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Discover Industry Opportunity at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference

The hardscaping industry continues to grow, but many people exploring trade careers aren’t aware of the opportunities in this field.

This June, the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) will help thousands of young people discover the rewarding career paths that hardscaping offers at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta.

A Gathering of Tomorrow’s Skilled Workforce

SkillsUSA is one of the nation’s leading workforce development organizations, dedicated to empowering students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members. The annual SkillsUSA Championships bring together an estimated 15,000 students, teachers, education leaders, and representatives from 650 national corporations, trade associations, businesses, and labor unions.

At the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, more than 6,500 middle school, high school, and college/postsecondary students compete in 114 hands-on skill and leadership competitions. These competitions are created and judged by industry professionals to ensure students learn real-world skills that employers demand from entry-level workers.

“SkillsUSA is crazy. It is really cool, because it’s all these—every single trade you can imagine—in the competition,” says Bryan Horr, P.E., Division Engineer of Segmental Pavements at CMHA. “There’s mechanics, airline engine mechanics, wait staff, robotics competitions, speaking competitions, medical staff, EMTs… any kind of trade, they have a competition for.”

Building Hardscaping’s Future

CMHA first attended SkillsUSA about five years ago to determine if it was the right venue for the industry and found tremendous potential due to the crossover skills represented, including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical construction wiring.

For the past four years, CMHA has been working alongside the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Foundation to establish a national landscape and hardscape competition. To qualify for a national contest, at least 15 states must host their own state competitions. Horr said they are making steady progress toward this goal.

“We’re really close,” Horr shares. “Hopefully, this year we’ll have reached the threshold of 15 and we’ll be able to start thinking about the competition.”

This initiative is more than just a contest—it’s about introducing young people to career opportunities they might never have considered. Many students visiting the CMHA booth are surprised to learn that hardscaping is an entire industry with diverse career paths.

“A lot of people didn’t know that hardscaping was an industry or was a possibility,” explains Horr. “When you think of outdoor work, you definitely think more of landscaping—the mowing of yards or doing the mulching. We talk about the other aspects, the hardscaping aspects of it, building the outdoor kitchens and the other things you can do while you’re working outside.”

Connecting Skills to Careers

One of the most rewarding aspects of participating in SkillsUSA is showing students how their existing interests and skills can translate to successful careers in hardscaping. Horr said he takes time to speak with students about their current competitions and helps them see connections to the hardscaping industry.

“We’ll talk to students in the plumbing competition about how in a hardscaping business, there’s sprinkler systems and outdoor kitchens that can be installed. Plumbing is definitely an essential part of outdoor space,” says Horr. “We talk to students competing as electricians and explain how there are aspects of the hardscaping industry that require electricians. Culinary students, we talk about outdoor kitchens. There’s always some way of tying what they’re doing to the industry.”

Beyond technical skills, the team emphasizes the lifestyle benefits of working in hardscaping.

“One of the things I really enjoy doing is working outside and I like to explain to others how much fun that can be,” Horr said. “If you really like being outside, you can definitely be paid to be outside and do what you enjoy. You don’t have to be inside all the time, working at a desk, to have a career.”

There’s also the satisfaction of creating something tangible and lasting.

“It’s always about being able to step back and see what you’ve accomplished, what you’ve built,” Horr said. “I like to explain that and hear their stories about things that they’ve built and what they’re proud of.”

Join Us at the Oasis

This year’s SkillsUSA will be held June 23-27, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. If you’re attending, we invite you to visit the CMHA and NALP Foundation’s joint booth—just look for the trees!

“We’re like the oasis in the middle of the entire Georgia Convention Center,” Horr said. “It’s all mechanical things around—race cars, engines, boats, dump trucks, kitchens, all metal and plastic all over the place—and then all of a sudden, we’re the only green space.”

The booth features not only beautiful hardscaping elements like pavers arranged into a patio area, but also trees, bushes, plants, and flowers that create a refreshing contrast to the surrounding technical displays.

Visitors will also be the first to get special edition CMHA lapel pins. Pin trading is a beloved tradition at SkillsUSA, with students collecting and exchanging pins from different states and organizations.

“The kids are running around trading pins and exchanging pins and putting them on their lanyards. They’ll have like 100 pins by the end of the competition,” Horr said. “We’ve designed our own lapel pins to hand out as part of our campaign of getting our name out there.”

Whether you’re an educator interested in bringing hardscaping courses to your institution, an industry professional wanting to support the next generation of hardscapers, or a student exploring career options, we’d love to connect with you at SkillsUSA.

Commercial vs. Residential Hardscaping: Which Path is Right for You?

For those considering a career in hardscaping, one of the decisions you may face is whether to focus on residential projects or commercial installations.

