Outdoor Living - Luxury Pool - Landscape Design and Consultations
for the Greater Charlotte and Surrounding Areas
A beautiful outdoor space starts with a plan that works for your property, your priorities, and your budget.
I’m Eric Zackaroff, The Landscape Design Guy.
I bring 30 years of design and construction experience to outdoor living, poolside spaces, and landscapes across the Charlotte region.
Whether you plan to hire an installer, tackle part of the project yourself, or build in stages, I’ll help you make the key decisions before construction begins because.....
"Failure to plan is planning to fail."
Landscape & Outdoor Living Design FAQs
Planning an outdoor project? Here are answers to common questions about working with
Eric Zackaroff, owner of The Landscape Design Guy LLC.
Learn about design services, consultations, drawings, installation options,
and the areas I serve around Charlotte, North Carolina.
What types of outdoor projects do you design?
I design landscapes and outdoor living spaces for homeowners, including plantings, patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, pergolas, lighting concepts, pools and poolside spaces.
My approach brings the features together in a practical plan that considers your property, priorities, and realistic budget goals.
Do you design pools, spas, ponds, and water features?
Yes. I provide pool and spa concept design, along with planning for surrounding patios, seating, planting, privacy, and circulation. I also design ponds, fountains, and other water features. Pool concept design is scoped separately from the surrounding landscape design. Technical engineering, permits, and construction details are handled by the appropriate qualified professionals.
What happens during the $75 Design Discovery?
Design Discovery is an approximately one-hour consultation to discuss your ideas, how you want to use the space, site challenges, priorities, and realistic budget goals. We’ll consider your intended installation approach and identify a sensible design scope. If you hire me for design services, the $75 consultation fee is credited toward your design fee.
How much does a landscape or outdoor living design cost?
Design fees depend on the size of the area, site conditions, project complexity, scope of work, and the drawings and services you need. After discussing your project, I prepare a design estimate outlining the scope and fees. For example, a planting refresh requires a different level of planning than a project combining a pool, patios, drainage, and outdoor amenities.
What drawings and information will I receive?
Your design estimate identifies the deliverables included in your project. Depending on the scope, these may include an existing-conditions plan, concept layout, final master plan, planting plan and plant schedule, hardscape layout, and lighting plan. Limited grading, drainage, and irrigation planning may also be included where appropriate. Pool concepts and 3D images are separately priced options.
How long does the design process take?
A typical design takes approximately 10 to 21 working days. Larger or more complex projects may take longer. Timing depends on the agreed scope, current scheduling, available property information, and feedback during review. I’ll discuss the expected schedule with you before work begins.
Do you install the project or help coordinate installers?
My primary service is design. Installation is performed by independent contractors. I partner with installers and can provide installation budget guidance and coordinate one installation estimate, or help you discuss your plan with an installer of your choice. Depending on the agreed scope, I also offer site visits and installation oversight to help carry the design intent through construction. The installer handles final construction pricing, contracts, schedules, and warranties.
Can I install the project myself or build it in phases?
Yes. I can plan for professional installation, selected DIY work, or a combination of both. If you expect to build in phases, we can consider priorities and how early work will connect with later improvements. I can account for structural, electrical, gas, pool, and other specialized systems in the overall design, with technical requirements and installation handled by appropriately qualified professionals.
Do I need a property survey or HOA approval before starting?
A current property survey is helpful, especially when planning near property lines, easements, or existing structures. Bring any survey, HOA guidelines, photos, and other property information you have to Design Discovery. We can discuss what additional information may be needed. Design drawings do not replace a boundary survey, and any required HOA approvals or permits must be obtained before construction.
Which areas around Charlotte do you serve?
I’m based in Cramerton, North Carolina, and serve homeowners throughout the Charlotte region. My service area includes all of Gaston County and most of Mecklenburg County, including communities such as Belmont, Gastonia, Mount Holly, and Huntersville. I also serve Waxhaw, Marvin, and Weddington in North Carolina, along with Fort Mill, Indian Land, and Tega Cay in South Carolina.
If your property is nearby, contact me to confirm availability.
Have a question about your property or a project you’re considering?
Tell me where you’re located and what you hope to create.
A Design Discovery is the first step toward a practical plan.