Savanna Designs

We have been designing, installing and managing landscapes since 1973. We strive to connect people with their land in a way that meets our clients’ needs while also being environmentally responsible. We custom design each landscape to meet the goals, desires, style and expectations of each client- while also paying careful attention to the ecological health of the site we work with.

Our design process insures that we will understand both our client and their land as we begin to develop creative ideas and solutions for the development of their property. We get to know you and we get to know your land! We have experience with a wide variety of architectural styles and construction materials. We try and reflect and perhaps, build upon the architectural precedent set forth, often repeating the proportions and materials of the structure out in the landscape. Our work is a balance, an integrated blending between the “hardscape” (patios, walls, walks) and the “softscape” (plants, gardens and restoration). We give equal attention to both, creating outdoor spaces for people to relax in, gather and enjoy nature.

We have many years of experience planting trees, shrubs, perennial gardens, native restorations and raingardens. Our interest in ecological health and sustainability has led us to experimentation with various forms of “natural landscaping” and native plants, their composition and arrangement, creating low input gardens and meadows that require much less maintenance than the typical suburban landscape.

 

Selected Awards » |  Selected Publications » | About Jim Hagstrom, FASLA »

 

 

 

Selected Design Honors and Awards

• 2018

  • Merit Award, ASLA-MN
    Buckeye Point, Grant, Minnesota

• 2016

  • Landscape Award Winner, MNLA
    Boutwell’s Landing Care Center, Oak Park Heights, Minnesota

• 2015

  • MNLA Landscape Award
    St. Croix River Retreat, Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota

  • MNLA Landscape Award
    Maiden Rock House, Maiden Rock, Wisconsin

• 2011

  • Merit Award, ASLA-MN
    Waverly Gardens, North Oaks, Minnesota
  • Merit Award, MNLA
    Waverly Gardens, North Oaks, Minnesota

• 2010

  • Grand Honor Award, MNLA
    Advance Corporation, Cottage Grove, Minnesota

• 2009

  • MNLA Friend of the Environment
  • Grand Honor Award, MNLA
    Capen Prairie Garden, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

• 2008

  • Merit Award, ASLA-MN
    Capen Prairie Garden, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

• 2007

  • Merit Award for Excellence in Landscape Design – Residential, MNLA
    Andrews Residence, White Bear Lake, Minnesota

• 2004

  • Merit Award, ASLA-MN
    Roy Residence, Lakeland, Minnesota
  • Honors Award for Excellence in Landscape Design – Residential Yard, MNLA
    Cox Residence, Roseville, Minnesota
    Painter-Somermeyer Residence, St. Paul, Minnesota
    Potish Residence, Stillwater, Minnesota
  • Honors Award for Excellence in Landscape Design – Sustainable Environments, MNLA
    Gacek-Shannon Residence, White Bear Lake, Minnesota

• 1999

  • Merit Award, ASLA-MN
    Holmen Residence, Dellwood, Minnesota

• 1996

  • Honor Award for Private Landscape Design, ASLA-MN
    Brandt Residence, Stillwater, Minnesota

• 1995

  • Honor Award for Commercial Landscape Design, ASLA-MN
    St. Jude Medical, Woodridge Technology Center, St. Paul, Minnesota

• 1993

  • Landscape Design Award of Excellence, MNLA
    Gesell Residence, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
  • Landscape Design Certifcate of Merit, MNLA
    Fatuzzo Residence, Dellwood, Minnesota

• 1991

  • Landscape Design Certifcates of Merit, MNLA
    Reell Precision Manufacturing, Vadnais Heights, Minnesota
    Orchard Park, Oak Park Heights, Minnesota

• 1988

  • Landscape Design Honor Award, MNLA
    Andersen Residence, Arden Hills, Minnesota
  • Landscape Design Certificates of Merit, MNLA
    Springsted Residence, Afton, Minnesota
    Becken Residence, Lake Elmo, Minnesota
    Schacker Residence, Arden Hills, Minnesota
    Mulberry Hill Townhouses, Stillwater, Minnesota

 

 

Selected Publications

• Deep Roots
  • Landscape architect Jim Hagstrom balances unruly natives with the geometry of design
    Midwest Homes, April 2009

• Friend of the Environment

  • Midwest Sustainability Leader Named MNLA Friend of the Environment
    2009 Garden Minnesota Yearbook

 

 

About Jim Hagstrom, FASLA

The Principal landscape Architect of Savanna Designs, Jim has over 40 years of experience in public, residential, and commercial landscape design. He specializes in creating landscapes that integrate ecologically with the surrounding environment. Jim’s commitment and professional reputation as a leader in sustainable landscape design is proven by his award winning projects, numerous lectures and publications, environmental activism, volunteer service and teaching at the University of Minnesota.

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