Acer Design Studio provides high-quality ecologically minded landscape design and land planning on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Photos by Ian Warner

Acer Design Studio is committed to creating beautiful and functional landscapes, while celebrating the natural beauty of Cape Cod. We strive to meld the client's desires with the unique possibilities and constraints each site presents and use in depth site analysis to drive the design process. Acer allows a site's surroundings to cue every design and seeks to seamlessly mesh those surroundings with the design elements; striving to place each element in an ecologically sensitive way to preserve the native Cape Cod landscape.

Phone

(774) 238-1870

Location

Centerville, MA

02632

Email

ian@acerlandscapedesign.com

SOCIAL MEDIA

““Ian was able to interpret my thinking into a harmonious connection between the old and the new.” - R.R. 2016”

Design Services

LANDSCAPE DESIGN
- Creating unique outdoor landscapes by modifying the land, vegetation, structures and water. From concept to completion, through analysis, creativity, and communication.
Master planning
- Developing a long-range plan that combines all of the elements of each site, so that clients can phase projects in over time.
planting plans
- Detailed plans that provide type, quantity, size, and placement of each individual plant.
Construction administration
- Providing oversight during the bidding and construction process. Creating open channels of communication to ensure schedule is kept, budget is reached and projects are completed as specified.
drafting services

Design Philosophies

right plant; right place
analysis driven design
native where appropriate
functional form
open communication

“Perhaps most impressive in Ian’s work is his ability to listen and respond to the client’s needs. The results were exactly what we wanted. And what we planted! He carefully supervised the implementation and willingly confronted the gardeners when they had forgotten to complete a task. It is a joy to work with him.
I highly recommend him.”

— A.C.

PROJECTS

The Heights

The overgrown site first needed to have the invasive plants removed to open the site back up and to further expose the amazing view to the sea. The pastoral approach to the house was celebrated; keeping the beautiful charm of the area. An enhanced arrival experience was needed to help direct guests towards the proper front door. New stone walls were added to help with the challenging grade changes and new walkways direct the people from the various outdoor spaces. The existing deck was removed and replaced with new Ipe and a cable railing system.

““Because of the way the house was situated on the lot, it required some creativity to get the optimal design. Ian incorporated the requirements that we had as well as his own creative suggestions. He has extensive knowledge of landscape design, materials, and plants. This made the process go smoothly and was actually quite enjoyable.
The results were excellent and we are very pleased with our new outdoor environment.””

— S.S. - 2016

East Main St

A new addition required a new landscape to be linked with the existing, a new access point to the house, and a new outdoor living space to enhance the new family living areas inside. The pastoral feel of the property was maintained with the use of rustic bluestone, brick, and fieldstone.

““The challenge was to tie the landscape of a very different style addition to the 40 year old original house. I was able to say what I did not want, but did not know how to explain what I did want.
Ian was able to interpret my thinking into a harmonious connection between the old and the new.
The final look combines classic proportions with innovative style, resulting in quiet rural charm and beauty.””

— R.R. - 2015

The Port

An old boarding house, the owner wanted to remove most of a massive parking area and create a space for a vegetable garden, planting beds and a shed. Each of these had to tie into the existing bluestone terrace, but without the traditional look. We created a formally shaped garden with a more country rustic look and combined the existing materials of brick and bluestone in a more "whimsical fashion" to help break up the brick. The new plantings will fill the spaces over time and the shed provides some much needed summer storage for those trips to the beach and back.

““Ian has completely redsigned our yard, transforming it from a commercial driveway to a family friendly space. He was attentive to the current layout of the patio, using the existing materials as the basis for the new hardscape. Integrating both bluestone and brick, the result is a whimsical approach to creating a new surface.
Perhaps most impressive in Ian’s work is his ability to listen and respond to the client’s needs...The results were exactly what we wanted...It is a joy to work with him.
I would highly recommend him.” ”

— A.C. - 2016

Planters Playground

A very steep site filled with opportunity at every corner of the existing house. The clients wanted to maximize their level spaces outside and provide space to satisfy their love of plants and gardening. Raised wood garden beds provide ample room for vegetables and herbs. New fieldstone steps provide access from the lower garage to the main entrance. The wall at the main walk was straightened allowing for more planting area and the new walkway creates consistent steps and flat walk for ease of use. A new terrace was added in the rear for the grill and a few planted pots.

Lagoon Side

A sensitive site close to the water's edge, this site offered breathtaking views of the marsh and the lagoon. A mix of traditional elements: bluestone terrace and pathways; peastone parking; cobble apron and the site's inherent beauty made for some great outdoor spaces. The overgrown site also required removal of invasive species and restoration planting.