WELCOME TO THE DESIGN + BUILD METHOD

For more than four decades, the team at Country Landscapes has been standing in backyards, along lakefronts and across commercial properties throughout Iowa doing the same thing:

＋ Looking at a piece of land and imagining what it could become.

＋ Sometimes it’s a quiet residential yard that needs thoughtful structure.

＋ Sometimes it’s a lake property where drainage, erosion and views all compete for attention.

＋ Sometimes it’s a corporate campus that has to function beautifully for employees, visitors and the community around it.

The work always begins the same way.

Not with equipment.

Not with plants.

With people. With a conversation. With a plan.

Country Landscapes was founded in Ames in 1981 with a simple philosophy: design determines everything. Over the years the company has grown from a small operation in an old barn to multiple locations serving communities across Iowa. That philosophy has never changed.

Today, Country Landscapes operates in Ames, Des Moines, North Liberty and Clear Lake with Country Stonemasons based in Iowa City. Together, these teams design + build projects across the state, from custom residential landscapes to large public and commercial environments.

What makes the company truly special isn’t the number of projects completed or the years in business.

It’s the people.

Country Landscapes is made up of designers, horticulturists, project managers, stone craftsmen, installation crews and a back office team who brings an uncommon level of talent and care to their work. The knowledge within this team about plants, materials, architecture and how landscapes evolve over time is remarkable.

You see it in the details of every project.

We feel honored to help share their knowledge and those stories here.

This blog—The Design + Build Method—is a place where we can open the door to the thinking behind the work. A place to talk about how great landscapes are planned, why certain projects succeed while others struggle and what it really takes to build outdoor spaces that last for decades.

Sometimes we’ll share stories from the field.

Sometimes we’ll talk about planning ahead for the seasons.

Sometimes we’ll simply explain how the design-build process works.

But every article will come back to the same idea:

Thoughtful landscapes don’t happen by accident.

They are imagined by talented people.

They are designed with intention.

They are built with care.

And when it’s done right, they become places people enjoy for generations.

Welcome to The Design + Build Method.

Stay tuned for more insights from your Iowa Design + Build team. In the meantime, feel free to look through our portfolio. Are you ready to begin an outdoor living project? Give us a call or complete our form here.

Ames, Iowa: 800-794-9795

Clear Lake, Iowa: 800-794-9795

Des Moines, Iowa: 800-794-9795

North Liberty, Iowa: 800-794-9795

Country Stonemasons North Liberty: 319-321-7918

Frequently Asked Questions About Landscape Design + Build

What does a design + build landscape company do?

A design + build landscape company manages both the planning and construction of a project. At Country Landscapes, our designers, horticulturists and installation teams collaborate from the first concept through final construction. This integrated approach improves communication, reduces delays and ensures the finished landscape matches the original vision.

Why is landscape design important before construction begins?

Landscape design determines grading, drainage, plant selection, materials and long-term performance. Without proper planning, projects often face costly changes during construction. A thoughtful design phase ensures outdoor spaces function well and remain beautiful for years.

How long has Country Landscapes been designing landscapes in Iowa?

Country Landscapes was founded in Ames, Iowa in 1981. For more than four decades, the company has designed and built residential, commercial and public landscapes throughout Iowa.

Where does Country Landscapes provide services?

Country Landscapes serves communities across Iowa from offices in Ames, Des Moines, North Liberty and Clear Lake. Country Stonemasons, the company’s stone craftsmanship division, is based in North Libery.

When should you start planning a landscape project?

The best time to begin planning a landscape project is several months before construction. Many successful spring and summer installations begin with design consultations during fall or winter. However, our team of experienced designers and installers are capable of turning around projects on a quicker time table if necessary.

Do you have an outdoor vision we can help make a reality?

Give us a call or complete our form here. 

Ames, Iowa: 800-794-9795

Clear Lake, Iowa: 800-794-9795

Des Moines, Iowa: 800-794-9795

North Liberty, Iowa: 800-794-9795

Country Stonemasons North Liberty: 319-321-7918