Landscape as Composition
Lily Johnson creates bespoke residential and estate landscapes in the Hudson Valley through her studio, Habitual Designs.
Each project begins with a close reading of place — the land, the architecture, the existing conditions and the lives of the people who will inhabit it. Rather than approaching a property as a collection of separate garden areas, Lily considers the landscape as a whole composition: arrival, movement, gathering, planting, pause and return.
The studio is best suited to projects where the landscape can be considered in its fullness: the relationship between house and land, the experience of moving through the site, the atmosphere of each outdoor room, the planting structure, the materials and the long-term evolution of the place.
Our Services
For properties in transition, these services help reveal what the land is asking to become — from early visioning to full landscape design.
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A high-level, in-person study for clients who want to understand the larger potential of their property before moving into a full landscape design process.
This workshop begins with a guided reading of the land: the architecture, arrival sequence, views, circulation, landform, existing planting, light, thresholds, constraints and atmosphere of the site. Together, we walk the property and identify what is working, what feels unresolved, and where the strongest opportunities may lie.
Following the site walk, Lily develops a strategic vision framework for the property. This may include written design direction, spatial recommendations, priority zones, precedent imagery, planting mood, material sensibility and suggested phasing.
This is not a technical design package. It does not include detailed drawings, planting plans, construction documents or contractor pricing. It is a high-level visioning engagement intended to clarify direction, reveal potential and establish a thoughtful foundation for future design work. The final deliverable is a refined vision deck that captures the site reading, design direction and recommended next steps for the property.
Starting at $7,500
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For clients seeking a more complete design vision for their property.
This is the studio’s core offering. Whole-Property Landscape Design considers the landscape as one connected composition: the arrival, circulation, house-land relationship, gathering spaces, thresholds, planting structure, views, landform, atmosphere, materials and phasing.
The work may include concept plans, spatial layouts, planting concepts, material direction, mood boards, precedent imagery, phased recommendations and collaboration with contractors or specialist trades as needed.
This pathway is best suited to clients who want the landscape to feel intentional, personal and deeply connected to the property — not simply improved area by area.
Typical design fees begin at $15,000–$25,000+
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For larger or more complex properties requiring a deeper level of documentation, coordination and implementation support.
This pathway builds upon the Whole-Property Landscape Design process and may involve collaboration with a landscape architectural designer, contractors, masons, carpenters, nurseries or other specialists. It is suited to projects involving grading, terraces, retaining walls, pools, major circulation changes, construction detailing or multi-phase implementation.
Deliverables may include developed plans, technical drawing support, contractor coordination, bid guidance, site direction and design oversight during installation.
This level of work allows the creative vision to be carried more fully from concept through execution.
Typical design fees begin at $25,000–$45,000+
Lily Johnson
Lily Johnson is a Hudson Valley–based gardener and founder of Habitual Designs, a studio devoted to composing landscapes shaped by place, architecture, existing conditions and the lives of the people who inhabit them.
Her work begins with a close reading of each property: its history, topography, light, existing trees, seasonal patterns, architectural character and the particular situation of the landowner. Rather than approaching a landscape as a collection of separate garden areas, Lily considers each property as a whole composition — a sequence of arrival, movement, gathering, planting, rise and rest.
Lily’s approach has been shaped through hands-on practice: building landscapes while privately cultivating a working homestead with ducks, chickens, bees, perennial systems and a deep attention to seasonal change.
Inquire
To inquire about a project, please email the studio with photographs of the property, any existing surveys or site plans, architectural drawings if available, a brief description of what you are hoping to create, your ideal timeline and any budget parameters you are comfortable sharing.
From there, the studio will review whether the project feels aligned with the current availability and approach.