About Us

4x Best of Houzz winner

Locally owned

Custom work

Norfolk County's Notable Landscape Architect and Designer

KDTurner Design is a Boston-based landscape architectural firm specializing in mid- to high-end residential projects. We believe strongly in the power of collaboration during the design process. We listen to our clients as well as the landscape (its micro-climate, history and connections to the larger environment) to create the best possible solutions to the challenges of your landscape. Our designs make sense on a comprehensive scale while maintaining effective attention to detail. We create environments that are serene, functional, environmentally sound and marry architecture to the landscape. Specializing in both residential landscapes and urban open space, Kimberly Turner believes strongly in the power of collaboration during the design process. She listens to her clients as well as the landscape (its micro-climate, history and connections to the larger environment) to create the best possible solutions to the challenges of your landscape. Her designs make sense on a comprehensive scale while maintaining effective attention to detail. Kim creates environments that are serene, functional, environmentally sound and marry architecture to the landscape. Kim is passionate about the experience of landscape and how memory can shape landscape preferences. She feels strongly about the restorative effects of the landscape and strives to promote their accessibility and protection. With over 15 years in the profession, Kim brings extensive experience and talent to her projects. She has a background in both horticulture and landscape architecture, is the author of Botany for Designers and received an ASLA honor award for her graduate work. Because of her reputation and experience, she is able to leverage her trade relationships to streamline the process and execute the most successful project she can.

Services Provided

3D Rendering, Custom Fire Pits, Custom Water Features, Deck Design, Drafting, Drought Tolerant Landscaping, Garden Design, Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Landscape Plans, Patio Design, Pool Landscaping, Site Planning, Swimming Pool Design, Construction Drawings, Permitting Assistance, Schematic Design, Master Planning, Landscape Architecture

Areas Served

Boxford, Ipswich, Newbury, Newburyport, Newton, Brookline, Marblehead, Gloucester, Beverly, Southborough, Chestnut Hill, Wellesley, Rye, Topsfield, Lexington, Wayland, Lincoln, Weston

Awards

2001 ASLA honor award

20 Projects

West Newbury, MA

Credentials

Featured Review

P B

Relationship

Client

Kim has been wonderful to work with! I would describe our style as tailored but not formal and Kim was able to perfectly translate that into a stunning landscape design. Her attention to detail, scale and proportion as well as her ability to designRead Full Review

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31 Reviews for KDTurner Design

Newest first

P B

Relationship

Client

Kim has been wonderful to work with! I would describe our style as tailored but not formal and Kim was able to perfectly translate that into a stunning landscape design. Her attention to detail, scale and proportion as well as her ability to design a naturally layered landscape that doesn't look "forced" sets her apart from her peers.

September 25, 2017

kellynickerson

Relationship

Client

We were fortunate enough to connect with KDTurner through Houzz this past winter when looking for a designer/ landscape architect for our new home . Kim Turner responded very quickly which immediately earned our respect. She came to our home, asked many questions about our style and vision, and thoroughly walked our grounds . She also viewed out property from the inside of the home - a vantage point many would overlook in the planning phase . Shortly after the visit she provided us an exceptional plan that included a detailed plant list to help make our new build home look established through soft and hard landscape. The professionalism and knowledge she has is unsurpassed and I would not hesitate for a second to recommend KDTurner Design .

September 18, 2017

nikoletta T.

Relationship

Client

Kim was a pleasure to work with. From start to finish, she was exceptionally professional and reliable. She was very skilled and knowledgeable with all aspects of our landscape design and she was able to effectively troubleshoot the few unforeseen obstacles we encountered. I recommend her services without reservation.

December 12, 2016

deliaperlov

Relationship

Client

KDTurner designs fully designed our large property. The landscape architecture is precise and beautiful. It has been a pleasure to work with Kim Turner who brought lots of great ideas and knowledge to the table.

December 12, 2016

T M

Relationship

Client

We just finished a project with KDTurner Design and we could not be more pleased. Kim took an aesthetically challenging back yard and completely transformed it. We are very happy with the final result. Kim worked with us from beginning to end. Kim located and obtained bids from landscape contractors, helped us choose our contractor, was available to be on site to place plantings, and was available for any advice we needed as the project progressed. I highly recommend KDTurner Design and will call upon Kim for any future landscape design work.

