Estimates from Landscape Artisan

What can you expect when you request an estimate from Landscape Artisan?

We receive leads from a variety of sources, primarily through the Internet. So, depending on how you choose to contact us will determine how quickly we receive your contact information. Calling us usually results in the information getting to us the fastest. If we are sent your contact information through the Internet and it is past working hours, the information may not reach us until the next day. There also seems to be a delay in emails being delivered at times. Remember also, we try and take Sundays off to spend time with our families.

Once your contact information is received, we decide on which one of our designers is best suited to contact you and the information is sent or phoned to that person. Landscape Artisan then expects our customers to receive an initial telephone call from one of our team 24 to 48 hours from the time the designer received the information. 

This telephone call will determine what you need from us in terms of an estimate. Usually, an appointment time will be scheduled. Some repair/maintenance jobs will not require an appointment but will require one of our team to visit the project.

Why so long you might ask?

• We are blessed and fortunate in this difficult economy to be pleasantly and wonderfully very busy. Our designers, Bob and Mark, are either meeting with customers, drawing for customers, phoning customers or working in the field at the customer’s house, ensuring our exacting standards of craftsmanship are followed.

Secondly, an appointment will be scheduled at your earliest convenience when our designer is also available. Sometimes, customers simply are not very available and we try our hardest to work around your schedule while not neglecting our other customers.

Will you receive an estimate at the appointment? Sometimes. It depends on your project. The complexity of your project will determine how long it takes to get an estimate and design back to you. Our designers are passionate about the art of landscaping and they want to deliver to you the most unique concept at the lowest possible price. This means research may be involved in securing affordable materials, or in determing the best plant materials to achieve the desired effect, etc. Our general rule is to get back to our customers with a design within two weeks.

If you are on a time crunch, it is important to tell us that during the initial phone call. We do help customers transform their yards for special events, such as graduation parties, weddings, family reunions. Just let us know.

Can we always get your project in? No. And not because we don’t want to, only because as I said before, we are blessed to be very busy. Projects are scheduled and delays occur at times. Weather, especially heavy rains can impede a project’s progress and add-ons will increase the time we spend at another customer’s home. We love add-ons! Many customers need to find out they can trust us to do the job right and when they find this out, they will add-on to their project. This is always a blessing to Landscape Artisan.

We had a complaint from a gentleman who requested an estimate on April 26th and then did not receive that estimate on April 26th. He complained the day he requested the estimate that we had failed to provide an estimate or even failed to provide initial contact. Yet, we emailed him that day to set up an appointment. Can we meet this person’s expectations? No, never.

So, what can you expect when you request an estimate from Landscape Artisan?

• One of our team will phone you within 24- 48 hours of receiving your contact information. They will attempt to phone you again if you do not call back. But, it is much better for you to return the call at your earliest convenience.
• The estimate is free.
• Our team will treat you and your project with courtesy, respect and professionalism. Our team will be passionate about the design of your landscape project.
• Our team will present completing your project above the board. Permits will be pulled, township ordinances will be followed, our company carries liability and workmen’s comp. insurance, our employees are on payroll and are U.S. Citizens, etc.
• Our team will expect your full input into your project. What is your budget? What flowers and plants do you like? What do you want your outdoor space to do for you? Do you have pictures of landscape elements that are pleasing to you? What do YOU think? If you are in a relationship, we will expect to meet with both of you. We want both of you to be pleased with the final outcome.
• We will revise the plan and the estimate to meet your needs, within our power to do so. Revisions are an expected part of the progress of finalizing a landscape design/plan.

Stone Steps in Davisburg, Michigan

We recently installed these stone steps in Davisburg, Michigan. We also installed sod and boulders in flower beds along with adding other landscape elements.

      

Royal Oak Hardscape and Outdoor Grill

These photos were taken by Mark Kelly of a project we recently completed in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Before Photos:

    

 

After: 

 

      

     

   

Three Recent Testimonials

To Adam at HireitDone.com> “Just wanted to let you know that we used your web site for paver repair quotes. 
Landscape Artisans got the job from the estimates received and they did a great
job.  They showed up when they said they would, worked with us on our budget and
did a great job (including taking care of a few things some might consider
picky, but things that made us ‘totally satisfied.’)  Thanks for the web site
referral service.  We will use it again and can recommend Landscape Artisans. ” Shelby Township

“We LOVED Landscape Artisan!  We hired them after receiving their information
through this great website, and Mark and Chad and the whole crew were just
wonderful.  Our patio looks spectacular and we would recommend them highly to
anyone who’ll listen!  They came in on time, on budget and the design is
beautiful!!  Thanks Adam!! “   Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

And to Service Magic:

