Less is More

The contemporary garden. A sense of order. Most important, an attention to detail. Creating a sense of purity and strength through careful and precise planning. Proportion, dimension, and rhythm run through my work—key qualities that define the spaces. The design’s minimalist character suits the modernist yet South Asian architecture. A delicate balancing act of light and shadow. The palette was restrained.

Poolside lounge chairs with wooden canopies.

Wooden outdoor table and chairs with sculpture.

Landscape design plan with labeled sections.

Modern patio overlooking a lush green lawn.

The Manor House

The Designed Landscape. An English garden—a reflection of paradise characterized by mathematical concepts. But, throughout history, gardens, architecture, and artifacts have merged in a great variety of ways. With good design, it is not easy to determine which one of these elements is most important. Garden design gives a building its place. It appears immovable and permanent. These are the essential facets of timeless and enduring design. A particular passion for us.

Potted trees and plants by building windows.

Large stone mansion with manicured lawn pathway.

Landscape design plan with garden layout.

Elegant garden entrance with lantern and plants.

Casa D’Italia

The Italian Renaissance garden was a new style of garden that emerged in the late 15th century at villas in Rome and Florence, inspired by classical ideals of order and beauty, and intended for the pleasure of the view of the garden and the landscape beyond, for contemplation, and for the enjoyment of the sights, sounds, and smells of the garden itself. Custom-designed, hand-carved bas-relief marble fountain, wall, pool, and spa. Geometry is at the heart of this project, which sits nestled in the heart of the city. Attention to detail is endless. A private moment at home. Does your garden tell your story?

Architectural rendering of a house and garden.

Luxurious backyard with pool and lounge chair.

Classical Notes

Classical architecture breathes life into this new pool environment. Unique and purposeful, garden and pool structures were often placed on a site with a dual purpose. The primary function of this building was to reflect the architecture of the home and the clients' extraordinary appreciation for classical lines. With almost equal importance and from a historical perspective, structures like this were located in such a way as to shape the experience of a property by creating the edge for an outdoor room. In this case, terminating a key vista from the piano room of the main residence while providing the functional aspect of disguising mechanicals.

Given the chance, Michener will always interpret a client's dreams and wishes with architectural context. Driven by passion, elevating design.

Water fountain between illuminated columns at night.

Landscape design with pool and garage layout.

Hill Country

Some design vernaculars reside squarely in its indigenous roots. Every few years, a historical look at an old style will serve to fire up the senses and influence current design and building. In this case, it is the powerful presence of the Hill Country lifestyle.

This time around, the popular vernacular style uses material common to Central Texas: limestone blocks, metal roofs, steel-pole construction, and deep porches that shield from the relentless sun. An Austin limestone porch extends out to extend the seasons. A rugged stone pool gently carves its way into the landscape. A swing bench was a gentle nod to slower times. Today's luxury living demands a completely one-of-a-kind experience. In this case, it's rough and rugged, strong and independent.

Landscape architecture plan with labeled features.

Covered patio with wicker furniture and plants.

In Her Court

Where there is water, there is being. At rest or in motion, its essential existence, peaceful sound, and shifting forms of light bring harmony and emotional nourishment to interior and exterior spaces alike.

In her court, a nautilus sits. At its heart beats the glory of expression—ART...inspired and meaningful.

Curtain glass was installed on the rear facade of the house to extend this statement of luxury. A small space, with a simple essence, achieves something unique and truly personal for our client. Many clients approach us with a strong desire to make the connection between indoors and outdoors. A strong indicator is that many of our clients seek that daily personal experience that defines luxury.

Modern sculpture in tranquil garden setting.

Architectural site plan with detailed measurements.

Indoor garden with sculpture and waterfall feature.

Water flowing from a stone wall fountain.

Evening Shade

Each design is one of a kind.

Modern design in the garden emphasizes simplicity, function, and natural materials. It originated in the early to mid-20th century and is characterized by clean lines, minimalism, and an open sense of space. Uncluttered and void of ornate detail. Focus on how you see a space being used, with form following function.

Natural materials like steel, water, and stone. Neutral colors of white and gray, and a dash of vibrant color accents found in the furnishings.

Lines: horizontal and vertical lines mixed with geometric shapes.

Modern house exterior with night lighting.

Modern patio with outdoor kitchen at night.

Architectural floor plan with labeled measurements.

Modern patio with illuminated pool at night.

On the Board

Plans are treated like art. Detailed concepts and a fitting scale. Each presents a unique opportunity for us to take you places you never expected. Our goal is to provide you with a design and execution full of surprises. Moments that exceed your thoughts of “what is possible” for your environment. To take you on a journey that not only “persuades” you but ultimately “moves you.” Each plan is unique and addresses those dreams and desires torn from magazines or places you've visited or always dreamt of! We like working with clients who want things that make life better.

USA. Projects have been designed and built throughout Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. Projects abroad have taken us to Canada, Argentina, Chile, Germany, and Switzerland. Currently, we are creating in Houston, Tampa, Mississauga, and Toronto.