October 3, 2016

tsbeard

Relationship

Colleague

Kim has great sensitivity to the site and the architecture as well as a profound knowledge of plant material. She is professional but relaxed and easy to work with.

February 24, 2016

Alex Gramling

Relationship

Client

Creative and thorough. We worked with Kim to re-imagine a large backyard area and we are thrilled with the results. She presented multiple options for layout, plantings and hardscape and then guided us through the process from design and bidding to installation with attentive professionalism. Her process and pricing are transparent and the project came in on time and budget. Highly recommended.

May 30, 2015

davidmagee21

Relationship

Colleague

I've worked with Kim on high end residential projects and I cannot give her a higher recommendation! She blew me away with her well thought out, hand drawn design options for the clients to select from. Her attention to detail, understanding of the client’s needs, problem solving, personality and team approach is paramount. Kim truly is a pleasure to work with, I have a lot of respect for what she does and I would recommend her to anyone in need of landscape design. David Magee Project manager Merz Construction

March 31, 2015

lindap137

Relationship

Client

I highly recommend KDTurner. Our yard presented a steep grade challenge and Kim designed a beautiful plan that turned the challenge into a wonderful highlight. Kim is very knowledgeable. She knows her plants, she knows her materials, she knows code requirements and she is an outstanding designer. We are thrilled with the result of her work.

November 17, 2014

msmith1966

Relationship

Client

I am the owner of a Civil Engineering Consulting firm who has hired KD Turner Design to provide Landscape Design for many projects. The design product and service has been excellent, We highly recommend K D Turner Design and look forward to working with them in the future.

September 15, 2014

sledbetter

Relationship

Client

KDTurner Design provided landscape architect services for plantings and hardscape in our front yard. The transformation was tremendous. Lead designer Kim Turner is a consummate professional, with attention to every detail. She was also extremely helpful with guiding me on selecting a landscaper for my project.

September 13, 2014

Currier Associates Design

Relationship

Was referred by Sam Kechmar

Kim listens, she's patient, creative, knowledgeable and a joy to work with. She did an overall design for our city space and the bluestone walkways and patio are so elegant the neighbors cant stop commenting.

September 12, 2014

ckn2

Relationship

Client

I hired KDT to do a landscape design for a small mixed use building I was designing. Kim was able to quickly come up with a design that satisfied my client and more importantly the city review board. Her design talents are obvious but she also is very professional and pleasant to work with. I look forward to working with KDT in the future.

September 9, 2014

davidmichaelc

Relationship

Colleague

I recently had the pleasure of working with Kim Turner on a new, custom home located just west of Boston. Her creative, unique landscape design and team approach to the project resulted in a very successful collaboration. Kim responded to questions in a timely manner, met any and all deadlines with time to spare and was very professional from start to finish. She is a true pleasure to work with and I look forward to working with her again in the near future.

September 3, 2014

cathyyoungman

Relationship

Colleague

I recently had the pleasure of working with Kim Turner on a new, custom home located just west of Boston. Her creative, unique landscape design and team approach to the project resulted in a very successful collaboration. Kim responded to questions in a timely manner, met any and all deadlines with time to spare and was very professional from start to finish. She is a true pleasure to work with and I look forward to working with her again in the near future.

September 3, 2014

carolyndunlap

Relationship

Client

We hired KDTurner Design as a landscape architect and were delighted with the results. Kim is responsive, attentive to detail, and obviously talented, especially when it comes to landscape design. She helped in the bid process, and was available and an active part of the project from beginning to end. I'd highly recommend KDTurner Design and would use her again.

September 2, 2014

McKay Architects

Relationship

Colleague

We have worked with Kim on several projects in the past 3 years. Kim has responded to the clients goals and provided designs that are fresh and beautiful. We highly recommend KDTurner Design for landscape design projects. Mike McKay

September 2, 2014

Sam Kachmar Architects

Relationship

Colleague

KD Turner Design is an innovative Landscape Architecture Firm that has a contemporary approach blended with a traditional warmth in the landscapes that they create. Kim's style is environmentally conscious and rests solidly on a well balanced design approach of listening to her clients while helping guide them to a beautiful end result. Kim provides a quality service for her clients creating memorable Landscapes to be enjoyed for years to come. I worked with Kim on a Residential Project in Newton, MA and found her to be extremely responsive, collaborative and intelligent in how she guided the landscape team and coordinated with architecture of the house to create a beautiful overall effect. Highly recommended.

