Falling Waters Landscape

We contacted Falling Waters to help us design and build our backyard this year. We had a somewhat limited budget but were able to work with the team to come up with a really great design that we modified a few times along the way. I was always happy with the response of the team to our concerns and a few setbacks on our side along the way. When the work started the crew on site were really great, very friendly and respectful and always on time so the entire project was completed as we expected. We had a few hiccups during some of the construction but it was easy to have those addressed. The finished product is great, we are really happy with how it looks even though some elements were added that we hadn't initially planned for, for example on day 1 the team suggested we add a deck/pergola area to add usable space to the yard. Although this significantly increased the budget it was the right decision and we're really happy about it now. We had a fire pit installed with some unique colorful tiling that really look great. The subcontractors that FWL uses all seem to be very good and were very friendly too. Overall we were very pleased with the outcome and we hope to work with the team again to get some help landscaping our front yard. Happy customers.

FWL was on a short list of bidders when we considered a backyard overhaul a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, we had to put the project on hold, and in the interim did a couple of smaller projects with low-budget bidders. Having felt the sting of those decisions (poor finish work and blown budgets), we went back to Ryan and the team at FWL when we were finally ready to do the big backyard project. And I cannot tell you how happy I am we got to work with this crew. The project was big in scope and our budget was finite, but Ryan and the team worked with us to get it done with the design and trim details they are well known for, but still working with what we had to spend. What I am most grateful for is Ryan and his team's thoughtful take on the project, and guidance whenever we had to make a critical decision. He knows what really matters, and he never compromises on finish. He even went out of his way to advocate for improved design details with a sub-contractor we had installing a rainwater catchment system at the same time. At the end of the day, we have the backyard of our dreams, and he it did all on budget, on time and for that we are forever grateful that FWL worked with us.

SHORT STORY This review is long overdue, likely because we've been spending so much time enjoying our new yard! Put simply, Ryan, Garrett, and the entire Falling Waters crew did an exceptional job on our front/backyard project. They finished on time (early, in fact) and on budget. We recommend them without hesitation. LONG STORY We solicited bids/estimates from three different firms for our project, including Falling Waters. All bidders were given the same project scope and wish list. Truth be told, we initially selected another bidder for the work, largely due to cost. We quickly learned that this decision was a mistake, as the selected bidder inflated the project cost as we began the design process in earnest. At the end of the day, Falling Waters gave us the best/closest ballpark estimate based on our scope, and their aesthetic aligned well with our ideas for the landscaping. After cancelling with our initial selection, we went back to Ryan and started over. The design process with Ryan and Garrett was wonderful. They listened to our needs and incorporated our ideas, but they also pushed back on areas where they thought a different solution or approach made better sense. They also brought a lot of their own ideas to the table, and many of those ideas are now among our favorite parts of the finished project. Trust the folks at Falling Waters and their judgement - they really are experts and they know what they're doing. We'd be remiss if we didn't mention how meticulous the final plans were - incredibly detailed, down to the placement of each and every plant. Having completed some other renovation work recently, we were somewhat nervous about the transition to the build phase. It's one thing to draw something on paper, but entirely something else to start making those plans a reality. The Falling Waters crew was exceptional in every regard. They always showed up when they were supposed to, and we always knew what they were working on from week to week. The crew was incredibly clean - we had several neighbors comment on their cleanliness during the course of the project. They were also efficient and finished our project earlier than we had anticipated. We did have a small hiccup during the project where a change was made in the field to the original plans (drainage issue). To his credit, Ryan offered to demo the work and deliver on the original design - but we actually preferred the change. Our project concluded a few months ago, and we haven't had any issues; plants are thriving, and all the working elements of the design are functioning well. All told, our experience with Falling Waters was probably the most fun and least stressful of all the various renovation projects we took on for our new house. Thanks again to the Brothers Prange and the rest of the great crew at Falling Waters.

We hired Falling Waters to design and build our backyard. Having dealt with numerous contractors for various home improvement projects in the past, we found Falling Waters to be extremely professional, thoughtful, creative and even fun to work with. From our first meeting to the final walk through, everyone we encountered was courteous and professional. They gave us transparent information about pricing and timeline and stuck to everything they said they would do. We felt our design was very well thought out and took into consideration the fact that we have young children and made the most out of our budget. The work crew that showed up every day was the most professional and kind crew I have ever worked with. You could tell that everyone took great pride in their work and left the site clean and tidy every single day - a small detail but very appreciated when you are living in a construction site for 6 weeks. From the owner of the company to our project manager to the accountant to the men doing the actual labor - everyone was wonderful to work with. They answered our questions and concerns quickly and with respect. And if we had changes or additions they turned those around quickly as well. Most importantly they really did serve as our design expert and questioned some of our asks in a smart way - and gave us better ideas as professionals in the field. They are not the cheapest contractor however they take great pride in their work and their work is a great value for what they provide. They also helped us navigate through tricky city issues and persnickety neighbors with confidence and professionalism. Our backyard is now a gorgeous functional outdoor living space that we will enjoy with our family for years and years to come. We would highly recommend working with Falling Waters.

