Drew and Shannon Lester are a husband and wife landscape design team that have over 40 years combined experience in Central Oregon. Together, they promote sustainability and gardening for success, so homeowners can enjoy all the other activities Central Oregon has to offer. Drew and Shannon currently focus their efforts on landscape and low voltage lighting design, backflow assembly testing, custom paver installation, project management and hourly consultations for D.I.Y. homeowners.
Drew graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington where he studied economics and public policy. After graduating, he decided to move out west to become a mountaineer guide and get more in touch with the natural environment. Shortly after, Drew started working in the landscape industry and furthered his education at Central Oregon Community College in the green industry.
Shannon is a landscape designer who holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from Washington State University in Pullman. After a sojourn in Italy where she experienced landscape and design, Shannon returned to the Pacific Northwest to focus on custom residential and commercial landscape design, land use and city planning projects.
From 2012 to 2017, Drew and Shannon focused their efforts on starting up a mid-century, modern-inspired planter company, Steel Life. Steel Life planters have been recognized by many nationally accredited industry professionals and magazines including Martha Stewart, Sunset, Better Homes and Gardens, 1859 Oregon, and Dwell magazine. Drew and Shannon have also designed product for The Standard Hotel NYC and Miami.
Shannon has shared her product design experiences on a design panel moderated by OPB at the 2015’s Bend Design Con. She currently enjoys teaching seasonal workshops both locally and on her travels. Shannon focuses her teaching on design trends, plant selection, succulents, xeriscaping, living centerpieces, wreath making and other green D.I.Y. creations.
OUR HAPPY CLIENTS
Cat
The Blooming Desert Design + Build team transformed our tiny, messy yard into a true outdoor living space. Shannon is a very careful listener and seamlessly incorporated our ideas and her expertise into a beautiful modern patio, literally every inch of our small lot was transformed - from 2 patio slabs, some rock and mulch into an serene, private outdoor living space. Her communication skills and contacts were invaluable to us through the many steps of the project, from concept to completion. Drew's expert paver installation is a showstopper, truly the envy of our neighborhood. We wholeheartedly have and will recommend Blooming Desert, without reservation, their work transformed and elevated our home and how we live in it.Read More
Susan Antle
Shannon understood my wants immediately, and produced a beautiful plan which will translate into a lovely yard come Spring. I would recommend her highly to anyone who wishes to upgrade an existing yard. I have no doubt that she would be wonderful at planning any yard from scratch as well.Read More
Ella Boardman
I am an avid gardener who knows what I like and don’t like. Shannon not only met with us at our new property, she also came to our current property so I could show her my likes as well as what I considered mistakes. Her finished plan was considerate of the land we had to work with, our trees, shrubs & perennials we like, what works in Central Oregon and some materials she introduced new to us.
Shannon is well connected with over 20 years of experience working with local landscapers and can introduce you to one that will fit your needs. We can’t wait to see our plan to fruition! Shannon is a joy to work with!
Ella BoardmanRead More
Bobby Jones
Shannon was amazing to work with on our project. This is the first time we have used a landscape architect. She considered our space, needs budget and preferences and put together an amazing design. We had a unique project and a lofty wish list. Shannon was able to accommodate them all and stay within our budget. Thanks Shannon! Can't wait to have a beverage with you on our finished space.Read More
Houzz User
Shannon is a wonderful designer. She was prompt for appointments, listened to our thoughts, answered our questions respectfully. The design she came up with is perfect for us. We highly recommend her design servicesRead More