September 2, 2014

vanniaj

Relationship

Client

Kim is fantastic! We received proposals from three different architects and are so glad we went with KDTurner Design. As part of the scope of work, Kim gave us three different drawings. The first drawing incorporated all the details we communicated during our consult. The second drawing expanded on the first (more bells and whistles). The third drawing forced us to envision our yard in a totally different way…it was great! We ended up choosing drawing #3, and incorporated elements from the other drawings. Kim really listened to our wishes and synthesized them perfectly…and pushed us a little to try something new (in a good way). When we did a major construction project on our house, she met with the town as part of the building approval process. She was extremely professional! She has come to our house on numerous occasions to supervise landscape crews or to help us rework things. She works well over email (a positive for me) and also works around our busy schedules. I highly recommend her!

September 1, 2014

Astrid Glass

Relationship

Client

Kim was wonderful in designing a beautiful landscape for our property. She turned an empty ditch into a garden filled with flowers, trees and shrubs - all local plants and organic care. Our patio design is the best part - we spend hours grilling and entertaining in our back yard. All the plantings fit well with our area and look natural. We couldn't have asked for a more professional landscape architect. Her management of the building and planting process as extremely helpful, as we were not on site during the time. Overall, amazing experience and we are excited to see it grow over the years.

March 27, 2014

friedlaur

Relationship

Client

Last spring, KDTurner Design provided high quality designs for our residential landscaping project in Newton, MA. Ms. Turner was creative, knowledgeable, thorough, sensible, responsive to our needs, and honest. She helped us understand and contain the cost of the project, worked with us to bid the job out to several high quality landscaping firms, and saw the project through to its completion once a landscape company had been selected. We highly recommend KDTurner Design.

March 23, 2014

laura_maclean

Relationship

Client

We bought a new construction house and hired KDTurner Design to help us design and manage the work associated with the property's landscape. The property had some trees and grass but was otherwise undefined and lacking in character and I hadn't a clue where to start. Kim first presented three designs with range of budgets and introduced a number of creative elements. Once we agreed on our plan she next managed the contractor bidding process and helped guide us in selection where her knowledge and network were invaluable. Finally she managed the work itself ensuring all was done according to plan. Throughout the process Kim maintained a heavy focus on meeting budget as well as completion time frame. Kim impressed us with her problem solving skills. We determined a design flaw in our project and she in just a handful of hours devised a workable solution. Kim was an absolute joy to work with and despite a decent distance between her office and our home she was on site evaluating the status of our project more often than I would have expected. I would hire KDTurner Design again in a heartbeat should I find the need and highly recommend her without reservation.

March 22, 2014

amoshome

Relationship

Client

Our realtor recommended Kim and we met with her shortly after purchasing our house. Meeting with us several times and truly listening to our thoughts, Kim consequently developed several design options and we then worked together to finalize a plan with which we are delighted. Kim is creative, professional and responsive. Working with her has been a most positive experience! CBA, Newburyport

March 22, 2014

jksprize

Relationship

Client

If you want the job done right Kim is right there. She knows the ins and outs of permitting and will get it done. She is very committed, and doesn't give up. She will go above and beyond her scope to provide whatever it is you are looking to accomplish. She is professional in every way and knows the value of good customer service. She will keep in touch with you and let you know how which phase your project is in at every opportunity. We originally hired Kim in 2004 for a landscape job on out beach property. Kim helped us put our "dream" together. Her ideas for using stained glass in our 360 degree deck made it all come together. She was there every step of the way for the permitting process making our "dream" a reality. In 2010 our house suffered a fire. We hired Kim in 2013 to get new permits for a new structure. She gets it DONE!

