A backyard that makes your home feel like a private retreat
Backyards and patios are precious in New York City, making every square foot count. A well-designed backyard transforms a functional outdoor space into a sanctuary, a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the city without leaving home.
From morning coffee in the sun to evening gatherings under ambient lighting, a thoughtfully designed backyard or patio creates an outdoor extension of your home. Even small spaces can feel expansive, layered, and welcoming with the right design approach.
Garden Design NYC is led by Todd Haiman, a Brooklyn-born landscape designer known for creating bespoke outdoor spaces that balance architecture, horticulture, and how New Yorkers actually live. Todd holds a Master of Science in Landscape Design from Columbia University and trained at the New York Botanical Garden. His work has been recognized through design awards and exhibitions and has been featured by the NY Times, Architectural Digest, Better Homes & Gardens for transforming even compact urban backyards into highly functional and beautiful spaces.
Our work has been consistently recognized for its innovation and quality:
These accolades underscore a commitment to design integrity, sustainability, and timeless outdoor spaces.
Designing a backyard or patio in New York is about more than just adding furniture or plants. It requires careful planning to maximize space, privacy, and livability. A dedicated designer ensures your backyard or patio functions beautifully, looks seamless, and complements your lifestyle.
We visit the residence, listen closely to your goals, aspirations, site challenges, and discuss typical budget ranges.
You receive a clear, fixed-fee proposal outlining scope and how we’ll work together, from concept through final landscape plan.
We share concept options with precedent imagery, sketches, and renderings; together we develop themaster plan; a true blueprint for layout, hardscape, planting, pergolas, furnishings, and site amenities.
We coordinate with engineers, architects, and expediters; we advocate for you so submissions remain compliant and your design intent stays intact.
We ensure the design intent and construction methods offer a clear direction for all to follow beginning with you the client. Detailed drawings, sections, planting plans, lighting specs, and material schedules — offer the technical clarity contractors need to build and install.
We issue coordinated technical sets and assemble line-item cost guides; then we help phase and value-engineer without compromising design quality.
We schedule, manage, and review workmanship, collaborating with best-in-class fabricators and trades. (You are welcome to use your preferred contractors as well.)
A tailored maintenance plan and optional long-term site wardship keeps the garden performing beautifully as it matures.
A penthouse urban oasis
Our client, a couple with teenage sons, sought an exterior series of rooms to become an extension of their indoor space, for family dining/relaxing, a space to entertain large groups. They asked for us to create an artistic pergola as a focal point. We created a rooftop garden design that balances art with functional, modern NYC living:
The result is a tranquil retreat with multiple sweeping views, a rooftop garden that is both aesthetic and deeply meaningful.
You’re not hiring us for furniture or plants. You’re hiring us for the result: a backyard or patio that feels intentional, functional, and unmistakably designed for you.
1)Do I need permits to renovate a backyard or patio in NYC?
Sometimes. Requirements depend on grading changes, drainage, structures, and landmark or zoning regulations. We guide you through what applies.
2)Can you design patios or backyards for small lots?
Absolutely. We specialize in maximizing functionality and aesthetics, even in tight NYC spaces.
3)How do you create privacy in an urban backyard?
Through layering planting, screening, fences, pergolas, and careful layout planning.
4)What materials work best for NYC backyards and patios?
Durable woods, stone, concrete, and metals are selected based on exposure, maintenance preference, and aesthetic goals.
5)Can a backyard or patio include outdoor kitchens, seating, or fire features?
Yes. Many NYC backyards are designed as fully functional outdoor living spaces with dining, lounging, and entertainment zones.
6)How long does a backyard or patio project usually take?
Timelines vary based on scope, approvals, fabrication, and seasonality. A realistic schedule is outlined after consultation and site review.