Hello,
I serve as an…read moreOwner's Representative for national senior living companies, with over $1B in completed senior living redevelopments through Senior Living Studio. I also lead estate-level landscape architecture and design/build projects nationwide through Botanique + Design, with more than 40 years of experience as a retired landscape and swimming pool contractor working across California, the United States, and Europe.
I was referred to Christian by a senior living executive and initially engaged him as a landscape contractor for a large, complex precast fountain installation in the Midwest. These types of projects are layered and demanding, involving city and state permitting, engineering coordination, construction oversight, budget controls, schedule management, and multiple stakeholder groups including residents, board members, and corporate leadership. Christian exceeded expectations at every stage.
He expedited permitting by proactively establishing a strong working relationship with the city, reduced engineering costs through practical and sound alternative construction methods, and led stakeholder meetings with professionalism, clarity, and steady direction. He understood the sensitivities of working within an occupied senior community and maintained a high level of communication throughout. The project was delivered under budget and ahead of schedule, which directly increased overall community and resident satisfaction.
As a result, corporate leadership has requested his involvement in reviewing and supporting future senior living projects. That said, residential estate landscape design and construction is clearly where his passion and heart lie. While his structure and discipline serve institutional environments extremely well, his creativity, plant knowledge, and hands-on leadership are especially evident in estate-level residential work.
He executed flawlessly within his defined scope and stepped in beyond it when necessary to keep the project aligned and moving forward. That willingness to take ownership, rather than simply "stay in his lane," is rare. The community specifically requested his continued involvement due to his professionalism, candor, thoroughness, and consistent delivery.
Over the past year, I have collaborated with Christian on several significant residential projects, providing occasional input and review. He provides true white-glove service to his clients, maintains clear documentation, manages budgets responsibly, and keeps expectations realistic. Estate clients should feel confident they have his full attention, commitment, and leadership.
For those considering hiring him, preparation matters. Bring your existing plans and permits, define both your short- and long-term goals, assemble meaningful visual references, and clearly outline your objectives. Christian's programmatic process lays out permitting, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, coordination, and project management in a disciplined and transparent manner. Each step is defined. Communication is consistent. Nothing is left to chance.
In more than four decades of professional work, I have formally recommended very few peers. Christian is one of them.
Respectfully,
Brian Ackerman - Owner
www.seniorliving.studio
www.botanique.design
