After 20 years in business, Saratoga County’s Redbud Development is still going above and beyond to deliver the outdoor living spaces of their clients’ dreams.

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If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably dreamed about elevating your outdoor living space. An in-ground pool, an outdoor kitchen, a new screened porch… the possibilities seem endless. But where to begin? A call to Redbud Development is a good place to start.

“We’re not selling a product, we’re providing an experience,” says Operations Manager Karen Redick, who runs the Wilton-based landscape design firm with her husband, Geff, who is a licensed landscape architect. To create the perfect outdoor living experiences, the Redicks prioritize getting to know their clients on a deeper level—their style, lifestyle, interests, hobbies, and how they love to entertain.

“For example, a client might tell us that a pool is at the top of their wish list,” Karen continues. “But is a pool really the best fit for their desires, their site, and their budget?” To find out, Geff or Matt Dennis, Redbud’s other landscape designer, will meet with the client at their home to assess the site and discuss their needs and wants. Are they a young family with kids? Or are they an older family with grandkids? Are they empty-nesters looking for a place to entertain their adult friends? Or are they sports enthusiasts looking for a space to swim laps? Often, the Redbud team will explain the maintenance a pool requires, and that, along with other factors, might help them realize that what they really want is not actually a full-on pool, but rather a swim spa, hot tub, or plunge pool.

Then comes the design phase and the inevitable question: Is this realistic? “The Redbud design process is very collaborative,” Geff explains. “We work with the client to prioritize what features they absolutely want, eliminate those that are not that important after all, and identify which ones might be phased in over time.”

Redbud also recognizes and respects that every client has a budget. Some are grand, and some are not. Through creativity and honest conversation, the firm helps clients create spaces that are truly buildable and not just pretty drawings that end up on the shelf in the closet. The goal is to create beautiful and functional spaces that clients will use and enjoy for years to come. If a client is cost-conscious, Redbud is more than willing to re-engineer and come up with creative solutions. And if a client is not as budget-conscious, the team utilizes the flexibility to develop ultra-tailored spaces aligning with the client’s style.

So, how does the Redbud team make it happen?

Once the custom design and budget are finalized, Redbud assembles a team of skilled professionals from their trusted network, including carpenters, stonemasons, pool contractors, electricians, and plumbers. When a project demands specialized expertise, they leverage their deep industry connections to find the perfect fit, as they did for a recent custom pool project. That job came with challenges on multiple fronts, including site conditions, material selection, custom finishes, and budget constraints. “Out of all the pool contractors in the area, we found Cypress Pools was most willing to take on the project and collaborate with us to work through the details,” Geff says. “It was a great team effort, and the client was very pleased with the outcome.”

“That’s how we approach every project that we work on, whether it is a pool project, an outdoor living space, or an interior renovation,” Geff continues. “We have a strong team of people that we work with regularly, and then if we need a new or uncommon trade, we’ll find that specialty contractor to get the job done.”

Geff and Karen have built their company on a hands-on approach that never cuts corners. “Twenty years ago, when we created our first brochure, we defined our core values as creativity, reliability, and integrity,” Karen recalls. Two decades later, those principles have cemented Redbud’s reputation as the region’s most trusted landscape design firm.

Redbud Development, one of the area’s premier creators of outdoor living spaces, is thrilled to be approaching their 20 year anniversary this August.

The business, founded by husband and wife duo Geffrey and Karen Redick, was started in earnest back in 2004. For the past two decades, Redbud Development has been helping countless residents discover, or sometimes rediscover, that their current house truly is the house of their dreams, all through the redesign process. The business has faced its share of obstacles through those years, from the difficulty of starting up a new company to a global pandemic, but has navigated every challenge. 

On Day 1, Karen and Geffrey founded the business on three principles: creativity, integrity, and reliability. While the business has evolved and grown throughout the years, these principles still hold as true as ever.

A graduate of Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, Geffrey received his bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture in 1993. He worked in Glens Falls for four years before moving to Long Island after marrying Karen. While living there, he worked for several years under other licensed architects and gained his own license in the process.

