Open Land Studio designs landscapes that are ecologically vibrant and rooted in place. Led by landscape architect Keegan Oneal, we specialize in private gardens and institutional projects throughout the Hudson Valley, Berkshires, and Litchfield Hills.
Grounded by site history, horticultural expertise, and timeless design principles, we craft outdoor spaces that grow and evolve gracefully. Our work reflects a respect for natural systems, a sensitivity to context and our dedication to creating landscapes of enduring beauty.
Mill House
Columbia County, NY
The Mill House Garden blends cottage charm with a contemporary ecological planting sensibility, framing an 1890s home with lush naturalistic borders and a vegetable garden. Broad perennial sweeps replace what was once lawn, favoring native species that provide seasonal color and year-round structure.
A brick path sweeps through the garden, and circulation is anchored by rustic fencing and handcrafted gates that lend a timeless touch, creating a landscape that feels grounded and subtly modern.
Hilltop
Westchester County, NY
Perched on a ridge with views of the Manhattan skyline, this estate blends historic charm and modern living. In collaboration with the team at Miranda Brooks Landscape Design, we built upon an Olmsted Brothers site plan to meet the needs of a young family.
Anchored by a stately 1920s stone house, the design included extensive terrace wall construction to form levels for a pool, hot tub, and formal water garden. Outdoor dining spaces, stroll gardens, woodland trails, a pergola, and tennis court complete the grounds.
Old Quarry
Greene County, NY
In progress
Our landscape plan for a new home along Kaaterskill Creek focuses on repairing the relationship between construction disturbance and the surrounding woodland. Significant earthwork and grading for flood protection had reshaped the site, and our design works to re-establish a seamless transition from forest edge to house. Local bluestone flag paving, natural-cleft stone steps, and native-dominated plantings create the sense that the home sits lightly within the woodland clearing.
Key features include an entry garden, rear terrace with pool and social spaces, and a seeded meadow. Each element is calibrated to meet the needs of the homeowners while reinforcing a strong visual and ecological tie to the creek corridor and surrounding woods, allowing the modern house to feel quietly integrated into its Catskill setting.
Blackberry River
Litchfield County, NY
In progress
This master plan for a 1762 homestead blends historic character with modern function. Conceived as a lifetime project, the design will evolve to include an informal scented garden and a heritage apple orchard, while a hawthorn allée lends a measured sense of formality.
A Shaker-inspired herb garden off the kitchen will offer both seasonal beauty and everyday utility. Contemporary additions—a swimming pool and tennis court—are arranged around the old barn, with stonework and plantings that tie them to the working farmstead. The result is a landscape that honors its agricultural past while accommodating the rhythms of modern life.
