Residential master plans
Complete layouts that organize circulation, gathering areas, planting, lawn, screening, and future improvements.
Dustin Smith, RLA · Ballston Lake, New York
Thoughtful plans for better outdoor living.
Independent residential landscape design for homeowners who want a clear, professional plan before purchasing plants or beginning construction.
Concept visualization · Final site will feature completed project imagery
Independent design practice
A well-designed landscape begins with an understanding of the land, the home, and how the people who live there want to use it.
Dustin Smith is a New York State Registered Landscape Architect with a Master of Landscape Architecture and a background in plant science from Cornell University. His design-only practice gives homeowners an informed plan they can implement themselves, phase over time, or take to the contractor of their choice.
Services
From difficult grades to complete yard plans.
Each scope is tailored to the property and the decisions a homeowner needs to make next.
Grading & drainage
Practical concepts for managing slopes and stormwater while creating usable, attractive outdoor space.
Planting design
Site-specific plant palettes and layouts shaped by exposure, soils, maintenance goals, seasonality, and character.
Patios & hardscape
Layouts and material direction for patios, walkways, steps, fire features, and retaining walls.
Site documentation
Field measurements and existing-condition drawings that give the design an accurate foundation.
Landscape graphics
Clear plans, illustrations, and visualizations that communicate the design before construction begins.
A direct process
Professional guidance without committing to a design-build contract.
Design-only services allow you to compare contractors, phase the work, or complete portions yourself while keeping one cohesive plan.
01
Project conversation
Discuss the property, priorities, budget, and the decisions the plan needs to support.
02
Site understanding
Document relevant existing conditions, opportunities, constraints, and grading considerations.
03
Concept development
Develop and refine a coordinated layout for the landscape and outdoor spaces.
04
Usable design package
Receive drawings and guidance suited to pricing, phasing, personal implementation, or contractor installation.
Service area
Local knowledge, focused on residential properties.
Ballston LakeBallston SpaClifton ParkMaltaSaratoga SpringsCapital Region
Have a difficult yard?
Slopes, drainage, fragmented additions, and years of piecemeal improvements often benefit most from stepping back and creating one coordinated plan.
Start with a conversation
Plan first. Build with confidence.
Share a few details about your property and what you hope to change. An initial conversation can help determine the right level of design assistance.