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Master Planning

Master Planning allows the owner to look at the “big picture” when developing a vision for their landscape and helps them make important site decisions. A Master Plan is a drawing that is developed through meetings with the client, site visits, and careful analysis of the property. Typically, it is a long term plan, and it is never too late to begin.

Design

A harmonious landscape design creates an environment that is sensitive and responsive to the land.   Our approach is to organize design within a series of “outdoor rooms” which can be an extension of the interior, so that the line between the interior-exterior becomes blurred.   The landscape also becomes an extension of the client, a place that touches their heart and allows them to daydream, sit quietly or play loudly.

Construction Management

We provide an integrated construction process with skilled craftsman, use of durable materials, timely construction schedule and on-site construction supervision from our staff.

Effective construction management of the project, appropriate attention to on going details and clear communications with all involved is a key to our clients’ satisfaction.

Projects

Awards & Honors

"Honor Award for Design Excellence", Boston Society of Architects (BSA) for Small House, Great Barrington, MA designed by Maryann Thompson Architects.

“Meritorious Award in Planning & Analysis”, Boston Society of Landscape Architects (BSLA) for Berkshire Theater Festival Master Plan, Stockbridge, MA.

"Meritorious Award for Accessible Design", Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (AAB) for Robert A. Wells Entry Garden, Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, MA.

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Testimonial

” Thanks for the update on the pool; you’re wonderfully organized on all the remaining steps. “

Betsy & Thomas Pool Update

” Hi Val and Craig:   just want to say thanks for all the hard work…the pool house and surrounding property/landscaping and fence look beautiful!!  We have been enjoying the last couple weeks…the view and the plantings are so pretty.  “

OL Ltd designed the new pool house, pool fencing, hardscapes, lighting & landscape.

Charlotte & Dennis installation of pool area & site landscaping, completed over a 3 year period.  Williamstown, MA.

“Bravo Craig! This looks absolutely delicious!”

from Jan per OL Ltd initial master plan concept plan for new house in Monterey, MA

Craig,

Seventeen years ago (2002) you donated the attached masterplan for the Schumacher Center’s Library. It still works!

Permit is in hand for renovation of the ground floor level for a humidity and light controlled space for books and archives.

But I started thinking about the shape of the exterior of site and remembered your plan.

Just perfect, addressed all my worries.

Thank you so very much.

Warmly,

Susan

Susan Witt Schumacher Center for a New Economics

“Dear Team
“What an accomplishment tonight at the Stockbridge Conservation Commission!!! You are such a terrific group who in record time were able to create a fabulous plan to save Lake Cottage, add new living space and solve an intricate series of environmental and complex regulatory issues. If there were Academy Awards for this performance, you would win the Oscar.
Ray and I are very grateful and we both look forward to working with all of you to create a truly exciting project.
Many, many thanks to you all.”

Ranne Warner
After approval for a River Zone and Buffer Zone NOI for the restoration of the former Shadow Brook carriage house with a modern barn addition (designed by Raynor Warner) in Stockbridge, MA
May 15, 2018

Ranne Warner Shadow Brook Carriage House

“Hi Craig,
Yesterday, we reached the $50,000 grant match, and today we’re celebrating. You’re in my thoughts as you were extremely helpful in drawing the plan for Park Square in time for the MassDevelopment application in January 2018. I believe the drawing was helpful in receiving the grant.

Thank you again for your help!”

Best, Elie Hammerling
Downtown Pittsfield Inc, Board Member
Upon receiving matching private funding match for Pittsfield Lightscape Grant
May 17, 2018

Elie Hammerling Downtown Pittsfield Inc.

We just arrived in New Marlborough about an hour ago and as soon as I saw the pool I said to my wife that I wanted to call you. It is largely dug out at this point and we needed up extremely close to your design. We love it!
Stephen

Stephen New Marlborough Home

I have just come from an afternoon at the pool. In any direction one gazes, there are beautiful blooms and vistas. Serenity and beauty l abound in the home of my dear cousins and friends. To them and their talented team, gratitude for the sanctuary they have created.

Nancy Comment on The Berkshire Edge article, August 2017

Hi Ken and Cathy. Wow!1 Incredible concept and design. Flawless execution. Congratulations, Your piece of Heaven!

Steve Hopping Comment on The Berkshire Edge article, August 2017

This is one of the most beautiful complete renovations/restorations I have seen. The fact that Ken and Cathy are dear friends makes this even more special. The Kruvant Family Compound is exquisite! Congratulations to all!

