Design for the places we dwell.
We were founded on the belief that our public and private landscapes, rooftops, and lakefronts are like canvases… Places for us to be creative in delivering nature-based solutions that are dynamic, eco-driven, and naturally resilient.
Over the years, we’ve gained a deep understanding of what goes into creating these spaces and places. It’s not only knowing how things function or which scientific technology to use to be most sustainable. It’s also realizing the crucial relationships between manufacturers, design professionals, contractors, and owners/developers that are needed to make an idea come to life. Knowing each aspect of the process — and having the experience in each — is what sets us apart.
Backed by our founder’s degree in Landscape Architecture and nearly 20 years of experience in the green roof industry, we’ve got a deep technical and logistical understanding of the design and construction process, in both carpentry and landscaping. By having a hand in every step of a project from start to finish, we bring the efficiencies and care that save you time, money, and hassle.
Every job is different, but our intentions are always the same. We’re driven by a clear goal of educating our collaborators, providing our clients with environmentally, economically, and socially driven solutions, and implementing a more resilient approach to development. Through your sustainable project, you can help us build a stronger community.
We’re bringing a new meaning to ‘green.’
We’ve got a vast understanding of the built environment (both residential and commercial) and decades of experience in all things landscaping. We put the two together — along with our ‘bigger picture’ outlook — to be there for the full life cycle of your project, managing things from concept to completion.
Depending on your unique project, we’re comfortable stepping in at any point along the way to create the lasting natural spaces you’re looking for — on time, on budget, and with less headache.
With the experience and expertise you deserve, we’ve got you covered.
Initial Project Conceptualization // Design & Detailing // Planning & Budgeting // Performance Analysis // Material & Plant Selection
Too many times, a designer has never actually built the landscape systems or bid out the components they are putting onto paper. Trends, material selections, and design styles can easily overtake function and cost, with maintenance and sustainability often being left out from consideration altogether.
At Inhabitect, we do things differently. We know how things are built, how they function, and we understand the logistics of material sourcing. We’ve learned what it takes to install what is designed and the labor needed to do it all. And for every project we design, we consider the environmental, social, and economic impacts that come with it.
Site Planning & Logistics // Permitting & Scheduling // Procurement & Installation
It’s important for the transition between design, bidding, and buildout to be seamless. That’s why our Inhabitect construction and installation crews are closely aligned with our design team. In fact, it’s common that your designer is the same person who is your project’s cost estimator, and who you’ll find on-site acting as your primary project manager and main point of contact.
This systematic approach helps make sure that the end product meets the project’s overall design goals and, most importantly, your expectations. By blurring the lines between designing and building, improved communication and efficient collaboration are made possible.
Plant Establishment & Maintenance Planning // Project Turn-Over // Post-Construction Communication
One of the most important, and often overlooked, aspects of any landscape design is plant establishment and maintenance — after everything has been installed. While you may be able to reduce your overall costs through minimized maintenance, we always encourage considering this stage to ensure the success of your investment.
We believe your final satisfaction hinges on the horticultural success of your project, so we’ve included it into our service offerings as a vital part of the ‘landscape story.’
We’ve got a strong team whose technical talents, communication skills, and dedication to top-notch service help set us apart from the competition. We’re proud of our team’s diverse backgrounds and experiences and the integrity they bring to work every day.
We are hiring! Click here for more info.
ASLA, GRP, CNSP
Read Nathan’s bio here.
We believe safety and liability protection are things you shouldn’t have to worry about.
Different from many landscapers and roofers, we carry general and professional liability insurance and are fully bondable to protect you, your property, and your investment with us. While our prices may sometimes be higher than that of other companies, they reflect the added measures we’ve taken to bring you the peace of mind you’re looking for. We’re proud to provide certificates of coverage to every customer, for every project.
Safety is also a priority for us and our collaborators. Our entire team is covered by Workers’ Compensation and key crew members hold OSHA certifications. We also have OSHA rigging, hoisting, and telehandler certificates. Every Inhabitect driver holds a chauffeur’s license, with CDL drivers also on staff. We’ve written safety and training manuals for our employees to follow, including specialty safety guidelines for working around hazards like silica dust and heavy machinery.
Inhabitect is a full-service firm dedicated to designing, building, and growing all forms of living architecture. Based in Traverse City, Michigan — and consulting throughout North America — we create green roofs, natural shorelines, and other stormwater management and eco-minded landscape solutions for clients across the state. We’re bringing a new meaning to ‘GREEN.’