While the fundamental techniques may be similar, these two paths offer different experiences, challenges, and rewards. As an aspiring or early career hardscaper, it is worth exploring both to see which might be the right fit for you.

Understanding the Two Paths

At its core, hardscaping involves the same materials and installation techniques whether you’re working on a backyard patio or a shopping center plaza. The primary differences lie in the scale, design process, client relationships, and business operations.

Residential projects commonly are referred to as Design-Build. This is because the contractor provides both the design and build services to the homeowner. Most commercial projects are Design Specification where the owner provides details, developed by a third party, of the methods and materials needed to achieve the wanted outcome. In commercial projects the hardscape contractor is usually a subcontractor, typically working for the general contractor who in turn has a contract with the owner.

Residential hardscaping typically involves working directly with homeowners on custom projects for their personal property. These jobs might include backyard patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and retaining walls—all designed to enhance a family’s outdoor living experience. The work is highly personalized, often creative, and involves significant client interaction.

Commercial hardscaping usually involves larger-scale projects for businesses, developers, or government entities. These might include parking lots, plazas, walkways for shopping centers, or hardscaped areas for apartment complexes. The work tends to follow pre-established plans created by landscape architects or engineers, with less room for on-site creativity but greater emphasis on efficiency and adherence to specifications.

Understanding Payment Terms
For most residential projects payment terms favor the contractor. Usually there is a large, up front payment and final payment is due within days of completion.

For commercial projects payment terms generally favor the owner and/or general contractor. Payment terms are defined by the contract. Payments often don’t start until there is materials on site and they are typically due in 30 or 60 days after invoicing. Depending on the contract, there may be progress payments. Payment for completion of the project may take even longer and it isn’t uncommon to have 120 days. Also there is typically a 10% retainage/holdback which is kept to address issues that may appear well after the completion date. Retainage/Holdbacks may take a year or more to be released. Subcontractors don’t get their retainage/holdback until the owner releases the GC’s retainage/holdback and this may not even happen due to issues related to other subcontractor’s work, over which you have no control over.

Residential projects are typically smaller in scale, so you can do more in a year, lower total cost, but they earn higher margins.

Commercial projects are typically larger in scale, so you will only do a few a year, they have a higher total cost, but lower margins. Focusing your company on a specific market and optimizing your company based on these general principles can make your company very profitable.

The Residential Experience: Creativity and Connection

Harrison Woytko, President of Boulder Landscape, LLC, primarily focuses on residential projects. He was drawn to this sector for its creative possibilities and the opportunity to provide excellent customer service.

“From a creativity and expanding your knowledge perspective, I think the residential market offers much more,” Woytko said. “If you’re someone with creative skills or if you want to see different projects at different houses in different neighborhoods and meet different homeowners, there’s lots of opportunity and freedom there.”

This variety extends beyond just creative expression. Residential hardscapers often build meaningful relationships with their clients.

“We’re pretty good at the back-and-forth with a residential customer. We’re good at having a kitchen table talk. We can listen to somebody and we can pivot and come up with a better solution or something that’s more tailored for them,” Woytko said.

These personal connections often make the work more rewarding.

“Homeowners might have saved their money for 10 years to build a patio so they’re invested,” said Frank Gandora, President of Creative Hardscape Company. “You have great interaction with these people. They’re grateful that you’re doing it, and it’s a very positive situation.”

Woytko said that customer service piece also plays a role when hiring for his team.

“From a hiring perspective, we’re looking for someone with a positive attitude along with good customer service skills. It doesn’t mean that every employee has to have a one-on-one conversation with the homeowner when they come home every day or that they have to make the sale and engage them, but it’s important that they’re respectful, have a good attitude, and have social intelligence when it comes to interacting with others,” he said.

The Commercial Landscape: Scale and Structure

Commercial hardscaping offers its own set of advantages and challenges. These projects are typically larger in scale, more structured in their execution, and often involve working with other construction trades as part of a larger development project.

“In commercial work, you have engineers, you have architects, a landscape architect. They designed the plans. They create the elevations. They create all the data you need to do a commercial job. There are plans, specifications. They tell you the methodologies and how to install it in most of the cases,” Gandora said. “What’s being used on a commercial job is your labor.”

These projects present the opportunity to hone in on a particular skill—such as laying pavers across expansive plazas or courtyards—and execute it with precision. They also highlight how strong teamwork and coordination are essential to bringing large-scale visions to life. With multiple teams working in tandem under tight deadlines and strict specifications, commercial hardscaping becomes a lesson in efficiency, communication, and collaboration.

Finding Your Path Forward

Ultimately, the choice between commercial and residential hardscaping isn’t necessarily permanent. Many professionals start in one sector and transition to the other as they gain experience, move locations, or as market conditions change.

