About
Hi, I'm A.J Schafer
Creating unique outdoor spaces has always been a passion. Creativity was second nature from a young age, and as I grew older, I developed a strong affinity for the outdoors. After high school, trying to combine the two in a career led me to a degree in landscape architecture.
Upon graduating from Michigan State University in 2008, I began working as a landscape foreman to gain the knowledge in construction techniques that can only be gained by doing the work. Although an opportunity in 2012 put me on a different career path, I continued to do custom landscape and garden designs until I decided to turn it into a business.
Turning Passion into a Full Time Job
I still enjoy designing, but what I like most is the design coming to life through my own effort and that of working with a crew. I had been continually receiving steady demand for my design skills, but working in a different career field kept me from being able to see them built. Therefore, in 2021, after some prodding from family and friends, I decided to take the passion on full time- this time in business for myself.
Design Philosophy
I will design anything my clients want me to. But I believe we need to look out for our planet in any small ways we can. That is why sustainability is on my mind any time I'm at the drafting table. I choose indigenous or drought-tolerant plants that don't require as much water or irrigation and can save customers money while helping the environment. I like to use- or at least advocate for- locally-sourced, recycled, and natural materials when the customer agrees, decreasing the amount of total fuel consumed for the project from start to finish.
I draw inspiration from the natural world around me. I have even carved a bird bath out of a huge fallen oak branch for a client that ended up being the focal point of her butterfly garden! What can I build for you?
Home Advisor Pro
Seal Of Approval
I am registered with and you can find my company's profile on Home Advisor. This allows you, the property owner, peace of mind knowing that you are working with a licensed, insured, and background-checked contractor.