Hagan Binder Landscape Architects

Hagan Binder Landscape Architects is a full-service landscape architecture firm located in Highlands, NC, specializing in the creation of thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. Our approach blends environmental stewardship with sophisticated design to ensure that each landscape not only harmonizes with its natural surroundings but also meets the functional needs of our clients. From residential to municipal projects, we are committed to crafting sustainable and beautiful environments that enhance the quality of life and elevate the experience of outdoor living.

Areas Serviced

Our design studio is located in Highlands, but our work spans the entire Plateau, including Cashiers, Sapphire, and the surrounding communities. We are proud to bring our expertise to some of the region’s most distinguished private developments, including Cullasaja Club, Highlands Country Club, High Hampton, Cashiers Lake, Peregrine, Wade Hampton, Saratay Falls, and more. With a deep appreciation for the Plateau’s unique mountain landscapes, we approach every project with thoughtful design, expert craftsmanship, and a commitment to ecological stewardship—ensuring each property blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings while fulfilling our clients’ aesthetic and functional goals.

Memberships

We are actively engaged in the community through memberships in the Highlands and Cashiers Chambers of Commerce, the Highlands Historical Society, the Cashiers Historical Society, and Develop Cashiers Responsibly. Our involvement reflects our commitment to preserving the region’s rich heritage while promoting responsible growth and sustainable development. Ashley Hagan Binder, a former member of the Town of Highlands Planning Board, brings valuable insight into the area’s planning and zoning considerations, reinforcing our dedication to thoughtful, context-sensitive design that enhances the character and integrity of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

Guided by a commitment

to crafting outdoor spaces that are both naturally diverse and functional for human enjoyment. Ashley Hagan Binder founded Hagan Binder Landscape Architects in 2012, offering professional landscape architecture services across the Southeast United States.

Ashley holds a Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, a LEED Accredited Professional, a registered ISA Arborist, and a Licensed Landscape Architect in Louisiana, Florida, Oklahoma, and North Carolina. In 2024 she obtained her FAA UAS (Drone) Pilot License, allowing her to provide aerial imagery services to her clients.

Ashley studied the 'Tropical Modern' design aesthetic under the mentorship of Raymond Jungles, who was inspired by the renowned Brazilian Landscape Architect, Roberto Burle Marx.

Ashley's upcoming book, "Wild Landscapes" is set to be released in 2026.

The Process

Site Consultation

The Initial Site Consultation. Imagine this as a meeting of minds, where ideas are born, and visions take shape. It is the genesis of a relationship between the landscape architect and the land, a dialogue that uncovers the potential of the space and the dreams of those who will enjoy it. Ashley Binder will meet the owners on-site (or remote conference if preferred). We work quickly! The owner will need to provide us with the parcel address or Property PIN number, the County the property is located within, a survey (if available), and any floor plans or architectural drawings. For new construction, we would love to know your timeline and any site photos you have available. Once we receive the owner’s info, we can proceed very quickly and schedule a meeting, at the owner’s convenience, on-site. As an add-on service, Ashley is an FAA Drone Certified Pilot. HBLA can fly the drone to obtain aerial images of your site, often making quick work of the site inventory phase, and especially useful for projects under construction or for which no survey is available. Please check the box for “Aerial Imagery” when selecting your Initial Consult upon checkout. From the initial consult, projects then enter into the Concept Development phase.

Concept Development

Concept Development, where initial ideas are nurtured and refined. This phase is a crucible of creativity, where Hagan Binder Design takes the raw, unformed visions from the Initial Consultation and crafts them into a coherent, captivating design. HBLA starts with a scaled aerial image, or survey, and maps out existing site features. These are shown on the Concept Plan, and from there, dreams evolve into Beautiful Concepts! The conclusion of the Concept phase is typically an in-person meeting on site to discuss an illustrated plan, with supporting graphics and plant material to explain the vision. (The conclusion of the Concept Development Phase is typically the 2nd meeting on-site).

Design Development

The Design Development phase is a refinement of the concepts proposed and discussed in Concept Development. More specifics are added, drawings are updated, and consensus is gained. Sometimes projects may proceed swiftly from Concept to Construction Development and skip this phase. The Design Development meeting is typically the 3rd meeting on-site and includes deliverables.

Planting and Material Specification

Throughout the Concept and Design Development phase, HBLA is working to refine the Planting Palette and Hardscape Material Selections. HBLA typically provides a customized Illustrative 11x17 booklet showing prior project examples, color palettes, plant material, and if applicable, material samples. The booklet is intended to aid discussion and facilitate conversations with the owner (and other project designers) to gauge interest and to make sure the exterior palettes are jiving with the interior and the owners' preferences. Picking the right plants and materials is not just about aesthetics. It's a delicate balancing act of climate, soil, and sustainability. We work to refine the Plant and Hardscape Palette to make it uniquely suitable for your Landscape! Native plants and restorative landscapes are built into all of our designs. Whenever possible, HBLA utilizes local and native plant material.

Construction Documentation

The Construction Documentation phase. "CDs" serve as the road map for the landscape transformation. They detail every aspect of the design, from the placement of each plant to the construction of every structure. The CDs are an important piece of the puzzle, allowing the contractor to accurately bid your project, and allowing the owner protections by having a set of documents that all can agree upon, or as a point of discussion. Think of these as tools that help you fast-track and streamline the construction process. The more accurate and biddable the CDs are, the faster, swifter, and more economical the project will become. HBLA works in tandem with our local contractor partners to make the process go as smoothly as possible for the owner. HBLA has found that having a partnering relationship with the landscape contractor achieves the best results.

Project Management

The fun part! Things are underway. HBLA offers services to suit your needs to ensure that your project, trees, and gardens are delivered as expeditiously as possible. We act as the owner’s rep to make sure that corners are not being cut and that all HOA and local regulations are followed. This phase is all about ensuring that the design is executed to perfection, that every element aligns with the vision, and that the landscape truly comes to life. We work to help source nursery material, as needed, and consider construction staging and phasing. It is during this phase that some landscape material may begin to be installed, and the hardscape elements are shaping up! Exciting times!

ISA Certified Arborist

Licensed Landscape Architect

Native Plants That Heal The Earth

Patent Pending Garden Tools

FAA Certified Remote Pilot (Drone Imagery)

DESIGNING GARDEN TOOLS

Do more. With less effort. In style.

In 2023, Hagan Binder Design expanded to offer custom, luxury garden tools. The first, patent pending tool, The Nursery Bucket Movers, are designed as a labor saver that make carrying nursery containers easier. Designed with husband-and-wife team, Ashley Hagan Binder & Lawrence Binder, the Movers are designed for landscape architects, gardeners and nursery works to move plants easier, to allow for heavier weight to be lifted with less strain on the fingers, and to allow multiple plants to be carried at once. The Bucket Movers are more ergonomic than lifting by hand! We recommend two per person - one in each hand allows for carrying up to four plants at once!