We take joy in creating landscapes for life.

We design meaningful, resilient landscapes grounded in ecological intelligence. We lead the process through deep listening and care for every detail. Shaped by the soils, slopes, forests, and climate of the Southeast, our work balances beauty, function, and long-term stewardship of the land.

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The Soul of our work

We don’t see landscapes as backdrops. We see them as living architecture—rooted in ecology, shaped by people, and designed with vision, care, and a grounded sense of joy.

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Years Of combined professional practice

Our team helps untangle the complexity of landscapes across Appalachia and the Southeast, where rugged terrain, cultural landscapes, and diverse ecologies demand thoughtful, site-specific design.

About Us

Here at OLA, we’re not the starch-shirt kind of designers.

Why CHOOSE OLA?

We don’t do generic. We design living systems grounded in ecology, informed by context-specific insight, shaped with creativity, and designed to evolve, strengthen, and endure for generations.

The OLA Flow™

Our simple, human, slightly playful way of doing things.

1. Listen First

We meet you. We meet with the land. We start by listening attentively to both. Relationships come first, and early site research begins here.

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2. Ideas in Motion

Science, creativity, and context in the same room. We sketch, model, debate, and laugh our way to clarity.

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3. Boots in the Mud

Implementation with adaptation at the center. On-site, watching how the ground responds, making smart tweaks, and keeping things real.

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CLIENT RATING

Ready?

Let's walk the land together. And get to know each other.

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Reliable Systems

TESTIMONIALs

Our Clients Love Working with Us

         PODER Emma has had the absolute privilege of working with Osgood Landscape Architecture on several of our cooperative projects.  They have been very engaged and listen to our members and their perspectives on community lead development. Their collaborative nature, incredible design, and creativity has helped move our work forward allowing us to continue with our mission of protecting affordability in our neighborhood.  We are so lucky to have been connected with them and look forward to all the projects to come!

Ingrid Johnson
Housing and Real Estate Project Manager,
Poder Emma

         In a time filled with both excitement and uncertainty, a designer plays a crucial role in achieving goals while honoring the site's unique character. Osgood Landscape Architecture stands out for its exceptional leadership and design expertise, successfully balancing these needs to create designs that harmonize beautifully with their environment. The Osgood team not only met but consistently exceeded our expectations, treating our project with the utmost importance and care. Their passion and commitment to delivering value are evident in every aspect of their work. I wholeheartedly recommend Osgood Landscape Architecture to anyone seeking a dedicated team that will produce iconic, transformative results for your project.

Drake Fowler, PLA, ASLA
Executive Director,
The North Carolina Arboretum

         The Osgood Landscape Architecture Firm was a dream to work with. Very professional, did what they said they would do and came in within the budget we all agreed upon. Our property in North Asheville has been in our family’s  possession for 95 years. Our Grandmother was a serious gardener, so Osgood had big foot steps to follow in. They diligently put together plans which were redrafted, over and over until all were in agreement to proceed on a multi-phased build out. Our Landscaping is now 3 years mature and looking fabulous, exceeding all expectations last spring and summer. I would highly recommend this firm to one and all.  Bravo Joel & Mark!

Louis Wolfson III
Owner,
1920s Country Place Era Estate

A Landscape isn’t a Blank Slate, it’s a Living System

It carries water, memory, roots, neighbors, wildlife, and future generations all woven together. You want to do right by it. But the process can feel heavy: regulations, budgets, competing voices, shifting climates, and a thousand possible paths forward.

At OLA, we guide that complexity with clarity. We listen with the land, fold in ecological intelligence and help you move confidently from hmm, not sure to heck yes—let’s go.

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Joel Osgood
Principal Landscape Architect

Joel strives to deliver the highest level of service to his clients while ensuring uniquely creative and site-sensitive design solutions are realized for each and every project.

Joel Osgood
Principal Landscape Architect
Mark Connelley
Landscape Architect

Mark believes that all sites have a story to tell. Finding that story and translating it into a viable solution is the basis for creating truly memorable and meaningful experiences.

Mark Connelley
Landscape Architect

Team

Explorers with sketchbooks, design nerds digging into science, and mountain kids who still light up at the sight of fireflies and salamanders.

Ryan Ballard
Landscape Architect

Ryan uses his passion for landscape architecture and knowledge of plants to provide dynamic, ecologically rich, and diverse landscape designs while incorporating beautiful aesthetics and important connections to nature.

Ryan Ballard
Landscape Architect
Alahana Jakeway
Landscape Designer

Alahana firmly believes that a well-designed outdoor space can not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a place but also contribute positively to the existing ecosystem and the surrounding community.

Alahana Jakeway
Landscape Designer
Marlene Franklin
Finance Manager

Marlene uses her highly regarded organizational and communication skills to ensure all goes smoothly in our busy working environment.

Marlene Franklin
Finance Manager
Katie Sewell
Landscape Architect

With interests in ecological restoration and community horticulture, Katie is enthusiastic about supporting the creation of exceptional places that speak to ecology and user experience.

Katie Sewell
Landscape Architect

FAQ

We’re glad you asked.

What does a landscape architect do?
How is landscape architecture different from landscaping?
Do landscape architects work on large commercial projects?
When should I hire a landscape architect?
Can landscape architecture improve property value?
Are landscape architects trained in sustainability?

Contact us

Let’s walk the land together.

We’ll listen, sketch, explore, and guide you forward with clarity and care.

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Send Us a Message

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Send Us a Message

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828.527.6466
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1 Haywood Street
Asheville, NC 28801