On November 7, 2025, McDugald Steele welcomed clients, colleagues, and long-standing partners to commemorate an important moment in the firm’s history. The 50th Anniversary celebration honored five decades of shaping extraordinary gardens and establishing McDugald Steele as one of the leading landscape architecture firms in Houston and throughout Texas. Hosted at Blue Bar at Brenner’s on the Bayou, the evening gathered generations of architects, builders, craftsmen, and team members whose collaboration has contributed to the firm’s enduring legacy in residential landscape design.

Guests arrived to cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and sweeping views of the bayou garden. A curated retrospective titled “Honoring Our Roots” highlighted the firm's history, including archival drawings, historical project details, and the evolution of the firm’s offices and design studios. The display also highlighted the vision of founder Douglas M. McDugald, whose belief in artistry, craftsmanship, and horticultural excellence continues to guide the company’s approach to garden design and construction.

Throughout the evening, project imagery illustrated the firm’s signature blend of architectural detailing, refined planting design, technical expertise and shared memories at cherished events. These elements have positioned McDugald Steele as a trusted leader in the creation of high-end residential landscapes across Houston and beyond.

A meaningful highlight of the celebration was the presentation of three formal resolutions by local and state officials. These proclamations recognized McDugald Steele for its long-standing contribution to the growth, stewardship, and beautification of both the City of Houston and the State of Texas. The honors acknowledged the firm’s influence on the region’s-built environment, its leadership within the field of landscape architecture, and its dedication to creating environments that enrich communities.

Guests were invited to participate in an Audio Guestbook, sharing memories, well wishes, and reflections on their experiences with the firm. The collection of heartfelt messages reflects the relationships, trust, and shared accomplishments that have shaped McDugald Steele’s work for fifty years. These stories illustrate the deep connections that define the firm’s approach to landscape architecture and client partnership.

The 50th Anniversary celebration also recognized the expertise and dedication of the past and current McDugald Steele team. Landscape architects, designers, horticulturists, project managers, craftspeople, and garden managers whose dedication elevate the possibilities of residential landscape design in Houston. Their collective commitment to stewardship and to the meticulous crafting of extraordinary gardens reinforces the values that have shaped the firm since 1975.

As McDugald Steele reflects on fifty years of practice, the firm extends sincere gratitude to its clients, partners, and team members. Their trust and collaboration have allowed the firm to advance the practice of landscape architecture and to create award-winning gardens that endure.

The anniversary milestone affirms the firm’s ongoing commitment to innovation, deep-rooted craftsmanship, and the belief that exceptional gardens possess the power to inspire, connect, and stand the test of time. McDugald Steele looks forward to shaping the next chapter of Houston’s residential landscape design with the same artistry and purpose that have defined the firm for half a century.