“I don’t know if you have to pick an avenue. I just think it’s how you can cater to your customer, whether that customer is a large general contractor or production home builder or Mr. and Mrs. Jones with a residential project on their home,” Woytko said. “For someone just getting into the business or maybe starting to work for a company, I think it’s really dependent on your market and where you see your vision going.”

Mixing Concrete and the Environment: How Hardscaping Supports Sustainability

Today’s job seekers are often looking for more than just a paycheck; they want purpose. Finding work that aligns with personal values can transform a job into a fulfilling career.

For those who care deeply about environmental resilience and sustainability, the hardscaping industry combines creativity, technology, and environmental problem-solving into real-world results.

Mimicking Natural Systems

The environmental benefits of modern hardscaping techniques extend far beyond what most people realize.

“Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement is probably the most visible technology we’ve got that is environmentally focused,” said Robert Bowers, VP of Engineering – Hardscapes at the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA).

Permeable pavers absorb and detain rainwater, allowing it to slowly infiltrate into the ground instead of overwhelming municipal infrastructure. This distributed approach reduces runoff volume, minimizes erosion, and lessens the strain on aging stormwater systems.

“Instead of a one-hour storm event overloading the city’s stormwater infrastructure, we can spread that release over days. That’s a major benefit,” Bowers said.

And the environmental upsides don’t stop with water retention. It can also act as a filtration system, filtering out contaminants like total suspended solids, hydrocarbons that leak from vehicles, and even heavy metals. Permeable pavement can also cool water before it enters creeks and ponds, helping protect aquatic life from thermal pollution.

“It’s acting in a lot of different ways. Permeable pavements mimic our natural wetlands better than any other system that we’ve got,” Bowers said. “It captures the water. It filters the water. It detains the water and it replenishes our ground water. It provides a lot of those similar functions a wetland would have.”

Expanding Sustainable Development

The environmental benefits of hardscaping extend beyond permeable pavements. Segmental retaining walls provide another sustainability opportunity by enabling development of previously unusable land.

“The prime land has been used in most cases,” Bowers said. “What is left is often vacant lots with slopes that make them not ideal to build on.”

Retaining wall systems create level areas on these overlooked properties, helping to control urban sprawl by enabling more efficient use of land within existing boundaries.

“Instead of cities continuing to expand outward, they can start looking inward and see which properties they’ve passed by that they should consider,” said Bowers.

Durability is another environmental asset.

“Concrete has been used for thousands of years and it’s proven its durability and longevity,” Bowers said. “It weathers extreme storm events better than many alternatives, and that’s essential in a world where those events are becoming more frequent.”

Relying on Reusable Elements

Hardscaping also leans heavily into materials that can be reused. Unlike some methods that require demolition and disposal when changes are needed, interlocking pavers stand apart with their remarkable reusability.

Bowers shared an example from the University of New Hampshire. When campus expansion required building on an area where Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers had been installed, the university didn’t simply demolish the pavement. Instead, they carefully removed the pavers, stored them during construction, and then reinstalled them for the new building’s pavement needs.

“The impacts of manufacturing a new product were eliminated. The product was already there so they didn’t have to use additional aggregate and cement and the energy to produce them and deliver it to the site. It was all there already,” Bowers said. “Being reusable is a huge benefit.”

The sustainability benefits extend beyond large institutional projects to the residential level.

Pavers can be reused if the homeowner wants to reconfigure the area or needs other changes. This isn’t possible with traditional asphalt or poured concrete slabs.

Training for a Greener Future

If you’re interested in entering the field with an emphasis on sustainability, Bowers recommends seeking certifications for the installation of permeable pavement systems, interlocking concrete pavers, and segmental retaining walls.

For instance, the CMHA Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements (PICP) Installer Course covers how to properly build systems that allow stormwater to filter into the earth—turning what was once treated as waste into a resource. It teaches not just the installation techniques, but also the science behind why these systems and materials matter.

“From a design perspective, from an engineering perspective, understanding how the system works, how it integrates and connects with the other systems in a built environment is important. There’s also the maintenance side,” Bowers said. “CMHA is positioned to support those different aspects or roles with training, information, and materials.”

CMHA’s educational offerings empower professionals across construction, design, and maintenance to build hardscapes that are not only beautiful and functional, but also climate-smart, scalable, and resource-efficient.

Hardscaping might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of green careers, but with the right training, the industry offers the chance to build something that benefits both communities and the environment.

Learn more about CMHA’s offerings and get started on your own values-driven career path.

Reputation Matters in Hardscaping: Building a Reputation Through Quality Work

Hardscaping is a trade built on trust, relationships, and reputation.

Delivering high-quality work is one of the most effective ways to establish a strong professional reputation. A well-executed project not only satisfies your client but can also lead to repeat business and valuable word-of-mouth referrals.

