Landscape Architecture Secrets Every Homeowner Should Know ft. Zac Pekala & The Green Room Landscape

Can great landscaping actually increase your home's value? What plants work best in the Las Vegas desert? How do you create a luxury outdoor space that feels like a natural extension of your home? In this episode of The Foundry with Stephanie McGowan, Stephanie sits down with Zac Pekala from The Green Room Studio, a landscape architect specializing in luxury residential design throughout Arizona and Las Vegas. They discuss why desert landscaping doesn't have to mean rocks and cactus, how thoughtful landscape architecture transforms the way you experience your home, and why outdoor living has become one of the biggest trends in luxury real estate. Zac also shares the biggest landscaping mistakes homeowners make, why he avoids artificial turf whenever possible, and how strategic landscape design can increase a property's value. Whether you're building a custom home, renovating your backyard, or simply looking for landscaping ideas in Las Vegas, this episode is packed with practical advice and design inspiration. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: How landscape architecture can increase home value Desert landscaping ideas that feel lush and luxurious The biggest landscaping mistakes homeowners make Artificial turf vs. drought-tolerant alternatives How to create outdoor living spaces you'll actually use Wellness features like cold plunges, saunas, and water features Choosing plants and trees that thrive in Las Vegas Why great landscaping starts with intentional design CONNECT WITH ZAC PEKALA | THE GREEN ROOM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE: Website: https://tgrla.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenroo... LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestephani... Website: https://www.thestephaniemcgowan.com/ Email: [email protected] When I'm not behind the mic, I'm helping people find their home in Las Vegas. If you're thinking about buying, selling, or relocating and want a trusted partner who actually has your back, let's chat. ------------------------------------------------------ ABOUT THE FOUNDRY WITH STEPHANIE MCGOWAN: Join me each week as I sit down with the leaders behind Las Vegas' most exceptional businesses to uncover the stories they'd never put on a website the raw truths, real costs, and standards of excellence that set them apart. Think of me as the friend who asks the questions you're actually thinking. We're finding the people you can truly trust to help you level up your life in Las Vegas. ------------------------------------------------------ TIMESTAMPS 01:10 Why The Green Room expanded into Las Vegas 05:30 What makes great desert landscape design 11:20 Creating outdoor "rooms" that people actually use 18:10 Bringing luxury resort living home 25:45 Landscape architecture vs. landscaping 33:30 Wellness spaces: saunas, cold plunges & outdoor living 41:10 Artificial turf vs. natural alternatives 49:00 Choosing the best trees and plants for Las Vegas 58:15 How landscaping increases property value 1:06:30 The Forbes-featured Project Avenida 1:15:00 Rapid-fire questions