In June of 2004, Karen and Geffrey decided to move back to the upstate area. Karen has a background in business with a bachelor’s degree in International Language/Business from the University of Scranton and a master’s degree in Finance from CUNY Baruch. They decided that their combined skills would make for a successful company. “We thought together as a team we would be well equipped to handle our own company,” Karen said. She handles the business end of Redbud Development, including contracts, insurance, and marketing, while Geffrey handles the front end tasks like designing and construction management.

During their 20 years in business, Karen and Geffrey have faced many challenges, one of the biggest being in 2020 during the onset of Covid-19. The global pandemic forced their business to shut down for several months, but once it was safe to do, so they started working again and even saw an increase in sales.

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No matter how remarkable the interior of a home is, it’s better when paired with a relaxing outdoor living space and the unrivaled beauty of nature.

“I believe that people are happier when they spend more time outside,” says Karen Redick, founder and controller of Redbud Development, Inc. “It’s calming to hear the sound of wind rustling in trees, look at reflections in water, or rest on a deck surrounded by flowers as you watch hummingbirds flit around the patio.”

For Redbud Development, creating a connection to nature is personal and requires an evolving understanding of each client’s unique vision. For one client, this meant finding ways to marry the couple’s love of Japan with their family home by adding a tranquil teahouse built underneath a majestic tree and oriented northwest to maximize the sunset view. The space serves as a spiritual haven for daily yoga and meditation.

As with all custom projects, this one began with a design process centered on the client’s vision and continued through construction as Redbud Development managed a team of subcontractors to find opportunities to tailor the space every step of the way.

“We maintain the client’s vision from the initial design through installation,” says Geffrey Redick, founder and licensed landscape architect.

“A lot can be lost in translation if someone designs the landscape and then you turn to someone else to build it. As we get to know the client better, we learn more about how they live and what they value so we can refine the construction details to ensure that everything reflects their lifestyle.”

We are so excited to be featured in the Saratoga Business Journal! Thank you for the amazing kudos. Winning two CRBA Awards was a dream come true.

You can head on over to SBJ’s article here, or see what they had to say below.

This home won Redbud Development the Most Innovative in the Remodeler category and the Best Outdoor Living Space in the Kitchens, Hardscape and Pool Area category at recent CRBRA awards.

Redbud Development of Wilton was named a winner of the Most Innovative in the Remodeler category and the Best Outdoor Living Space in the Kitchens, Hardscape and Pool Area category at the recent Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association’s (CRBRA) 2018 Best in Building Awards.

The sixth annual Best in Building Awards honored excellence and innovation in residential building, remodeling, design and marketing.

“We are honored and thrilled to have won two awards from such a prestigious and well-respected organization in our field,” said Geffrey Redick, landscape architect and owner of Redbud Development.

“Blurring the lines between outdoors and indoors is where we shine, and we love creating beautiful spaces that feature incredible architectural details. Working closely with our clients to produce a stunning outcome is not only a key part of our process, it is also incredibly rewarding.”

“I’ve worked very closely with Geffrey, and you only have to tell him your vision once. He comes up with these amazing ideas. It’s almost like he can tell what I’m thinking,” said Joey Albarelli, a long-time client of Redbud.

The CRBRA Best in Building Awards is the Capital Region’s premier award program recognizing creativity, ingenuity and advancement in residential building. Through the competition, CRBRA builder, remodeler and industry-related associate members enter their best projects from kitchens and baths to floor plan and home features.

Honors were presented in seven categories: marketing; associate; builder, new construction; remodeler; green building; and outdoor living. Entries were judged by professionals from across the country who specialize in home building, remodeling and design.

From the submissions, 52 awards were announced from 42 sub-categories.

CRBRA is comprised of more than 300 builders, developers, remodelers, architects, engineers, trade contractors, material suppliers and professionals from associated industries throughout the region. CRBRA represents seven counties including in Albany, Columbia, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady Counties.

For over 20 years, Redbud Development has created captivating spaces by re-imagining the connection between your home and your yard. We design effortless transitions—from soaking up the sun to sitting for a meal—enhancing your property and the way you experience it.