Reliable and Trustworthy

Your reputation is your most valuable asset in the hardscaping industry. When clients and contractors know they can count on you for top-tier work, they’re more likely to refer you to others and bring you back for future projects.

“For job seekers in the hardscaping industry, reputation is everything. Start by mastering the fundamentals—pay attention to detail, work efficiently, and always strive for quality. Be reliable and professional in every situation, no matter how large or small the opportunity is,” said Trevor Fearn, VP Operations at CornerStone Wall Solutions Inc.

Andrew Vear, a longtime installer and consultant, also emphasized the importance of reliability and trust. He recommends maintaining strong relationships with past clients.

“They’ve already done business with you, they already trust you. They’re the best people to do business with,” Vear said.

A Job Well Done

Jason Stewart, owner of JPAVE, shared that having a reputation for high-quality work has earned him repeat business and new contracts. “I get hired in a lot of times because of my quality, and to clean up somebody’s mess,” Stewart said.

For Nelson Braybrook, owner of Call Nelson Landscaping in Mississauga, Ontario, word-of-mouth referrals have been a driving force in his success. One of his early projects led to a lasting connection with a family who was so impressed with his craftsmanship and professionalism that they sought him out and tracked him down years later, even after he left his previous company. That single job sparked a chain reaction, with their friends and colleagues at the local college continuing to recommend him.

“Somehow, I ended up in this college network with everybody,” he said. “And it just worked out really well.”

Braybrook attributes this loyalty to the high standards he sets for himself and his work. Clients know they are getting quality craftsmanship, honest service, and a finished project they can be proud of.

“They know they’re getting a good job. They know their money’s not going to get stolen from them, and they’re not just going to get generally ripped off,” Braybrook said. “They know they’re going to get a quality project.”

A job well done doesn’t just lead to satisfied clients—it creates advocates who will recommend you to their friends, family, and colleagues. On the flip side, poor craftsmanship can do just as much damage to your career as quality work can build it.

“If you can get three referrals from a good job, that’s great,” Vear said. “But 100 people will see a bad job.”

Sloppy work, delays, and lack of professionalism can quickly tarnish a hardscaper’s reputation, making it harder to land jobs in the future.

The Role of CMHA in Building Your Reputation

Organizations like the Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association (CMHA) provide hardscapers with valuable training, certifications, and mentorship to help them refine their craft.

“Always be willing to learn and grow—whether that means seeking mentorship, taking certification courses, or attending industry events,” Fearn said.

By taking advantage of these resources, professionals and aspiring hardscapers can gain the skills needed to consistently produce high-quality work that builds their reputation.

While quality work is a key driver of success, reputation is also built through professional networks. Be sure to check out our companion blog post, Reputation Matters in Hardscaping: Building Your Reputation Through Professional Networks, on how networking and industry connections can take your career to the next level.

Reputation Matters in Hardscaping: Building a Reputation Through Professional Networks

While delivering high-quality work is essential for building a strong reputation in hardscaping, professional relationships play an equally crucial role.

Networking within the industry can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and valuable mentorships that help long-time hardscapers and aspiring hardscapers grow in their careers.

The Importance of Community and Mentorship

Cultivating strong professional relationships can open doors to new opportunities and ensure a steady flow of projects.

“Word-of-mouth has been one of the most influential factors in my hardscaping career. Building strong, respectful relationships helps you become a top choice for referrals. One of the fastest ways to achieve this is by responding to all inquiries promptly—whether you have the answer or not. Quick responses show that you’re engaged, reliable, and committed to addressing people’s needs, which builds trust and confidence. While it may seem simple, this habit fosters respect and strengthens professional connections,” said Trevor Fearn, VP Operations at CornerStone Wall Solutions Inc.

Trevor Fearn (center) is pictured with his colleagues at Hardscape North America.

“By prioritizing responsiveness and reliability, I’ve been able to unlock new opportunities and advance my career. Being at the top of a professional’s referral list is a powerful asset in this industry.”

Organizational Support

Organizations like the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) support both the craftsmanship and relationship-building aspects that are key to a good reputation in the industry. Industry events and trade shows offer invaluable networking opportunities for both new and experienced hardscapers.

Vear strongly recommends attending trade events like Hardscape North America, which is hosted by CMHA. These gatherings provide not just education but crucial networking opportunities with manufacturers and fellow professionals.

“If you can get to HNA, that’s absolute—you have to go to that. If you’re in this industry and you don’t go to HNA, you are missing out on everything,” Vear said.

For Dan Hughes, President and Owner of Segmental Systems Inc., building a national network of hardscapers has been integral to growing his skills and knowledge. He credits CMHA with the connections that have bolstered his business into an industry leader.

