Design + Build
Comprehensive Landscape Design + Build
At McDugald Steele, landscape architecture is approached as an extension of the home itself. Unlike a traditional design-only landscape architecture firm, McDugald Steele operates through a fully comprehensive landscape design + build approach that unifies landscape design, construction, horticulture, pools and fountain features, irrigation, and lighting under one experienced company. For high-end residential and large estate properties, this structure creates a level of continuity and oversight to deliver superior results for the most discerning clientele.
For more than fifty years, the firm has designed and constructed some of Houston’s most refined residential estate gardens. From initial landscape master planning through construction and final garden installation, McDugald Steele’s landscape architects remain closely involved throughout the entire process, working alongside in-house construction teams to ensure the original design vision is executed with precision and consistency. This integrated design + build approach provides greater continuity, communication, accountability, and quality control while creating a more cohesive relationship between the architecture, landscape, and long-term stewardship of the property. The result is a landscape that feels timeless, intentional, and fully resolved from concept through completion.
Let’s Create the Extraordinary
McDugald Steele develops comprehensive landscape plans that carefully consider architecture, circulation, grading, privacy, views, horticulture, drainage, and the long-term maturity of the garden. From the initial concept through design development and throughout construction, a licensed landscape architect remains actively involved in your project, working closely alongside the firm's in-house construction team to ensure every detail is carried through with the highest level of precision and continuity. This collaborative design + build approach allows McDugald Steele to maintain a consistent level of craftsmanship, oversight, and quality control throughout the entire construction process, resulting in extraordinary gardens that feel timeless, cohesive, and thoughtfully executed at every level.
The firm's landscape design and construction expertise focuses on:
- Estate-size residential properties
- New custom home landscape design and construction
- Large-scale landscape renovations and property transformations
- Historic estate garden restorations
- Select commercial and institutional landscapes
Landscape & Garden Design Services Include:
- Garden Master Planning
- Project Site Analysis & Measurements
- Concept Design
- Design Development
- Drainage and Grading Integration
- Consultation Coordination
- 3D Models & Full Mock-ups
- Comprehensive Construction Drawings
- Pool and Water Feature Design
- Project Build Budget Development
- Existing Sculpture Integration
- Photographic Documentation
- Form Management for Zoning & Permitting
- Specimen Tree Planning and Preservation
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING
“They put their heart and soul into my project, and it shows. I am so proud of the combined effort put forth by your team and all the others that were involved the project. McDugald Steele truly helped make my “ridiculous” dream, come true.”
—John
"The McDugald team is amazing. They have been creating beautiful landscaping for our home for over a decade and always have fresh creative plans. A pleasure to work with and look forward to every visit."
— Dancie Ware
Let’s Construct the Extraordinary
The construction of an extraordinary garden requires precision and coordination at every level. At McDugald Steele, the licensed landscape architect works closely alongside the firm’s in-house construction team throughout the entire project, from initial concept and design development through construction and final installation. The result is a more seamless construction experience and a landscape that reflects the integrity of the original design vision from start to finish.
Landscape & Garden Construction Services Include:
- Project Build Budget
- Demolition & Excavation
- Concrete & Masonry
- Pool, Fountain and Pond Construction
- Outdoor Furniture
- Synthetic Turf Installation
- Faux Bois Installation
- Children’s Play Area Construction
- Gravel Walkway Installation
- Gates & Fencing
- Metal Work
- Woodwork
- Planting Improvements
- Topiary & Hedge Installation
- Tree Relocation
- Mosquito Control Systems
- Major Site Leveling & Grading
- Irrigation & Drainage Systems
- Irrigation Meters
- Rainwater Harvesting
- Retaining Walls
- Landscape Lighting & Illumination
Providing Professional Landscape Installation for Design-Only Landscape Architecture Firms
In addition to our fully integrated design-build work, McDugald Steele partners with design-only landscape architecture firms to provide professional landscape installation services executed with the same level of craftsmanship, technical oversight, and attention to detail.
Contact our team to discuss how we can partner together to construct an extraordinary garden!