From its location in Wilton, Redbud serves the Albany, Saratoga Springs, Great Sacandaga and Lake George regions. Learn more at redbuddevelopment.com.

Redbud Development was named a winner of the Most Innovative in the Remodeler category and the Best Outdoor Living Space in the Kitchens, Hardscape and Pool Area category at the Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association’s (CRBRA) 2018 Best in Building Awards on Thursday evening.

The 6th annual Best in Building Awards honored excellence and innovation in residential building, remodeling, design and marketing.

The CRBRA Best in Building Awards is the Capital Region’s premier award program recognizing creativity, ingenuity and advancement in residential building. Through the Best in Building Awards competition, CRBRA builder, remodeler and industry-related associate members enter their best projects from kitchens and baths to floor plan and home features. Honors were presented in seven categories: marketing; associate; builder – new construction; remodeler; green building; and outdoor living. Entries are judged by expert professionals from across the country who specialize in home building, remodeling and design. From the submissions, 52 awards were announced from 42 sub-categories.

“We are honored and thrilled to have won two awards from such a prestigious and well-respected organization in our field,” said Geffrey Redick, landscape architect and owner of Redbud Development.

To learn more about the Best in Building Awards and to see photos of the winning submissions, visit Best In Building Awards 2018.

ABOUT CRBRA

The Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association (CRBRA) is comprised of more than 300 builders, developers, remodelers, architects, engineers, trade contractors, material suppliers and professionals from associated industries throughout the region. CRBRA proudly represents seven counties including in Albany, Columbia, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady Counties.

CRBRA is the local professional trade association affiliated with the New York State Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders.  Together, we represent more than 140,000 business members that construct approximately 80% of all new homes built in the United States.

ABOUT REDBUD DEVELOPMENT

For over 20 years, Redbud Development has created captivating spaces by re-imagining the connection between your home and your yard. We design effortless transitions—from soaking up the sun to sitting for a meal—enhancing your property and the way you experience it.

We believe in using the best process and the best partnerships to deliver exceptional results. With over two decades of happy clients, taking care of all the red tape and nitty-gritty details is a service we’re glad to provide. From our location in Wilton, New York, proudly serve the Albany, Saratoga Springs,  Great Sacandaga and Lake George regions. Learn more at redbuddevelopment.com.

Redbud Development Inc. is a landscape design and construction company specializing in the custom design and quality installation of residential improvement projects.

With a creative and collaborative approach, their designers help clients imagine and build outdoor living environments that connect seamlessly with the interior and reflect their personality and lifestyle.

Pools, outdoor kitchens, stone patios and wooden structures are just a sampling of features they can utilize to help you create a functional retreat to better enjoy your favorite pastime whether that is entertaining friends, exercising, getting closer to nature, etc. They can also help you with interior renovations to your kitchen, bath, mudroom, walkout basement, etc… Sometimes an adjustment to an interior space is needed to greatly improve the use and aesthetics of the outdoor space.

What do you like most about your property? What do you dislike? How do you want to spend time in the landscape? What is the goal? To relax? To play with kids? To entertain? How often do you entertain and for how many people usually? A good designer will look beyond the immediate areas of interest (pool, patio, outdoor kitchen, etc.) and they will consider the inside of the house and how it relates to the exterior. The layout of your house, the traffic flows, the door and window locations, even the location of the restroom – these can all impact the design of your yard or outdoor living space. Understanding both your lifestyle and your sense of style will result in a more pleasing and functional property.

Good design takes time! Start NOW for a spring or summer construction project. The design process and potential permitting process can take several months depending on the scope of your project. Invest in a plan that will identify and solve difficult site issues and save you money on construction. As licensed professionals, they are up to date on industry trends and products and can work with your architect, engineer or other design professionals.

Redbud works with a trusted network of subcontractors which allows them to be very flexible and operate in a wider geographical area. Their high level of service is designed to take away the hassle and headache normally encountered when dealing with the permit and variance process, local code enforcement and multiple contractors. On the design side, they will maximize the functional and aesthetic value of your property. On the project management side, they manage the budgets and sub-contractor scheduling, help you with the material selection and make sure it all gets done right the first time to the highest quality standards.

