Business Details
23 Years
experience
Custom Landscape Design Services
Land & Water Design has been creating award-winning landscapes since 2003, specializing in custom swimming pool designs, hardscape, and garden architecture master plans. Our team brings over 30 years of combined experience in transforming challenging terrains into functional, aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. We work closely with clients to understand their vision, budget, and lifestyle, ensuring every project integrates seamlessly with their home's architecture and natural surroundings. Our services span all phases of landscape architecture, from initial consultation to construction oversight, with a focus on personalized solutions and exceptional craftsmanship.The firm's leadership includes industry veterans recognized for their expertise, including Don Nesmith, a founding landscape architect with five decades of experience in the Washington DC area. Our approach combines creative design with practical project management, ensuring every client receives innovative solutions that enhance their property's value and usability.
Services
Landscape Design
Pool Design
Hardscape Design
Garden Master Plans
Outdoor Kitchen Design
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience transforming challenging landscapes into award-winning designs.
- Our team includes certified landscape architects with decades of regional expertise.
- We offer comprehensive project management from concept to construction completion.
- We provide custom 3D virtual reality design visualization for full project clarity.
- Our work has been featured in major industry publications and award-winning portfolios.
Associations and certifications
- Best of Houzz Awards
What people say
Fantastic design
Thrilled with the work
Highly recommend
Exceeded expectations
Amazing results
Services
Landscape Architecture
Our landscape architecture services combine creative vision with technical expertise to create functional, beautiful outdoor spaces. We specialize in transforming challenging terrains into cohesive environments that complement home architecture. Our team develops master plans considering local climate, plant selection, and sustainable practices while ensuring every design meets client lifestyle needs and budget parameters. The process includes detailed site analysis, conceptual planning, and construction documentation.
Custom Pool Design
We create bespoke pool designs that integrate seamlessly with surrounding landscapes and home aesthetics. Our approach considers water features, lighting, and adjacent living spaces to create complete outdoor oases. We provide detailed construction drawings required for permits and work with trusted contractors to ensure precise execution. Our designs balance safety, functionality, and visual appeal while maintaining proper scale relative to the home and property.
Hardscape Integration
Our hardscape services encompass patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, and fire features that enhance property usability. We focus on material selection that complements natural surroundings while maintaining durability. The designs incorporate proper drainage solutions and accessibility considerations. Our team ensures all structural elements align with overall landscape aesthetics through detailed planning and precise implementation.
Garden Master Planning
Comprehensive garden planning creates cohesive green spaces that evolve with seasonal changes. We develop planting schemes using native species adapted to local conditions while incorporating client-preferred ornamental varieties. The master plans address maintenance requirements, irrigation needs, and long-term growth patterns. We balance formal garden structures with natural elements to create visually appealing, low-maintenance outdoor environments.
Outdoor Kitchen Design
We design functional outdoor kitchens that extend living spaces into exterior environments. Our plans integrate premium appliances, durable countertops, and weather-resistant cabinetry while maintaining aesthetic continuity with home design. The layouts optimize workflow for entertaining while incorporating necessary utilities and safety features. Each design considers proximity to indoor kitchens and existing entertainment areas for seamless transitions.
People
Don Nesmith
Principal CEO and Founding Landscape Architect
With fifty years in landscape architecture, Don graduated from University of Georgia in 1970 and established Land & Water Design in 2003. His portfolio includes award-winning residential projects across the DC metro area.
Michael Tran
Senior Building Designer
Michael brings 20+ years of architecture experience since joining in 2003. With a University of Kentucky architecture degree, he specializes in construction methodology and design implementation for outdoor living spaces.
Vivian Myers
Business Marketing Manager
Vivian manages company finances and marketing strategies since 2001, developing business models that support the firm's growth while maintaining financial transparency with clients.
Questions
What types of residential properties do you work with?
We specialize in upscale single-family homes across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. Our expertise includes estates, luxury properties, and homes with complex terrain requiring special design considerations.
How does your design process work?
The process starts with an initial consultation to understand client needs and property constraints. We develop conceptual plans, refine details through client collaboration, and provide construction documentation while managing project execution.
Do you handle both design and construction?
We focus on design and construction oversight. While we don't perform construction work ourselves, we coordinate with trusted contractors and make regular site visits to ensure proper implementation of designs.
What areas do you serve?
Our primary service area includes Northern Virginia, Maryland suburbs, and Washington DC. We work within a 60-mile radius covering communities like Ashburn, Rockville, Alexandria, and Leesburg.
How are design fees structured?
Fees vary based on project complexity and scope. We provide transparent cost breakdowns during initial consultations, with separate agreements for design phases and construction documentation services.
Do you offer 3D visualization tools?
Yes, we provide 3D computer-generated perspectives and virtual reality walkthroughs to help clients visualize final outcomes before construction begins.
Videos
Reviews (1)
George Herrmann
Aug 17, 2014
Report
We used them to enhance a neighborhood pool facility. At every turn, Don and his staff have provided us creative solutions to our restrictions and have provided us a design far beyond what we originally anticipated for our budget. Wonderful designs and timely delivery on design and construction have been the norm from Land and Water Design. We could not be happier with our choice of them over several competitors.
