ABOUT
Staghorn NYC is a boutique landscape design firm based in New York City, creating refined, modern outdoor spaces across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the greater tri-state area. Our work spans urban rooftops, townhouse gardens, historic properties, and weekend homes throughout upstate New York, Connecticut and beyond. Known for thoughtful, naturalistic design and elevated detailing, the studio brings together functionality, beauty, and a deep understanding of how people live with their outdoor spaces.
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As a small but highly specialized team of landscape designers, horticulturists, and project partners, Staghorn NYC manages projects of every scale from compact courtyards and terrace gardens to full-property renovations and multi-level outdoor living environments. Collaboration is at the heart of our process; we work closely with architects, builders, interior designers, and engineers to seamlessly integrate the landscape into the overall architecture of a site. Our trusted network of contractors and craftspeople ensures that each design is executed with exceptional care and precision.
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Our design approach is rooted in context and client with every project being shaped by the site’s character and the way our clients want to live outdoors. No two gardens are alike. Whether the vision calls for a lush, ecological planting palette, a contemporary outdoor entertaining space, or a restful urban retreat, we create landscapes that feel both highly intentional and effortlessly lived in.
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At Staghorn NYC, we believe great gardens are sustainable, resilient, and deeply personal—extensions of the home that evolve beautifully across the seasons.
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Contact us to request a design consultation.
KATHERINE "KAT" AUL CERVONI
FOUNDER + PRINCIPAL
Staghorn NYC is led by Katherine Aul Cervoni, a landscape designer known for creating refined, naturalistic gardens that effortlessly balance contemporary structure with soft, textural, seasonally driven plantings. Katherine holds a master’s degree in Landscape Design from Columbia University and began her career in horticulture through an internship at the New York Botanical Garden, where she developed a deep understanding of plant ecology and urban landscapes.
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Her work centers on crafting outdoor spaces that feel both elevated and deeply livable – gardens that function beautifully, celebrate the rhythms of nature, and offer moments of calm within the density of city life. Through her blog, The Cultivation, Kat shares her knowledge with an inviting, approachable voice that invites more people into the world of gardening –no matter their level of experience.
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Before founding Staghorn, Kat worked in Tokyo, Japan, where exposure to highly intentional design and compact spatial planning shaped her sensitivity to scale and detail. She later worked at several well-known landscape design firms in New York City, collaborating on residential, commercial, and rooftop projects throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. These experiences influence her people-centered approach and her ability to create outdoor spaces that feel cohesive, functional, and grounded in place.
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Since starting Staghorn, Kat has built a company devoted to sustainable planting and building, local species, and ethical working conditions. A member of the Ecological Landscape Alliance and the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, she mentors upcoming plant enthusiasts, designers and entrepreneurs. Each fall, she also coaches budding entrepreneurs through their annual Greater Good Challenge. Kat also regularly contributes gardening and design advice to publications including Veranda, House Beautiful, Livingetc., Real Homes, among others.
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CEDAR AND STONE LANDSCAPING INC.
BUILD+MAINTENANCE
Cedar and Stone Landscaping Inc. was founded by two of Staghorn's long-time team members, Ethan Jernigan and Derrike Price. At the end of 2020, Staghorn narrowed it's focus to design and project management and Cedar and Stone was born to specialize in the build and maintenance side of the enterprise.
Working as Staghorn's sister company, C&S brings a combined two decades of experience and close working relationship to bring our clients the most professional, communicative, and detail oriented landscape installation and garden maintenance team in NYC.