Portland Landscape
Design & Build

Why Drake’s 7 Dees Design and Build

Based in Portland, OR, Drake’s 7 Dees is a full-service landscape design and build company for Portland, Oregon. We take your landscaping dreams from initial concept through to final completion. This means you spend less time coordinating between designers, contractors, and sub-contractors, and more time enjoying the excellent results.

Your time is precious. Our design & build model establishes a smoother, more enjoyable process and strong client-contractor teamwork, delivering a superior end-product. It’s an approach that many people don’t imagine, but it works!

Just as an artist does more than cover a canvas with paint, Drake’s 7 Dees’ design-first mentality means that we approach each landscaping project with artistic creativity, budget knowledge, and intentional design. Over six decades of experience ensure that all this creativity is wrapped in confident professionalism.

Your yard is an influential part of your home. Improving it optimizes your enjoyment, resale value, and entertainment potential. Whatever your reason, we’d be honored to serve you. Call or email us today.

Landscape Designers and Building Structure Architects

Drake’s landscape design and build is unique in the Portland, OR area and perhaps in the entire Pacific Northwest in that certain members of our staff are structural architects. What does this mean for you? If your landscape remodel and renovation will involve any of the following:

  • Garden Room
  • Covered Outdoor Structure
  • Home addition
  • Home remodel
  • French Doors
  • Sunroom
  • Pool house
  • Shed or other outbuilding

there is no need to find or work with a separate architect or builder to complete the project. Projects requiring an architect, engineer, or building permits can be developed by Drake’s Portland architects and landscape designers along with the rest of your property, keeping the design process simple and fast.

Get the FREE Drake’s 7 Dees 2024 Landscape Design Guide

Drake’s 7 Dees 2024 Design Guide is the product of over six decades of landscape design and construction in popular Portland neighborhoods and beyond. It’s a must-read for anyone thinking of redoing or upgrading their landscape. Get the download and be ready to get inspired! Then contact Drake’s 7 Dees to find out how we can transform your landscape.

Landscape Construction Services for Portland, Oregon

The act of enclosing a space and cultivating life in it implies strength, hope, optimism, a sense of community and the will to be the best possible version of ourselves

Drake’s 7 Dees is passionate about Portland landscape design and installation. For our landscape designers, the form and function of your outdoor space is about more than appearance or making a financial investment – it’s about having a great time with the people in your life. We specialize in building outdoor spaces for living, laughing, and making countless memories with friends and family.

Drake’s 7 Dees has everything you need to transform your outdoor space, all under one roof:

When you have Drake’s 7 Dees working with you as your landscape design and installation company, you know that you have someone who will be with you every step of the way.

Selected Landscape Design and Build Work

A luxury resort-style alfresco dining experience in the comfort of your backyard. With expertise and creativity, the team at ...
Escape to your own private retreat, where every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create an atmosphere of beauty ...
Seeking a landscape that harmonizes sustainability with vibrant visual appeal, this family achieved equilibrium through a blend ...
When the view is this breathtaking, our priority is to design spaces that allow people to fully appreciate and immerse themselves ...
Our team transformed a modest backyard into a versatile and inviting space perfect for family gatherings and entertaining guests. ...
Our client asked us to help re-envision a hillside backyard that was overgrown, steep, unusable, and generally unattractive. ...
This yard perfectly balances minimal maintenance with maximum enjoyment, ideal for those who want more time to play, and ...
Maximizing small spaces for big gatherings is our specialty. In this compact backyard, we've created multiple distinct sitting areas that ...
Perched above the sidewalks on a prominent corner lot, this meticulously restored colonial is the grande dame of Irvington. But, as these ...
We looked to maximize the front yard’s potential vis-à-vis the microclimate. The shade, however, kept things interesting in that we had to look ...
This viewing deck, just off Portland’s famous Skyline Boulevard, pulls the outdoor entertaining experience out into ...
Our team paid careful attention to the grade changes, dimensions of the yard, line-of-sight, and the difficult sun/shade patterns to ...
We came up with some beautiful features in the landscape that reflected the modern sensibilities of the home’s redesign. The home and ...
When these garden-loving homeowners built their home on the site of a tear-down in the Alameda neighborhood of ...
As one might guess from the sleek, modernist outdoor space our team created for these Washington homeowners, the house ...
This active Lake Oswego family was struggling with an insufficient patio perched at the base of a steeply-sloped backyard. The hill that ...
We looked to maximize the front yard’s potential vis-à-vis the microclimate. The shade, however, kept things interesting in that we had to look ...
In retirement, many people move from a colder, wetter climate to a hotter, drier one. This couple, however, traded bustling, balmy San Diego ...
Roaring fires, soaring cedar structures clad in star jasmine, and luxurious wood & black steel arbors. Our friends and clients here ...
Pool design is not just the pool dimensions, but how the pool fits into the site specifically and its surroundings. Elevation changes, location ...

