“It was evident from the first meeting; UD was extremely professional and competent! The design concept, lead time, and execution went as planned. UD was not the lowest cost provider but hands down the best value! You get what you pay for, and Urban Design was amazing!"

– Dan Schultze

“We are very pleased with the landscape design and performance of Urban Design Company. They creatively designed our project and completed the entire project over a few weeks in the summer of 2023. Their 3D virtual design software made it easy to visualize the entire scope of work. They were able to make rapid adjustments throughout the entire process. The crew was professional and knowledgeable. We have received many compliments on our beautiful stone patio, bluestone steps, and plantings. Lovely job, Kate Roehl”

– Kate & Jerry Roehl

“Urban Design Company, James, and his team truly live out their values when delivering on their work commitments. They demoed my old walk-out deck and crafted a beautiful new patio, seamlessly dealing with unexpected items that popped up during the project. The team is committed to quality work and skilled craftsmanship. I really appreciated their transparent communication and meticulous planning to ensure timely completion, leaving the site beautifully transformed. Their honest approach and eye for excellence truly sets them apart.”

– Nicole Fuerstenberg

“James, I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of you! Your strength to face challenges with confidence and wisdom is admirable… I wish you adventure on your journey through life. Choose your battles wisely and listen to your heart when taking risks. Your hard work and dedication are second to none!”

– Dean Schmid

“When we think of James at Urban Design, we think of leading an industry. James is frequently consulted by manufacturers when new products are designed and offers innovative designs to his customers. James is enthusiastic and has a desire to deliver for his customers. We truly enjoy our relationship with Urban Design and look forward to working with them for years to come.”

-Jason (President of Timberwall Landscape & Masonry)

“Our gardening company contracted with urban Design to do the complete installation of a hardscape patio while our employees worked in parallel on the softscapes. We were able to complete the entire job in three days instead of the projected five while focusing on our strengths and helping other customers. We did not have to worry about call backs or hardscape logistics, and we could get more contracts closed due to the efficiency of pairing with Urban Design.”

– David Pierson (Pierson Garden & Landscape)

“The landscape professionals at the Urban Design Company are dedicated to a job well done. As a designer, I routinely collaborate with them to build our work and have been impressed with their attention to detail, particularly when it comes to stonework and hardscape construction. I whole heartedly recommend James and the entire Urban Design Company crew.”

– Michael Keenan (Urban Ecosystems)

"I was contacted by James at Urban Design Company through a mutual friend to give an electrical estimate for a four-season porch, hot tub, and landscape lighting project as part of a larger landscaping and addition project for an existing home. From the start through completion, James kept me updated on scheduling or any changes that would change the scope of my work. It was neat watching this project from the beginning to the end and seeing the finished product. James and his crew at Urban Design are true experts in their craft. I would recommend them without hesitation for all your landscaping and remodeling needs.”

– Chris (Primary Electric, Inc.)

"My wife and I hired Urban Design Company to do a major project renovation to our property. Our lot is at least .75 acres. They removed buckthorn from the entire lot and replanted native Minnesota hardwood and native prairie plants throughout. We had them build a 12-foot diameter ring walkway/garden with flagstone steps and walkway in front of the house. Brick walkways and two stone raised-bed gardens in the backyard. A brick wall and walkway along our house and driveway. In the far back area, they build a flagstone walkway and 12-foot diameter flagstone patio with a raised flagstone fire-ring in the middle. Their work is beautiful, and our property is beautiful. In the summer, the plants are spectacular! The attention to detail is fantastic. They always offered design suggestions and communicated with us, so we always knew what was going on. It was a wonderful experience and now we have a beautiful property to enjoy for years to come!”

– Dave Nyseth

“I have worked together with James and his team on several projects over the last several years. They have always put a unique twist on something that might be so standard. The interaction between client and contractor turns into a relationship when they take over a project. Because of this, the craftsmanship is shown in every aspect of a given project.”

- Jeremy Bickner

“James and his team at Urban Design have always been very pleasant and easy to deal with. Most importantly, they all have extremely positive attitudes. After visiting many of Urban Designs jobsites, they run a professional business, and their jobsites are always exceptionally clean. I would hire them in a heartbeat to work on my landscaping. I have been along for the ride from the beginning. Urban Design started like any other landscape company but have turned themselves into one of the most reputable landscape companies in the cities.”

