Texas Excellence in Landscaping Awards 2024
The Texas Excellence in Landscaping (TEIL) Awards are presented each year to landscaping firms who have completed outstanding projects. Landscaping firms submit their best projects to be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals.
Applications MUST be submitted online. Applications submitted by mail or in person will not be accepted.
For additional information on the TEIL Awards or the scholarship programs please visit www.tnlaonline.org
For questions contact Aimee Pledger at 512.579.3864 or email apledger@tnlaonline.org
Let's get to know you!
First Name Jorge
Last Name Gamez
Phone Number 12103761328
Street Address PO Box 700681
City San Antonio State Texas Zip Code 78270
Email jorge@nativadesignstudio com
Company Name NATIVA Design Studio
Company Address PO Box 700681
Company State Texas Company Zip 78270
Company Phone Number 12103761328
Entry Contact Person Jorge Gamez
Alternate Contact Person Nadia Zarate
Email Address of Main Contact Person jorge@nativadesignstudio com
Project Information
What TEIL Awards Category are you applying for?
Residential Installation: Over $250K
Entry Name Grand Terrace Project
City of Entry / Project San Antonio Did you design the project? Yes
Project Start Date 09/2023
Project Completion Date 03/2024
Photo Name of Award's Plaque Photo DSC09322-2 jpg
Does the photographer request photo credit on the plaque photo? Yes
Name of Person consenting Nadia Zarate
Title of person consenting Nadia Zarate
Representative from firm entering the project Jorge Gamez
Write a brief overview of the project and the challenges you overcame (no more than 500 words)
Our client was faced with an overwhelming challenge to make use of a backyard that was over 6' below finish grade from their existing patios in one area and 12' below in another. The new pool house attached to the existing residence was mostly disconnected from the rest of the yard and our client wanted congruency and practicality Also, since it was mostly an existing home, access was tight and steep, presenting logistical challenges that we had to overcome with timing and the right equipment They were inspired by a Cabo resort that featured a putting green weaving in and out of landscaped areas They wanted to recreate the resort's lushness and vibrancy in a low maintenance and drought tolerant version to thrive in the San Antonio climate We took on the challenge to transform a difficult site into their vision and designed multiple terraces with the putting green flowing between the landscape They also desired a multi-use sports court, which we incorporated to tie into the putting green to create a seamless transition between entertainment and play areas There is a section of the putting green that features a cup and flag that transfers the golf ball to the lower level via a subterranean pipe. We implemented drought tolerant plant selection, limestone quarry blocks, river rock, and mulch from local vendors The use of artificial turf in the putting green also represents a water conservation effort in reducing irrigation and maintenance The planting areas also feature a drip irrigation system to maximize water usage efficiency Our client and their family now enjoy the many aspects and destinations within their yard without the maintenance or upkeep worry They expressed that the project turned out better than they dreamed
Are you a member of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association? No
Project Information Set Number 1
Additional Photo(s) Upload DJI 0318-2.jpg
Please Add a Description of Each Photo A bird's-eye-view portrays the multiple levels throughout the yard We designed multiple yard destinations to be connected and used by the family High elevations of 12 5' below from existing patio finish grade were a big mountain to climb and we delivered a practical, elegant, and beautiful solution
Which suppliers did you use on the project?
SiteOne Landscape Supply and Nursery Ewing Outdoor Supply SYNLawn Hill Country Stone DOS Transport
Project Information Set Number 2
Additional Photo(s) Upload DSC09080-2.jpg
Please Add a Description of Each Photo View of the terraces, steps, and putting green.
Which suppliers did you use on the project?
SiteOne Landscape Supply and Nursery Ewing Outdoor Supply SYNLawn Hill Country Stone DOS Transport
Project Information Set Number 3
Additional Photo(s) Upload DSC09094-2 jpg
Please Add a Description of Each Photo Expanded view of terraces The fire pit area is another destination within the yard that allows for further use and enjoyment of the space Mexican feather grass, Lantana, and Waxmyrtles thriving throughout
Which suppliers did you use on the project?
SiteOne Landscape Supply and Nursery Ewing Outdoor Supply SYNLawn Hill Country Stone DOS Transport
Project Information Set Number 4
Additional Photo(s) Upload DSC09108-2 jpg
Please Add a Description of Each Photo Terraced planters with concrete path to a pitching tee for the putting green The putting green features 9 holes and 3 chipping boxes throughout the yard.
Which suppliers did you use on the project?
SiteOne Landscape Supply and Nursery Ewing Outdoor Supply SYNLawn Hill Country Stone DOS Transport
Project Information Set Number 5
Additional Photo(s) Upload DSC09131-2 jpg
Please Add a Description of Each Photo View of middle yard terrace, the transitional space connected to the pool house/casita Sharing grade with the bottom floor of the pool house allows for the landscape and putting green to flow seamlessly into the covered patio area and allow both indoor and outdoor spaces to exist together The covered patio is part of the playrooom and it was important to the client that the space was not constricted and became part of the whole yard
Which suppliers did you use on the project?
SiteOne Landscape Supply and Nursery Ewing Outdoor Supply SYNLawn Hill Country Stone DOS Transport
Project Information Set Number 6
Additional Photo(s) Upload DSC09148-2.jpg
Please Add a Description of Each Photo View of the transitional terrace and concrete steps that we designed to connect existing and new spaces The lot cut that existed where the concrete steps are placed was a drainage and erosion concern and we solved it with surface grading into drain box catch basins with pvc pipes strategically placed to handle runoff and relieve hydrostatic pressure at the retaining walls we built.
Which suppliers did you use on the project?
SiteOne Landscape Supply and Nursery Ewing Outdoor Supply SYNLawn Hill Country Stone DOS Transport
Project Information Set Number 7
Additional Photo(s) Upload DSC09154-2 jpg
Please Add a Description of Each Photo
Which suppliers did you use on the project?
Colorful and drought tolerant plants inhabit the hole space It was important we help the pollinators while providing a self sustaining yard for our client Gulf Muhly Grass, Lantana, Autumn Sage, Mexican Bush Sage, Majestic Sage, and Waxmyrtles anchor different views throughout the space
SiteOne Landscape Supply and Nursery Ewing Outdoor Supply SYNLawn Hill Country Stone DOS Transport
Project Information Set Number 8
Additional Photo(s) Upload DSC09299-2 jpg
Please Add a Description of Each Photo View from the upper terrace of the yard The putting green acts as a transitional green space and pathway through all the spaces in the yard. This upper terrace features a golf hole with a pipe that travels down to the middle terrace where the ball exits to play into the second part of the green Strategically placed beds to incorporate existing live oaks into the landscape
Which suppliers did you use on the project?
SiteOne Landscape Supply and Nursery Ewing Outdoor Supply SYNLawn Hill Country Stone DOS Transport
Project Information Set Number 9
Additional Photo(s) Upload
DSC09322-2 jpg
Please Add a Description of Each Photo Magnificent view of all the terraces throughout the yard The land provided us with a perfect yet challenging canvas to execute this beautiful and practical space Maneuvering through the different elevations while maintaining the consistency of the design intent was a hard fought battle that we enjoyed and executed well for our clients
Which suppliers did you use on the project?
SiteOne Landscape Supply and Nursery Ewing Outdoor Supply SYNLawn Hill Country Stone DOS Transport
