How PLANT Began
My journey in outdoor living started when I was nine years old, running a small landscape business with more passion than tools. Decades later—now at 40—that same passion for beautiful, clean, well-designed spaces still drives me every day.
As I matured in my area of practice, I began to see a gap in the market. In most contractor–client relationships, a few essential things simply weren’t true—things that were common in other industries but strangely absent in ours. I realized that for clients to make great decisions in an increasingly complex outdoor living world, they needed a service provider who was aligned, reliably communicative, technically excellent, and thoughtful of their experience.
So I launched PLANT / PDG to solve that problem. We set out to create a company built on resilient processes, expert craftsmanship, and an unwavering dedication to making the client experience as extraordinary as the spaces we build.
What Has Set Us Apart:
1. True Custom Projects
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all landscapes. Every project is designed and crafted from scratch by experts who care deeply about artistry, detail, and the uniqueness of each property. Our work is custom in the truest sense—tailored, intentional, and beautiful.
2. “No More Questions” Communication
Some of our outdoor living projects involve hundreds of craftspeople, months of coordinated effort, and plenty of moments where things look worse on the way to looking better. Our goal is that clients never have to wonder what’s happening.
We communicate proactively, transparently, and consistently—delivering complete updates written from the client’s perspective. Clarity and confidence prevents confusion and frustration.
3. Alignment of Talent and Incentive
We carefully vet our subcontractors and team members, preferring owner-operators who take immense pride in their craft. We work hard to bring out the best in our teams—supporting them, aligning with them, and holding high standards together. We’re not perfect, but we’re intentional. And it shows in the work.
4. A Beautiful Experience, Not Just a Beautiful Result
The complexity of modern outdoor living could easily create frustration. Instead, we take full responsibility for coordinating every detail and creating simple, elegant interfaces for clients, project partners, and owners’ teams. The outcome is not only an incredible space, but an experience marked by trust, ease, and delight.
5. Curiosity, Listening, and Connection
We don’t show up to “sell.” We show up to listen. Even when the news is hard. Even when the path is messy. We stay connected and present through every season of a project, including the difficult ones. We honor our clients’ responsibilities, pressures, and hopes—and we build with that in mind.
6. Our People
I love our team.
From our CEO, Chalie—whose perfectionism and advocacy set the tone—to our longest-tenured team member Antoinette and our extraordinarily talented field leaders, the team is the soul of PLANT. They are internally motivated, mission-aligned, and relentlessly committed to delivering quality. I’m proud of them. And I’m proud of what we create together.
Continue to follow along in this series as we wrap up the year reflecting on 10 years as PLANT Design Group.
