond beam not missing the ambient noise except for the birds & nature. Cannot wait to see the finished product!

Gibson Dunn

Don was wonderfully creative and responsive in designing for our somewhat difficult site. The final design and its construction were beautiful, artistic and dramatic. We thoroughly enjoy the fountain, water feature and lighting. It is everything we hoped it would be.

May 31, 2019

Comment from Land & Water Design:

Gibson & Cheryl, thank you for your review. We were challenged with the site due to the limited access to the backyard but are very happy with the finished zen-like water feature you requested. The sheet decent waterfalls and masonry planters and lighting really put the finishing touches on your outdoor living space.

Justin H.

We hired L&W in the fall of 2017 to design our landscape plan for a major pool deck and and patio installation. L&W was prompt, professional, and great to work with. Their knowledge on design, materials and technology made our decision making process much easier. We ultimately expanded L&W's scope to include finalizing designs for a pool house and generation of drawings for permitting, etc. Don and his team worked seamlessly as needed with our contractors to ensure construction went as planned. We couldn't be happier with the result. Photos to follow!

May 4, 2019

Don & Alison Seaborn

We would highly recommend Land & Water Design. We had been searching for years for someone to design a deck and backyard for our unusual space. Don was the right man for the job. Not only do you get Don's design and expertise you get his amazing and highly skilled team of contractors. Don listens to your vision for your space and comes up with a design that will blow your socks off! From start to finish and all the changes in-between Don and his team provide highly quality work and a beautiful end result. We couldn't have asked for a better design/build team. Our backyard is a beautiful oasis that will provide many wonderful memories our family will enjoy for years to come!

December 20, 2018

Comment from Land & Water Design:

Thank you for the review. We enjoyed working with you and appreciate your recognition of our work. We hope you are enjoying your swimming pool and spa with the waterslide and fire pit for years to come. The porch and kitchen overlooking the pool and sunsets must be your favorite family and friend hangout.

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153 Comments

Commented: What kind of stone did you use for the face and the caps?The face of the treads & wall caps are hand split rock edge.

April 12, 2023

Commented: Wall material?Select Maryland fieldstone veneer.

February 13, 2022

Commented: heron sculpturesYour welcome

October 10, 2021

Commented: pool depthThe depth of the pool is 5’ on the deep end are a swim jet system. This pool is a townhouse backyard in Alexandria, VA designed & built in 2005. Pool dimensions are 12’x32’

August 24, 2021

Commented: SlideThe slide is manufactured by Dolphin Waterslides. Call they can answer your questions regards to cost which will be different due to rise in material costs. Our slide was $25k when it was completed 25...

June 10, 2021

Commented: 12' by 40' stone wall is it safe?As a registered landscape architect, I’d suggest investing in licensed structural engineer who can assess the wall’s structural integrity. Does the wall have a batter, which is a determined recessed a...

April 28, 2021 in Landscape Design

Land & Water Design