“I used to look at these guys that were involved and they’re writing articles and magazines, and they’re doing stuff. And I know who these guys were. As I got involved in the organization, I’m actually now friends with these guys that used to be my mentors,” Hughes said. “…And I’ve made some great friends. But it’s being involved that really grew me as a professional and really elevated my level of knowledge in the industry. The discussions that I have, both within meetings and outside meetings, with these individuals are some of the best, most intelligent conversations you can have about the industry.”

Dan Hughes, President and Owner of Segmental Systems Inc. (center) is pictured at Hardscape North America.

Unlocking Opportunities Through Networking

Networking is also about maintaining existing relationships. Whether it’s keeping in touch with past clients, staying active in professional circles, or engaging with peers online, relationships built over time can lead to unexpected job opportunities and partnerships.

“Networking is key to growing in this industry. I stay active in professional associations like CMHA, attend trade shows, and participate in training workshops to connect with peers and suppliers. Social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, also help me showcase my work and engage with others in the field. Additionally, maintaining strong relationships with industry professionals has opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations,” Fearn said.

“The key is to provide value—whether that’s sharing insights, offering help, or simply staying in touch consistently.”

For job seekers looking to break into hardscaping, the key to success lies in both relationships and quality work. Your reputation will determine how many doors open for you, and word-of-mouth can be your strongest asset. Be sure to check out our companion blog post, Reputation Matters in Hardscaping: Building a Reputation Through Quality Work, on how delivering high-quality work strengthens your professional reputation.

Lessons from a ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Hardscaping Project: Downtown Ecosystem in Springfield, Illinois

When Landon Kirby, owner of Knob Hill Landscape Company, first visited the site for what would become the Downtown Ecosystem, he knew this was a “once-in-a-lifetime project.”

Nestled in the heart of downtown Springfield, Illinois, the Downtown Ecosystem is a living, breathing example of what’s possible with sustainable landscaping and hardscaping. What began as a client’s need to replace a 50-year-old concrete fountain evolved into a full ecosystem designed to recreate nature’s filtration processes and support aquatic life without the use of chemicals.

Kirby said they originally pitched two concepts for the project – one within the existing fountain footprint and the second that captured this larger educational opportunity and unique landscape. The client felt the same passion as Kirby and went for option two.

Mimicking Mother Nature

“My very first time I went there for a site visit I immediately got the thought of this ecosystem and the ponds and the waterfalls because the terrain was kind of rolling. I just got to thinking that this is a great opportunity because ecosystems are very neat, how they work, being all naturally filtered and very unique if you know how the whole system works,” Kirby said.

“You’re mimicking Mother Nature and the natural ecosystem. You’re showing how the water can be cleared without chemicals, how the fish play a part. The aquatic plants play a part, the waterfalls with the oxygenation of the water for the fish, and it just kept hitting me – this is a great opportunity to teach people about this.”

The educational opportunities also fell in line with the client’s mission, as their company works with educators and teachers.

“This is the perfect opportunity and they really thought the same thing. They trusted our vision,” Kirby said.

Sustainable Transformation

Transforming this space into a fully functional ecosystem was no small task.

At the north end of the ecosystem, a wetland filter was carefully constructed to naturally cleanse the water as it flows through multiple layers of river rock. This method mimics marshy areas near rivers and lakes, ensuring water clarity and a thriving habitat. On the opposite end, an intake bay with pumps pre-filters the water before recirculating it through the system.

The design also features three waterfalls, not just for aesthetics but to enhance oxygenation and improve the environment for fish. Additional features like strategically placed woody materials support beneficial microorganisms, and fish play a crucial role in the ecosystem by feeding on algae and producing nutrients for plant life.

The project included 2,000 square feet of permeable pavers. The permeable paver patio joints between the pavers were filled with granite chips, allowing the rainwater to penetrate the pavers. This prevents any storm water runoff from entering the ecosystem and possibly contaminating the water source.

And to top it off, Kirby’s team of eight built this space over 101 days in the heart of an Illinois winter.

“In Illinois, the winters are pretty sketchy. We do get snow. We do freeze. We actually started that project the first week of November and we finished the last week of April. We were really worried at first, but it was the only project we were working on in the winter, so it allowed every employee to be focused on it,” Kirby said.

“…It was a once-in-a-lifetime project and I recognized it. All our employees recognized it. We all treated it like that. We didn’t cut any corners. We just tried to make it the best we absolutely could.”

The effort paid off. The project won a National Association of Landscape Professions “Gold” Award of Excellence in 2023 and at the 2024 Hardscape North America awards, it won the Combination of Hardscape Products – Commercial category.

“We’re from a relatively small market and we are still a relatively small company. To be recognized on that level is very special. It puts things in perspective and takes away a lot of all those stresses and things that you worry about so much,” Kirby said. “Our employees love it. It means the world to me for them to be recognized for their skills.”

