Spotlight On: McHale Landscape Design

At Kenneth Lynch and Sons, we have had the pleasure of working with McHale Landscape Design on a number of projects over the years and we are thrilled to share this special spotlight interview on their renowned work in landscape architecture.

Founded in 1981 by brothers Kevin and Steve McHale, McHale Landscape Design has designed many incredible outdoor projects, including more than 400 award-winning landscapes in the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia regions. Their work is full of inspiration, innovation, and attention to detail that has created beautiful gardens and living spaces of the highest standards.

Take a look at our Q&A with McHale Landscape Design and view their recent work in our latest spotlight!

Tell us a bit about McHale Landscape Design.

Like many in the green industry, the McHale story began with two brothers and a lawnmower. As kids, Kevin and Steve McHale spent their summers mowing lawns in their Maryland neighborhood. But what set them apart was a shared vision - to create a company dedicated exclusively to high-end residential landscapes. That early ambition has grown into a legacy.

Four decades and thousands of projects later, McHale Landscape Design continues to bring that original vision to life. Today, we are a premier landscape architecture and design-build firm with six locations serving the greater Washington, DC metro area. Renowned for our distinctive residential gardens, pools, and outdoor living spaces, we have earned national acclaim, including more than 400 Excellence in Landscape Awards from the Landscape Contractors Association (LCA), the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), and the American Horticultural Society.

Left: Stunning riverfront residential property in Easton, MD.
Right: Charming pool with waterfall features.

As a single-source firm, McHale Landscape Design brings together a talented team of landscape architects, designers, masons, carpenters, and horticultural experts. The integrated approach ensures a seamless experience from concept to construction to ongoing care - all executed with an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and quality.

“Ultimately, our goal with all our customers is to build trust,
exceed expectations, and create lifelong clients.”

Can you walk us through your design process from concept to completion?

At McHale Landscape Design, our design process begins with our initial meeting with the client. During this meeting, we listen to their ideas, tour the property, and begin site analysis. We then develop a design program, which serves as a wish list of ideas to explore. At this stage, we also discuss the client’s budget to ensure the design stays within their desired range. Importantly, this is a creative and collaborative process where no ideas are judged or dismissed.

Following the initial visit, we prepare a design contract based on the design program developed with the client. This document outlines the scope of work to ensure that everything is addressed. Once the design contract is executed, our team begins a detailed site analysis and verifies any existing plans. During this process, we take numerous photographs, shoot critical elevations and grades using a laser level, and study surrounding properties to understand how they may influence the site.

Left: Large planters full of seasonal blooms at a lakeside property.
Right: A residential backyard in McLean, VA planted with a mix of evergreens, shrubs and flowering perennials.

After all the necessary information has been gathered, we prepare a base plan that documents existing conditions. We then review the design program and begin developing initial concept ideas. These concepts are refined into what we call a Preliminary Master Plan. Once we’re confident in the direction, we present the plan to the client for feedback, which helps us further refine the design. Our design presentation typically includes the Master Plan, renderings, reference photos of materials, plantings in similar settings, examples of construction elements, and a detailed line-item budget and cost analysis for the entire project.

Once the Master Plan is presented and any revisions are made, we execute a contract to begin work. It is important to note that our plans are created with two goals in mind: to clearly
communicate our design intent to the client and to guide our construction crews in implementing the design accurately. Ultimately, our goal with all our customers is to build trust, exceed expectations, and create lifelong clients.

What are some of your favorite garden elements to incorporate into your designs?

Sculptures that blend seamlessly into the landscape without overpowering it. When chosen thoughtfully, they add a sense of purpose and artistry to the garden. Also, self-contained fountains not only provide the soothing sound of water, but they’re also low-maintenance and less prone to leaks. Regardless of the element, scale is key. Whether it’s a sculpture or a fountain, the piece must be appropriately sized to complement the space and maintain harmony within the overall design.

Left: Lead cranes nestled among brick garden wall at a residential courtyard in Alexandria, VA.
Right: Classical Tiered Fountain (#1075) at a condominium complex in Annapolis, MD.

Can you tell us about this custom fountain project and what the design process was like?

This project took place at a private residence in Potomac, Maryland, where we were already working on extensive exterior hardscapes that included patios, walkways, garden walls, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and a raised stone water feature. During the course of the project, the homeowners returned from a trip to France, where they had seen classic fountains in public parks and were inspired to incorporate a similar element into their own garden.

Custom fountain on a classic cast stone pedestal at a beautiful residence in Potomac, MD.

We began researching options, but most available products were limited to sets that included precast garden pools, and we were attempting to retrofit an existing circular pool. After exploring alternatives, we collaborated with Kenneth Lynch & Sons to create an architecturally detailed custom fountain centerpiece for the existing raised stone-walled garden pool. The final design features a classically detailed pier with four spouts, giving the fountain a timeless, European feel while blending seamlessly with the surrounding
stonework and landscape.

What has been one of your most memorable or challenging projects to date?

One of our most recent and meaningful projects involved the design and construction of a garden for a client who had experienced the tragic loss of their son in his mid-twenties. The primary challenge was to create a space that served as a heartfelt memorial while still functioning as a beautiful and usable backyard.

We designed a meandering path that guided visitors through the garden, incorporating a modern sculpture, wind sculptures, and bird feeders. These elements brought movement and life to the space, offering moments of quiet reflection and a sense of connection throughout the journey.

What advice would you give to homeowners looking to transform their outdoor space?

Our advice to homeowners is to avoid overcomplicating the design. Simple, thoughtful approaches often yield the most timeless and successful results. Balance is key to a cohesive outdoor space, but it's important to understand that balance doesn’t necessarily mean symmetry. Asymmetry, when done thoughtfully, can add depth, movement, and a more natural feel to the landscape.

Left: Large planters at a welcoming garden staircase.
Right: Fountain basin surrounded by a field of tulips.

What exciting new projects are you looking forward to in the coming months?

We’re excited to begin work on the renovation of a healing garden at a Cancer Center. This project is especially meaningful, as it focuses on creating a tranquil, restorative space for patients, families, and staff. The design will include areas for reflection, quiet moments, and small gatherings, supported by plantings that offer a succession of color and interest throughout the seasons.

Some of the key features will include a moon arch symbolizing renewal and rebirth, a self-contained water feature to add soothing sound, and thoughtfully integrated lighting to extend the garden’s usability into the evening. The space will also be designed to be primarily ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for all who visit.

Thank you to McHale Landscape Design for your collaboration with us over the years and for taking part in this spotlight!
Learn more about their work at mchalelandscape.com.