“Would you recommend Landscape Artisan, LLC to a friend or colleague? Yes

Describe Your Experience with Landscape Artisan, LLC:
This project far exceeded my greatest expectations. Our backyard was transformed from a no-privacy open space to an enjoyable outdoor living area. Design ideas originally set this company apart from other contractors. We did not have a good idea of what wanted and really liked his original design. Bob was willing to come to our house several times before we committed to him, making minor changes to the design to fit our budget and for additional requests. When the project started, the crew was timely, friendly and worked hard. Most importantly, the craftmanship was first rate. After this experience, I would never use another contractor.”  Oxford, Michigan

Brick Paver Job in Ortonville, Michigan

We did this job last fall, but the photos we just took.

Side of the house brick walk

 

 

 

 

 

 

Side of the house brick walk

Stone step in walk

A Suburban Fire Pit

 

We just completed this fire pit with a sitting wall in Oxford, Michigan.  The customer also chose to install outdoor lighting underneath the seat and each pier will get one light facing the patio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patio Before

The inlay was added to enhance an existing patio. Enhancing existing elements is one way to spruce up your landscape while containing costs in a tight economy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This fire pit is perfect for entertaining, night and day.

 

Can you imagine having the family and friends over, the kids are

roasting marshmallows (with adult assistance) and the adults are enjoying good food and conversation.

Doesn’t that sound like a wonderful staycation?

 

We are a Hire it Done Contractor

We are pleased to announce that Adam Helfman, the popular host of the radio show Hire it Done, has chosen Landscape Artisan as one of his pre-screened landscape construction contractors.

Hire it Done radio show can be heard on Saturday mornings from 7 am to 9 am on WRIF 101.1 FM and on Sunday mornings from 7 am to 8:30 am on WMGC 105.1 FM.

Cleaning Bricks

Cleaning, sealing, and sanding of existing brick paver sidewalks and patios should be performed every 2 – 3 years.

The sealing of bricks should not be done more often than this.  Excessive sealing could result in a build up of sealer and even produce a hazy or cloudy appearance to the pavers.

If this does occur we should be able to remedy the problem by diluting the sealer with a stripper or a thinner. This is something that the average homeowner should not try on their own.

While cleaning brick pavers use a power washer and “blast” the sand out of the joints. Now don’t go crazy with this. If you blast too much out, you could get down to the bedding sand, and this could cause the pavers to settle and become uneven — creating a costly repair.

Brick pavers don’t usually need chemical cleaning. Washing with a power washer works well, but if the pavers have stain from hard water or oil from vehicles, there are some good products that can usually remove the stains but not always or completely.

If your pavers are not sealed and the contactor used polymeric sand to fill the joints the pavers may not need sanding for 4 – 5 years. If you don’t have polymeric sand in the joints then your pavers will need sanding every year, and I suggest you spend the extra few dollars and upgrade to polymeric sand. As a contractor I only use polymeric sand.

 

Interview with Designer Mark Resendez

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Resendez is a Michigan Certified Nurseryman and a talented Landscape Designer. He recently joined forces with us here at Landscape Artisan and we are excited to have him aboard.  We sat down recently and asked Mark some questions about his background, his landscape design inspirations and influences and in what direction he envisions landscape design is headed.

  Tell our readers a little bit about your educational background. You went to the Art Institute of Boston and studied Photography. How did you end up studying Landscape Design?

 

My educational background is anything but traditional. In 1979 I was offered track and field athletic scholarships throughout the Midwest. I selected a small school on the western side of the state, Southwestern Michigan College. It was there that I studied business management before moving back home to Lake Orion so that I could study film at Oakland Community College. I eventually moved to Boston so that I could attend the Art Institute of Boston. Photography became my main interest even though at one time, I had aspirations to become a film director. Since I have been working in the landscape industry, I have been taking classes here and there to receive a degree in landscape architecture. It is difficult going back to school while having a family, committed to a career and all the challenges that go with it in the 21st century. However, I believe all professionals need to constantly increase their skills and knowledge whether it is at an institution or self-study.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What or who inspires your designs? 

 Throughout life, everything we see, touch and smell is stored in that “hard drive” we have in our brain. When I first come on to a new site, immediately ideas begin to flow. So I would have to say that my main inspiration derives from within first. However, the “data” which is stored comes from the works of the Millet Brothers, Reptan, Jekyll, Olmstead and Shwartz to name a few landscape architects and designers whose works I appreciate dearly. When I come across a client who is open-minded and just as passionate about the project as I am, this in itself fuels inspiration for a creative design approach.

What are the major influences on your artistic vision when designing landscapes?

