WHO WE ARE
At our core, we are people that simply love nature and design. We believe nature is part of our humanity - an intrinsic element that fuels our creativity and enhances our daily lives. So, in 2021, we embraced the connection between design and the natural world and founded Garland Design Group based on this principle. As a full-service interior design and landscape design firm, we transform spaces holistically - crafting environments our clients call home.
But who are we really?
Meet partners in life and business, Susan and Preston.
- Creatives
- Dog parents
- Golfers
- Buffs (CU) and Badgers (UW)
- Skiers
- Pearl Jam fans
- Travelers
- Wine and craft beer lovers
- Tech geeks
We are a dynamic duo that is exceptionally good at designing seamlessly connected and effortlessly beautiful environments where nature and design flow together - making outdoor living feel as luxurious and comfortable as it does indoors.
About Susan Garland
Co-Founder and Principal Designer of Garland Design Group
Susan, the heart and soul of our firm, is a true visionary. With a degree in Landscape Architecture and an impressive background working in bustling cities like New York City, the Hamptons, and the iconic Vail Valley, she effortlessly blends nature and design into harmonious creations that maintain the character of each space throughout the entire project.
Superpower: Susan has an uncanny ability to understand the dynamics within spaces and the connections between them. With a keen intuition, she grasps how a layout influences our everyday lives and creates designs that exude an elevated sense of style and comfort.
Trait her clients adore: Her ability to help them see beyond the construction phase. With boundless enthusiasm, she ignites their imaginations, revealing the endless possibilities their spaces hold.
Design process: Susan's design process is as easy and collaborative as it is fun.
Meet Preston Garland
Co-Founder and Business Strategist of Garland Design Group
Preston is the second half of the dynamic duo at Garland Design Group, bringing his business acumen and strategic prowess to the table. With a sharp mind for numbers and a focus on perfection, he ensures that our interior design and landscape design projects are expertly managed from start to finish.
Book smarts: Preston has a bachelor's degree in Marketing (BSBA) and an MBA with a focus on finance and real estate. But that's just scratching the surface.
Cue the drone! Preston is also a licensed drone pilot, taking our designs to new heights (literally!) with jaw-dropping aerial videos.
CLIENT WORDS
"I really enjoyed working with Susan and Preston on one of their first projects. I appreciated their flexibility in accommodating my personal style while filling in the gaps with amazing recommendations. They both went above and beyond!"
Damilola E.| Boulder, Colorado
THE PRIMER
7 things you don't know about Susan,
but most definitely should
1. Interesting jobs before interior design?
Personal trainer in New York City. The connection between personal training and working with design clients is surprisingly similar - building strong relationships and showing up for clients.
2. What do clients get when they work with Garland Design Group?
So much more than just a truly connected design. They gain a design partner who understands their needs, speaks their language, and genuinely cares about them and the success of their project.
3. Where do you draw inspiration?
Discovering new materials and using elements that clients have never seen before. It's about making each space special and tailored, whether it's incorporating a unique art piece into the interior or adding fragrant flowers that evoke a specific atmosphere.
4. Why landscape design?
Landscape design is my lifelong love story, rooted in childhood memories of taming weeds, picking vegetables, and spending time outdoors.
5. What does the ultimate customer experience mean to you?
It goes beyond design. When you become part of your client's family, when you know their favorite drink, and each of their kids' birthdays.
6. Funniest moment in your career?
Ok, picture this. Me, three bags of soil, a tray of annuals, four containers of shrubs, and a mission to create the perfect garden in one of New York's finest high-rise buildings. Not having a car didn't stop me as I loaded up the bags onto a shopping cart and called for an Uber XL. It was quite a sight to see me navigating the busy streets with bags of soil in tow! It just goes to show that when it comes to creating remarkable outdoor spaces, I'll do whatever it takes!
7. How did you meet Preston?
We crossed paths at CU Business School and quickly realized our synergy while collaborating on a few projects. Graduating together solidified our shared belief in starting our own business, as we effortlessly balanced our personal and professional roles.
Transform your home with a trusted partner that combines interior design and landscape expertise under one roof.
Because your home is where the outside is as warm and inviting as the inside.