Craig Richmond Landscape Architects

Underneath the permeable pavers is a twenty-four-inch deep gravel reservoir, and three levels of green roofs above it combine to clean and store stormwater. This project and hundreds of others are why the Anacostia River is clean enough for DC residents to swim in. Our firm is proud to do our part to improve the environment.

CRLA prepared the project's GAR (Green Area Ratio) Plan and landscape plan. Proudly serving DC, MD, and VA
Call: 301-920-0424
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You can also see evidence of them seeding the fill soil without spreading any topsoil. They were trying to hold the steep slope and fill areas with turf grass growing in subsoil and garbage.

They've filled along this fence line with more than three feet of soil for more than one hundred feet. With fill soil remaining on the slopes and along the fence, this site is one tropical storm away from a mass wasting event. All of the fill soil and debris could end up in Rock Creek. I suggested that the homeowner hire a civil engineer immediately. I believe this project needs both a landscape architect and a civil engineer.

I'm always amazed when I see property owners spending a lot of money doing major landscape construction projects on incredible properties (like this one) without a design professional. I see it constantly; it's just the owner with no construction knowledge or experience telling a contractor what to do and writing checks. Everything is fine until the real danger of having a grand historical home with its main terrace is in a pile at the bottom of the hill and its foundation exposed.

Proudly serving DC, MD, and VA
Call: 301-920-0424
landarch1.com

You can also see evidence of them seeding the fill soil without spreading any topsoil. They were trying to hold the steep slope and fill areas with turf grass growing in subsoil and garbage.

They've filled along this fence line with more than three feet of soil for more than one hundred feet. With fill soil remaining on the slopes and along the fence, this site is one tropical storm away from a mass wasting event. All of the fill soil and debris could end up in Rock Creek. I suggested that the homeowner hire a civil engineer immediately. I believe this project needs both a landscape architect and a civil engineer.

I'm always amazed when I see property owners spending a lot of money doing major landscape construction projects on incredible properties (like this one) without a design professional. I see it constantly; it's just the owner with no construction knowledge or experience telling a contractor what to do and writing checks. Everything is fine until the real danger of having a grand historical home with its main terrace is in a pile at the bottom of the hill and its foundation exposed.

Proudly serving DC, MD, and VA
Call: 301-920-0424
landarch1.com

Secrets I've Gathered Over Years of Designing Landscapes in the DC Area. Unveil a DC landscape designer's top 2024 secrets for a great yard. From seasonal color to hardscape, learn how to enhance your property. Designing a landscape is like piecing together a puzzle. It would help if you found the right pieces that fit your property's unique character while creating something beautiful and sustainable....

A DC Landscape Designer’s Secrets for a Great Landscape 2024 Unveil a DC landscape designer’s top 2024 secrets for a great yard. From seasonal color to hardscape, learn how to enhance your property.

Hurricane Sandy wiped out this landscape in 2012. I worked with the client to renovate the property over several phases.

Contact us today. Landscape renovation is our specialty.

Proudly serving DC, MD, and VA
Call: 301-920-0424
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I've been walking past this plant for years and couldn't figure out what it was. Now I know why: this 'Jane' Magnolia has been sheared and stunted into a shrub over the years. Even though the plant can be shrubby, it naturally wants to be a small tree as it matures.

North Georgia Avenue, Washington, DC

Proudly serving DC, MD, and VA
Call: 301-920-0424
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Trifling? To treat or deal with (someone or something) in a way that shows a lack of proper respect or seriousness.

When I was a kid, I remember old Black folks from the South saying that someone's behavior (probably mine) was "triflin'". This is trifling to an all new level.

People who have to take the bus, sit at the bus stop generating more garbage while sitting on top of existing garbage when there are two trash cans steps away.

We haven't always been this way. I was taught as a child that, we might not be rich, but that's no reason to be low class.

Takoma Park, Maryland

The Devastating Effects of a Flawed Grading A great landscape starts with smart grading. Learn how a proper grading plan keeps your yard dry, safe, and stunning all year long. Imagine this: you've just completed the landscape of your dreams. Everything is perfect. Your lush gardens, neatly trimmed shrubs, and perfectly manicured lawn frame your home like a picturesque painting, creating an exterior oasis....

No Grading Plan? 4 Devastating Effects of a Flawed Grade A great landscape starts with smart grading. Learn how a proper grading plan keeps your yard dry, safe, and stunning all year long.

I'm excited to start design work on this backyard. A new deck, patio, walkways, and plantings are in the works. My client recently removed the original 'builder's special' landscape package. The rear yard was boxed in with 'Emerald Green' Arborvitae planted in straight rows along the fence.

They left me with a gorgeous, giant Crape Myrtle and a blank canvas to design on. I aim to strategically block views of the yard from the neighbor's second-story windows with shade trees. Planting rows of evergreens along fencelines for privacy creates a dark environment where a breeze will never blow, taking up a lot of area in a small yard.