– Belgard Sales Rep, Kevin Russell

“Our Goal: We hired Urban Design to remove the existing deck on our house and build a new screen porch, deck, and landscape the west side of our property. The design we wanted sought to fully integrate with the current home design, while refreshing the 40-year-old landscaping. We wanted high quality materials, workmanship and had a specific deadline to meet with a major family reunion pending.

The Outcome: Urban Design aggressively tackled the project. While any project has unexpected delays and challenges, this team led by James Stelten coordinated their own efforts with that of materials suppliers and sub-contractors to meet our milestone goals. They were as respectful of our home and space as possible during construction. The quality of construction was excellent. The few issues that arose were solved fully.

Strengths of Urban Design: Communication was daily. They show up when agreed and work long hours to keep up with construction schedules. While they are primarily a landscape company, they have an excellent network of subcontractors to enable full-service construction management.

Because of our positive experience and working relationship with Urban Design and James as the project manager, we would not hesitate to recommend them for a building, remodel, or landscape project and are likely to hire them for any further work again in our own home.”

-- Dale Williams

“Designed and installed my patio with fire pit! My wife and I have been using it every weekend in the summer since installed last spring. I would Highly Recommend Urban Design Company to anyone I know! Genuinely nice and professional.”

– Keith Cooper

“We were incredibly pleased with the work done on our patio. We especially appreciated their patience with us, as we tried to decide what would best suit our needs, and the fact that they finished our project in a timely manner. They collaborated with us by making suggestions along the way and went "the extra mile" by visiting nurseries with us to help select plants and other materials. They're knowledgeable and do quality work."

--Jim & Joan Witty

“James showed great creativity with his landscape design, communicated well, and was extremely easy to work with. I especially love the outcome of the boulder wall, boulder steps and fire pit area… We love the results of our landscaping.”

– Denise Bisping

“Urban Design Company is like my second family. I only have good things to say about every employee that works and has worked for the company. From top to bottom, every employee truly takes pride in the work they do for their clients. They go above and beyond on every single project, and consistently amaze homeowners when they get to see the finished product. When you choose to work with Urban Design, you do not just add a new landscape company to your contact list. Instead, you get a new addition to your family. A company that you can trust will always have your back. I have learned and grown so much from working at Urban Design and can honestly say there is no better landscape company in the industry today. The sky is the limit for Urban Design Company, and I cannot wait to watch the company continue to grow. If you are looking to have any sort of work done to your property, Urban Design Company is the one to call.”

--Riley Meyer (Urban Design Company 2016-2019)

“We received proposals from and interviewed 3 different landscaping contractors for our project. While James was priced competitively, we got a strong “good guy” vibe from them and that was the deciding factor for us. Once they started work on our project, our vibe was quickly affirmed and became reality. They communicated exceptionally well and were very transparent in their billings. James did exactly what they said they would do and more… Their finished work was stellar. But what was most impressive was this – our project ran into late fall and with the early arrival of winter, we still had one minor final change to complete. With James, I had no reservations whatsoever about ‘waiting till spring’ to complete the task even though I had paid in full. By mid-March, James had called me to schedule completion of the work. I did not need to call him. That should say it all right there!”

– Dan & RaVon Rasmussen

“James is a highly motivated individual. He has the ability to lead a crew effectively in all aspects of landscape construction. James will be a tremendous asset to any company looking for a team player to motivate and strengthen their organization”

April 8, 2010 – Kurt Binnie, Central Landscape Supply

“We have gotten tons of compliments from our neighbors. Once again terrific job.”

– Brenda Murphy

“James was a pleasure to work with. He helped us with the design, he started and finished the project on schedule, and we are very pleased with the finished product. I have recommended Urban Design to many of my friends.”

– Scott Lilya

“Urban Design helped us create a vision for our backyard. They were patient with us and gave us ideas to consider. They then implemented the vision with precision and a passion for their work. I have recommended the Urban Design team to others.”

– Jim Stelten

“James and his crew did an excellent job from the initial design to completion of the project. I would highly recommend him!”

– Laura Patton