Conquering Challenges Archives - The Edge from the National Association of Landscape Professionals

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Conquering Challenges

There’s No Place Like Home: Creating Walmart’s Welcoming Campus Headquarters

When Walmart decided to create a new headquarters, the scale of the project was like building a city from the ground up. The new home office features 12 office buildings as well as a number of amenity buildings spread across more than 400 acres. Clay Bakker, director of landscape for Walmart, says the company emphasized […]

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2025 Judges’ Award: Transforming a Steep Shoreline Into a Lush Lakeside Retreat

This client knew exactly what they wanted for their Lake Michigan property. Their vision centered on rooms in the landscape that allowed them to live, entertain and connect with nature. They also understood that they needed their architect, interior designer and landscape company to work closely together. Mariani Landscape, based in Lake Bluff, Illinois, was […]

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Converting a Wooded Lot Into a Private Backyard Oasis

Landvisions, based in Tyler, Texas, faced a challenge when their clients requested a transformation of their small, wooded, and elevated lot into an entertainment space where they could host parties with numerous guests. The clients had a comprehensive wish list of elements, and the combination was difficult to fit into the small yard. The project […]

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Conquering Challenges: Merging Modern and Traditional Elements Into a Cohesive Landscape

When a client contacted Environmental Management Services, Inc. (EMI), based in Plain City, Ohio, they wanted a residential landscape renovation that seamlessly integrated a contemporary design with a luxurious, functional outdoor environment. EMI delivered all this while preserving the homeowner’s century-old oak tree. In addition to earning a Gold Award of Excellence for the overall […]

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Crafting an Entertainment Oasis: Inside an Exceptional Backyard Pavilion

When an existing maintenance customer of Ground Works Land Design, based in Cleveland, Ohio, had a swimming pool initially installed, they didn’t consider the surrounding landscape. With four children and frequent guests over, they quickly realized they wanted to maximize their backyard with a large-scale entertainment space. They turned to Ground Works to help design […]

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Conquering Challenges: Transforming A Sloped Yard into a Party Paradise

Rossen Landscape, based in Great Falls, Virginia, was tasked with creating a space for major entertaining. The end result was a sleek, modern outdoor living space. On top of winning a Silver Award of Excellence for the overall project, Rossen Landscape also received an Exceptional Feature Award for the outdoor lighting complimenting the stonework. Previously, […]

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Conquering Challenges: Overcoming Varying Weather Dilemmas at The Domain

The trendy city of Austin, Texas, is home to a variety of attractions, including a shopping center called The Domain. This property features everything from tourist sites and stores to residential space, giving locals and visitors a chance to enjoy the vibrant culture of Austin. It’s also home to several luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton […]

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Conquering Challenges: Crafting a Contemporary Waterfront Stunner

This project earned Landscapes by Randy Lee, Inc. a Gold Award for Residential Design/Build in the 2023 Awards of Excellence. Along the waters of St. Petersburg, Florida, sits a stylish home that underwent major renovations during COVID, including the addition of a modern landscape. Before the project began, the owners wanted to upgrade the existing […]

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Conquering Challenges: Bringing the Amazon River to the Audubon Aquarium

This project earned Mullin a Gold Award for Interior Installation in the 2023 Awards of Excellence. Since its opening in 1990, the Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans, Louisiana, has attracted millions of visitors to see unique marine life and tropical ecosystems. In recent years, the aquarium has undergone renovations to improve the facility. One focus […]

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Conquering Challenges: Overcoming Seasonal Flooding at Riverfront Property

This project earned Landvisions a Gold Award for Residential Design/Build in the 2023 Awards of Excellence. The banks of the Red River near Shreveport, Louisiana, are not your typical landscape setting, as the river frequently has seasonal flooding that impacts nearby homeowners. This family was looking to create a landscape that would match their home’s […]

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