Land & Water Design

Don was excellent throughout the process. His experience and creativity in designing water features are tremendous. He was professional, courteous and engaged. Even though he was suffering with serious back issues, he was consistently present and engaged in our project from design to the completion of the construction. I highly recommend him and his company.

I have worked with Don and his team at Land & Water Designs for over 10 years. I would recommend them to anyone looking for their dreams to come true. Don attention to detail and craftsmanship are top notch!

Land and Water design represents the benchmark in HARDSCAPE design and integration into the GREENSCAPE. From coping to cooking; fire pit to wine fridge; shade structure to paving slabs I trust the team at L&W Design. If a personalized outdoor living space is on your wish list you can’t go wrong with the experience and creativity of Don!

I have known and worked with Don and his team for almost a decade. Don has been a trend setter for the outdoor living industry for even before I met him. He was on the cover of the Techo-Bloc catalog multiple times and is as talented of a designer as any I have met. He cares about his customers and is simply a great person. I highly recommend Don and his team at Land & Water Design!

We used Land and Water Design to design the hardscape and decking for our pool project in McLean, VA. They did a very thorough job and came out to discuss our wants/needs for the project. They did a great timely job in getting us the plans quickly as we were still bidding out the pool projects amongst pool builders in the area. We also had a long extensive variance process with Fairfax County that complicated matters as we were restricted what part of the yard we could use for the construction of the pool and deck. Don did a great job with the design and it looks great. Unfortunately we were not able to use the design as it was over our budget and violated the variance parameters but it gave us some really good ideas for our eventual build. They were very professional, timely and great with communication throughout the process. I would highly recommend Land and Water Design.

We hired Don from Land & Water Design to help us design a refresh of our pool and backyard, as well as a master plan for our property in Fairfax Station. Don was very responsive from the first phone call and we immediately synced up well in terms of design philosophy and approach. So much in fact that we didn't interview any other designers for the project! I am an Interior Designer and had some initial ideas, but wasn't sure how to implement. Don was great in educating us and listened to our dreams for the project. He came up with a wonderful design that was even better than we imagined. We are currently in construction and seeing it come to life is amazing! Thanks Don and Mike for all your expertise!

Land and Water Design has more than met our expectations. Don is so easy to work with and very responsive to every text and phone call. His design is exactly what we wanted and we cannot wait to enjoy our backyard oasis this summer!

Don was wonderfully creative and responsive in designing for our somewhat difficult site. The final design and its construction were beautiful, artistic and dramatic. We thoroughly enjoy the fountain, water feature and lighting. It is everything we hoped it would be.

We hired L&W in the fall of 2017 to design our landscape plan for a major pool deck and and patio installation. L&W was prompt, professional, and great to work with. Their knowledge on design, materials and technology made our decision making process much easier. We ultimately expanded L&W's scope to include finalizing designs for a pool house and generation of drawings for permitting, etc. Don and his team worked seamlessly as needed with our contractors to ensure construction went as planned. We couldn't be happier with the result. Photos to follow!

We would highly recommend Land & Water Design. We had been searching for years for someone to design a deck and backyard for our unusual space. Don was the right man for the job. Not only do you get Don's design and expertise you get his amazing and highly skilled team of contractors. Don listens to your vision for your space and comes up with a design that will blow your socks off! From start to finish and all the changes in-between Don and his team provide highly quality work and a beautiful end result. We couldn't have asked for a better design/build team. Our backyard is a beautiful oasis that will provide many wonderful memories our family will enjoy for years to come!

You wil not do better than hiring Don Nesmith of Land & Water Design. My wife and I hired Don after several frustrating experiences with other landscape designers. From our first meeting, Don was professional, friendly, and extremely responsive to our wants and needs for our much-needed pool and landscape renovation. My wife and I are both federal employees, and our dreams often didn't match our budget. Don was not only patient and understanding, but he ultimately developed a plan that both fulfills dreams, while meeting our limited budget. Just today, the final plantings and water feature are being finalized, and words can't express our satisfaction and deep appreciation for Don's incredible talent, vision, and ability to turn our dreams into the reality of our now idyllic backyard. A final note, Don also introduced us to Doug Bibb, of Doug Bibb Landscaping, Inc.. Please see my upcoming Houzz review of Doug, who has long worked with Don, and brought Don's land scape architecture to reality. Our deepest thanks to Don, Doug, and Doug's talented protege--Taylor.

Land & Water Design put our ideas to paper beyond imaginable. Don completely understood what we were looking for and used his experience and expertise to create an amazing design that exceeded my expectations. Don's team of contractors are grade A quality and were able to put our ideas to life. Don and his team of contractors were very professional and delivered exceptional work as promised.

Don listened to what we wanted and offered some creative solutions to fit our situation. He designed an amazing outdoor space to be executed in multiple phases so as to stay within our budget. Phase 1 is complete and far exceeds our expectations. Can't wait for the next steps!

