When I started C.KOLARZ DESIGN back in 2014, I didn’t set out to win awards. I set out to solve problems—specifically, the kinds of outdoor problems that New Yorkers often face. Cramped spaces, odd angles, limited sunlight, and a pace of life that doesn’t leave much time for maintenance. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to grow, and in 2025, we were honored to be named “Best Full-Service Landscape Design Firm in NYC.” That recognition meant a lot—but it wasn’t just about me or even about my team. It was about a way of working, a design philosophy, and a commitment to service that truly sets boutique firms apart from larger, one-size-fits-all operations.
Personalized Design, Every Time
One of the most common things I hear from new clients is, “I want something different.” That’s music to my ears. As a boutique landscape design firm, we don’t pull ideas from a catalog or copy the same design from job to job. Every space we work on—whether it’s a small urban courtyard or a sprawling suburban yard—gets a completely custom approach. That’s because we take the time to get to know our clients, listen to their needs, and really understand how they want to use the space.
Some people want a peaceful retreat with the sound of water and fragrant herbs. Others want a space for entertaining, with lighting that extends the party into the evening. Some need room for kids and pets to play safely. Each of those needs sparks a different design, and our job is to bring that vision to life in a way that feels natural and sustainable.
Curvilinear and Curious: My Signature Style
Clients often describe our work as “curvilinear,” and that’s a word I’ve come to embrace. Straight lines can feel cold and formal. Curves invite exploration. They soften a space, making it feel more organic and welcoming. My goal in every project is to create areas that encourage people to move through them, to discover small nooks or hidden details—a stone bench tucked beneath a flowering tree, a path that winds to a secret garden corner.
I use natural materials—stone, wood, water, and plants—to balance the harder man-made elements like fences and walkways. The result is a space that doesn’t just look good, but feels good. It invites people to linger, relax, and connect with nature, even in the heart of the city.
A Full-Sensory Experience, Year-Round
One of the things that sets us apart is our commitment to designing for all four seasons and all five senses. A well-designed landscape doesn’t go dormant when the temperature drops. Even in winter, you can have textures, colors, and scents—think of snow-dusted evergreens, the bark of a birch tree, or the scent of rosemary carried on the cold air.
Sound is another key component. The gentle trickle of a water feature or the soft chime of bells in the breeze can completely change the mood of a space. And of course, fragrance plays a huge role. I often incorporate herbs like lavender, mint, and thyme, not just because they smell amazing, but because they’re easy to maintain and safe for kids and pets.
Each month should bring something new—a bloom, a scent, a color shift. That’s what keeps the space interesting and alive, and it’s something I plan for carefully in every design.
Low Maintenance, Long-Term Beauty
Living in New York means people don’t have a lot of time for yard work. That’s why I prioritize low-maintenance, long-lasting solutions in every project. We use plants that are suited to the space and that will thrive with minimal upkeep. I think about how each tree or shrub will grow over the years, choosing dwarf varieties when appropriate to reduce the need for pruning.
We also work hard to conserve resources. That means using trample-resistant ground covers instead of high-maintenance grass, and designing systems that channel rainwater back into the soil rather than letting it run off. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s about creating a space that’s healthy for the environment and easy for the homeowner to care for.
Why Boutique Firms Make a Difference
Working with a boutique firm like ours means clients get a truly hands-on experience. I’m personally involved in every project, from the first consultation to the final walkthrough. That level of attention means nothing gets missed. It also means we can be flexible and creative, adjusting plans as we go to better suit the space or the client’s evolving vision.
Large firms often juggle dozens of projects at once. We intentionally keep our project load small so we can deliver quality, not just quantity. Our clients feel that difference—they know they’re not just another job on a long list. They know we care about the outcome as much as they do.
Looking Ahead
Winning “Best Full-Service Landscape Design Firm NYC” was a proud moment, but for me, the real reward is seeing a client’s face light up when they step into their new outdoor space for the first time. That sense of transformation—that moment when a problem becomes a paradise—is what keeps me passionate about what I do.
In a city as fast-paced and concrete-filled as New York, green spaces matter. Whether it’s a rooftop garden, a backyard retreat, or a front walkway lined with blooms, these spaces offer peace, beauty, and connection. And when they’re designed with care, creativity, and collaboration, they can truly change lives.
That’s what sets a boutique firm apart, and that’s the heart of C.KOLARZ DESIGN.