The Falling Waters team were great to work with from start to finish. Our home is situated on a large lot with a slope in the backyard which made it difficult to fully utilize the space. Ryan came up with an amazing plan to make the most out of the space with a vision my husband and I would have never been able to come up with on our own. The team that worked on our project were a joy to have around. They were so pleasant to work with and always in a good mood even on stressful days such as a big concrete pour or craning in boulders and trees. They are always calm, respectful, hard working and never take shortcuts. You can tell these guys are true craftsmen! The FWL team always listened to our input and were great to work with from start to finish. If you care about design and craftsmanship, I would definitely recommend FWL for your project!

So we have had a different experience with Falling Waters than many. We engaged the firm and set a budget expectation. The initial design was pretty far off from what we wanted given that we gave them clear photos of the design we wanted. That was not a big deal as we had an allowance of design changes available. The bigger deal was that the initial quote was more than double the budget we gave them. That was a big concern. We pushed forward with several design changes to get the design to a place where we hoped it would get to - in the end, we did like the design. We also in the meantime got a second bid on the project from another company. The second company was substantially less expensive but also to be fair had fewer projects under their belt. We shared that the competitive bid was cheaper and by what amount and asked that Falling Water do what they could to reduce their price - we clearly did ask them to meet the competitive bid. We merely asked them to sharpen the pencil to the extent they could. We got a slight revision that evening. We accepted their revision and intended to move forward. We then received another email (on Sunday) that they were backing out of the bid and didn't think they could meet the timeframe or the price they offered and that the project probably wouldn't go well. They said they would call on Monday. Instead of a call, we got another email explaining further that they were rescinding the bid for construction. No calls just a continued email. By this time, I had made two phone calls to the office. Ryan Prange was just being extremely difficult (via email) and to be honest quite cagey. At this point, Ryan has backed out of the construction project and left us with a design that now we don't know for sure is executable (perhaps that is why he has backed out?). We would have never engaged a designer that was not going to execute the construction of a project and now we, unfortunately, have done just that. The net-net of the situation is that we have a 'near' complete design but nothing more and are out several thousand dollars. Fortunately, we got a competitive bid and have another company to fall back on. There are several good reviews and some really bad ones which shows this a bit of a hot and cold type of company. I haven't experienced a business that behaves this way in any of the homes we have owned. I would be wary of this business.

I decided to write this review before our project is finished. I would hate to delay recommending this amazing team because of choices we have made. (which means it will take longer then originally planned due to us) Where do I even start? #1 The owner/designer Ryan has a natural talent that cannot be learned and money cannot buy. This is a family run business that takes pride in their work and reputation in our local community. #2 In a world where finding honest contractors can be challenging, I find it very important to mention they are honest and reliable. #3 They offer different options depending on your needs. From the design consultation to doing the entire job. There is a lot of room to customize which was very appealing to us. We have to do our project in stages due to remodeling our entire house as well. We were able to get the entire plans done ahead so as things are torn up for the house and rewired etc... what is needed down the road for the yard project can be done now. That saves a lot of time and money. When our project is completed I will come back and post some photos. In the meantime check out their website and on line social media presence to see a large variety of jobs they've done. I know I have seen their work in Sunset magazine as well. If it's not obvious, we highly recommend Falling Waters Landscape! We cannot wait until our project is done! So excited!

We hired FWLD in October after seeing the Houzz reviews. They were quick to respond and visit the proposed project. Brooks was our lead guy. We are more than thrilled with the outcome. They met every idea and concern with great professionalism, stayed within our budget and worked with us to accomplish that. I have been in the interior design business for over 25 years overseeing many interior remodels I can honestly say that this group is as professional and caring as anyone I've ever encountered. From Ryan to Brooks to the guys in the field, they are over and above responsive, careful, respectful and a joy to work with.

We hired Falling Waters after much research. We absolutely love their work- Highly recommend them if you’re looking for something modern and unique, as well as detail oriented and ultra-high quality. The pool construction took a little longer than they had estimated due to other projects, but after it was finished our backyard looks even better than we had envisioned. Our backyard is a resort-like oasis for us!

From the moment Ryan set his eyes on my impossibly terraced ramshackle of a backyard I could see his brain’s gears spinning with ideas. His very first vision was a hedge/screen and private staircase entry for our new guest house... brilliant! (We’d NEVER have thought if it!)A previously inaccessible, contorted, unused space has been transformed into several usable spaces including an inviting fire pit area, a communal table, horse-trough raised garden beds, and a mountain-facing observation deck. Butterflies and hummingbirds appeared within days of planting a Mediterranean garden filled with olive trees, lavender & rosemary. Friendly & knowledgeable staff; expert advice; patient with client questions, concerns and mind-changes!

As a practicing architect in San Diego, I had to provide a review of my experience w/ the Falling Waters Landscape team. I recently completed my initial project w/ FWL + I really hope we can collaborate in the future. Their landscape design perfectly complimented the home in Cardiff we remodeled (the Edinburg Residence). Not only did they bring an entire set of great ideas to the project, but they were able to dovetail the landscape design to the architecture by matching some of the conceptual points I used to start the project. I can't recommend the Falling Waters Landscape team enough!

After researching a few design firms, with much anticipation, we settled on Falling Waters and couldn't be happier with the result. We wanted a clean, comfortable and modern backyard and pool, with plenty of space for entertaining and having fun with family and friends. Ryan, Brooks, and team gave us exactly that. Everyone was a pleasure to work with, and the whole team was extremely responsive and responsible when the inevitable issues, for a project of this scale, arose. The team is extremely professional and the quality of the work is impeccable. We look forward to many memories being made in our beautiful new backyard!