Geff Redick and his wife, Karen Redick, founded the company together and named the company after Geff’s favorite tree, the Eastern Redbud. Geff earned a B.S. degree in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University in 1993. After graduation, he spent four years working in the Glens Falls area. He then joined an award-winning landscape design/build firm on Long Island, where he broadened the scope of his knowledge significantly and attained the professional title of NYS Registered Landscape Architect in 2004. Geffrey has worked in nearly every level of the industry over the past 25 years. He has also served as board member of the Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association. Karen has a B.A. degree in International Language/Business and an MBA in Finance. She has a business background that ranges from small Import/Export companies to working in Human Resources, Accounting and Finance for several large banking institutions in New York City.

Gary Diehl joined the Redbud team as a draftsperson in September 2012. Gary is now the head of the production department and is also the lead project manager. Gary has an AAS degree in Mechanical Technology and a Drafting Certificate from SUNY Adirondack.

Jessica Robbins joined the Redbud team in the spring of 2016 as a landscape designer. She is a graduate of Clemson University with a BA in Landscape Architecture. She is extremely creative in her approach to design and she produces the most beautiful computerized 3D drawings that really help clients to envision the completed project.

Redbud Development is once again featured in Success Magazine. Read the full Q&A with Redbud Development owners, Geffrey & Karen Redick.

Success Magazine: Geffrey, you graduated from Cornell University with a degree in landscape architecture. Where did you gain your work experience?

Geffrey Redick: After school I worked in Glens Falls for Jim Girard Landscape Maintenance for four years and then moved down to Long Island where I worked for an award winning landscape design/build firm. It was an enlightening experience on both the construction and client relations side of the business.

SM: In 2004 you decided to take the plunge and start your own landscape design/build business with your wife Karen. What was your goal in founding the business?

Geffrey: It was definitely a combination of reasons and events, but mainly the draw of being my own boss and the opportunity to expand my creativity; I had built many things over the years, now it was time to build a business. But most important was the added flexibility of being present for the important stuff, like the first day of school.

SM: Karen, with an MBA in finance and a degree in international language and business, did you ever think owning a landscaping firm was in your future?

Karen Redick: Never! I really enjoyed working in New York City in the banking industry. The pivotal event was having our first child just days before 9/11/2001; this altered my perspective on life as I am sure it did for many other people. New priorities were set and a move to be closer to family completed the setting. Now I get to utilize my skills and energy to create beautiful environments in nature for families to enjoy. What could be better than that?

SM: How has your education and prior experience prepared you for a successful future as an entrepreneur?

Karen: My education has provided me with the basics of running a business as well as an appreciation of fine arts and culture. My work experience has been varied and taught me many things; from the operational side of running a small import company, to living and working and surviving (!) in several foreign countries, to managing in the high stress environment of the financial end of an international investment bank. Add to all that the skills learned from being the mom of three, such as scheduling, multi-tasking, problem solving, becoming a human resources expert….and I think we are all set and ready to go.

SM: What services do you provide? Geffrey & Karen: We help people create the outdoor space of their dreams and we fix a lot of problems along the way. These fixes can be in form or function. We can take your outside from boring to inspiring or we can transform your wet, mushy yard into a tennis court. Redbud Design is the landscape architecture side of the business where we can provide design only, consulting, and educational services. Redbud Development is the construction side of the business where we can provide clients with the full range of services needed for building the landscape project; sketch design, code compliance issues, permit applications, subcontractor selection, and oversight.

SM: What truly makes Redbud unique in this competitive industry?

Geffrey & Karen: Few other landscape contractors have the education and experience of a licensed professional to draw from. Plus we truly listen to our clients’ needs and collaborate with them and other design professionals, architects, and engineers to ensure the complete vision is achieved.

Five years ago, Geff and Karen Redick decided that the time was finally right to realize the dream.