March 22, 2014

welch10

Relationship

Client

KDTurner Design provided us with creative, contemporary and insightful designs for landscape, driveways and paths. We are excited to see the project completed. KD Turner listened carefully to our concerns and addressed them in her designs.

March 21, 2014

spare75

Relationship

Client

My husband and I hired Kim Turner to re design the flow of our backyard, including a path, patio, fire pit area, and landscaping. I cannot say enough good things about working with her. She took the time to understand what we were looking for, worked with our style and our budget. She also provided designs that allowed the work to be phased in over time. We continue to get compliments on our back yard and are thrilled with how the work turned out. I can't recommend her enough!

July 29, 2013

Gina Behrens

Relationship

Client

Kim was nothing short of amazing when she worked for us. She was thorough, creative, and totally professional at all times. She worked well with our budget to get us to the right solution for our space. She always went above and beyond to help us out. We couldn't be happier with the outcome and would not hesitate to recommend KD Turner Design group.

July 22, 2013

tlasalvia

Relationship

Client

I have hired and worked with Kim on two very different landscape design projects. The first was for my primary residence which was completely reconstructed with a beautiful recycled granite retaining wall, foundation plantings and a path for the neighborhood children to walk through the garden. The second was my vacation home on Cape Cod which required a major reclamation of an acre of land from the forest and the creation of multiple outdoor living spaces. Both projects have been major successes; we've enjoyed the outcomes tremendously. Kim is a true professional and collaborator in the design process. She listens to her client's requests and provides creative and beautiful solutions to those requests. She has beautiful and holistic eye for design. I appreciated her efforts to bring native plants and creative foliage and color patterns into the designs. I also appreciated Kim's effort to design and select plantings with natural, organic and sustainable agricultural principals in mind, which was very important to me as well. She is very conscious of the need for people to connect to their yards and land in a meaningful and self-reliant way.

June 29, 2013

Duo Interior Design

Relationship

Client

Kim is a very knowledgeable and talented Landscape Architect. She is thoughtful, thorough and truly listens to her client. Our house building project had a somewhat complex and aribitrary approval process and Kim designed our landscape plans accordingly, thereby avoiding any issues with her part of the project. We are now in the middle of building our home so our landscaping hasn't started yet, but I have every confidence that Kim has designed a beautiful landscape for our new home. I can't wait to see it all come to fruition next Spring.

June 18, 2013

Eric Hill

Relationship

Colleague

Kim is a true professional in landscape design. She has a great passion for her craft. Kim combines the ability of listening and leading to bring the customer to the design that works within the canvas of the land. Kim is a pleasure to work with on all aspects and works well in both a individual and team setting. Kim is a great addition to any project.

June 17, 2013Last modified:June 18, 2013

Stone Farm

Relationship

Colleague

I have now worked with Kimberly Turner for over 6 years on all types of projects. As a Stone professional who sources stone for landscape construction projects, it is always great to have relationships with other professionals who GET it. Kim is one of those people.

June 5, 2013

6 Ideabooks

6 Comments

Commented: What are the stone steps made of?Thank you for your question. The stairs are granite and the cheek wall is textured concrete.

October 15, 2021

Commented: house colors exterior?Hi, Thank you for your inquiry. The house is comprised of Ben Moore 'Natural Elements' and Ben Moore 'Inner Balance'.

February 28, 2018

Commented: What is the exterior finish of the entrance?Hello and thank you for your question. This was a renovation project, and that entry was pre-existing. I was the landscape architect on the project, so did not specify anything related to the façade o...

October 14, 2016

Commented: Light postHi! Thanks for the note. This is a custom post that was designed by me and built by New England Woodworkers in Plymouth, MA. The light fixture is from Restoration Hardware.

July 27, 2016

Commented: what are the tall shrubsThanks for the question. If memory serves, they are 'Chesapeake' Japanese Holly. They make a nice informal hedge, but are slow growing, maxing out around 6' in height.

January 7, 2015

Commented: Curb appeal dilemmaI would recommend adding some layers of plantings at the foundation--taller (4' ht) shrubs to give some structure at the foundation, and then a secondary layer of shorter shrubs or perennials with som...

March 24, 2014 in Design Dilemma

KDTurner Design