A man wearing a black hoodie and a cap is working outdoors using a hammer on a stone or concrete surface during daylight.

An Artistic Approach to Landscape Design

Heirloom Landscapes is a landscape design and build company based in Ann Arbor, creating thoughtfully crafted gardens, outdoor living spaces, and custom residential and commercial landscapes throughout Southeast Michigan.

Michael Cullen, owner and lead designer, brings more than 30 years of experience in landscape design and construction. Over the course of his career, he has worked on landscape projects across the United States, with his work earning recognition at some of the world’s most respected garden competitions, including the Philadelphia Flower Show (Best in Show and People’s Choice Award, 2007), the Singapore Garden Festival (Gold Medal and People’s Choice Awards, 2008 and 2010), and the Gardening World Cup in Nagasaki, Japan (Silver Medal, 2010).

Influenced by travel, art, and architecture, Michael’s work bridges disciplines ranging from fine art and design to landscape architecture and home construction. His approach is also informed by the timeless spatial principles, craftsmanship, and natural material relationships found in Japanese gardens and traditional landscape design. This broader creative perspective shapes Heirloom’s approach to designing landscapes that feel personal, enduring, and deeply connected to their surroundings.

During the winter months, Michael works from his art studio designing, building custom furniture, and creating sculpture.

Education

  • Mosaic Art School di Luciana Notturni — Ravenna, Italy
    Studied Byzantine mosaic (2003, 2005)

  • Wayne State University — Detroit, Michigan
    Bachelor of Fine Arts (2018)

A man with short curly hair and a beard, wearing a light gray t-shirt and dark shorts, standing outdoors beside a wooden fence, holding a small chainsaw, smiling at the camera.
A man in a blue T-shirt that reads 'Heirloom Landscapes' is placing a large stone in a garden with small plants and mulch. There is a house, a truck, a trailer, and trees in the background.
A man operating a small red stump grinder in a residential lawn, surrounded by green trees and shrubbery, with a house in the background.
A rural scene with a black pickup truck parked on muddy ground near a weathered barn and a small shed, with leafless trees and overcast sky in the background.
A man wearing a gray t-shirt and a baseball cap stands outdoors, looking down at a wheelbarrow with dirt and debris, with sunlight shining through trees in the background.
A man standing outdoors in a park during daytime, with trees and greenery in the background. He is wearing a dark t-shirt with a logo on it and has a beard and short hair.
Front yard with a stone retaining wall, flowerbeds, stairs, sidewalk, and a light blue house with red door surrounded by greenery and trees.

“When I needed a new retaining wall, Mike listened to my wishes, addressed my concerns, and considered all aspects of my property and home. His design and craftsmanship are the best imaginable. The end result is a piece of art.”

— Sue