What Our Clients Say about Drake’s 7 Dees Portland Landscape Design and Build Services

To get started with your Portland landscape design and build, contact us today!

Start Your Project Today

Selected Components of a Portland Landscape Design

Our clients come to us both when they’re looking to do a complete renovation of their outdoor living space and when they’re looking to add an individual feature to their property that will complement their outdoor experience.

Decks

Particularly on sloped ground, decks provide the ideal place to gather. But designing and constructing a deck that looks great and lasts with minimal maintenance is a job for a professional with access to the latest in deck material options. Talk to us to learn what we can do to build an excellent deck space for your backyard.

Driveways

Just because a driveway is a necessity doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful. Whether you choose a concrete driveway, a driveway made using stone or eco-friendly pavers, or some other material, our Portland landscape designers will make sure it adds to the overall image of your property. You may not want to park your car on your driveway so you can see it more completely! And with any driveway Drake’s 7 Dees creates, we artfully incorporate select landscape and hardscape elements to make sure it blends well with the rest of your property both now and well into the future.

Fences

Fences are an important part of landscape design as a frame for plants, grass, flower beds, and other features. They also stand out as the structure in your landscape that your neighbors will most be exposed to. For these reasons, fences should be constructed to provide privacy and borders in a pleasing way that works not only with the rest of your landscape but with the style of your neighborhood.

Fire Pits and Fireplaces

At Drake’s 7 Dees, our landscape designers do what they do to provide a place for you to gather with your friends and family and have a great time in the process. Outdoor fire pits and fireplaces provide the focal point for these moments. Whether you’re looking for the simple operation and maintenance of gas or the classic feel of a real wood fire pit – or if the fireplace is the focal point of your landscape or an add-on feature to an outdoor kitchen or pool, our team designs and builds outdoor fire pits and fireplaces that are safe, beautiful, and seamlessly integrated.

Gardens

Many of our clients like to create a space that not only looks good but is fruitful as well. Our landscape design team will find ways to incorporate garden space into any yard. You aren’t limited to the typical vegetable garden, either. Consider what your property will look like with fruit trees, an herb garden, a flower garden, or any combination! The only limitation to what you can have is your space.

Hot Tubs

Hot tubs and outdoor spas are simple to maintain and fun to use year-round. With Drake’s 7 Dees you aren’t limited to an out-of-the-box hot tub experience. Our hot tub designers and installation subcontractors work together to develop a hot tub experience that will provide a relaxing space whether you’re seeking solitude or time together.

Lighting

When many homeowners imagine their landscape, one of the last things that comes to mind is what it looks like when it’s dark. Yet that is a crucial detail that >Drake’s 7 Dees Portland landscape design and build team looks at. Much of the opportunity you have to enjoy your landscape will come after the sun has set – make the most of it by having proper lighting for your outdoor space that highlights your design features and lets people enjoy outdoor living at all hours. Of course, we ensure that our lighting is both warm and energy-efficient so you’re not worried about the cost of keeping the lights on.

Outdoor Kitchens

A landscape design feature which has recently gained traction are outdoor kitchens. Installing a kitchen outdoors allows hosts to participate with the group and enjoy the outdoors even as they are getting things ready, while simultaneously taking your barbeque to the next level. If you enjoy cooking and the outdoors, consider an outdoor kitchen as a possible part of your landscape design project.

