Crafting a seamless outdoor experience
AN “ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE” IS THE FIRST OF MANY DELIGHTS AT THIS PROPERTY IN THE TOWN OF BRIGHTON, NEW YORK, WHERE A LONG DRIVEWAY LEADS VISITORS THROUGH A GROVE OF BIRCH TREES THAT ULTIMATELY REVEAL A TWO-STORY HOUSE WITH VIEWS OF LUSH FAIRWAYS ON THE GOLF COURSE BEHIND IT.
Design Resources
A major renovation transformed the house to a more contemporary style, and the overall plan called for a new look and feel for the grounds, as well.
That was the challenge for the professionals at Steele Landscape Architecture, specializing in projects ranging from residential to municipal to institutional.
“The clients brought us in to elevate the property to complement their home,” said Sue Steele, a Registered Landscape Architect in New York State and member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
She and her team brought their expertise and a passion for design to the project, with a goal not only to enhance the visual appeal through a creative blend of hardscaping and plantings, but also to deliver greater function and efficiency of the home’s outdoor living space. The end result is a stunning environment that provides a sense of fluidity from the interior and helps the clients to better feel a connection with their natural surroundings.
The first step to a successful project is honest communication about the goals and the budget, according to Steele.
“We start by talking with the client to find out what they are trying to create or a problem they need to solve,” she said. “We do a lot of listening up front to understand what they want, and then we tailor our response or our solution to that. In the end, when everything comes together, it is overwhelmingly exciting.”
It is important to note the difference between landscape architects, who are licensed designers and consultants, and landscape contractors, who physically build the hardscape and install trees, shrubs, and more. The responsibility of professionals such as Steele is to create detailed plans for healthy, safe, and beautiful outdoor environments; to serve as a liaison to the construction crew; and to address site issues such as drainage and grading. Indeed, careful attention to plant and soil science to craft environments that foster positive health and environmental impacts is a top priority, she notes on her company website.
There are numerous benefits to hiring a landscape architect, according to the ASLA.
Their expertise and attention to detail save time and stress for clients seeking unique space that can be enjoyed for years to come.
An effective, strategic plan is an investment in your home that could add as much as 15 percent to its value.
These are professionals who think about landscapes as true systems. They can identify the possibilities and limitations of your property and then create a plan that outlines every detail, including materials, styles, textures, colors, and alternatives to sprinkler systems such as drip irrigation.
Reduced energy bills through the strategic placement of trees and shrubs to impact heating and cooling systems.
“The design process takes time,” said Zakery Steele, RLA. “As we move along, we like to see the property in different seasons to see where we can take advantage of particular views that change with the seasons or to see where drainage issues are. We might come on site to problem-solve. Then we can adjust the design later on.” A long-term relationship develops with each and every client, he added.
“Our goal is to make sure that when a client invests in their outdoor living experience, it is there for a lifetime and with as little maintenance as possible,” Zakery said. “Aside from the outward aesthetics of the project, we make sure that we meet the client expectations for longevity and durability. We want them to be happy.”