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Scott McIntyre: Where Craft Meets Art

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

For Scott McIntyre, landscaping sits at the intersection of art and craftsmanship. It’s not just about installing plants or hardscapes—it’s about designing spaces that look right, feel balanced and stand the test of time.

Scott first entered the industry by doing landscape maintenance work in Pasadena when he was 19 years old. What began as hands-on gardening quickly grew into running his own maintenance business, followed by work with the City of Burbank’s Parks and Recreation Department, where he gained experience caring for public spaces.

In 1991, Scott moved north to Los Gatos and began working at a local nursery, where he found himself drawn to design and working directly with customers. That experience led him to earn his contractor’s license in 1993 and fully step into the design/build side of landscaping. “I like this industry and I like working with plants, so it made sense,” he says. “I’ve been doing this for my entire adult life.”

Long before landscaping, however, Scott was drawn to art. “That was my forte when I was a kid,” he recalls. “I drew a lot…it was almost an obsession.” That creative foundation continues to influence his work today, shaping how he approaches design, balance and visual impact on every project.

As owner of Landscape Solutions, Scott focuses on designing and building outdoor spaces that are both functional and visually compelling. For him, the design process is where everything comes together. “I like design—it’s one of the things I’m good at,” he affirms. “I’m really big on aesthetics and art in design. You can visually see the difference when we’re done, which is very satisfying.”

Scott describes his work as a balance between creativity and structure. “Design is a combination of art and principles,” he explains. “It’s subjective, but there are also principles you can rely on to make it successful.” That philosophy is reflected in his company’s approach, which utilizes both the artistic and technical sides of landscaping.

Scott believes this balance is what sets his work apart. While many landscape contractors focus primarily on installation, Landscape Solutions prioritizes the overall look and feel of the finished space. “A lot of companies can do the installation, but they don’t know how to make it look good,” he says. “That’s the difference between a landscape that looks great and one that’s just there.”

A longtime resident of Los Gatos (where he lives with his wife, Ana, and their three dogs), Scott says he appreciates the South Bay’s sense of community and livability. “I love Los Gatos—the weather is nice and all four of my kids were raised here. It’s a great little town.”

Outside of work, Scott continues to express his creativity through music. “I play guitar and bass—mostly I play along to YouTube videos, but I also write my own songs,” he details. “I’ve been in bands and recorded some stuff, but nothing that has been successful. It’s just a fun hobby.”

At the core of Scott’s philosophy is a belief that good work, like good art, should feel authentic. “I bring my personality into my business the same way I do in my personal life,” he says. “I also try to treat people the way I want to be treated. That’s the most important part of everything.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s the first thing you’d do if you could retire tomorrow?
A: I would start a farm. I’d like to have cows, goats, sheep and, of course, dogs.

Q: Who’s your favorite musician?
A: JJ Cale. I like how straightforward his music is. He has been a big influence on a lot of musicians, including me. I also like Waylon Jennings and Van Morrison.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: A night owl. I tend to stay up late and wake up later in the morning. Luckily, my team is very independent, so I’m able to keep that schedule.

Q: If you could time-travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The future. I believe things will improve and I look forward to a future where the world becomes a more peaceful, beautiful place.