Finding The Top 8 Landscape Designers in the Tampa Area
by Jake Hill
February 14, 2017
Editor's Note: All images are copyrighted to their respected owners. LawnStarter does not own these images, but is featuring them on the owner's behalf.
Finding a top-notch landscape designer is certainly no easy feat. LawnStarter’s editorial team scoured the internet in search of The Top 8 Landscape Designers in the Tampa Area. Once we managed to compile a comprehensive list, we researched the services, pricing, company history, and unique selling propositions of the most highly recommended. Next, we judged the aesthetics of each company's featured projects in their portfolio. Finally, we checked references and asked ourselves if indeed these were people we’d want to do business with. If the answer was yes, they appear in the listing that follows.
Those featured may display our Top Landscape Designers badge on their sites. We emailed each of the winners, but if we missed you, we want to hear from you.
So without further ado, in no particular order, allow us to announce the Top 8 Landscape Designers in the Tampa Area!
Landscape Fusion
Photos: Landscape Fusion
Why we're fans: Landscape Fusion is a full service design/build company owned by Mike Loomis, an esteemed landscape architect with a degree from Southern Connecticut University. Mike has developed his company into one of the leading Modern Outdoor Living innovators in the South Tampa area. His work has been featured in magazines such as Housetrends and South Tampa Magazine.
Customers all over the internet rave about Mike's attention to the meticulous details that are essential to installing the complex landscape designs that his company takes on. The mastery and expertise that he demonstrates on every job is more than enough to land Landscape Fusion on our list of the top landscape designers in the Tampa area.
>>Follow Landscape Fusion on Facebook
Ryan Hughes Design/Build
Photos: Ryan Hughes Design/Build
Why we're fans: Ryan Hughes is an internationally recognized landscape architect with an uncanny ability to design graceful and elegant outdoor living spaces for the homeowner looking to bring their island-get-away to the comfort of their own backyard. His portfolio is stacked with outdoor spaces that are guaranteed to capture the imagination of any homeowner.
The firm's scope encompasses everything from hardscape to landscape, down to the outdoor furniture and accessories. Ryan's work has been featured on numerous publications such as Luxury Pools, Bridge for Design, Casual Living, and much, much more!
>>Follow Ryan Hughes Design/Build on Facebook
DWY Landscape Architects
Photos: DWY Landscape Architects
Why we're fans: DWY Landscape Architects was founded by David W. Young, ASLA, in 1999. David stands out from the rest of the pack because of his experience with landscape architecture outside of residential homes. His diversified portfolio includes residential communities, commercial and mixed park use, parks, transportation, educational and cultural planning projects to private estate gardens. Each design is so extraordinarily unique that one might think David invented landscape architecture himself.
Although each project is unique, DWY follows the same creative and collaborative process with every client. The focus is always on the development of space, clarity of design, continuity with the architecture, and use of regional and sustainable materials.
>>Follow DWY Landscape Architects on Facebook
Michael A. Gilkey, Inc.
Photos: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc.
Why we're fans: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. is a landscape architecture studio in Sarasota, Florida, established in 1981. Apart from being a definite standout in the landscape architecture community, Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. also has one of the more functional websites on the list. Their website maps out their 8-step process for clients so that they know exactly what to expect every step of the way.
The architectural landscaping firm works side-by-side with their clients throughout the entire process, which is why customers are raving online over the customer service that they experienced. From what we've seen, each and every customer that hires Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. has left a delighted customer with a stunning backyard escape.
>>Follow Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. on Facebook
Landscape Design Associates, LLC
Photos: Landscape Design Associates, LLC
Why we're fans: Landscape Design Associates is owned and operated by Sabine Marcks, Registered Landscape Architect (RLA). Sabine was born and raised in Germany, where she received her degree in Landscape Architecture from Weihenstphan University near Munich, Germany, the site of the premier plan evaluation garden in the country.
Sabine's landscape designs are organic and naturally flow with the existing terrain. Her impressive gardening resume speaks for itself, so she's your landscape architect if you're looking for a serene outdoor garden for your yard.
>>Follow Landscape Design Associates on Facebook
Exterior Concepts
Photos: Exterior Concepts
Why we're fans: Exterior Concepts was founded by Dave Hetrick. With a background in fine arts and over 25 years of experience in the fields of hardscape and carpentry, few landscape architects can compare to Dave's raw talent and skill. The firm specializes in everything from custom decks to outdoor kitchens, and all employees are experienced in all aspects of the business.
Exterior Concepts' portfolio is stacked with custom woodwork including gazebos and pergolas; water features including natural-looking waterfalls and koi fish ponds; and stunning hardscapes. Exterior Concepts is much more than your average landscape/hardscape company. They bring an unparalleled level of creativity and artistic talent, along with top-notch technical skills, to every project.
>>Follow Exterior Concepts on Facebook
ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design
Photos: ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design
Why we're fans: ArtisTree Landscape's mission is to be the benchmark in landscape maintenance and design by earning the satisfaction of their customers and the pride of their employees. Their company core values and online reviews certainly back that up.
Other than installing stellar landscape designs for customers who love their work, ArtisTree created their own brand called, Thank A Landscaper, which celebrates those who dedicate their lives, businesses or programs to making the world a more beautiful place to live. It's refreshing to see a local company giving back to their trade's community in such a meaningful way.
>>Follow ArtisTree Landscape on Facebook
David Conner + Associates
Photos: David Conner + Associates
Why we're fans: David Conner is an experienced landscape architect and urban design professional. With his all-star team and over 31 years of industry experience, David designs some of the most alluring hardscapes around. He is the proud recipient of 22 design excellence awards, including the prestigious Fredrick B. Stresau Award, the Roy S. Rood Award and the Award of Honor from the United States Air Force.
All of David Conner + Associates' hardscapes are influenced by the merging of environmental influences with human interaction. Which is fancy talk for elegant, yet practical—something that is rather difficult to achieve in the world of landscape architecture.
>>Follow David Conner + Associates on Facebook
That's it for our picks! If you have any additional questions, please visit our Tampa lawn care page.
Editor's Note: Thank you to all the members of the landscape designer community. We appreciate the hard work that you do. If you have any feedback for us, we’d love to hear from you.
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