2026 World Landscape Architecture Month Spotlight - Kuppe’s Landscape Services
Superior Comprehensive Transformations: A Glimpse Inside Kuppe’s Landscape Services
The fifth issue of our 2026 World Landscape Architecture Month series is Kuppe’s Landscape Services, which operates in the Metro Detroit region of Michigan. They have built a firm reputation over the last 40+ years around their skillset in designing and installing stunning landscapes.
We reached out to their Landscape Designers, Adam Blumerick and Karl Schmidt, about how they approach their work in the industry.
Read their full interviews below:
What first drew you to landscape architecture/design, and how has that motivation evolved over time?
I've always loved to draw and design really anything and I've loved the outdoors and nature since I was little. It only seemed natural to combine my two passions into a career.
How would you define your approach to landscape design today?
Listening to the needs of each individual client is key.
Is there a project that best represents your work or approach? What makes it stand out?
My personal home tends to be my canvas. I've experimented with different design ideas at my home as my career has evolved to see what plants and structures work and which don't. I've done a a few complete renovations and received multiple beautification awards for the work done there.
Are there specific materials, plant palettes, or design elements you consistently return to in your work? Why?
Recently, I've enjoyed the contrast between natural wispy perennial gardens with the strong lines of industrial COR-TEN steel retainers.
What shifts are you seeing in how outdoor spaces are designed or used today?
People are spending more time at home. With that, they want their own outdoor space to enjoy and are thinking about how they can maximize the space they have.
What experiences, people, or projects have had the greatest influence on your perspective as a designer?
Landscape is not easy work. I'm still amazed by our hard working crews that take my design and truly bring it to life.
What’s something about landscape architecture that you wish more clients or homeowners understood?
I wish they understood the long term picture. As I design and build a landscape I can visualize how it will evolve over the years which can sometimes be difficult to convey.
What first drew you to landscape architecture/design, and how has that motivation evolved over time?
I originally practiced interior design, but I always had a connection to the outdoors, and made a conscious decision to switch to landscape design to be able to spend more time in the natural environment.
How would you define your approach to landscape design today?
I believe my purpose is to bring more beauty and enjoyment to clients’ lives.
Is there a project that best represents your work or approach? What makes it stand out?
One of my favorite projects was a small cottage on a lake in Waterford, Michigan. A couple purchased it with the intention of renovating the existing cottage and surrounding lakefront property rather than tearing everything down to build a large, contemporary home like the rest of the area was doing. It was fun to collaborate with the client and to find creative ways to integrate new landscaping with the existing conditions.
Are there specific materials, plant palettes, or design elements you consistently return to in your work? Why?
I always try to steer clients toward more naturalistic design with native and pollinator plants.
What shifts are you seeing in how outdoor spaces are designed or used today?
It seems like ever since the pandemic of 2020, when people were encouraged to stay home, there has been a bigger focus on outdoor spaces in general. A backyard is considered an extension of the interior living space, rather than just "outside".
What experiences, people, or projects have had the greatest influence on your perspective as a designer?
My favorite place in the world was my grandparents' home, a mid century modern California ranch, on a river, in the woods. Some of my earliest memories are of helping my grammie collect vegetables, cut flowers, and get my hands in the soil. It made me see that modern design and technology can gracefully coexist with nature when done correctly.
What’s something about landscape architecture that you wish more clients or homeowners understood?
I wish that more people wanted to create gardens that support the natural world, with native species and pollinators rather than things like expansive lawns, that require massive amounts of water, or giant rows of evergreens to block out neighbors.
To see more projects and current designs, follow Kuppe’s on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.