Michael Glassman & Associates

We had moved to Folsom from southern CA, and had just finished building a pool and spa in our large backyard. We knew we wanted to radically improve the way our entire landscape looked and functioned, but didn’t know whom to trust with this responsibility or how to proceed. After running into several dead ends, I ended up attending a presentation by renowned landscape architect Michael Glassman. As soon as he started to speak from the podium, I was captivated by the before and after photos of his past projects. It was clear to me Michael listens carefully to the needs and desires of the homeowners first and foremost and then simply unleashes his considerable creativity to fulfill their goals. I was impressed that he showed projects of all sizes, not just the grandest and most profitable ones. Given Michael’s talents and professional experience, it would be completely understandable for him to avoid dealing with tiny backyards in condo developments and focus only on expansive properties in gated communities. Before Michael and his assistant Jody came to our home for a consultation, one of his staff mentioned in passing that I record everything he says during the visit on my smartphone. This was extremely useful as Michael spewed forth ideas one after another in rapid succession for over an hour, and I would have been completely overwhelmed if I had no opportunity to review everything at my own pace afterward. The architectural plans were beautifully designed and very detailed including 3-D projections which helped us envision everything. Homeowners of course are free to choose any contractor they so desire or even do some or all of the work themselves. Michael provided us with a list of contractors with whom their past clients have been happy and this proved very helpful. Because of Michael’s stellar reputation, each of these contractors know their work has to be done at a very high professional standard. So many people we know have had such bad experiences with their home improvement projects. There are unexpected challenges with every project and ours was no exception, but Michael Glassman and his entire staff were absolutely great to work with in every way. Our friends and family have been very impressed with how wonderfully everything turned out. As for us, we have often said to each other our property is now much more beautiful than we had hoped! We feel very lucky to have had Michael Glassman and his team guide us on our landscape remodeling journey.

I cannot say enough good things about Michael and his team. I have known of his work for years and had many friends that used his services, all highly recommended him. When the time came, we wasted our time interviewing a number of local designers when we should have just called Michael, which we did. Michael and his team had so many ideas and was so comfortable with engaging in discussions about the plan, what we liked and did not like. That gave us an opportunity to have Michael work out a plan that ended up with a project that we are just so happy to have done. While we loved the design, two important benefits of working with Michael had nothing to do with design. He knows plants and gets a healthy discount and can make buying decisions that give us big savings. As an example, we had a larger Chinese Pistache to plant. He looked them over and actually picked a much cheaper younger tree because the mature ones were so much more expensive and not much better or bigger. My unpracticed eye would not have known that. The second aspect is that he knows some good reliable contractors who do a lot of work for him so are anxious to please his clients. He has worked with these people over years so he really knows their work. The contractor we picked, who does a lot of Michael's designs, was so perfect. There is a great advantage of having a contractor who had worked before with the designer, knew his style, and could then communicate well. Too bad I could not post the conversations I had with neighbors. They heaped praise on our new front yard. That includes strangers driving by and stopping to look and compliment the design and the work. I honestly believe it is the best-looking front yard in the neighborhood. The backyard is just as nice but fewer comments from the neighborhood of course.

We were amazed by the talent of Michael Glassman. We had a 5 acre plot of land that we were getting ready to build on. We met him on site and he sat on a large rock with just a drawing of our plans and started to make his magic happen. He began sketching preliminary plans right then and there! He has the ability to envision a beautiful landscape plan that complements a site's existing topography and landscape. We met with him and his associates in his office and he took into consideration out likes, dislikes, wants and needs and configured them into a beautiful landscape plan. He also recommended different landscapers to do the work, and accompanied us on trips to nurseries to pick out the hundreds of plants that were needed. He and his office were communicative, on time, and always available for any questions. We highly recommend them for any landscape plans you may need!

