Landscape Designers That Put You First
See how TL Design can create an outdoor space for you and your family that fits your unique needs.
About Us
“Ever since childhood, I’ve sketched the world around me. Over time, I discovered the beauty in taking those ideas and bringing them to life, creating spaces for others to enjoy.”
With almost 15 years of experience in landscape design and a BA in Landscape Architecture from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Teresa has designed a wide range of projects across Northwest Indiana, from single family homes to commercial projects to public parks.
Our landscape designer, Teresa, adheres to the philosophy that every client and every project has unique needs, and there can be no cookie-cutter solutions when it comes to creating outdoor spaces. Knowledgeable about native plantings and environmentally-friendly options, she is adept at incorporating them into designs when it aligns with a project’s overall goals.
We also frequently partner with other designers and subject matter experts, so that we can offer our clients expertise across the range of design and landscaping fields, no matter what you have in mind.
Teresa Lekan
President
What’s It Like to Work with a Landscape Designer?
This is one of the most common questions we get, so we’re laying it all out for you.
1. Answer a Few Questions
Before we get started, we ask our clients to complete a brief questionnaire that helps us understand your goals and preferences, and allows us to develop a project quote. We’ve found that this is a great exercise that may help you get on the same page with a spouse or project partner too!
2. Site Visit
We’ll schedule a time to visit the project site with you and learn more about your needs. Depending on the project, video meetings are an option as well. At this point, we’ll provide you with a quote and rough timeline for your review. Note that there may be a small site visit charge if you’re outside our normal service area, but we’ll credit that back to you if we move forward with the project.
3. Design!
This is where the fun begins! After learning about your goals and collecting site information, we’ll begin creating sketches and concepts. Our design team may check in with you during this time to get feedback, and if your design is more advanced, we may give you an in-progress view to make sure we’re on the same page. If your design package includes an initial quote with a contractor, we’re hard at work on this as well.
4. Design Review
As we get close to finishing your design, we’ll schedule time to review your design, either in person or virtually. You can expect to receive a labeled plan view of the site, a plant list with quantities and full names, and project notes to reference for site materials that will assist any contractor during the installation process. 3D views may be included to help you visualize the space more easily. During this stage, we’ll also talk about next steps as they fit with your budget and timeline.
5. Next Steps
If you’re planning to install yourself, then you have everything you need to begin work! If you’re planning to have your design installed by a contractor, then we can review any starting quotes from our partner contractors and help facilitate first steps to get the process started here.
6. Installation Assistance
If you’re having your project professionally installed, we’re here to support you through the process. You’re free to use your own contractor, or we can recommend contractors with whom we have worked previously. We’ll walk your contractor through the design plan, and then are available for questions as needed throughout the installation process.
7. Post-Project Follow Up
Whether you’re completing your project all at once or in phases, we love to stay in touch throughout your project installation. We’ll check in after your project is complete as well. If you need recommendations for periodic maintenance to keep your space looking great, we’re here for you! Now sit back and enjoy your new space!