Land and Water did and amazing job designing our new backyard. They listened to our desires and they created a deck and patio that exceeded our expectations. The design team took extra care to make sure to add in small surprise details that I would have never asked for but now I can't imagine living without them. They created patterns and ornate details with master precision. The landscapers, architects, audio-visual...etc. were all managed and coordinated with perfection. They worked around and near each other seamlessly with ease. The carpenter was meticulous and paid great attention to detail. He created breathtaking columns with hand crafted trim detailing. We thought about managing the project on our own because we have had poor experiences in the past. However, after working with Land and Water we are confident that we made the right choice to hand the project over to above average professionals. We look forward to working with Land and Water to build and design our new Pool!

The best way I can describe the result of using Land & Water Design is that now, when guests step foot into our new backyard, they say, "Wow!" or "Incredible!" Don provided several ideas for our limited-space backyard. Originally, we thought we just wanted a screened-in porch and deck, with maybe room for a small splash pool. Don did an excellent job developing a design which captured what we wanted, but also provided ideas of his own that took our backyard to the next level. Don maximized our backyard space and designed a complete oasis for us that included a natural lagoon free-form pool, a porch, deck, patio and firepit. Through him we contracted with Phuong Carpentry (deck/porch), J. Procter pools (pool), and Custom Outdoor Solutions (firepit, stone around pool and landscaping), and we were elated with all contractors. Due to the space constraints of our backyard, Don and these three contractors were constantly coordinating with one another, to be as efficient as possible in getting the word done. Phuong of Phuong Carpentry is a master at what he does. I've never seen a porch as detailed and the quality of his work is unmatched. His team was so nice and courteous, and most importantly, showed up every day--including weekends at times--to complete the job. How many contractors can you say you've hugged in your life? Phuong is one of a kind. Our porch is nothing short of a work of art. Phuong's team also did the whole deck off of the porch, and the craftsmanship of the way he laid the material, is beautiful. Jesse of J. Procter pools and his team were kind, competent, courteous, worked when they said they would, and did an amazing job digging and forming our pool to Don's design. They were flexible (we decided we did not want a sun shelf after all, so they had to dig it out), and the end result is something out of Better Homes and Gardens. They never complained, even when we ran into a glitch and Jesse had to 'snuba' in the chilly water. Ray Ditmeier of Custom Outdoor Solutions is also top-notch. He was flexible and willing to tweak things when we wanted a change here and there. He recommended and got us a good price on the Travertine and it was 100% worth it. He added, free of charge, a perfect circular area to the patio (hard to describe but it's awesome!), where we'll happily set up lounge chairs and a cocktail table. He did all the grading in our yard, and between piles of rock (dug up from the pool) and laying new soil, it was not easy--but he graded it expertly. Ray did all of the landscaping and lighting, and it is a true showplace now. He even made it look lovely around our free-standing outdoor shower with plants and river rocks. He built us a custom firepit, which we've enjoyed several times already. My husband can't wait to cook out there. Ray went above and beyond to help the other contractors by removing trash/scraps from the worksite whenever he could. All four men are stand-up gentleman. Don's idea and design for our yard came to life in a way we could have never anticipated. Our only complaint is that we don't get to truly enjoy it all until May!

Don Nesmith is a professional architect that brings many years of experience to his designs. He has tremendous vision for what can be done within a given space and coaches along the way to ensure your project exhausts all possibilities. His animated and computer-generated aerial views, 3D angles and detailed drawings provide a high level of comfort that what your about to build is well understood and can be easily envisioned. I embarked on an aggressive timeline requesting a large deck, built-in spa and large patio be done in less than 4 weeks. This included all deck lighting, new railings and changes to the patio dimensions "on the fly". Don's team of carpenters, pavers and electricians turned the entire project around in 3.5 weeks, with crews showing up every morning promptly and ready to work. I can't thank Don and Land & Water Design enough for not only helping us realize our dream backyard but doing so professionally and on-time in less than 4 weeks.

Don is a very focused landscape architect whose talent is nonpareil. He just simply "gets it". His knowledge of design, married with his experience in construction, allowed our project flow seamlessly from start to finish. Don is very easy to work with and understands budgets, deadlines and client input. His concept for a large fire pit has become the envy of several neighbors; maybe we should charge admission! The stone columns, mailbox and buff colored flagstone have added greatly to the curb appeal and value of our home. It sure is fun to go to neighborhood parties and when introduced they say "Oh you live in the house with the really elegant landscaping, we love your yard!" I am confident we will receive a handsome return on our investment when we sell. In the interim, we will enjoy the outdoor kitchen, fire pit and elegant landscaping that Don designed on a daily and nightly basis.

We highly recommend Don Nesmith and Land and Water Design. Our project was a a full landscaping of our front and back yards including two new water features. Don developed our thoughts and ideas into a unique master plan that fit our house beautifully. He then followed through on the construction phase, making sure of every detail. Throughout the project, he was always looking at the the plan and making improvements and suggestions. All of his recommendations regarding building materials, water feature design and layout improved the end result...a landscape we are very happy with.