Always Evolving

For aspiring hardscapers who want to one day be part of their own award-winning projects, Kirby advises that every project should be a learning opportunity.

“Always know that you can be better than you were yesterday,” Kirby said. “We won a national award, but we also still understand that we could have done something better. There’s a long list of things that we would improve from this project after having done it. Learn from every project and just have that mindset of continuously wanting to get better.”

Kirby’s favorite part of the Downtown Ecosystem project is the way it changes over time. He has been working with the client to lead tours and field trips for students to share and educate about the ecosystem and he said that he discovers something new on every visit.

“That’s one of the things with ecosystems, they’re always evolving because they are living and growing and changing,” Kirby said.

“Every time I go there, I notice something different that’s changed or a new plant that’s popped up and growing out of the boulders all of a sudden. Some of those seeds could have been on those boulders for hundreds of years, and now, all of a sudden, it’s the right conditions and now they’re sprouting grass out of the boulders. It’s amazing.”

The original request was for a fountain repair, but Knob Hill Landscaping saw an opportunity to create something much bigger. The Downtown Ecosystem isn’t just an award-winning project—it’s a new benchmark for what’s possible in urban landscapes.

Lessons for Aspiring Hardscapers from an Award-Winning Backyard

With a remarkable 215 project submissions across 19 categories in 2024, the recent Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards offered a reminder that an award-winning project isn’t just about technical perfection. It’s about creating spaces that transform how people live, entertain, and connect with their outdoor environments.

Among the standout projects was New Castle Lawn & Landscape’s Miller Project, which won the Combination of Hardscape Products – Residential (less than 3,000 sq ft) category.

This stunning backyard transformation, led by New Castle designer Phil Neri, offers inspiration for aspiring hardscape professionals looking to create their own industry-defining projects.

Mission Accomplished

The Miller family approached New Castle Lawn & Landscape with a clear request: they needed a large, functional outdoor space to entertain their big family.

“We were lucky to have a client who knew exactly what they wanted and had the budget to make it happen,” Neri said. “It was really exciting to bring the design to life and include all the details—it turned out great.”

In addition to a pool, the transformed backyard would include an expansive covered entertainment area and an outdoor kitchen with a grill, bar, fireplace, and lots of seating.

Using the design of the pool as their starting point, Neri and his team were able to establish a layout that would guide the rest of the project. The roof structure became the defining element, setting the stage for the dual living spaces that anchor the backyard. From there, the team incorporated a raised patio with a pergola, a rustic-modern mix of materials, and a show-stopping lighting feature that creates a “starry night” effect.

“We like to keep a few surprises up our sleeves when it comes to our designs. During the final presentation, I paused and said, ‘There’s one more thing I’d like to show you.’ With a click of a button, the small recessed lights within the patio flickered on. Instantly, without hesitation, they said, ‘Yes, we want that,’” Neri recalled.

“Having software that allows people to be able to see what things are going to look like is a tremendous help. It gets them excited about that product even before you put a shovel in the ground.”

The Art of Blending Materials

Another standout aspect of the Miller Project is its seamless integration of various materials.

Every element was carefully considered, from the rustic-modern aesthetic to the strategic material selection. Neri and his team used a mix of Techno-Bloc pavers, natural stone, and hemlock wood to create a cohesive and visually striking environment. This mix not only enhanced the project’s visual appeal but also demonstrated how diverse materials can complement each other when thoughtfully arranged.

Neri said he tries to recommend a blend of products in his designs so things don’t get stale. As a designer, it’s his job to guide the client so they don’t get overwhelmed by all of the choices.

“Right from the start, we guide our clients by saying, ‘Based on what you’ve told us and your style, here’s our recommendation—this is how it will look,’” Neri said. “And we do a great job. Nine times out of ten, only minor tweaks are needed to material choices because we’ve listened carefully and nailed their vision.”

Lessons for Aspiring Hardscapers

For those looking to one day create award-winning projects of their own, Neri encourages aspiring hardscapers to learn every aspect of the business.

“Take it all in while you can—learn as much as you can, from fieldwork to the selling process to designing within budgets,” Neri said.

He also encourages people new to the field to seek mentorship and to consider collaboration.

“Establish good relationships with other companies. Learning from those outside your immediate area can be incredibly valuable,” Neri said.

A Community of Inspiration

Winning a Hardscape North America Project Award is no small feat, especially considering the incredible talent across the industry. For Neri, the recognition is both an honor and a reminder of the community in hardscaping.

“I was pretty excited,” he said. “Winning a national award has been something on my to do list. There’s a lot of competition out there. I look at some of the work these other guys do and think, ‘Wow! How did we get chosen for this?’ There are a lot of guys out there killing it and doing phenomenal work. I think we all inspire each other.”