Outdoor Living Rooms

Outdoor living spaces provide the opportunity for enjoyment of fresh air year-round in the Pacific Northwest. Often featuring comforts such as outdoor furniture, overhead lighting, television, and a fireplace or other heating solution, outdoor living rooms are the perfect place to gather to eat a meal, watch a game, or be the focal point of a party.

Patios

For those who have the space, patios are a focal point for gathering and relaxing in the backyard. When it comes to patios, there are many options to think through, from the materials and colors used to construct the patio itself, to the accompanying landscape and hardscape features. Materials used include carefully installed pavers, eco-friendly pavers, or concrete to create a thoroughly integrated outdoor environment. It’s more than just laying down bricks. Contact our team of experienced patio designers for more information.

Pergolas

Something of a mix between a gazebo and an arbor, pergolas are an excellent choice for a modern backyard design incorporating privacy and shade with openness and airflow. The Portland landscape design and build team at Drake’s 7 Dees will create a pergola to meet the aesthetic and practical needs of your space. If you are looking for a pergola, arbor, gazebo, or another structure more to your liking, talk to us!

Ponds

A pond is a tranquil feature which adds value and appeal to any space. Ponds are often designed in conjunction with other features such as waterfalls and fountains, and can be made to support fish such as koi. Your landscape designer at Drake’s 7 Dees will work with you to figure out what will work best for your backyard.

Pools

If you are looking for a safe, beautiful pool installation for your backyard, look no further than your Portland landscape design and build team at Drake’s 7 Dees. We work with a team of trusted subcontractors to ensure that your pool is installed exactly as it’s designed and integrate it with the rest of your landscape.

Retaining Walls

Adding walls to your landscape creates level open spaces including terraces and gathering areas, which is essential to all good landscape design. Retaining walls can be built using a variety of different materials, from boulders to bricks. Each of the different material selection options produces different visual results and is suited for different styles of landscape design.

Beyond design, construction technique is extremely important to the longevity of your retaining walls. Hiring a Portland landscape design and build team with the experience and background to know what they’re doing is vital.

Athletic Courts

Relaxing with family and friends – or by yourself – doesn’t always mean sitting and talking. It can also involve all kinds of recreation. If a particular sport is popular in your circles, installing a backyard athletic court could be a great option for bringing people together or improving your skills. We can design and install a top-level basketball court, tennis court, volleyball court, badminton court, bocce ball court, giant chess board, and more.

Putting Greens

Have you been looking for a way to improve your short game without having to head to the local golf course? Consider building a custom putting green in your own backyard, complete with all the challenges that will help you to unwind and improve your technique.

Water Features

Running water adds value and a peaceful feel to any back or front yard. For long-term functionality and to bring the design that’s in your mind to life, use the professionals at Drake’s 7 Dees. Types of water features the team at Drake’s 7 Dees commonly designs and installs include fountains, bubblers, waterfalls, and koi ponds. Contact us for more details.

Yards

The lawn is a critical part to most backyard environments, providing space for games and kids of all ages to run around, in addition to looking great. Our landscape installation team sets you up with an easy-to-maintain lawn that is lush and green right from the start, ensuring your grass is planted in ideal soil for long-term success. And when your lawn needs a tune-up, our private gardener and irrigation maintenance services are here to help.

Our proprietary Four Season Lawn installation technique is especially of interest to families with soccer players or just plain active kids who love to play outside spring, summer fall and winter. These lawns are great for four-legged friends too allowing use without getting their paws muddy.

Get the FREE Drake’s 7 Dees 2024 Landscape Design Guide

Drake’s 7 Dees 2024 Design Guide is the product of over six decades of landscape design and construction in popular Portland neighborhoods and beyond. It’s a must-read for anyone thinking of redoing or upgrading their landscape. Get the download and be ready to get inspired! Then contact Drake’s 7 Dees to find out how we can transform your landscape.

Drake’s 7 Dees

Landscape Design and Build Process

Introduction
  • One of our Landscape Designers will visit your home to view your property and discuss your vision for outdoor living. This is a collaborative time where your dreams and our expertise come together.
  • We will discuss a general budget.
  • Based on this meeting, the designer will present a proposal outlining the ‘design hours’ required to produce detailed landscape plans specific to your property.

 

Creating the Design
  • The designer will develop a design plan for your outdoor living space, incorporating all the gathered information, measurements, city regulations, and your specific goals.

