In the vibrant urban landscape of New York, brownstone townhouses stand as timeless symbols of charm and elegance. To complement this distinctive architecture, we design outdoor spaces where you can create lasting memories.
In the vibrant urban landscape of New York, brownstone townhouses stand as timeless symbols of charm and elegance. To complement this distinctive architecture, we design outdoor spaces where you can create lasting memories, whether enjoying peaceful moments in solitude or sharing special times with loved ones. If your brownstone home has limited space, don’t worry—a beautiful garden is still within reach. We have the expertise to transform these spaces into beautiful, functional retreats.
At Todd Haiman Landscape Design, an award-winning firm specializing in brownstone garden design, we merge beauty and functionality to elevate your outdoor space. Our brownstone garden design services are tailored to bring out the full potential of even the most compact spaces, creating serene havens amidst the vibrant energy of the city.
Meet with our design team for a detailed consultation at your property. We listen carefully to your goals, lifestyle, aspirations, and functional requirements while reviewing the site's opportunities and discussing indicative investment ranges for projects of a similar scale.
A fixed design fee proposal is prepared outlining every stage of the design process. We then undertake detailed site analysis, documenting architectural context, environmental conditions, sustainability opportunities, horticultural factors, and existing site characteristics before concept development begins.
Preliminary concepts, sketches, precedent imagery, renderings, and layout plans are presented for discussion. Following collaborative refinement, these evolve into a comprehensive landscape masterplan defining planting, hardscape areas, outdoor structures, lighting, furniture, and key garden features.
Where required, we coordinate planning approvals and permit documentation while working closely with architects, engineers, and consultants. Our team guides you through the approval process to ensure compliance and efficient project progression.
Final materials, finishes, planting palettes, lighting schemes, and construction details are carefully developed. Comprehensive drawings, elevations, sections, schedules, and technical specifications ensure every design element is fully documented.
Detailed construction drawings are prepared for contractors to accurately price and build the project. We also provide cost guidance, assist with budgeting, scheduling, project phasing, and value engineering where appropriate.
Throughout construction, we oversee quality, coordinate specialist contractors, review workmanship, and ensure every detail is delivered according to the approved design while keeping the project running smoothly from start to completion.
Once your landscape is complete, we provide tailored maintenance recommendations and ongoing care programmes to preserve the beauty, health, and long-term performance of your outdoor environment for years to come.
Todd and his team created a roof garden for me that I didn't even dream possible. He took inspiration for the garden from a framed print he noticed hanging in my hall with the words of a Yeats poem, given to me as a child by my Irish grandmother. Todd researched the look and feel of Irish meadows to create the most stunning naturalistic green roof while utilizing native plants that would thrive in this environment and provide a happy space for pollinators and birds. I was particularly impressed at the thoughtfulness he and his team gave to selecting and interspersing plants that would flower throughout the seasons. I am so grateful to Todd and his team!
I wanted to design my own garden and I specifically wanted to use a roof top designer because my backyard is so small and narrow. In surfing the web, I found Todd's designs to standout and when I contacted him, he was willing to walk my property as a consultant for what I designed. He was extremely helpful getting me to consider more plantings natural to my environment. He gave me his time and even got there earlier so he could walk the property first. I am so grateful to have found Todd. My garden will have more birds and I will have less work because of him. He is outstanding on multiple levels. A true find!
We have a second home in the Catskills and had just renovated our interior and were anxious to conquer the outdoor space. Through a recommendation we found our way to Todd’s firm THLD. We requested a design that evoked a sense of place, endemic to the Catskills. We entertain frequently, wanted a firepit, native landscape, privacy, seasonal interest, multiple areas to congregate, an inviting entrance to our property and functional paths. Todd’s firm created a low maintenance, fun landscape that complemented the design or our home. We are ecstatic with what THLD accomplished for us. Highly recommend them! 5 stars!!!
Todd Haiman is a renowned landscape and garden designer across the US, with his work featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Crain’s Business, Better Homes and Gardens, Forbes, Business Insider, and LivingETC. Todd has also contributed to public space improvements through grants focused on enhancing areas in Chinatown and Upper Manhattan. Todd’s work has earned several prestigious awards, including the Best of Houzz Design Awards, accolades for sustainable garden design from the James Rose Center, and recognition for his vertical landscape design in international competitions.
As a leading brownstone garden design contractor in NY, Todd believes every landscape and garden design is unique, with each site offering distinctive characteristics. His design process is deeply personal and collaborative, ensuring that the client’s vision is fully realized in every project. Whether designing a small brownstone garden or a large-scale landscape, Todd’s work focuses on creating thoughtful, lasting designs that enhance the beauty and functionality of each space.
What makes brownstone garden design different from other landscape projects?
Brownstone gardens often present unique challenges, including limited space, shade conditions, and historic architectural context. Our designs carefully balance functionality, beauty, and the character of the home to create cohesive outdoor environments.
Can you design a beautiful garden for a small brownstone backyard?
Yes. Even the most compact spaces can be transformed into inviting outdoor retreats through thoughtful planning, layered planting, and carefully selected design features.
How do you maximize space in a brownstone garden?
We make full use of every square foot through strategic layouts, multifunctional features, custom seating, vertical elements, and planting designs that create a sense of depth and openness.
Can a brownstone garden be designed for entertaining?
Absolutely. We frequently incorporate dining areas, seating spaces, lighting, pergolas, and other amenities that allow homeowners to enjoy gatherings with family and friends in a comfortable outdoor setting.
How do you create privacy in a brownstone garden?
Privacy can be achieved through a combination of layered plantings, fencing, screens, pergolas, and carefully positioned garden structures that create a more intimate outdoor experience.
What plants work best in New York brownstone gardens?
Plant selections depend on site conditions, light levels, and maintenance preferences. We often use a mix of native species, shade-tolerant plants, flowering perennials, and seasonal interest plantings.
Can you design gardens that thrive in shaded brownstone backyards?
Yes. Many NYC brownstone gardens receive limited sunlight. We specialize in creating lush shade gardens using carefully selected plants that flourish in these conditions.
Do you incorporate sustainable design practices into your projects?
Sustainability is an important part of our design philosophy. We regularly incorporate native plantings, environmentally responsible materials, pollinator-friendly species, and water-conscious landscape solutions.
Can you renovate an existing brownstone garden?
Yes. Whether your garden requires a complete transformation or targeted improvements, we can reimagine the space to better suit your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals.
Do you provide construction oversight during installation?
Yes. Our team can oversee the construction process, coordinate with contractors, and ensure the finished landscape reflects the approved design vision and quality standards.
How long does a brownstone garden project typically take?
Timelines vary depending on project scope, site conditions, permitting requirements, and construction complexity. We provide clear guidance throughout every phase of the process.
Can a professionally designed brownstone garden increase property value?
A thoughtfully designed outdoor space can enhance curb appeal, improve functionality, and create a more enjoyable living environment, making it a valuable long-term investment.
Do you assist with permits and approvals when required?
Yes. When necessary, we work alongside architects, engineers, and expediters to help clients navigate approvals and permitting requirements.
Can you preserve existing trees or mature plantings during a renovation?
Whenever possible, we evaluate existing landscape elements and incorporate valuable trees and plantings into the new design, helping preserve the character and ecological value of the garden.
Why choose Todd Haiman Landscape Design for a brownstone garden project?
Our collaborative approach, award-winning expertise, and commitment to customized design allow us to create distinctive outdoor spaces that reflect both the architecture of the home and the lifestyle of the client.
