John Randal McDonald Inspired Landscape - Milwaukee, WI

This mid-century modern home, designed by John Randal McDonald, inspired our front yard landscape, which reflects and complements the architecture of the house. Located across from a park on Lake Michigan, the homeowners wanted a small front yard patio that would take full advantage of the expansive views, including the Milwaukee skyline.

The geometry of the new patio was directly inspired by the angled beam ends on the home, creating a seamless connection between architecture and landscape. The custom front walkway draws from the varied proportions of the home’s windows, reinforcing the rhythm and scale of the original design. Brick from the existing front walk was thoughtfully re-used as inlays in the new walkway, preserving a sense of history and material continuity.

A curved planting border, designed to incorporate a large existing tree, provides subtle privacy from the street while maintaining open views to the park and lake. Additional planting beds around the home echo the shape of the patio, reinforcing the mid-century modern design language throughout the property. Low-voltage landscape lighting completes the project, enhancing both safety and architectural character. Before photos show the transformation.