What Hess Landscape Architects does

Hess Landscape Architects is a privately held landscape architectural design firm founded in 1998 by Charles E. Hess Jr. and headquartered at 1570A Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, Pennsylvania. The firm specializes in high-end residential landscape architecture, with project commissions spanning estate properties, historic estate renovations, new-construction landscapes, outdoor living spaces, pools, water features, gardens, terraced landscapes, and waterfront properties, primarily serving high-net-worth residential clients across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, West Virginia, Florida, New Hampshire, and the Bahamas.

The firm's core offering is a single unified professional services line — Landscape Architectural Design Services — delivered through a three-tier product surface: initial consultation, detailed design development drawings and construction documentation, and full construction implementation, with optional turn-key project delivery working with regional craftsmen and artisans. The practice operates without disclosed proprietary technology beyond standard web analytics (Google Analytics), and its primary assets are designer credentials (M.L.A. from University of Pennsylvania for the founder; BLA from Penn State and Temple for other principals and designers), 25+ years of brand equity, and 40+ industry awards from ASLA, APLD, HGTV, and regional chapters.

The business model is professional services, sales-led, with revenue generated per-project on a consult-to-construction basis. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; customers are acquired through direct engagement, architect/interior-designer referrals, and reputation-driven inbound from the firm's portfolio and award history. The firm is led by Founding Principal Charles E. Hess Jr. alongside Principals Jason T. Kelso and Mitchell J. Cashatt, supported by a team of six additional designers and landscape architects, with no disclosed external investment, parent company, or subsidiary structure.

Name

Hess Landscape Architects

Legal name

Hess Landscape Architects

Website

https://hessla.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Hess Landscape Architects is a Lansdale, Pennsylvania-based landscape architecture firm founded in 1998 that designs high-end residential estates, gardens, pools, and waterfront landscapes for high-net-worth clients across the U.S. Northeast, Florida, New Hampshire, and the Bahamas.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Landscape Architecture Services

NAICS

Landscape Architectural Services (541320)

akta.pro primary industry

Landscape Architecture & Site Design (BPAHAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Residential Landscape Design (HSAIABAA)

Keywords

• Landscape architecture design
• Residential landscape design
• Estate landscape planning
• Outdoor living spaces
• Garden design services

Headquarters

HQ city

Lansdale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Landscape Architecture Professional Services: The firm generates revenue through professional landscape architecture services including consultations, design development drawings, and construction implementation. Services are tailored to each client's unique needs and may range from simple consultations to complete project delivery from concept through construction.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels1 record

Core offering

Hess Landscape Architects is a landscape architectural design firm that creates exterior spaces marrying architecture with the natural environment for high-end residential clients. The firm offers comprehensive services ranging from simple consultations to highly-detailed design development drawings and full construction implementation, either serving as prime consultant or working collaboratively with architects, interior designers, and engineers. Projects are delivered turn-key through partnerships with regional craftsmen and artisans.

Product overview

Hess Landscape Architects operates as a single unified landscape architectural design firm offering comprehensive services from initial consultations through detailed design development and construction implementation. Founded in 1998 and based in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, the firm provides landscape architectural design, project development, construction documentation, and implementation services. Projects are delivered either as prime consultant directing from start to finish or through collaborative efforts with architects, interior designers, and engineers. The firm works directly with regional craftsmen and artisans to produce turn-key projects. Services range from simple consultations to highly-detailed design development drawings to full construction implementation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Landscape Architectural Design Services Full-service landscape architectural design encompassing consultation, detailed design development drawings, construction documentation, and construction implementation for residential and commercial exterior spaces.
• Project Development & Management Comprehensive project development from conceptual design through construction management and implementation, serving as either prime consultant directing projects from start to finish or as collaborative team member alongside architects and engineers.
• Turn-Key Project Delivery End-to-end project delivery working directly with regional craftsmen and artisans to produce complete, turn-key landscape projects satisfying client expectations.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

