From Challenges to Accolades

From Challenges to Accolades: The Nelson Project’s Journey to Award-Winning Excellence 

What started as a simple pergola project turned into an award-winning masterpiece that  overcame every hurdle nature—and infrastructure—threw its way. 

When Tim McAuliffe first stepped onto the Nelson property in Plano, Texas, the vision seemed  straightforward: a complete landscape garden with meandering pathways, a firepit conversation area and a focal point pergola that would elevate the client’s outdoor space. However, as the  project unfolded, it quickly became clear that this wouldn’t be just another standard build. The discovery of adding a pool on-site to the existing design led to an ambitious redesign that seamlessly integrated the pool into the project, ultimately turning a simple concept into a stunning outdoor living area that earned multiple accolades from the National Association of  Landscape Professionals (NALP). 

Reimagining the Vision 

Tim and the team at Complete Landsculpture were tasked with not just reworking the design, but amplifying it. The client wanted a space that harmonized beauty and functionality, while  accommodating the newly incorporated pool. This meant recalibrating every detail of the project  to create a cohesive and award-worthy design. 

Through a combination of creative problem-solving and meticulous planning, the team brought  the client’s vision to life. The result? A breathtaking space that redefined outdoor living and  garnered both a Silver Award for Landscape Contracting and another for Design from NALP.  It also won a Gold Award at the Southwest Pool & Spa Trade Show. 

Navigating Obstacles with Expertise 

No award-winning project comes without challenges, and the Nelson project was no exception.  While digging for the pool, the team encountered a main electric line running diagonally through  the yard. This unexpected discovery meant rerouting 600 feet of the line—a painstaking task  that involved trenching 30 inches deep through tough bedrock. With only six feet of access  space for machinery, the crew had to navigate around trees and stone walls with precision. 

It was a logistical puzzle, but the right team made all the difference. “The key was collaboration,”  Tim explains. “From our in-house crew to the subcontractors—electricians, plumbers and  structural builders—everyone brought their expertise to the table to ensure we could execute  the design without compromising quality.” 

From Vision to Reality 

The Nelson project wasn’t just about overcoming physical challenges; it was about delivering on  a client’s dream. Upon completion, the homeowner was thrilled. Her glowing handwritten thank you letter and heartfelt review to the Better Business Bureau underscored the project’s success,  making all the hard work worthwhile. 

The client’s feedback wasn’t the only validation for Tim and his team. Recognition from the  NALP confirmed what they already knew—this was a project that set a new standard for excellence in outdoor design. 

Celebrating Excellence 

Today, the Nelson project stands as a testament to what’s possible when creativity, determination and collaboration come together. It’s not just an award-winning project, it’s a story of adaptability and perseverance, showcasing the best of what the landscape design/build industry has to offer. 

For professionals in the field, the Nelson project serves as a powerful reminder: Every challenge is an opportunity to innovate, and every innovation can transform a space—and a client’s life— in remarkable ways. 

Watch the movie of the build here.

Tim McAuliffe, The Outdoor Living Designer

This article was published in the SYNKD Winter 2025 issue.