The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1347392
can fail. They chaotically rush to fill empty space with plant life and flowers. "Planting is an art form that has been lost," said Cording. A huge focal point of CLC's operations, Rich, Jr. lays out the specs artistically and prepares a canvas that invites all year round. "The biggest compliment I hear about Rich is, 'I never thought it was going to look this beautiful in July and September," beamed Cording. Rich, Jr's Master's degree also makes sure the greenery is appropriate to the environment, so 'adaptive' planting thrives along with the natural order. "We are also conservation experts," asserted Cording. CLC also goes green by trying to use materials that are already on site. For instance, the installation might take pieces discarded from the old patio and place in the new rock wall. The firm also tries to get its staples nearby and reduce the carbon footprint for carting materials. Nonetheless, the artistry usually begins on the phone, and again, it's kept in the family. Rich, Sr. answers the call, gets a general sense of what the client desires, and his sons Eric and James make the first introductions at the home. "We explore a couple of different design options and pretty much give them anything they want on their wish list," said Cording. The specs then go to the next level. "I have a team of full-time architects that work with me to create this master plan," said Cording, and if customers like, a 3D model can be purchased. Still, not everything is set in stone or style. "After the landscape architect has laid everything out and we have a master plan, my son, Rich, has a sense of what people are looking for and then takes it to the next level," said Cording. The possibilities don't end there either. A licensed architect in the lead and under the direct supervision of CLC, multiple heads are better than the one that's typically out there. "That's what separates us from other people," said Cording. On the other hand, not everything about CLC has been completely thought out. Senior initially got his teaching degree, and landscaping emerged as he was trying to make extra money. Lawn work started turning into more money, and he kept repeating that he would do this only 'one more year.' Unable to pull away, he took the plunge in 1973, but actually enjoying the nuts and bolts of getting his hands dirty did take some time. Eventually, he said, "I decided it was something I loved doing." Even so, that's not necessarily what gets him out of bed every morning, "What I truly love is helping people achieve their dreams," the president boasted. And for New Jersey homeowners, it can all start by simply looking out your window. For more information, visit clcdesign.com V U E N J .C O M 124