Landscape Architecture & Design in Ann Arbor, Brooklyn & Southeast Michigan
For nearly 50 years, TERRAFIRMA Landscape has helped homeowners throughout Ann Arbor, Michigan, Brooklyn, Michigan, and surrounding communities transform their properties into thoughtful, enduring outdoor spaces.
Our design team includes:
- Registered Landscape Architects
- Professional horticulturists
- Masters of hardscape
- Experienced builders and craftsmen
- Architectural associates
Together, we design landscapes that are beautiful, buildable, and built to thrive in Southeast Michigan’s unique conditions. Whether you’re building a new home, refreshing an outdated yard, or planning an outdoor living environment, our design process creates a clear path from vision to reality.
Our Landscape Design & Planning Services Include:
- Residential & commercial landscape architectural services
- Photo realistic renderings, 3D walkthroughs, illustrated landscape plans
- Preliminary cost estimates for budgeting and financing
Landscape Architecture & Design in Ann Arbor, Brooklyn & Southeast Michigan
For nearly 50 years, TERRAFIRMA Landscape has helped homeowners throughout Ann Arbor, Michigan, Brooklyn, Michigan, and surrounding communities transform their properties into thoughtful, enduring outdoor spaces.
Our design team includes:
- Registered Landscape Architects
- Professional horticulturists
- Masters of hardscape
- Experienced builders and craftsmen
- Architectural associates
Together, we design landscapes that are beautiful, buildable, and built to thrive in Southeast Michigan’s unique conditions. Whether you’re building a new home, refreshing an outdated yard, or planning an outdoor living environment, our design process creates a clear path from vision to reality.
Our Design and Planning Services Include:
- Residential & commercial landscape architectural services
- Photo realistic renderings, 3D walkthroughs, illustrated landscape plans
- Preliminary cost estimates for budgeting and financing
Why Design Matters
A successful landscape doesn’t happen by accident. It begins with a well-considered plan that accounts for your property, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
At TERRAFIRMA, our design process helps homeowners:
• Understand the full potential of their property
• Solve site challenges before construction begins
• Visualize the finished landscape through plans and 3D models
• Plan projects in phases when desired
• Avoid costly mistakes during construction
Our goal is simple: design landscapes that look natural, feel effortless, and improve how you live outdoors.
Designed for Michigan Landscapes
Every region presents its own landscape challenges. After decades of work across Southeast Michigan, we design landscapes that thrive in local conditions.
Ann Arbor Landscape Challenges
Properties in Ann Arbor often present:
• Heavy clay soils
• Deer pressure
• Drainage and stormwater issues
• Smaller urban lot sizes
Our designs incorporate:
• Soil-appropriate planting strategies
• Drainage and grading solutions
• Shade-tolerant planting palettes
• Efficient use of space
Brooklyn & Irish Hills Landscapes
Lake properties and rural sites often require different solutions.
• Sandy soils
• Steep slopes toward lakes
• Shoreline considerations/EGLE permitting
• Space constraints
Our designs prioritize:
• Erosion control
• Low-maintenance plantings
• Durable outdoor entertaining spaces
• Lake-friendly landscaping
Why Design Matters
A successful landscape doesn’t happen by accident. It begins with a well-considered plan that accounts for your property, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
At TERRAFIRMA, our design process helps homeowners:
• Understand the full potential of their property
• Solve site challenges before construction begins
• Visualize the finished landscape through plans and 3D models
• Plan projects in phases when desired
• Avoid costly mistakes during construction
Our goal is simple: design landscapes that look natural, feel effortless, and improve how you live outdoors.
Designed for Michigan Landscapes
Every region presents its own landscape challenges. After decades of work across Southeast Michigan, we design landscapes that thrive in local conditions.
Ann Arbor Landscape Challenges
Properties in Ann Arbor often present:
• Heavy clay soils
• Deer pressure
• Drainage and stormwater issues
• Smaller urban lot sizes
Our designs incorporate:
• Soil-appropriate planting strategies
• Drainage and grading solutions
• Shade-tolerant planting palettes
• Efficient use of space
Brooklyn & Irish Hills Landscapes
Lake properties in the often require different solutions.
• Sandy soils
• Steep slopes toward lakes
• Shoreline considerations/EGLE permitting
• Space constraints
Our designs prioritize:
• Erosion control
• Low-maintenance plantings
• Durable outdoor entertaining spaces
• Lake-friendly landscaping
Our Landscape Design Process
1. Initial Consultation
We visit your property to understand:
• how you use your outdoor space
• architectural style of your home
• site conditions and constraints
• your budget and priorities
1. Initial Consultation
We visit your property to understand:
• how you use your outdoor space
• architectural style of your home
• site conditions and constraints
• your budget and priorities
2. Site Analysis & Master Planning
Our designers evaluate:
• drainage and grading
• soil conditions
• sunlight and shade
• views and circulation
From there we develop a master plan for the entire landscape.
