Business Spotlight: 'Artichoke Design' Plans Sustainable Landscapes

Kirsten Puskar, owner of Artichoke Design, LLC of Maple Glen, wants to get you outside. Her company specializes in creating custom, sustainable outdoor landscapes that begin with designing for the functions of each specific space.

“The goal of all our designs is to be beautiful year-round, as well as be functional and efficient with water and power. Sustainability is not a new concept for us,” Puskar said. “I want to get people outside, and I take into account who they are, how they entertain and much more. It is not just about placing a plant or a patio.”

Artichoke Design provides consultation services, creates preliminary design alternatives, drafts construction documents and provides installation assistance, according to its website.

Puskar says that her education as a landscape architect is an asset to her business.

“There are several reasons you should hire a landscape architect rather than a landscape designer," she said on her website. "Licensed landscape architects must complete a five-year undergraduate program, a two-year apprenticeship, pass a five-day exam, and once licensed, [they] must earn continuing education credits each year to maintain their license,” said Puskar.

According to Puskar, this means she is licensed to submit grading plans, as well as sedimentation and erosion control plans needed for township permits.

“I’m also trained in environmental issues, including storm water management and horticulture, installation techniques and functional design,” said Puskar. “Many of our designs reduce water needs for the landscape and aim to increase energy efficiency for the building by creating a unique site layout and planting design for each project.”

Puskar said she named her company Artichoke Designs because of her love for artichokes. 

“I love the way they look, the way they taste, and they are a symbol of welcome in both interior and exterior design,” she said.

Puskar founded her company five years ago, using her prior 15 years of experience as a launching pad.

Puskar previously worked for several design firms in Philadelphia and New York City, but she cites her experience as a residential realtor in northern New Jersey as an integral part of her success and how she plans for clients.

“I know which features will increase the property’s value and which improvements buyers are willing to pay extra for,” Puskar said.

Puskar also cites her extensive travels overseas to Mediterranean locations in Spain, France, Italy and Greece as inspirations for her design,

“These locations all are on the Mediterranean Sea, but they each have very different styles. We strive to be authentic and appropriate in our designs,” she said.

In addition to green areas, Puskar’s Artichoke Design plans include hardscape elements such as patios, walls and walkways. Plans also include perennial flower borders, vegetable gardens and water features, and fireplaces or fire-pits for gas or wood fire.

“The plans also work to correct any drainage issues and encourage natural backyard habitats, to invite butterflies and birds, and include sustainable planting plans for year-round interest with little to no maintenance,” Puskar said.