If you’ve ever held back from hiring a landscape design-build team because your yard isn’t an “estate” — you’re not alone. A lot of homeowners think design build landscape companies are only for major renovations, multi-acre properties, or full-blown outdoor kitchens.

But that’s not how it works.

Design-build teams aren’t only focused on big projects. They’re focused on well-executed projects. Whether you’re looking to replace a small patio, fix poor grading, install new plantings, or finally build that fire pit you’ve talked about for years — the right team can help you get it done right.

Here’s what design build landscape companies can actually offer — even on a smaller scale — and why you might want to work with one for your next project.

What “Design-Build” Really Means

The term design-build means that the same team handles both the design and the installation. You work with one company from start to finish. They create the plan, source materials, manage the timeline, and build everything on-site.

This is different from hiring a designer, then handing their plans off to a contractor. With design-build, the vision and execution are aligned — so nothing gets lost in translation.

At Runkel Landscape Associates, for example, John brings both a landscape architecture degree and hands-on horticultural experience. That means he designs with beauty, structure, and longevity in mind. And the team that builds it knows exactly what the end result should look like.

Smaller Projects We Handle All the Time

You don’t need a full yard overhaul to work with a professional design-build team. Here are just a few examples of the smaller-scale jobs we regularly do:

Is your concrete patio cracked or sloped the wrong way? We can replace it with brick pavers or stone, fix drainage issues, and extend the space to actually fit your table and chairs.

You don’t need a full outdoor kitchen to enjoy the warmth of a custom-built fire pit. Whether it’s circular, square, gas, or wood-burning — a good fire pit adds value, comfort, and a focal point for gathering.

Sometimes the grass just won’t grow. Or the foundation plantings are overgrown and tired. We can remove what’s not working and install beds with texture, color, and native plantings that thrive in the Midwest climate.

Small grade changes can cause major headaches. A retaining wall helps with erosion, makes mowing easier, and defines space in a clean, functional way. It doesn’t have to be massive to make a difference.

That narrow concrete path to your front door? We can replace it with something safer, better-looking, and more welcoming. Materials like pavers or natural stone bring character without needing a large footprint.

Why Use a Design-Build Team for a Small Project?

There are a few reasons why even modest-sized projects benefit from working with a design-build landscape team:

Designers think in terms of function and flow. Builders think about durability and structure. When those perspectives are combined, you get something that works and lasts.

For example: replacing a crumbling patio isn’t just about pouring new concrete. A design-build team will ask why it cracked in the first place. Poor drainage? Bad base? Too small for how you use it? We fix the root issues, not just the symptoms.

In Wisconsin and the surrounding Midwest, freeze-thaw cycles, clay soil, and heavy rain all create challenges. We build with that in mind. That means properly compacted bases, sloped surfaces for runoff, and plantings that handle both sun and cold.

Design-build teams care about how things look. The plantings match the hardscapes. The edges are clean. The materials complement the house. It’s not just “installed,” it’s intentional.

Not All Landscaping Companies Are the Same

Some landscapers mow lawns and do mulch. Others offer limited hardscaping with little attention to design. Design build landscape companies are different. They approach every job — big or small — with planning, precision, and aesthetic awareness.

That matters when you want the outcome to blend with your home, last for years, and actually improve how you use your outdoor space.

We’ve worked on plenty of new homes that just needed the right planting to soften the corners. Or a clean, curved walkway that finally made the entrance feel finished. Or a small fire pit and seat wall that turned an unused back corner into the family’s favorite spot.

When to Call Us

If you’ve been thinking, “It’s just a small job — I don’t need a designer,” ask yourself this:

• Do you want it to look professional?
• Do you want it to last?
• Do you want it to add value?

If the answer is yes, a design-build team is worth it.

Whether it’s a new path, a few walls, or a fresh planting layout, we treat every project with care. That’s how we work at Runkel Landscape Associates. And it’s how we serve homeowners who care about craftsmanship, not just size.

Explore our website to learn more about our services, then reach out to schedule a consultation.