About
Our company's thirty-year history illustrates our dedication to crafting unique and bespoke garden spaces. From large common-roof amenity spaces to private residential terraces and backyards, we've consistently brought fresh, custom experiences to each project, reflecting the individuality of our client's needs and styles.
Our commitment to a Design-Build project approach ensures an efficient and seamless process for our clients, guiding them from conceptualization to the construction and execution of their vision. With an in-house team of skilled designers, horticulturists, and a network of artisan fabricators and professional installers, we pride ourselves on delivering custom garden spaces on time and within the unique budget goal’s each client expressed to us. In addition, our experienced team prepares and navigates even the most demanding installations through the challenging building approval process.
Beyond project completion, our commitment extends to providing full-service garden maintenance, ensuring the ongoing health and well-being of each garden and all of its components. We believe in creating enduring outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed for years to come. Our dedication to customer satisfaction is reflected not only in our garden designs but also in the meticulous maintenance services we provide.
With a history of nurturing gardens across the city, some of which we've maintained since their installation over two decades ago, we stand as a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Collaborating with New York's premier residential design professionals and developers, we remain passionate about delivering excellently crafted, highly detailed garden spaces that elevate the living experience for our clients.
The Staff:
Evan C. Lai: President / Designer
Evan has been designing gardens in New York City for more than twenty years at the helm of ECLLD. Evan always loved art and nature. Growing up in the San Francisco bay area, Evan's parents fueled his passion for art, architecture and the environment at museums and on trips to national parks.
Evan graduated from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA with a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture. Evan has traveled extensively in Europe surveying its most renowned gardens.
Renee Lai: Director of Administration / HR
Renee has been working with her brother for over a decade. She handles all of our billing and human-resources needs, and assists our clients with any questions they may have.
Jon Horowitz: Manager of Operations
Jon joined ECLLD in 2013 after nearly a decade spent coordinating non-profit events. He has worked at Seattle University, Stanford University, and as the Crew Coordinator for the Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk 2011 in NYC. From building forts and taking hikes in the woods of Connecticut as a child to running up and down the soccer fields of the city, Jon has a deep appreciation for the outdoors. In recent years, he has utilized his logistical and creative talents to write and produce a web series, as well as several short films.
Weston Cleveland: Senior Project Manager
Weston attended The University of Georgia in his home state, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Architecture. After gaining experience on a variety of projects, he moved to NYC in 2018 and joined the ECLLD team. He brings a keen eye for detail and strong organizational skills to the role, as well as a sense of humor and contagious enthusiasm.
Addy Hannigan: Project Manager
Addy attended The Pennsylvania State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Landscape Contracting (Design/Build). After gaining experience in the Pennsylvanian world of landscaping, she moved to the tri-state area and later joined the ECLLD team in 2021. She has an immense passion for bringing green spaces to life within the urban city-scape, and a knack for tracking meticulous project details through to completion.
Tillie O’Reilly: Project Manager
Tillie has diverse experiences in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, and horticulture, as well as expertise in numerous programs utilized at ECLLD. Her first job out of high school as a gardener at a horticultural company in upstate New York established her interests in environmental design and sustainability, and led her to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies at Fordham University. She went on to complete her Master's of Architecture at The City College of New York, where her studies focused on technical competency and creating sustainable design solutions within urban settings.