A graduate from Cornell University in 1993 with a degree in Landscape Architecture, Redick has over 15 years of experience in the landscape design field, having worked for several award-winning landscaping firms in Long Island and Glens Falls. Along the way Redick attained his certification as a New York State Registered Landscape Architect, and his longtime involvement in the industry gave him the confidence to take the next step in his career. In 2004 with the help of his wife, Karen, who has an MBA in Finance, as well as a degree in International Business and Foreign Language, the pair decided to start a landscape design and construction firm of their very own. They called it Redbud Development Inc.

In the five years since its formation, Redbud Development has taken on a wide array of projects and clients, helping residents in the Albany, Saratoga and Lake George Regions to reinvent their properties in ways they hardly imagined.

“Having my own company enables me to create and follow through with the construction of unique and interesting projects,” Redick said, adding that seeing such creative projects through to completion is his favorite part of the job.

Redbud Development takes on mostly residential landscaping and design jobs, although the breadth and scope of these projects varies drastically from client to client. “We can design and build virtually anything,” Redick said. “Projects can be as simple as an entrance walk, to elaborate full scale project management on the construction of driveways, garages, outdoor kitchens, stone retaining walls and much more; encompassing a full landscape package.”

Among some of the projects and designs that Redbud Development can help clients bring to fruition include the construction of patios, decks, custom fencing and perennial gardens. Redick’s firm has also helped customers realize larger projects, including (but not limited to) the installation of drainage systems, pool cabanas, audio and lighting systems, backyard playgrounds, tennis courts and even manmade ponds or water features. But above all, Redick said that his top priority is working closely with his client to ensure that they get exactly what they desire.

“All of our designs derive from the client,” Redick said. “Our first priority is to understand the client, who they are and what their needs are. Everybody has different desires and requirements. Some clients are all about safety for the children, some are more concerned about having adequate entertaining areas, while others want simply to enjoy nature in their yard and explore the possibilities of sustainable products.” One of the tools Redick uses to get a better idea of who his clients are and what they need is in the form of a landscaping questionnaire, which Redick says he encourages his clients to consider.

“Really the goal behind the questionnaire is to start stimulating thought and dialogue from the client’s perspective. Typically most clients already have a sense of what they think they need. It will normally stem from something that’s problematic.

Their existing pool may be unsightly and they want to replace it or remove it completely. But they may not necessarily be thinking about what their options are, what different possibilities may be available to them,” Redick explained. “My hope is that a client may say to me that they want to replace the pool, but further discussion reveals that one of the things that they would really enjoy is the sound of water falling or the more natural look of a pond and with that a place to sit, relax, and hang out for a few minutes. If they start thinking about the space and thinking about what drives them personally, we can incorporate those simple little elements that make the project extraordinary”.

Redick said that his company likes to look at the bigger picture when it comes to the designs he provides to his customers, always making sure to keep his clients abreast of the various design ideas, concepts and corresponding costs before moving forward.

“As we go through the design process, we are bringing [the client] ideas and sketches of how we want to implement the design so that they can start seeing and get an appreciation for what the look of the project is going to be,” Redick said.

But the flexibility of customer relations doesn’t end there with Redbud Development. If customers have a larger project in mind, one that they hope to complete over several years time, Redick will work with them to design the project in phases, and plan the construction elements and out so that it takes a logical progression, is more affordable and convenient for the client.

“We try to take a very rational approach in our designing, so that customers can have their desires fulfilled over an extended period of time, but without costing them additional funds,” Redick said.

Traditionally, stepping stones were primarily functional, facilitating travel between the house and garden in rural settings. Each stone was strategically placed to ensure easy passage with every step. Today, while still serving their practical purpose, stepping stones have evolved into aesthetic focal points in gardens, gathering spaces, and patios.

The size, shape, color, and arrangement of stepping stones play a crucial role in defining the atmosphere of a space. In contemporary designs, sleek lines and symmetrical layouts dominate. Clean materials like slate, concrete, or flamed bluestone are popular choices for creating structured walkways and transitional zones.

Redbud Development Inc. is located at 2 Commerce Park Drive, in Wilton. For more information on Redbud Development, or to contact them for their services, parties are encouraged to visit them on the web at redbuddevelopment.com, or to contact them by phone at (518) 691-0428.