For those aspiring to make their mark in hardscaping, the Miller Project offers a blueprint: Listen to your clients, be creative, and never stop learning.

Hardscaping: The Perfect Career for Lifelong Learners

A Strong Foundation for Success

Lee Krinzman, Director of Education & Certification at the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), said there are comprehensive educational opportunities available to industry newcomers and veterans alike.

“For anyone new to hardscaping, Hardscapingis.com is the perfect place to start. The site outlines training and educational opportunities, industry insights, and career guidance to help build a strong foundation,” Krinzman said. “Hardscaping offers a variety of career paths—including installation, design, sales, and business ownership—and the website outlines these opportunities to help you find the right fit. With these resources, you’ll gain the skills and confidence with the right footing to start a successful hardscaping career!”

Staying the Course

What makes hardscaping particularly appealing to learning enthusiasts is its multi-faceted nature. Each specialization requires its own set of skills and knowledge, allowing professionals to continuously expand their expertise or even transition between different roles as their interests evolve.

“CMHA offers four main installer courses for anyone in the Hardscaping or Masonry Industry. We have numerous other certificate courses for people new to the industry, sales staff, and those who just want to know best practices in the industry,” Krinzman said. “Over the past 2-3 years, CMHA has updated our installer courses with best practices for the industry and we encourage anyone looking to learn more to take our courses.”

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Andrew Vear, a hardscaping industry consultant with decades of experience in installation, said he encourages people to jump at any opportunity to take a CMHA course.

“It’s one of the best ways to just gain knowledge about what you’re doing and why you’re doing something. Why are we putting in 6 inches of base? Why are we putting 8 inches of base? Why we would only need to put in 4 inches? I mean it explains all of these things so it’s not a mystery,” Vear said. “…The CMHA courses are a huge leap forward. It’s so much easier when you take a class that is in your field. It’s not like a math class where you are like, ‘I don’t understand how all this goes together.’ It’s specifically designed for the installation of pavers so you’re taking a real shortcut. You’re not learning a bunch of stuff you don’t need.”

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Continuing education and staying updated with evolving industry standards are crucial for hardscaping career longevity.

In addition to a formal education and taking courses, connecting with professionals, attending trade shows, and joining trade organizations can help hardscapers stay informed about emerging trends and new technologies.

“Networking with industry experts, joining trade organizations, and staying updated on trends through webinars and trade shows can further enhance knowledge and skills,” Krinzman said. “The more hands-on practice and industry exposure they gain, the more confident and prepared they’ll be for a successful career in hardscaping.”

Online resources, including YouTube tutorials, webinars, and social media communities, can provide further opportunities to learn and grow.

“Stay curious, adaptable, and committed to learning. The more knowledge and experience you gain, the greater your potential for success,” Krinzman advised.

For lifelong learners, hardscaping provides more than just a career – it offers a path of continuous growth and achievement. With a wide array of educational resources, diverse specialization options, and a strong emphasis on practical skill development, the field perfectly suits those who find joy in learning and satisfaction in mastering new challenges.

Crafting Sacred Spaces: How the Award-Winning ‘Garden of the Empty Tomb’ Showcases Creative Options in Hardscaping

Blending creativity and craftsmanship, the award-winning “Garden of the Empty Tomb” at Alto-Reste Park in Altoona, Pennsylvania reveals new options for building meaningful and lasting legacies through hardscaping.

A Vision Brought to Life

The “Garden of the Empty Tomb” was conceptualized by Geoff Behrens, Alto Reste’s general manager, who envisioned a memorial garden replicating the Jesus’ Empty Tomb, a significant element in Christian tradition.

Behrens wanted the wall to look like ancient Israel with 12 monoliths to symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel and columbariums in the 325-foot-long wall where people can be laid to rest. With the rise in cremations, this garden was designed to provide a sacred space for people’s loved ones.

Richard Kerr Jr., President of Kerr Landscaping and Maintenance Inc., was challenged to bring this special vision to life.

“Whenever you’re doing a project, you’re trying to build a selling point that people will come and buy into. So, whenever you’re creating something like this, it has to be something that whenever somebody walks in and they see it, it’s like, ‘I’m sold on this. This is awesome. This is where I want to be,’” Kerr said.

“A project like this, I mean, you’re dealing with thousands of people that this will be their last resting place.”

Kerr said the original plan called for temporary walls that would be removed and reinstalled in different phases. Then he remembered the Outcropping wall system product line from Rosetta Hardscapes and producer R.I. Lampus. It replicates the look and beauty of natural stone while still having the installation efficiencies of precast concrete products. Kerr thought it would get the right look while also being more cost-effective in the long run.