Easy Eed the Retired Fed Comment on The Berkshire Edge article, August 2017

Having had the pleasure of visiting the home this month, every element in the design and implementation of the home and garden is perfect. Cathy and Kenny’s exquisite tastes and eye for unparalleled beauty are captured by the skilled designers of the garden and the lovely addition to the home. Thank you for sharing the history and photos.

Alicia H. Beach Comment on The Berkshire Edge article, August 2017

“Morning, Craig. I hope summer has been sweet for you and your family. Just a quick note to say how absolutely beautiful the landscaping is. We are so happy with what you created!

Donna Berkshire South County

Craig Okerstrom-Lang is a very creative thinker and designer. His design of my garden receives much praise from my neighbors.

Mariah Braxton Lang Resident - Rohnert Park, CA

“I am writing this letter to enthusiastically recommend Craig Okerstrom-Lang, RLA and Okerstrom-Lang Landscape Architects, LLC as a planning, landscape architecture, and environmental consultant.  As Director of Community Development for Adams, Massachusetts, I have worked closely with Craig and his staff over the past several years on a number of community development projects in town.

Okerstrom-Lang has assisted the Town in a variety of projects, including the Armory Court Project, the design and phased implementation of the $1.8 million Renfrew Park Renovation Project, and the recent Adams Station Park and Park Street Improvement Projects.

In their work for Adams, Okerstrom-Lang has demonstrated a very high degree of creativity and responsiveness.  They are adept at problem solving and finding acceptable solutions to issues that are often controversial.  Their work has been accomplished in a timely manner and they have worked closely and productively with project steering committees for each of the projects undertaken for Adams.

Craig has been especially effective during public participation that is required throughout project development and implementation.  He and his staff have always been sensitive to responding to community input and concerns arising during numerous public presentations, which in turn has helped to maintain strong support for projects.

Given this consistently high caliber of performance, I recommend without hesitation Okerstrom-Lang, Landscape Architects.”

Donna E. Cesan, AICP Director of Community Development for Adams, Massachusetts

“Over time, once construction commenced, Craig OL’s involvement included some cost estimating, multiple design concepts, as well as detailed design and layout. One aspect of the development was the design and construction of a new 50’x 25’ pool, deck and pool house.

Craig not only assisted with the design but was primarily responsible for the selection of contractors for that aspect of the overall project as well as overseeing the bidding process. His referral of the successful contractor resulted in a significant savings compared to the other bids.”

Jeffery N. Cohen Linden Brook Farm Great Barrington, MA

Craig has been especially effective during public participation that is required throughout project development and implementation.  He and his staff have always been sensitive to responding to community input and concerns arising during numerous public presentations, which in turn has helped to maintain strong support for projects.

Donna E. Cesan, AICP Director of Community Development for Adams, Massachusetts

“Craig OL’s multifaceted expertise, not only as to planning but also as to landscape design, overall construction management, and general good common sense has resulted in an evolved comprehensive master plan that has been implemented with great attention to detail and cost.”

Jeffery N. Cohen Linden Brook Farm Great Barrington, MA

“Okerstrom-Lang has demonstrated a very high degree of creativity and responsiveness.  They are adept at problem solving and finding acceptable solutions to issues that are often controversial.“

Donna E. Cesan, AICP Director of Community Development for Adams, Massachusetts

“You and your client worked with our concerns and we appreciate that.”

2013 Golub Residence Scenic Mountains Act public hearing #2 upon approval of project Great Barrington Conservation Commission

“Woooooooow!!!! Great work and well done !!! We are privileged to be part of a great team !!!! Thank you all! Full speed ahead!!!”

Mark & Nancy Upon approval of their house and landscape plan for their new home, Lenox, MA, 2013

“I have appreciate your sense of detail and articulation in the design of our new front walkway and landscape”

Michael Simon, Richmond, MA, Interior Designer

“Craig, I love the work you and your crew did.  I rejoice to see it every day.”

Roberta, Lenox, MA

“Thank you for creating the perfect garden sanctuary for us.  We LOVE it!  It was a pleasure working with you”

Carol & Saul, Williamstown, MA

“Very thorough and well thoughtful submission…with an extreme level of detail answering of our questions.”

2010 at Chesloff Residence Scenic Mountains Act public hearing meeting Great Barrington Conservation Commission

“The property looks great in every season. Our family just loves the Camp you created at our property for our children and grandchildren.”

Lesley & Richard, Great Barrington, MA from sticky Florida!

“Your master plan and design of our property by your firm will be enjoyed by my family for many years.”

Richard Giordano, Lakeville, CT

A New Relevance, A New Persona

 

Thanks to the creativity, foresight, competence and professionalism of the people who worked on this project we have become a more relevant and integral part of the cityscape.”

Betsey Selkowitz, Past President, Board of Trustees Berkshire Museum
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