Outstanding Land Planning Expertise – A True Visionary
We had the privilege of working with Kelly on the design and layout of our home and site for our 30-acre property, and I can say with absolute confidence that her expertise, creativity, and attention to detail transformed our vision into a reality beyond what we had imagined.
From the very beginning, Kelly took the time to deeply understand not only the land itself—its topography, natural features, and environmental considerations—but also how we wanted to live and interact with the space – our family, our drivers, how we spend our time. She seamlessly balanced function and aesthetics, optimizing views, maximizing usability, and ensuring a thoughtful flow between different elements of the site.
What Makes Her Exceptional?
Deep Technical Knowledge – Whether it was zoning regulations, drainage solutions, or sustainability considerations, Kelly had an incredible grasp of every technical detail, ensuring the project moved forward smoothly.
A Collaborative Partner – She listened intently, incorporated our input while offering valuable insights, and worked seamlessly with our architect/designer.
Creative Problem-Solving – Challenges that seemed insurmountable at first (such as grading complexities and optimizing views) were met with innovative, practical solutions that enhanced the final outcome.
Respect for the Land – Instead of forcing a design onto the property, she let the land guide the design, preserving natural beauty while enhancing functionality. Her approach made the site feel as if it was always meant to be this way.
The result? A breathtaking, harmonious plan that not only meets our needs but also enhances the natural beauty of the land. If you’re looking for a land planner who is a true professional, a gifted designer, and an absolute pleasure to work with, I cannot recommend Kelly Cowan and Habitat Land Planning highly enough.
If I had another project, she would be my first call—without hesitation.
An Emphasis on Native and Pollinator-Friendly Species
Kelly worked with us to develop a planting plan for our half-acre property that beautifully met our priorities: a natural, informal aesthetic with an emphasis on native and pollinator-friendly species. Our homesite is on a steep slope, with extensive stormwater management and erosion challenges, and her planting plan accounted for all those factors. We appreciated her deep knowledge of native species in southern Appalachian woodlands, as well as her careful attention to the overall aesthetic of the landscape as it changes from season to season. Kelly is extremely responsive, and she took great care to understand our preferences and priorities from the outset. We recommend her wholeheartedly.
Innovative Ideas and Solutions
I am pleased to recommend Kelly Cowan for your landscape design and planning needs. Kelly worked with me as the landscape designer for the large landscaping project at my newly constructed home in Asheville, NC, in 2021-22. She has been a pleasure to work with, bringing her attention and detail to my project.
Kelly managed my landscape improvement project from the initial design concept through to completion. She provided detailed construction documents and effective project management. Always professional, dependable, and resourceful, she brought innovative ideas and solutions to the project, along with her expertise in native plants. Her communication and listening skills are exceptional, fostering a thoughtful and collaborative environment that helped bring my vision to life. She was available to coordinate with the landscape installation team and ensure that the plan was implemented per the specifications and available materials.
Kelly is a highly skilled professional in sustainable landscape design and site planning. She is particularly adept at addressing the unique challenges of landscaping in mountainous regions. I strongly recommend her for the opportunity you have available.