I own Affordable Lawn Sprinklers and Lighting and have worked with Don Nesmith for over 10 years. He is an incredibly talented designer who possesses the unique skill set of understanding both design and construction. Backyard living spaces involve tremendous thought and planning, you need to consider various things ranging from topography, residential architecture, scale, budget, functionality, etc. Every job is different and it is important to work with a designer who has significant experience in both design but also construction management. Every job is custom and a properly designed and implemented project will significantly enhance your investment in your home. I highly recommend those considering large entertaining spaces to meet with Don. His work is not only beautiful but is built to last and be timeless.

I have worked with Land & Water designs on several upscale projects. The creativity and ability to capture the clients dreams and put them to paper is amazing.

Land & Water Design exhibited a strong design sense and an incredibly high degree of professionalism from start through execution. They understood and respected the fresh architectural vernacular of the new residence and enhanced it's complex site relationship, which was largely a steep downhill slope from the street. By using a series of graded tiers, they were able to reclaim a generous play area for kids, as well as a series of elegantly sized terraces ending a wide, transverse fountain that formed outdoor rooms. Who could ask for more? Highly recommended and thankful for the relationship.

We needed a plan. Not just any plan. After a two year search for a major Backyard Project Designer, my Wife and I thought we'd never find someone local that could create a design/layout that met our expectations. Although I was not familiar with Don's Land and Water Design Company, the minute we viewed his incredible Website we started to get excited. Our expectations were well met. Don's initial design captured almost 100% of our dream and desire for our Project. The incredibly functional linear professional design his team mapped out was an joy to see. And see is exactly right. Don's team did not just come up with some half thought out concept that looked like undecipherable construction blueprints. No, Don's team produced a 3D Mock-up of precisely what the finished product would look like. Don's team knew what to ask and how to help the Client understand all their options and even how the different options would play against one another. More than that, Don personally has supported our project well beyond his design obligations. Don has monitored the advancement of our project, both for Design Integrity and quality of the workmanship, material's used, etc. I would highly recommend Don's Land and Water Design for anyone who wants to work with creative professionals who can bring your building dreams and desires to life. A most wonderful experience! Stephen M. Noone

Don Nesmith provided a master plan design that not only met our vision but also complimented the setting of the project without overburdening the budget and the deadline for completion. His ability to take a "step back" approach and listen to the client while at the same time "guide the client" to a result that perfectly matches the clients' intended visionary image and use of space; is without question, second to none ! Don, is a true professional to work with, and a master of "thought provoking" conceptual ideas, puling from the client and transforming such ideas, in what appears to be a seamless manner, from his mind to paper , then to completed project, is a work of art !

We hired Don to provide plans for an outdoor kitchen, new patio, and outdoor fireplace. Very easy to work with and he provided and excellent well designed plan. Very happy with his work and would highly recommend.

Very Highly recommended. Project included screened porch, pavers, walls, water feature, hot tub, fire pit, and walkway. Don worked with us to produce a vision of the project, then the details, and recommended a great construction contractor (Steve Estrada). Don continued to work with us and Steve until the project was complete. True visionary and detailed architect. Highly recommended..

From start to finish, working with Land and Water Design and Don Nesmith was a genuine pleasure. Don provided an outstanding design that was a collaborative effort meeting both our vision and budget. From the outset, meeting with our HOA's Architectural Committee through construction and follow up, Don helped guide the project as well as helped us work through the inevitable adjustments that are made during any large scale construction project. Always professional and always available to discuss any issues or concerns, it was a great experience working with a knowledgeable professional.

Don designed a full landscape plan for my backyard in Rockville. The project is in it's final stages and includes a pool, separate hot tub, firepit, and golf green. Our requirements were that the look be sophisticated and that each feature be located where it would function best relative to the house and other features. Don "held my hand" (I need lot of hand holding as I question everything), and when appropriate, convinced me to trust his vision. At other times, our ideas were worked into the final plan. Don, is truly a design professional that understands environmental constraints. Additionally, Walter Santana, who implemented the project was wonderful. Don and Walter have worked together for years and each understands the requirements of the other, making the process so much easier than it otherwise might have been. When the project is complete, I'll post some photos of our gorgeous backyard! Leslie S.

As an expert in the interlocking pavement and segmental retaining wall industry with almost 20 years experience, I've seen thousands of landscapes in my career. Don Nesmith's eye for the extraordinary has landed him on the cover of my yearly 100+ page catalog twice (a feat never before or since repeated). I am proud to refer him to friends, family, and colleages whenever possible.

Very professional, great concepts and flexible to adjusting designs with customer feedback. Project was handled in a timely manner with direct involvement through the build out.

Don is a creative landscape architect that my wife and I have found to be resourceful and diligent in planning our backyard pool, patio, hot tub, deck and golf green. He spent time with us upfront to understand our needs and although the plan grew in scope as we became more aware of what our backyard could become, we are very happy with the result!