44 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Peter Zimmerman ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing collaborative design partner on multiple projects including Center Mill, Chestnut Hill Estate, Gentleman’s Farm, Philadelphia Residence, and Rose Cottage. Partnership involves landscape architecture design coordination with architectural firm.
• Paragon Landscaping CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLandscape contractor partner for multiple high-end residential projects including Chestnut Hill Estate, Gate House, and Modern Craftsman. Partnership involves construction implementation of landscape designs.
• Jeffrey TotarominorOthersPhotography partner credited on multiple projects including Center Mill and Chestnut Hill Estate.
• Charles HessminorOthersPhotography partner credited on multiple projects. Internal resource for project photography documentation.
• k YODER DesigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture partner for Birch Knoll Revival project. Collaboration involved landscape design coordination with architecture firm for midcentury modern residence renovation.
• Baroni Building Co.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction partner for Birch Knoll Revival project. Partnership involves construction implementation of landscape designs.
• Cherokee ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction partner for Gate House project. Partnership involves construction implementation of landscape designs for historic estate transformation.
• Barbara Gisel DesigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterior design partner for Gate House project. Collaboration involves landscape and interior design coordination.
• Abby Schwartz AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign team partner for Modern Craftsman project. Collaboration involves landscape architecture coordination with design firm.
• Pohlig ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral contractor for Modern Craftsman project. Partnership involves construction implementation.
• Period Architecture LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign team partner for Family Sanctuary project in Rumson, New Jersey. Collaboration involves landscape architecture coordination with architectural firm.
• Ursino InteriorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterior design partner for Family Sanctuary project. Featured in Vogue Living for the project.
• C. Raymond Davis & SonscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral contractor for Family Sanctuary project. Partnership involves construction implementation.
• Twin ResourcescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLandscape contractor for Family Sanctuary project. Partnership involves construction implementation of landscape designs.
• Stephen Govel PhotographyminorOthersPhotography partner credited on Family Sanctuary project.
• Corso Brothers ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction partner for Chestnut Hill Estate project. Partnership involves construction implementation.
• Marguerite Rodgers, Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterior design partner for Bahamas Villa and Chestnut Hill projects. Featured in Robb Report for Bahamas Villa. Long-standing partnership on multiple estate projects.
• Halkin Mason Photography LLCminorOthersPhotography partner credited on Bahamas Villa and Beachfront Residence projects.
• Peter Aaron Architectural PhotographyminorOthersPhotography partner credited on Bahamas Villa project.
• Mark Stanish, Michael Visich ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture partner for Bryn Mawr Residence project. 2016 APLD Gold Award Winner.
• F.L. Bissinger Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture partner for Spring Mill project. Collaboration on grand Tudor manor landscape design.
• Moger . Mehrhof ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture partner for Beachfront Residence project. 2017 NJ ASLA Merit Award Winner.
• Kass & Associates, ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture partner for Avonwood project with exotic materials pool design. Also worked on Portledge project.
• Peter Batchelor & Associates Architects, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture partner for Squirrel Inne project. Collaboration on woodland garden design.
• Stephen Govel PhotographyminorOthersPhotography partner credited on Squirrel Inne project.
• Kass & AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture partner for Portledge project. 2016 Trumbauer Award Winner for Interior Design Residential.
• Eberlein Design Consultants, LTD.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterior design partner for Portledge project.
• Barry Halkin PhotographyminorOthersPhotography partner credited on Portledge project.
• Andre Baranowski PhotographyminorOthersPhotography partner credited on Bryn Lawn and Chestnut Hill projects.
• Marguerite Rodgers, Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterior design partner for Chestnut Hill project.
• Tom Crane PhotographyminorOthersPhotography partner credited on Gentleman's Farm project.
• The Lomax Consulting GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoastal environmental consultant partner for 74th-75th Street Dune Vegetation Management project. 2014 NJ ASLA Honor Award and APLD Merit Award Winner.
• Coastal Environmental ConsultantscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoastal environmental consultant partner for Dune Vegetation Management project in Avalon, NJ. Partnership focused on native species replacement and dune restoration.
• Archer & Buchanan Architects, Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture partner for Pool Barn project. 2017 HGTV Ultimate Outdoor Awards Editor's Pick and 2014 PA-DE ASLA Honor Award Winner.
• Crowell DesigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitectural lighting services partner for Pool Barn project.
• Stephen Govel PhotographyminorOthersPhotography partner credited on Pool Barn project.
• Griffiths ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral contractor for Philadelphia Residence project. 2016 PA-DE ASLA Honor Award and Trumbauer Award Winner.
• Stephen Govel PhotographyminorOthersPhotography partner credited on Philadelphia Residence project.
• Marguerite Rodgers Interior DesigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterior design partner for Beachfront Residence project. 2017 NJ ASLA Merit Award Winner.
• Halkin Mason Photography LLCminorOthersPhotography partner credited on Beachfront Residence project.
• Silverbox Creative StudiominorOthersPhotography partner credited on Modern Craftsman project.
• Jimi Smith PhotographyminorOthersPhotography partner credited on Birch Knoll Revival project.
• Jeffrey TotarominorOthersPhotography partner credited on Gate House project.
• Silverbox Creative StudiominorOthersPhotography partner credited on Modern Craftsman project.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• LaGuardia Design Group: New England landscape architecture firm serving private estate clients with integrated architecture-landscape practice. Comparable in delivering comprehensive, design-led landscape architecture to residential estate clientele.
• Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture: San Francisco-based landscape architecture firm recognized for award-winning residential and small-scale commercial projects. Direct comparable in craft-driven, principal-led design practice serving affluent private clients.
• Arentz Landscape Architects: Mid-Atlantic landscape architecture firm specializing in high-end residential projects across the Chesapeake and Washington region. Comparable in scale, geography, and luxury residential estate client focus.
• Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture: Vermont-based landscape architecture firm specializing in residential estate design and integration with architecture. Comparable in craft-focused, principal-led practice serving premium residential clients in the Northeast.
• Oehme, van Sweden: Washington, DC-based landscape architecture firm recognized for ecologically-driven residential and public projects. Comparable in award-winning, principal-led practice serving affluent residential and estate clients.
• Reed Hilderbrand: Prominent landscape architecture firm serving both residential estates and cultural/ institutional projects with strong design sensibility. Comparable in delivering high-design landscape architecture to discerning private clients, though with broader project mix.
• Edmund D. Hollander Landscape Architecture Design: High-end residential landscape architecture firm based in New York, serving estate properties with sophisticated design solutions. Direct comparable given shared focus on luxury residential clients and similar collaborative practice model with leading architects.
• Page Duke Landscape Architects: Mid-Atlantic landscape architecture firm serving luxury residential estates with strong design pedigree. Direct comparable given overlapping Mid-Atlantic geography and HNW estate client focus.

Broad incumbents

• Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects: Larger, nationally recognized landscape architecture firm serving both residential estates and large-scale public/institutional commissions. Broader incumbent comparable given shared residential estate work, though at materially greater scale and project diversity.

Others

• Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design: High-end residential interior design firm that is a documented long-standing partner of Hess on multiple estate projects. Adjacent ecosystem participant — not a competitor, but a frequent co-collaborator that signals Hess's positioning within the HNW design community.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/HessLandscapeArchitects
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hess-architects

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hess Landscape Architects