2. Site Analysis & Master Planning
Our designers evaluate:
• drainage and grading
• soil conditions
• sunlight and shade
• views and circulation
From there we develop a master plan for the entire landscape.
3. Design Development
Clients receive detailed design materials such as:
• illustrated landscape plans
• planting plans
• material palettes
• photo-realistic renderings or 3D models
This stage allows you to fully visualize your conceptual project before construction begins.
3. Design Development
Clients receive detailed design materials such as:
• illustrated landscape plans
• planting plans
• material palettes
• photo-realistic renderings or 3D models
This stage allows you to fully visualize your conceptual project before construction begins.
4. Construction & Installation
Unlike many design firms, TERRAFIRMA also builds what we design.
This ensures:
• accurate pricing
• seamless project management
• consistent quality
• efficient timelines
4. Construction & Installation
Unlike many design firms, TERRAFIRMA also builds what we design.
This ensures:
• accurate pricing
• seamless project management
• consistent quality
• efficient timelines
Design Projects
After a collaborative design process with our clients, we’ve finalized our updated concept for an enclosed Argentine grill in Ann Arbor’s Burns Park neighborhood. By day, a high-performance Grillworks Argentine grill serves as the heart of outdoor cooking, while by evening, it transforms into a cozy natural stone fireplace. Custom-built retaining walls define the intimate backyard space, complemented by bespoke wood fencing that echoes the historic home’s Arts and Crafts charm. Dimmable sconce lighting provides the perfect balance—bright enough for grilling, yet warm and inviting for relaxed evenings with friends.
Industry Affiliations & Local Connections
We’re proud to be part of a network of trusted industry organizations and local partners that reflect our commitment to quality, professionalism, and the landscape community. As an Unilock Authorized Contractor and active member of the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association (MNLA) and the Michigan Green Industry Association (MGIA), we stay current with the latest standards, materials, and best practices. Locally, we support and engage with the Northfield Chamber of Commerce, helping to strengthen our community while delivering exceptional landscapes to our neighbors.
We’re proud to be part of a network of trusted industry organizations and local partners that reflect our commitment to quality, professionalism, and the landscape community. As an Unilock Authorized Contractor and active member of the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association (MNLA) and the Michigan Green Industry Association (MGIA), we stay current with the latest standards, materials, and best practices. Locally, we support and engage with the Northfield Chamber of Commerce, helping to strengthen our community while delivering exceptional landscapes to our neighbors.
Explore our affiliations:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Landscape Design Services in Michigan
1. What landscape design services does TERRAFIRMA offer?
TERRAFIRMA’s landscape design services include residential and commercial landscape architectural planning, photo-realistic renderings and 3D walkthroughs, illustrated landscape plans, and preliminary cost estimates for budgeting and financing.
2. Why is professional landscape design important before installation?
Professional landscape design ensures your outdoor space is thoughtfully planned, functional, and visually balanced. With expert planning, your project — whether a new build, renovation, or hardscape addition — avoids costly mistakes and reflects your long-term goals. TERRAFIRMA’s registered landscape architects and designers guide you step-by-step.
3. What should I expect during the landscape design process?
The process typically begins with a consultation to understand your vision and site conditions. Then your design team develops concept plans, 3D visuals, and detailed layout drawings — all tailored to how you’d like to use your space and the local Michigan climate.
4. Do you provide both residential and commercial landscape design?
Yes — TERRAFIRMA offers landscape design for both residential properties and commercial sites throughout Southeast Michigan, including Ann Arbor, Brighton, Plymouth, Northville, Saline, Chelsea, Irish Hills, and Brooklyn.
5. How does 3D rendering help with my landscape project?
Photo-realistic 3D renderings and walkthroughs provide a clear visualization of your planned landscape before construction starts. This helps you make confident decisions about materials, plants, layout, hardscape features, and overall design direction.
6. Can TERRAFIRMA help with budgeting and cost planning?
Yes — part of the design service includes preliminary cost estimates that help you understand the potential investment and plan your project budget effectively before construction begins.
TERRAFIRMA has developed a variety of landscape designs for our clients in Ann Arbor, Brighton, Plymouth, Northville & the Irish Hills/Brooklyn, receiving numerous awards from the Michigan and Nursery Landscape Association (MNLA).
