Where do you work?
Our design studio and nursery is located in Narberth, Pennsylvania. We service Philadelphia and its suburbs, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut and Washington DC. We also extend our design-build services outside of this immediate area. We offer both in person and virtual design meetings.
What type of work do you do?
We are a full-service design/build firm that designs landscape master plans for entire properties, installs our designed landscapes, and comprehensively manages them. Our designs focus on native plantings, with an emphasis on landscapes that are both beautiful and ecologically functional.
Our team also designs, builds and curates custom hardscaping & outdoor living components to elevate your landscape. Pennsylvania Bluestone slabs and steppers, LED Dark Sky compliant lighting, cedar hot tubs, fire pits, slab seating, decking and fencing, are just some of the features we can integrate into a fully cohesive design.
What size projects do you typically take on?
Our projects range in scope from maximizing city yard spaces to large suburban estates, and commercial properties.
What is involved in the design process?
Consultation:
Our design process begins with a free consultation at your property. During this visit, we walk the property and discuss your design and budget goals for the project.
Design Proposal:
After our consultation, we send you a design proposal which describes the project scope, goals, and price of a design.
Design and Revisions:
We start with a comprehensive site analysis of existing site conditions and then prepare a basemap. Next, we draft an initial concept design. We will meet with you to review the design, listen to your feedback, and discuss any revisions. Then, we’ll draft a final design detailing all plants and materials.
Installation Proposal:
Finally, we will send you an installation proposal that details the cost of installation of your final design and a one year management plan, to ensure the success of all new plantings. Once you approve the proposal, we’ll schedule your installation. The ideal times for planting are in spring and fall.
How much does a design cost? How much does installation cost?
The cost of a design depends upon many variables such as the size of the project, complexity of design elements, and whether hardscaping is involved. Designs typically start at $600 and can range up to $5000 or more for complex projects. The final design informs the cost of installation. We can also work with you to phase the installation to manage costs. Please refer to our Pricing & Packages for more information.
How do I manage my landscape?
Your design-install includes a one year plant guarantee and expert stewardship included. Throughout this first year, our dedicated land stewardship team make regular visits to assess plant health, manage invasives, mulch and offer a spring clean-up. Our designs minimize land management tasks by planting native species that will thrive in your garden, based on the existing site conditions. We plant densely to inhibit weed growth, and design with natural plant forms to reduce pruning.
We are intentional about the sustainable practices we employ in your landscape. Our focus is on a lighter touch that cultivates functional wildlife habitat (providing essential shelter and forage in winter) that is also resilient and beautiful. Many homeowners choose to renew their stewardship contracts after the first year. We are also happy to offer seasonal visits or guidance for self-stewarding your landscape upon request.
“My wife and I were introduced to Refugia Design via their work at Bryn Mawr Film Institute & the Philadelphia Flower Show. We’ve been highly impressed with their willingness to work within our budget and are happy to have found a native design firm that meet our expectations on conservation. Recommend.”