Inspired Landscapes. Masterfully Managed.
Our Story: Rooted in Ingenuity
We don’t just design beautiful outdoor spaces; we thrive on making the impossible happen.
Our business story started on Mackinac Island in 2008, where we essentially created what has become the iconic, vibrant "Mackinac Island look." If you’ve ever visited, you know it’s a place where time stands still and where motorized vehicles are strictly forbidden.
To bring lush, heirloom-quality landscapes to life for over 200 island clients, our crew learned to work without the luxury of pickup trucks, loaders, or skid steers. Instead, we embraced a little ancient ingenuity. Relying on horses, oversized bicycle trailers, block-and-tackle pulley systems, and good old-fashioned leverage, we mastered the art of moving massive root balls and heavy stone by hand. From catching 3:00 AM ferry deliveries of fresh annuals to hanging downtown baskets before the tourists wake up, we know what it takes to deliver perfection under pressure.
If we can build award-winning, stunning gardens using bikes and horse-drawn buggies, imagine what we can do for your property.
From Mackinac, we have now taken focus on design and management of projects in Northern Michigan, as well as Southwest Florida.
A True Team Approach
Great landscaping isn't a solo act. It takes a village of talented people working toward a singular vision.
When you partner with Jack Barnwell Design, you aren’t just hiring a licensed, award-winning landscape architect, you are gaining a dedicated team of passionate professionals and an elite network of regional craftspeople.
We believe that local expertise matters. Because we offer design, consulting, and project management across incredibly diverse climates from the rugged shores of Northern Michigan to the sun-drenched coasts of Southwest Florida and beyond, we don't take a one-size-fits-all approach to construction.
Instead, we partner with the absolute best local landscape contractors in your specific region.
How We Work Together:
Tailored Selection: We personally interview, vet, and hand-select the finest local contractors and artisans specifically suited to the unique demands of your project.
Seamless Management: You can skip the stress of managing multiple crews. Jack and his team oversee every single element of the installation with the highest level of professionalism and a healthy dose of perfectionism.
Stunning Results: By pairing Jack’s unique, timeless design concepts with the finest regional craftsmen, the transition from paper blueprint to living masterpiece is entirely seamless.