“The success of this project was really based on the contractor, Richard, really identifying the problem and the need of the customer and positioning a product that he thought was the right fit,” said Gerry Garcia, business consultant for project and construction strategy for Rosetta Hardscapes. “It really tells the story of what our product can achieve well beyond its aesthetic value. We’re very unique. It has an opportunity to fit certain needs that other products can’t.”

Redefining What is Possible

Projects like this require more than technical skill; they demand a vision and the ability to consider creative options to bring that vision to life. Kerr advises hardscaping newcomers to immerse themselves in the industry, learn from seasoned professionals, and embrace different opportunities.

“Be working with somebody that does do it and get some experience on working on a project of that size. You gotta be around it to do it,” he said.

For those considering a career in hardscaping, “Garden of the Empty Tomb” is a compelling reminder of the industry’s potential to craft spaces that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful.

“The sky’s the limit with where hardscaping can go and the projects that can be entertained to be built,” Kerr said. “We are always striving to do something bigger and better and cooler. I use the word ‘cool’ because the project was so cool for us to be involved in. There’s nothing else like it that I’m aware of.”

A Prestigious Recognition

“The Garden of the Empty Tomb” was recognized at the 2024 Hardscape North America (HNA) for Best Commercial Retaining Wall.

“It was getting recognition locally. But to be able to put it at HNA, to win – that was phenomenal,” Garcia said. “…It’s really recognizing and really putting the spotlight on the guys that make our product what it is and make it look as good as it does.”

Garcia said it was emotionally touching to see Kerr and his team win the award. For his part, Kerr said it was an “once in a lifetime” dream.

“I was quite honored to be there. To have a town as little as our own in that running, I was quite honored to be involved even in the conversation. And then we got lucky enough to win,” Kerr said.

“I don’t think you can get much higher of an award in the hardscaping business than that award. If there is something out there bigger than that HNA award, I don’t know about it. It’s a pretty big deal for us. I accomplished something in my lifetime that not many people will.”

Building with Team Spirit: Former Team Athletes Thrive in Hardscaping Careers

The qualities that make athletes successful on the field—teamwork, discipline, resilience, and a drive to achieve—are the same traits that play a role in a successful hardscaping career.

Just as athletes rely on their teammates to execute plays and adapt to challenges, hardscaping projects require collaboration and trust among crew members to transform a concept into a finished product.

Frank Gandora, President of Creative Hardscape Company in Lakewood, Colorado, said this is why he likes to ask job seekers for positions with his company if they ever played team sports.

Frank Gandora, President of Creative Hardscape Company

“You ever play soccer? You ever play basketball? You ever play baseball or football? Did you ever play volleyball?” Gandora said. “The reason I ask is that you work as a team in hardscaping. You have to anticipate what the next step is going to be and you have to work together congruently. I found people that have played sports in high school or college understand how it is to work with somebody else and not take all the glory. That’s very, very important.”

Rob Goossens, Vice President of Precise Paving, Inc. in West Palm Beach, Florida, echoed this sentiment, noting that team dynamics play a big role in the success of a project.

Rob Goossens, Vice President of Precise Paving, Inc.

“Skill set is great, but the person and the attitude make a bigger difference. We’ve had a lot of really skilled guys come in, but with a bad attitude, it’s detrimental to the whole crew,” Goossens said.

Goossens has played a number of team sports, but soccer is where he really excelled. He played all through his schooling, including at the collegiate level, playing on the team at Flagler College.

“I think that attitude correlates a lot with my soccer teams. Most of my teams that did well, we got along. We were positive. The teams that had a divide and would fight, they underperformed.”

Team sports can also prepare you to work well with people from different backgrounds, a critical skill in today’s diverse workforce.

“When I went to Flagler, we had people from all different countries and backgrounds and ethnicities on the team,” Goossens said. “…At our company, we have a lot of people from different backgrounds. Being able to get along even though we have differences is a skill set that carried over from my sports career.”

Goossens said there is an element of competition in hardscaping that appeals to an athlete’s determination and drive.

“With soccer, there’s a lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes with training your skill sets – physical abilities, mental abilities. That definitely helped me as a person and as a business person. The routines and the disciplines that helped out with soccer is definitely correlated and related exactly to what I do with hardscape and construction,” Goossens said.

Knowing that the behind-the-scenes training is what gets you to winning on the field also plays a role in understanding the industry. And like scoring the game-winning goal, there’s nothing quite like standing back at the end of a project and saying, “We built that.”

“It’s tough because sometimes you’re grinding and you’re working hard and a lot of the fruits of our labor, you don’t see until six months, a year, two years down the road. In my earlier days, I would get frustrated. It may take some time to see all the extra hours, the early hours pay off,” Goossens said. “…But making a mark in your community and its development, it’s pretty cool.”

For former athletes, hardscaping offers the perfect career path to take your skills off the field and build something tangible and lasting.

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