Mitchellville, Prince George's County, Maryland

Proudly serving DC, MD, and VA
Call: 301-920-0424
landarch1.com

I'm excited to start design work on this backyard. A new deck, patio, walkways, and plantings are in the works. My client recently removed the original 'builder's special' landscape package. The rear yard was boxed in with 'Emerald Green' Arborvitae planted in straight rows along the fence.

They left me with a gorgeous, giant Crape Myrtle and a blank canvas to design on. I aim to strategically block views of the yard from the neighbor's second-story windows with shade trees. Planting rows of evergreens along fencelines for privacy creates a dark environment where a breeze will never blow, taking up a lot of area in a small yard.

Mitchellville, Prince George's County, Maryland

Proudly serving DC, MD, and VA
Call: 301-920-0424
landarch1.com

With a thoughtful landscape design you can have a major impact without spending a fortune.

Tiny House in Baltimore

Proudly serving DC, MD, and VA
Call: 301-920-0424
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This Kensington, Maryland, home is on a steeply sloped site and doesn't have a place to park a vehicle. In this landscape concept drawing, we've created parking, expanded the terrace, added a shed, and terraced the property to make it more usable.

The drawing was done on an iPad using the Morpholio app.

Proudly serving DC, MD, and VA
Call: 301-920-0424
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This is one of the most beautiful single-stem Crape Myrtles I have ever seen. The bike shop moved, so it hasn't received any love in a long time.

Takoma Park, Maryland

This is one of the most beautiful single-stem Crape Myrtles I have ever seen. The bike shop moved, so it hasn't received any love in a long time.

Takoma Park, Maryland

What’s Happening with Washington DC’s Green Infrastructure? Washington DC’s green infrastructure could redefine urban life. Explore the bold moves transforming the city’s landscape. When you think of Washington, DC, you can picture grand monuments, bustling government buildings, and maybe even a few cherry blossoms. But what if I told you that the nation's capital is also home to innovative green infrastructure?...

5 Amazing Looks at Washington DC’s Green Infrastructure Washington DC’s green infrastructure could redefine urban life. Explore the bold moves transforming the city’s landscape.

I've been to the pizza place across the street dozens of times and never noticed this old gazebo. I think there was a time in America when every small town had one at its center.

Takoma Park, Maryland

Proudly serving DC, MD, and VA
Call: 301-920-0424
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This summer has been hard on green roofs. The lightweight soils dry out quickly, and many green roofs in the area don't have automatic irrigation.

When we're in the planning stage, owners always say they'll water the plants by hand to save money. But when the drought and high temperatures hit, they aren't thinking about the plants on the roof.

Proudly serving DC, MD, and VA
Call: 301-920-0424
landarch1.com

Image Credit: Maryland Dept. of the Environment Revamp Your Landscape with the Beauty and Resilience of Chesapeake Bay Plants. Discover the top Chesapeake Bay plants to change your garden into a thriving oasis of native beauty and resilience. Enhance your landscape today! If you've ever gazed out at the beautiful expanse of the Chesapeake Bay, you've probably noticed the rich tapestry of plant life that frames its shores....

Why These 7 Chesapeake Bay Plants Are Absolutely Awesome Discover the top Chesapeake Bay plants to change your garden into a thriving oasis of native beauty and resilience. Enhance your landscape today!

This place remains the scariest site I have ever worked on. When the architects first entered the boarded-up buildings to survey the interior, they were escorted by police. Most of the vast community was uninhabited and one of Cleveland's worst areas.

The last time I was there was in the early 2000s. It wasn't much better then, but families lived in the units, and children played where they couldn't before. It was an excellent experience for a young, future landscape architect. Lakeview Terrace allowed me to give back to my hometown.

Proudly serving DC, MD, and VA
Call: 301-920-0424
landarch1.com

5 Northern Virginia Native Shade Trees: The Ultimate Planting List Northern Virginia native trees transform your yard with nature’s giants, offering shade, beauty, and a haven for wildlife. Ever wonder what makes a yard truly stand out? It's not just the green lawn or the perfectly trimmed hedges—it's the towering, majestic shade trees that offer a splash of nature's majesty. Today, we'll dive into the top five native shade trees you should consider for your Northern Virginia landscape....

5 Northern Virginia Native Trees, The Ultimate Planting List Northern Virginia native trees transform your yard—nature’s giants that offer shade, beauty, and a haven for wildlife.

This landscape plan is for a storage lot in Charles County, Maryland.

Proudly serving DC, MD, and VA
Call: 301-920-0424
landarch1.com

How Do I Take Care of this Stuff? Discover the best landscape maintenance guidelines to keep your landscape vibrant. From watering to pruning, Make your garden thrive effortlessly! You've spent significant time and money working with a landscape architect to design your perfect landscape. Now you're wondering how to keep it vibrant and healthy. Fear not, because I'm here to share some essential maintenance tips that will make your landscape the envy of the neighborhood....

Essential Landscape Maintenance Guidelines for Amateurs 2024 Discover the best landscape maintenance guidelines to keep your landscape vibrant. From watering to pruning, Make your garden thrive effortlessly!