I am Michael R. Lehmann, the creative talent behind the Lehmann Design Group, Inc. I’ve been helping residential clients with professional, high quality landscape architectural design services for over twenty-five years, and, without exception, people want several important things from me:  they want style and value, they want low maintenance, they want privacy, safety, beauty, color. Often there are dozens of other needs, but it boils down to an artful blend of good design and value, more bang for the buck. This is where we shine.
 
As I see it, if you are going to landscape, a little or a lot, you are going to spend money, and, if you are going to spend money, doesn’t it make sense to spend that money, your money, as cost effectively, as wisely as possible? This is what I will help you do. First of all, this means good design.  It also means helping you make a series of informed decisions or choices regarding your needs---whatever they are: plant materials, patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits or water features, soils and drainage, lighting, irrigation, and the like, and most important, how all these things fit together as a stylish whole.
 
Very simply, there is no substitute or shortcut for high quality planning and design. None. Skimping at the design or planning stage is a mistake that will cost you significant time, money and wasted effort, period.  

Landscaping looks simple and easy, but doing it right--doing it right the first time---requires a high quality plan of action, a masterplan. This takes real knowledge and expertise, creativity, imagination, time and effort; skills which are well beyond the ability of most homeowners, contractors, nursery people, even landscape “designers”.
  
There is no substitute or shortcut for high quality planning and design. None.
I don’t try to sell you something--trees and shrubs, retaining walls, gazebos or drainage systems--my job is to help you energize, refine and perfect the sometimes dimly lit and uncertain vision you may already have. I provide the vision , the creativity, the certainty.  I am the guy who can really see it for you, put it on paper, then communicate and share that vision with you.  All of a sudden you can see it too:  “Wow, we love it: when do we get started?!”

As a professional, I work specifically for you--your home, your needs, wants and desires, your family, your budget. My job is to put it all together before you call the contractors, the nursery people and the suppliers.
 
With the Lehmann Design Group you have the best of all worlds:

• With thirty-five years of design and artistic experience, you are working with an expert in his field.
• Independence. I offer design /consultation and project management services only. I am not a contractor. As such, I never have the conflict of interest that the design/build contractors have who are motivated by selling you more stuff.
• I am a horticultural expert, as knowledgeable as anyone you’ll find in the metro Detroit area. This very much works to your advantage: the right plant in the right place is a big plus. Another benefit: your place won’t boringly look like everyone else.
• Certainty. With a high quality masterplan, you have complete confidence your landscape will come together beautifully, even if it is done in stages or phases over time.
• Flexibility. Once your design has been completed, you can hire some of the work out, or do some of it yourself. Do phase I this year, phase II next year, whatever.
• Your masterplan comes with complete specifications and (optional) materials list, essential to proper pricing and installation. You’re in control, not the contractors.

Your home is a very substantial investment. Professionally designed landscape does add  tremendous long term value, not to mention beauty, utility, enjoyment and satisfaction to this most personal of living environments. Done incorrectly, quickly, or piece meal, it can be an expensive disaster. My design fee averages only 5 to 8 cents for each dollar of construction and or installation costs, making it a shrewd, cost effective investment.

Be real smart and plan ahead.

The sooner you call, the sooner you’ll be able to step out into your own private outdoor retreat, nature sanctuary, and family entertainment center.  Don’t delay.  I’ll be waiting to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Michael R. Lehmann, RLA, ASLA
 

P.S. Your initial design consultation and follow-up proposal is free! Call, and let’s set up a time to get together.  Also, be sure to look at the photos on the “Picture This” page.