City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

Rooted in Craftsmanship, Growing with Vision

The Todd Group’s Enduring Legacy in Outdoor Living

For more than 40 years, The Todd Group has been a leader in outdoor living across New Jersey. Founded by a commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and client care, this generational family company is now led by owner Michael Todd, whose passion for timeless design has shaped some of the region’s most iconic residential landscapes.

“Our success comes down to staying true to our values,” says Todd. “We’ve always operated with integrity, and our Single Source model—where everything from design to installation and long-term maintenance is handled in-house—means we’re fully accountable for every detail.”

Unlike firms that treat landscaping as a surface-level upgrade, The Todd Group takes a holistic approach. “We don’t just design landscapes—we design experiences,” Todd explains. “Every project reflects how our clients want to live outdoors. It should feel like an extension of their home.”

As outdoor living becomes more sophisticated, Todd is seeing major shifts in client priorities. “For 2025, we’re seeing a huge interest in multi-functional spaces that offer dining, wellness, play, and year-round usability. Covered structures, heaters, lighting—these are no longer extras, they’re essentials.”

Technology is playing an increasing role, too. Todd’s team is integrating app-controlled lighting and irrigation systems, hidden drainage, built-in audio, and projection capabilities into many of their projects. “People want smart spaces that work seamlessly with how they live,” he says.

Sustainability is another major driver. “It’s not an afterthought anymore—it’s part of the design process from day one,” Todd notes. Native plantings, high-efficiency irrigation, permeable pavers, and a balanced approach to lawn management are just a few of the ways The Todd Group blends beauty with responsibility.

Outdoor kitchens remain one of the top requests. “Functionality is key,” Todd says. “We think about how people entertain—grills, pizza ovens, beverage stations, prep space, storage. Shade and lighting make it not just a cooking area, but a place to gather.”

Pools are evolving too. “Clients are leaning into sleek, modern designs with smaller footprints—plunge pools, integrated spas, and sun decks that make the space usable beyond summer.”

One standout project recently featured a cantilevered corten steel pergola supporting a 100-year-old Wisteria vine—a striking balance of modern materials and historic character. “We love finding that harmony between bold design and the existing environment,” Todd says.

At the heart of it all is a commitment to the client experience. “We believe communication is everything,” he says. “Our project managers keep clients informed at every step, and we’re constantly investing in new tools—like 3D visualization—to help bring their vision to life.”

Looking ahead, The Todd Group is expanding its design studio and enhancing sustainable maintenance services to ensure the long-term health and beauty of every space they build.

“We’re proud of our history, but we’re always focused on what’s next,” Todd says. “Our goal is simple: to design outdoor spaces that are as functional and enduring as they are beautiful.”

Businesses featured in this article