Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Ewert.
Matt, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Escapes Landscape Design was an idea of mine while in High School, but did not begin to manifest until I was out of college. I graduated from Iowa State University in 2008 with a Bachelors in Landscape Architecture. It was during my time here that I really developed a love for design and also problem solving. I had the distinct pleasure of interning my senior year, for an amazing landscape architecture firm in Des Moines, Iowa called Confluence. It was here that I poured the foundation for many future projects and experiences. The talented people here truly left a lasting impression on me and I value every second I spent in that office.
A short time after graduating, I moved back from Iowa and began my professional career at Laflin Design Group. The principal, Katrina Laflin, took a chance on me and gave me the confidence to begin designing and working to oversee projects. With Katrina being the strong leader and talented Landscape Architect that she is, I received a crash course in what it means to be a professional in Illinois and how to run a successful design firm.
With Laflin Design Group, I was able to gain experience in small and large scale designs. From hospital healing gardens to community park designs, the feeling of seeing a project come to life is second to none. I loved working on big projects, but have always had a larger passion for the residential landscape. It is from this that the drive to build my own residential design company came.
Escapes Landscape Design was born from a strong desire to make people happy in the spaces they use everyday and a passion for all things design. With these amazing mentors above and some not listed, Escapes Landscape Design went from a dream to reality.
Today Escapes Landscape design acts as a boutique landscape design company, serving the western suburbs of Chicago.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road, but it has been those bumps in the road that have taught me the most. One of the biggest struggles that I have had along the way is the need to be everything to everyone. I love helping people and this at times has led me to taking on jobs that I should have passed on. I also have found that working in the business rather than on it, limited the potential of Escapes Landscape Design for a number of years.
I do believe that life is just a series of design problems, so I am constantly in the iteration process. I am always looking to improve as a designer and businessman. It keeps things fresh and keeps me interested.
Escapes Landscape Design – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Escapes Landscape Design specializes in residential landscape design. We create spaces that our clients truly want to spend time in. We love to transform the spaces of our clients to improve their day to day lives, while making sure it is tailored to their wants and needs.
I believe that we are excellent problem solvers. Every site is unique and it is the genius loci (spirit of the place) that really dictates how a project should be handled. We are proud of our plant knowledge and the detailed work of our installation teams. The craftsmanship of a project is very important to us and something we are constantly working to perfect.
I believe that the size of our company sets us apart. We are a very small team. For this reason, we are the ones meeting with our clients and designing their solutions. It is a very rewarding and iterative process. It also results in many new friendships and future partnerships, which is very rewarding.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is personal growth and the growth of our skill sets within the company. I believe that the better artists and artisans we can become, the greater the design problems we get to tackle. That in turn leads to pure joy. We love every facet of the design process and where the outcomes take us.
The best part about defining success this way, is that we have many people and companies to look up to here in Illinois. The Chicagoland area is a hotbed of excellent landscape designers, horticulturalists and landscape architects, that truly love what they do. This makes staying inspired very easy, as there are many projects and people paving the way.
Pricing:
- Master Plans typically range from $1000 – $5000
Contact Info:
- Address: Escapes Landscape Design, Inc.
5N124 Mary Ct.
St. Charles, IL 60175 - Website: www.escapesdesigns.com
- Phone: 630-715-1704
- Email: Info@escapesdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapes_landscape_design/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EscapesLandscapeDesign/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/escapes-landscape-design-saint-charles
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/mattewert/escapes-landscape-design
Image Credit:
Kishwaukee College
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