Michael Glassman is a genius! He undertook our back yard remodel with amazing energy and vision. He instantly knew what was needed to turn the yard into a welcoming place to relax and entertain. Michael and his staff prepared plans that gave us an accurate preview of the look of the finished product from structures and pool/water features to trees and flowers. Michael’s staff is knowledgeable of county and HOA rules and restrictions and makes sure they are all followed. When the time came to go to the nursery, Michael accompanied us and personally selected the plants and trees. Michael was always prompt in answering questions or tinkering with the plans when necessary. Staff member, Jody, was equally helpful with questions. Michael recommended South Canyon Construction as the contractor to do the work. An excellent choice! We love the yard. We use it daily. We consider it another room to our home because Michael selected an exterior travertine to compliment the travertine in our family room. This makes for seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. We recommend Michael and his staff without reservation. If you have a project and a dream, Michael is the man to see.

We hired Glassman and Associates for a complete redo of the front and back yards to maximum entertainment space. We could not be happier with the final result. His team is extremely easy to work with and is with you from the concept stage to final planting. Would highly recommend.

We did a major "redo" of our front and back yard: all new plantings, raised planters, new flagstone patio, outdoor kitchen, outdoor gas fireplace. Michael listened to what we wanted and came up with a plan that was within our budget. His enthusiasm and expertise made what could have been an overwhelming project enjoyable. What we most appreciate is that Michael stayed with the project from inception to completion. He and his wonderful assistant, Jody, were available for quick consults, advice, anything, and we found his fees to be very reasonable. All of the people Michael suggested we work with were top-notch professionals who were able to implement what we wanted. We have a project that no doubt increases the value of our home, and more importantly, that we will enjoy for many years to come. Thank you Michael & Associates!

Fantastic designs and really listens to what kind of design we wanted and he worked with our environment to really make a seamless design and then followed it through. Great team and resources as well. Fantastic experience! Listened to our budget and our concepts and kept working on the design until we were comfortable and liked it. Overall magnificent person and team and we highly recommend him and his team!

Michael Glassman and team were terrific to work with, from start to finish. Michael is a font of great ideas, grounded in his natural talent and years of experience. He also helps with nominations of contractors he has had good experiences with, going to the nursery, is present on planting day, and available for a variety of questions. I would definitely recommend using a separate, independent designer like Michael, vs having an integrated design and contract service. I highly recommend Michael Glassman and Associates (and already have convinced a few friends to hire him). He won't disappoint!

Michael is so creative and innovative. He “sees” the finished product, and intuitively zeroes in on your style and budget. He gets the full picture. His vision is expansive. We sourced him for a consultation, and his ideas and suggestions to enhance the project come out lightning fast, so video him! He has an innate ability to critique your ideas, without being insulting! And he is right - you just don’t have the imagination and foresight that he does, hence you pay him for what he knows. Michael and Jody are design professionals par excellence.

We selected Michael Glassman and Associates to completely redesign our back yard after receiving positive recommendations from neighbors in Gold River. Although it is our back yard, large landscaping projects require approval by our homeowners association, and Michael and his associates are familiar with those requirements (our project was approved quickly with no revisions). He listened to our ideas and preferences, and designed the project accordingly. His staff was always available to take our calls and emails not only during the design process, but through the actual construction, and he personally accompanied us to the wholesale nursery to select plants. The first Covid shutdown came halfway through construction, but our contractor and Michael and his staff were able to legally and safely move forward without interruption. We happily recommend Michael Glassman & Associates to others who are contemplating a large landscape project.

Michael, Jody and Jennifer were such wonderful folks to work with. We didn't know where to start on our project but Michael jumped right in and showed us the way. He is chock-full of ideas and solutions, rolling with any new thoughts or changes we threw his way and always presented them with enthusiasm and infectious energy. Jody also has a keen sense of style, is excellent at keeping schedules on track and has a beautifully wicked sense of humor to boot! They are a fantastic team and it was an absolute thrill to work with them. Our yard is definitely a standout in our neighborhood and we get glowing comments all the time. Thank you Michael Glassman & Associates, for increasing the value of our home with your artistry!

From Julie R It was a pleasure working with Michael. I asked him to create a Tropical Retreat and that is exactly what he did. I love my lanai with the fan and light, my waterfall flowing down from the lanai, all the limestone, placement for my jacuzzi and all the beautiful, queen palm trees, bamboo trees, and all the other beautiful plants , also the colorful flowers . It was so much fun going to the nursery with Michael and picking out the plants. Michael also transformed my courtyard , with a fountain, bamboo, and I could go on and on. I highly recommend Michael, he was a joy to work with. He exceeded my expectations.