studio b designworks

In early March 2016 we started construction on a new home in Rockport. At that time, we did not have a landscape plan, and assumed that we'd develop one as the project evolved. Fast forward to September - after the failure of two separate individuals to create a compelling landscape plan - our builder is now desperately asking for the landscape plan so that he can complete the work in his scope. And this is where Stephen joins the story... We needed a lot, and we needed it quickly. And to further raise our anxiety, we had a few design problems that were kicked down the road and finally had to be resolved. So, what did we drop on Stephen? Just the design of the following: bluestone front walkway, bluestone rear patio, granite steps, transitions from porch and deck to walkway and patio, retaining walls, various planting beds, screening trees, native boulders for landscape, lawn, buried propane tank, and a nasty grade change on one side of our home. Over the course of about 4 weeks, Stephen not only provided a complete landscape conceptual design, incorporating our ideas and requirements, but also provided the details to our stone mason for the walkway, patio, steps, and transitions. In addition, Stephen offered a truly novel solution to that large grade change. Where everyone else had suggested a gradual change over an extended distance, Stephen proposed a clever idea that delivered a deliberate change with the use of a few retaining boulders and steps. Not only did this create a nice design feature, but also it improved the quality of the space by eliminating the grading. Stephen provided us an excellent landscape overview and his design provided the basis for our hardscape which we largely completed in 2016. Because we were so pleased with Stephen's design skills, in early spring 2017 we asked him to develop a complete planting plan for our yard. Stephen quickly delivered an excellent plan that took into account our planting preferences and requirements for screening, low maintenance, and drought tolerance. Setting the resume above aside, and perhaps accepting as an article of faith our oath that Stephen Bagley has great design chops, here are a few more reasons why we recommend him: 1. Both times when we engaged Stephen we caught him when he was buried with other work. Still, he was able to offer us his help, and deliver high-quality work in an acceptable timeframe. 2. Stephen's communication skills, and especially his writing, are something else. With regards to both the conceptual overview and detailed planting plans, Stephen provided what could be considered a narrative of the approach and thoughtful justifications for the key decisions. 3. We had many design requirements based on our experiences. Stephen did a good job taking those into consideration. In a few cases where local realities conflicted with requirements, Stephen explained why and offered alternatives. We recently hired a contractor to build our plan and we are delighted with our landscape. We appreciate all the thought and consideration that Stephen rolled into the design.

It is with the greatest enthusiasm that I recommend Stephen (Steve) Bagley and the services of studio b designworks to anyone seeking to create exquisite outdoor space for their home. Steve is an incredibly creative landscape designer who is as easy to work with as he is immensely talented. He is passionate about his work, and pays great attention to the details that make the difference between a nice piece of art and a masterpiece. Three years ago, I would have described my property as a series of disparate spaces that neither flowed, nor related to each other. An oceanside terrace was too narrow, with no connection to the gardens below it, a wide asphalt driveway claimed too much attention, and there was no obvious path from the street to the front door. Steve created and executed a master plan that tied the whole property together. He took his cues from the interior of the house, in which curves were the repeating design element, and repeated the theme outdoors. This included designing a graciously curved bluestone and granite veneer ocean patio, installing a cobbled parking courtyard, crafting a bluestone walkway through gardens to the front door, and designing a spectacular, arched entry pergola. The plantings he carefully selected were lovely and fragrant – soft periwinkles and purples, rose, lime and sage greens. Each set of plantings flows to the next.In short, my property was transformed. I couldn’t have been more delighted. As a final comment, Steve is a really, really nice guy and a person of great integrity. You can trust his word. He’ll work within your budget and help you make the right choices. And, he knew how to do every piece of my job. That meant that he could jump in to cut a curved bluestone walkway or help assemble the pergola or find the exact right placement of a boulder - and he did!

I hired Stephen Bagley and Studio B Design to overhaul the front landscaping of my house. We had woody, overgrown shrubs, an out of date walk way, and no flow to the design. Stephen assessed the area, made recommendations - things we would never would have thought of - and we ended up with a front yard that is beautiful and still in keeping with our nearly 100 year old house. We live on a well traveled street and continually received compliments from neighbors and strangers on the changes we made. Stephen is an artist and a professional. His knowledge of plants, design materials and the natural environment runs deep and is woven into the fabric of what he does. Stephen is smart, reliable, honest and fun to work with. Five stars really isn't enough!