Squeeze every drop of joy out of Northeast Ohio’s beautiful summers with a project from Exscape Designs
By Mitch Allen
You’ve finished the interior of your home and now you’re ready to turn your attention to the outside, where—with the right design—you can enjoy resort-style living from April through October right in your own backyard.
That’s right, you don’t actually have to live in Malibu to enjoy the Malibu lifestyle. Imagine gorgeous patios, decks, a swimming pool and spa, an outdoor kitchen, fire pits, a fireplace, ponds, fountains and other waterscapes (all beautifully lighted each evening), plus a stunning landscape of trees, flowers and shrubs that provide gorgeous, ever-changing color every season—and all maintained by professionals.
But since this is Cleveland and not Malibu, you’ll need to choose a contractor who understands design/build, including proper foundations, drainage, and the dreaded freeze-thaw cycle, which can turn an improperly-installed patio to rubble before you can say, “ancient Rome.”
Enter Exscape Designs.
Built to Last
Since 2004, founder Bill Dysert and his team have been designing, building and maintaining landscapes for discriminating homeowners as well as an impressive list of commercial clients. And with up to 100 projects a year, Exscape Designs has designed and installed nearly 1,000 projects here in Northeast Ohio. Their supernova growth has earned them Lake-Geauga Fast Track 50 honors, including #1 Emerging Company and 5-Year Hall of Fame.
“We’re successful because we remain committed to our process, which focuses on the client experience,” Bill says.
“Our clients are doctors, lawyers, business owners and other professionals who are busy and have high standards. We meet those standards because we offer 100% turnkey management and single-source accountability. Plus, we have the most talented, experienced designers in the business.”
That accountability, for example, includes veteran stone installers who have been Exscape Designs employees—not sub-contractors—for over ten years. Proper stone installation is absolutely essential in Northeast Ohio’s climate. The team also pulls all required permits and ensures that all codes are met, including fireplace positioning, set-backs, height restrictions and much more.
“We back it,” Bill says flatly. “Our word is our bond. Just look at our customer testimonials.”
In addition to enjoying the backyard resort lifestyle, many Exscape clients initiate a project in anticipation of important family events, like graduation parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, and weddings.
“We’re seeing a new trend,” Bill advises. “Instead of giving tens of thousands of dollars to an expensive venue for a wedding, homeowners are putting that investment toward a new backyard and are having the wedding at home.”
Now, that’s brilliant. (And as the father of two married daughters, I wish I’d thought of it.)
Think Inside Out
Bill advises homeowners to think “inside out.” That is, complete interior projects with an eye toward the exterior landscape, especially in terms of ingress and egress, as well as window placement and views which can invite the outside in. If you’ve already completed your interior, no worries. Bill’s design team is skilled at creating natural transitions.
“An exterior design/build project is an addition to your home,” Bill adds.
“Outdoor living has grown exponentially over the past 14 years and these spaces are an extension of your home, including covered areas that let you enjoy the outdoors in the bright sun or even in the rain, as well as fire pits and fireplaces that extend the season both in the spring and the fall. It’s about lifestyle. It’s about enjoying Northeast Ohio’s limited summer.”
The Exscape Designs Process
Many clients create their dream backyard in phases. “Once we complete the design, we can install phase one and handle the earth shaping in anticipation of future phases,” Bill says. “You don’t have to do it all at once. We can do the retaining walls and patio this year, for example, then add the fireplace, outdoor kitchen, spa, and so on in the years to come.”
And while Cleveland may not have Malibu’s balmy climate, we do have one advantage. “It’s far more affordable to live here,” Bill says. “We can do a project here for a fraction of what it would cost in California.”
Exscape Designs’ process includes Design, Pre-build, Build, and Post-build.
In the Design Stage, one of Exscape’s landscape architects will work closely with you to determine the overall vision and goals for your project, including your unique needs, budget, personal style preferences and desired functionality.
The Pre-build Stage includes finalizing your design blueprints and illustrations and meeting with the Exscape team to discuss the precise specifications of your project.
You will begin to see your landscape design vision brought to life in the Build Phase when outdoor features are installed. Throughout the build, your project manager will stay in close communication with you, providing progress updates and making site visits.
Exscape Design’s partnership with you doesn’t end once your project is completed, thanks to the essential Post-build Stage.
“As part of our follow-up process, we will meet with you 30 days after the installation to review the project,” Bill assures. “We also follow up at 90 days and 12 months. Plus, we also offer our clients ongoing landscape maintenance plans and services.”
“One-touch” Landscape Maintenance
For both residential and commercial clients, Exscape Designs bundles the top five landscape services into a single, convenient package:
• Spring clean-up
• Lawn and bed maintenance
• Pruning and mulching
• Lawn care
• Fall clean-up
“We provide a level of service far above the typical lawn mowing company,” explains Beth Hammonds, an account manager for Exscape’s weekly services.
“We assign you to a dedicated account manager so we always know what’s important to you. That may be the length of grass, how your beds are done, and how things are trimmed and pruned. Our attention to detail means we follow up and follow through, and we have excellent response time to issues or special requests, such as preparing your lawn for parties or events. Your account manager is your single point of contact. Our mantra is, ‘One touch.’ You never fall into a customer service black hole.”
All of Exscape Designs’ employees are skilled craftspeople, including a seasonal team who are fully vetted through the government’s H2B Visa Seasonal Work Program, many of whom have been with the company for over ten years. And because Exscape is growing, they are currently recruiting new team members who share their values and want to grow professionally.
When it comes to commercial clients, Bill’s team has one goal: to make the outside look as good as the inside. Clients include healthcare facilities, office buildings, homeowner’s associations, luxury apartments, and assisted-living facilities that want to help their residents feel at home. Entrance plantings, walkways and lighting can make a big difference in your property’s first impression.
“Our passion is serving people,” Bill concludes. “We like to build landscapes, but we also like to build relationships. We want to improve the quality of your life and the value of your home and property. We take care of everything so you can enjoy the life you have worked so hard to achieve.”
The Exscape Designs’ offices and design center are located at 10121 Kinsman Road in Novelty. The company serves all of Northeast Ohio. For more information or to schedule a free initial consultation, call 440-729-0011 or visit ExscapeDesigns.com. You may also visit Houzz for idea books, example of the company’s work, customer testimonials and more. Spring is here, so be sure to call now to get on their 2019 schedule.