My name is Richard Paulin and I am the owner of Landcraft. I came to Austin in 1981 at the age of 17 and started working for a well respected landscape company. When I was 19 I was handed plans and was responsible for construction and management of a crew. I soon started working with some of the most sought after architects in the Austin area and managed projects from Round Top to Kingsland. This continued for a couple years until a new opportunity arose. Because of a vacation commitment, by the owner, I was asked if I would design a plan for a new client. I threw myself into the design with the desire to do something a bit different then I had seen. The client was very happy and my boss was very impressed however I was indispensable as a foreman so advancement was not in sight. I started my own company in 1988 and started picking up an occasional landscape while I maintained properties to make ends meet. In 1990 I started advertising and obtained my irrigators license. Three years prior to starting Landcraft I started growing native plants, on the side, being convinced that trends in design were transitioning towards more sustainable plants and perennials. We sure have come a long way since those days. Today I grow what I’m able, or use often.

For me the evolution in the Landscape business over the years has been driven by continual introduction of new plant varieties and the discovery of those varieties that can stand the test of time. Sustainable varieties of plants from not only the southwest but from all over the world are constantly making their way on the scene as the desire to do something different drives the market.

I watch this with great interest especially since we are entering a new revolution in landscaping with super drought tolerant desert scapes and more rock or decomposed granite. For me this is the most interesting shift we have seen. The use of bold, striking textures and colors in cactus, yuccas and the mass plantings of sedges, sedums etc. and the use of drought tolerant perennials insure that the client today will have a unique look which will not only conserve water but will perform to the maximum potential through prolonged drought.

One of the greatest problems we see as architects and designers are the poor maintenance techniques that are practiced. Unfortunately the lawn maintenance companies have dropped the ball on pruning or even not pruning at the right times of the year to the point where it's nearly impossible to bring a plant back to its intended form. Because of this we encourage clients to have us come in four times a year to not only prune properly but fertilize and check out the sprinkler system. This insures that your investment is protected. I cringe when I see a beautiful design ruined by poor maintenance practices within three or four years. Just let the maintenance companies mow, edge, blow and GO!

I take pride in the quality stone work I require from my masons. Examples of which can be seen in close ups in my portfolio. Almost all our patios are reinforced concrete anchored into an existing slab insuring its structural integrity.

We are not a large company and I'm not sure I desire to become one. I would rather have control over design and construction then have designers and managers walk thru a revolving door. I would rather give the client more attention and be intimately involved with the project. I would rather keep overhead low so we could provide a fair price while keeping profits up. I would rather keep my workforce intact than hire inexperienced guys for a rush then just layoff if there is a downturn in the market or slow down because of drought.

Thank you for reading and feel free to call me. My cell phone number is 512-762-5725. I offer a free consultation, once we have discussed your goals. In order to bid I need to draft a plan, the cost of which will be reimbursed if we sign a contract.