 

Upon initial arrival to a new site, my attention is directed to the architecture. Secondly, I observe the topography. I feel the landscape is a continuation of the architecture and should flow in harmony. Knowing my clients’ objectives and goals is what leads my vision in the design process. Set aside the dynamics, structures, plant material, etc., I try to envision my clients living in the landscape, whether it be roasting marshmallows at the fire pit, conversing on the sun deck, contemplating life in the meditation garden, meandering down a pathway surrounded by colorful and fragrant perennials that host birds and butterflies or enjoying the tranquility of a water feature.

 

 

You have been in the Landscape Industry since 1991. Where did you start and how has your involvement evolved over the years?

 

My journey began in the landscape industry in 1991 when I moved back here to work for my father’s design/build firm. We were a small 5-6 man operation and stayed that way. Since we offered all the services such as horticulture, irrigation, turf, lighting, decks, brick pavers and stone work, I gained loads of experience in these areas and developed an understanding of the construction process right off the bat. Our typical projects were of traditional suburban landscapes. As most generations do, I began to see things in a different light and pursued more elaborate projects where my creativity would be utilized and the process that leads to the completion of the project grants satisfaction. With my creative background, the designing would be my responsibility. Throughout the years as my knowledge and understanding of the industry has evolved, I feel confident that I, along with the right colleagues, am capable of taking on any project.

 

 

In what ways do you see gardens staying the same and in the same vein, changing as our world changes?

 

Historical gardens will always be recreated for generations to come. With the new varieties of ornamental plants today, contemporary designs will evolve at an increased rate. However, sustainable practices and designs need to be implemented as well. Our generation is responsible for setting new standards and procedures in the industry. We all need to become “stewards” for not only the beautification of our planet, but also for its preservation. I believe that with all the chaos, stress and pressures our society is putting on itself, we will find ourselves in the “meditation garden”. With the high cost of living today, I would like to see more clients incorporate edible plants in their gardens. What better way than to enjoy “true organic foods”?

 

 

Mark, you also have extensive hands-on experience in landscape construction. What has been your favorite project to build? And what elements do you continue enjoying building?

 

I fall in love with most projects whether it is on a small or large scale. Patio gardens can be so personal and commercial projects bring pleasure to the masses. I would have to say the water feature at Forester’s Car Wash on Dixie Hwy just north of Walton Blvd was extremely rewarding. 1400 gallons of water per minute flowing over a rock ledge and splashing into a pool beneath is very impressive. There is a special and enchanting feeling at the Miller residence, a project which has both English Cottage and Formal French concepts along with countless window boxes and urns with cascading colors. I am not partial to any particular elements in a project. I just happen to be enthusiastic about every dimension in a design and I believe that every element is of great importance, none outweighing the other. 

 

 

Which of your landscape designs is your favorite? And why?

 

Such a difficult question. It’s like, who do you love more, your mother or father? I can tell you what makes for a favorite project. It is one that leaves my client feeling that I exceeded their expectations and brought to life a landscape that will enhance their lifestyle and will exist and provide enjoyment generations after I leave this earth. My favorite projects are the ones in which I personally develop a friendship with my client and we both shared a memorable experience along the way.

 

You have travelled extensively. Tell us about your travels and which places have inspired you?

 

I found that the Egyptians were incredibly masterful with the techniques they implemented to create the temples and monuments they constructed. I still love to picture the view of the formal gardens from Versailles in France. Touring throughout England, I was constantly in awe of the countless adorable English cottages with thatched roofs that still exist today.

 

 

 

Tell us a little about your volunteer work with the Detroit Institute of Arts?

 

Spending time at the DIA has always brought pleasure and inspiration to me. We are so fortunate to house such a masterful collection of art in our own backyard. The DIA is indeed a world class museum with so much to offer. It really doesn’t occur to me that I am volunteering since I feel like I am being rewarded with intangible wealth. My position at the DIA is in gallery service. Each shift, we are assigned a particular exhibit or wing. We greet visitors, answer questions they have and we assist security in the safety of the art.

 

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us, with your landscaping background. But something that enriches your life and thereby, enriches your craft.

 

I am very much interested in history; therefore, I have an understanding of recreating themes that are genuine to the period. For the most part, creating these settings in an authentic manner is enriching and leads to the enrichment of my craft.

 

Ajuga reptans

This is a mat-forming plant, offering wonderful dense ground cover with nice color. The dark green leaves with highlights of purple to bronze form a nice background to the blue/purple spike flowers, which bloom in spring. From the same family as the wild bugle, this plant is very versatile and is suitable for ground cover in the shade beneath trees or shrubs, as well as being part of a flower border fully exposed to the sun.

Ajuga reptans groundcover