But the defining feature of the project wasn’t just engineering—it was curiosity.

The homeowner would step onto his deck, survey the progress, and ask: What if we did this?

Those questions drove the design forward.

Plantings, for example, moved far beyond the expected. While many homeowners opt for a uniform row of Green Giant arborvitae for privacy, this client wanted something more distinctive. The team selected Vanderwolf pines—evergreens with sculptural, blue-green needles that offer both texture and visual intrigue.

The decision came with logistical challenges. Mature trees were required to achieve an immediate impact, and maneuvering them into tight spaces around newly poured pool decking demanded precision. To support their long-term health, Frischer’s team amended the site’s heavy clay soil with nutrient-rich topsoil, trucking in hundreds of cubic yards to create an optimal growing environment.

Then came the details.

“What if we added bubblers?” the homeowner asked.

Not just one, but two.

The team installed natural stone features drilled to allow water to gently bubble upward, recirculating through a concealed system. An integrated autofill mechanism, tied to the irrigation system, maintains water levels effortlessly.

Another what-if idea followed: fire bowls surrounding the pool. Implementing them required upgrading the home’s gas supply at the street level, which was initially insufficient to support the added demand. The infrastructure was expanded, ensuring all features—from fire bowls outside to hot water for the house—could operate simultaneously.

While many clients prioritize low maintenance, this homeowner’s focus was different: preserving the integrity of the vision.

“I try not to saddle our clients with maintenance, but it is impossible to avoid it completely,” Frisher says. “But it depends what people want. Some people want 100 roses to prune—they like that and take pride in the work. Others just want it to look pretty and never touch it.”

In this case, aesthetics took precedence. Plant selections emphasized structure and scale, ensuring the landscape would never feel overgrown or unkempt.

Still, Midwestern weather conditions impose limitations. With extremes in temperature and moisture, plant palettes often lean conservative.

“We’re somewhat hamstrung by the weather,” Frischer admits. “There’s a lot of Karl Foerster grass and boxwoods out there.”

To introduce seasonal vibrancy, the team incorporated tropical annuals into raised planter beds, creating a subtle, beach-inspired atmosphere. These plantings are supported by a dedicated drip irrigation system to meet their higher water needs.

Practicality also informed the design in less obvious ways. To reduce the burden of lawn care, portions of the yard incorporate artificial turf—a growing trend among homeowners seeking a clean, low-maintenance alternative. Particularly around the pool, it offers a comfortable, barefoot-friendly surface that stands up to intense summer heat.

Technology ties it all together.

From lighting and irrigation to water features and fire elements, every system can be controlled wirelessly, allowing the homeowner to shift the ambiance instantly from relaxed retreat to lively gathering space.

“What we aim to provide is turnkey,” Frischer says. “It’s the same expectation people have for their interiors—now extended outdoors.”

And in the end, the project delivered more than just a remarkable landscape.

“We take care of our clients in a way that gets us invited back,” Frischer adds. “We want to be a resource—and ultimately, friends.”