 

Design Presentation
  • The Design will be presented
  • At this point, you can give the go-ahead or provide feedback to refine the plan.
  • Construction materials will be discussed and chosen during this meeting.
  • A preliminary cost estimate for the landscape elements will be provided.

 

Final Design Presentation
  • A final Landscape Plan and an itemized Construction Proposal will be presented.
  • Upon your approval and signed agreement, we will schedule the transformation of your yard.

 

Construction and Installation
  • Our skilled project managers, foremen, and crews will install your landscape, ensuring high standards and excellent communication throughout the process.

 

Lifetime Plant Warranty
  • Rest easy with our lifetime plant warranty and sustainable practices!

 

To get started with your Portland landscape design and build, contact us today!

Start Your Project Today

Portland Landscape Design and Build FAQ

 

Drake’s is different because while we are Portland landscape designers, we are more than that – which we why we call our service “design and build.”

Companies that offer only landscape design services will develop plans for a space and sell those plans so that they can be applied by a landscaping contractor. The drawbacks to this approach include:

  1. Designers sometimes do not take into account or even know the costs associated with making their work a reality. As a result, thousands of dollars may be spent devising plans which are not buildable within a reasonable budget. Our designers, on the other hand, collaborate with the contractors on staff at Drake’s 7 Dees in order to make sure that every design comes in within the target budget.
  2. When a separate landscape designer and construction contractor must be engaged, clients are responsible for finding each service provider and learning to work with each. Our system works to minimize the impact on our customers so they can spend more time enjoying the results. Our focus is on delivering to our clients.

Whether your landscape project is a big or small project, design is where we start to develop how to move forward with your installation. Creating a design first can help flush out ideas and components that may not be the best fit, while finding solutions that meet your most important goals and work within your space. At Drake’s 7 Dees we start with our design process first. If design is important to you, you will find that our process gives you the ability to see your landscape come to life before moving forward with what can be a sizable investment.

Our core team has been together a very long time, eleven years on average. This kind of comradery and experience is unique within the Portland landscape design and build industry. This advantage separates us from the others in our industry and allows Drake’s to create an excellent customer experience.
Designs can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks depending on complexity.
Learn more about designers through their work on our Selected Work, or visit our Team to put a face to their names.
The first meeting Is complementary. We set a time that is good for you and encourage all interested family members to attend. The meeting usually takes between one and two hours. This is a time to get to know each other and to listen to your vision and expectations for your outdoor spaces. To spend the needed time together is very important in that this conversation sets up the launching pad we will use to apply our experience and creativity to develop your custom design.
Our approach is somewhat different. We believe that the backyard can and should be unique and personal and play to your family’s taste and style – few others will enjoy it, so it’s yours to make as you please. When it comes to the front yard, more attention should be paid to providing pride of ownership, respectful of the neighborhood and your neighbors, and add to the home’s value and street appeal.

 

Besides appearance and growth characteristics, we pay particular attention to getting the soil right. Rather than applying general soil treatments, we test the earth in a lab and apply amendments by specific prescription. This maximizes plant health and beauty and minimizes plant failure.

We also choose plants that are most successful in the Pacific Northwest and relatively easy to care for. We want your landscape to last and be good for your family – not a burden on your time.

 

A lot! During that first consultation your designer will ask questions regarding your overall goal and vision for the project. If you’re not sure, no problem. Our design team will begin to unpack how you enjoy living life outdoors to find the best solutions. We also have a detailed questionnaire that helps us determine what styles you prefer as well as questions about your existing landscape. Once a design is made your feedback is a very important part of the design process and we will make changes to best suit your needs.

 

Our passion and focus in the work we do is creating a landscape that celebrates relationships. Gardens, patios, covered areas, walkways, and beautiful plantings create the backdrop for strengthening family ties, making new friends, and staying connected with old friends. Helping clients balance the design and installation of the landscape with the budget that’s right for them is one of our core responsibilities. Because we are a design and build company we are able to bring the “budget” along with the “design” each step of the way. We never want people to spend more than they should on their landscaping, so they have more to spend on their relationships.

Drake’s 7 Dees is a Landscape Design & Build Contractor for Portland, Oregon

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