Christian Kolarz didn’t start out with a plan to lead one of the top boutique landscaping firms in New York. But with more than 25 years of hands-on experience, his work now stands out across the NYC metro area and its suburbs.
He launched C.KOLARZ DESIGN in 2014 after decades of learning, testing, and refining the art of outdoor transformation.
“My clients don’t just want a backyard,” Kolarz says. “They want a solution to a problem. That’s where I come in.”
That problem might be a cramped patio, a lifeless front yard, or a blank commercial lot. But his answer is almost always the same: listen closely, design creatively, and build for the long haul.
What Makes Christian Kolarz’s Designs Different?
Many landscape companies offer design and maintenance. Kolarz offers something more personal, and more enduring.
“I try to design for time,” he explains. “Not just for the day it’s installed, but for how it will grow and evolve 10, 15 years from now.”
At C.KOLARZ DESIGN, that philosophy shows up in the details. Instead of relying on high-maintenance lawns or trendy fixtures, he uses dwarf varietals that require minimal pruning. He designs trample-resistant ground covers to reduce water waste. And he always considers the full lifecycle of a garden—how plants change, how paths shift, how shade falls.
But perhaps his most noticeable signature? The “curvilinear style” his clients rave about.
“I don’t like straight lines,” he says. “They’re harsh. Nature doesn’t work that way, so why should I?”
His projects feature softened edges, stone pathways that curve like rivers, and tucked-away seating areas that invite exploration. It’s more than aesthetic, it’s intentional. “A garden should pull you in,” he says.
Building a Business on Listening and Detail
“A lot of designers talk. I listen first,” he says. That approach has led to a loyal client base that values his thoughtfulness. Some call him a “landscape dream architect.” Others credit him with turning a “problem space” into a “boundless oasis.”
On review platforms like Houzz.com, many note his team’s professionalism, thorough communication, and ability to stay on time and on budget. His clients don’t just feel satisfied, they also feel heard.
“I like when a client says, ‘You got it exactly right,’” Kolarz says. “Because that means I paid attention.”
The Four Seasons, Five Senses Rule
One of Kolarz’s core principles is what he calls “Four Seasons & Five Senses.” He believes outdoor spaces should stay engaging all year long, and stimulate more than just the eyes.
That means color and texture in every season, from snow-covered camellias in winter to fresh lavender in spring. It also means sound, smell, and touch—think wind chimes, rosemary bushes, or the sound of trickling water from a stone fountain.
“A garden isn’t just to look at,” he explains. “It’s something to feel. It’s memory. It’s comfort.”
Small Firm, Big Vision
C.KOLARZ DESIGN is a boutique firm, and that’s by choice. It allows Kolarz to stay involved in every project and keep his team focused on quality over quantity. The company serves the New York City area and surrounding suburbs.
His team uses organic materials, child-safe methods, and green equipment whenever possible. They’re also fully insured and warranty their work, which builds trust with clients who often return for more projects.
In 2025, the company was named Best Full-Service Landscape Design Firm in NYC by Build Review. But Kolarz is quick to shift the focus back to the work itself.
“I want the space to speak,” he says. “I want the garden to do the talking.”
Designing for the Future of Landscaping
What’s next for Christian Kolarz? He’s staying focused on sustainability, client education, and adapting to the changing climate.
That means using plants that survive extreme weather, designing with less water, and helping clients understand the long-term benefits of low-maintenance landscapes.
He also hopes to continue inspiring younger designers to think deeper. “Design is problem solving,” he says. “It’s not just about what looks nice. It’s about what works—and lasts.”
Final Thoughts
Christian Kolarz has built a business on trust, creativity, and real expertise. His designs don’t just fill space—they transform it.
“My job is to unlock the potential of a space,” he says. “Sometimes all it takes is a new path, a boulder in the right spot, or a tree that blooms in the right month.”
In a world full of cookie-cutter yards and fast fixes, Kolarz’s designs offer something rare: a landscape that grows better with time.
Read more:
Christian Kolarz on Designing Landscapes That Last a Lifetime
