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.

  • “Heirloom Landscapes put the finishing touch on our historic home with their incredible landscaping. From the design to implementation the process was easy, and Michael’s level of detail is unmatched with regard to his craftsmanship and selection of both hardscape and plantings. Our stone wall is the envy of all of our neighbors and will surely outlive us.”

  • “We recently remodeled a modern ranch home in Ann Arbor and hired Heirloom Landscapes to design and install landscaping and stonework in our front, side and back yard, including three bluestone patios. Michael Cullen gave us several unique design ideas and worked closely with us to arrive at a final design that is the talk of our neighborhood. Michael and his crew focused on every detail and made sure the landscape complimented our contemporary home design. He always made himself available to address questions that came up as the crew was installing the landscaping. Michael is extremely creative and a super nice guy. We highly recommend Heirloom Landscapes.”

  • “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.”

  • "Heirloom Landscapes, led by Mike Cullen, has done remarkable work for us. He brings a thoughtful sense of design and creativity to his work. Mike has helped transform our property with unique spaces incorporating bluestone, custom elements like rain gardens, and engaging landscape design. Over the past several years, we have found him to be a good communicator and easy to work with. We continue to work with Mike and his crew and would recommend him to others without reservation."

  • "We had a fantastic experience working with Michael and his talented team. Heirloom Landscapes turned our “problem” backyard corner into a flourishing rain garden. The bluestone work for the new patio was also impeccable."

  • "My husband and I are so grateful for the work that Mike Cullen and his team have provided. He has helped manage ivy; introduced many new plantings and trees; designed a bluestone porch and walkway (Mike studied mosaic design in Italy!); mended our picket fence; leveled where needed our stone patio and walkways. Big or small tasks, he’s there to please. In addition to his talents and artistry, Mike is a man of integrity. You recognize this immediately upon meeting him. It is a pleasure to know him and work with him. I highly recommend him and his work."

  • "Mike and his crew have done work on multiple projects at our house over the years. Stonework, plantings, grading, drainage infrastructure. Couldn't be any happier with how it all has come together. Mike has a great vision and knowledge to make some really neat things around town! As an architect, I've recommended him to many clients and always know they will get the same awesome service, design, and care that Heirloom gave us at our own house. Best in town, for sure!"

  • "Michael and his team were great. The overall design, installation and hardscape was thoughtful, creative and efficient. Most important Michael and his whole team are just all good people. It was a pleasure to work with them and we would highly recommend. Just the best."

  • "Our experience with Heirloom Landscapes was outstanding from start to finish. They completely transformed our backyard into a beautiful space that truly feels like the pride of our home. The artistry and creativity of the design were exceptional, and the quality of the materials exceeded our expectations. Throughout the entire process, Heirloom Landscapes were easy to collaborate with, attentive to our ideas, and always made sure every detail met our standards. We couldn’t be happier with the final result and highly recommend them!"

  • "Heirloom does exactly what they say, when they say they’ll do it. Mike is an artist. He and his team transformed our 1987 build (and the dated landscaping to match) into a stunning blue stone paved courtyard filled with ivy, boxwoods, and mature trees. Walking up to the house now feels like arriving at a brand-new home. The execution is elite, delivering a "wow" factor that provides immediate, high-quality curb appeal. No excuses, just total class and professional integrity. Highly recommend."

  • "We have had fantastic experiences with Heirloom Landscapes, especially working with Mike Cullen. From the start, Mike really got what we were going for and helped turn our ideas into a design that felt both beautiful and practical. The stonework and hardscaping turned out amazing—everything is clean, solid, and clearly built with care. There’s real craftsmanship behind it his work. We absolutely love our bluestone patio—it’s become the heart of our backyard. Surrounded by the beautiful landscaping, it feels like a completely transformed space. Everything flows together so naturally, and it’s both relaxing and great for entertaining."

  • "Michael and his team really helped us get a handle on our unruly yard! We have a big lot with lots of design challenges (e.g. sloping / steep grade, mix of sun/shade). Heirloom installed a beautiful retaining wall with large boulders, made our lawn much more inviting, and added numerous 'accents' in terms of ornamental plants and deer-resistant evergreens around the property. Heirloom's also done numerous smaller projects that added curb appeal to the home (a south-facing hillside bed of perennials and a beautiful large-stone paver patio near our entryway.) They are reliable, professional, and creative. We will continue to work with them in the future!"