Verified record
Magma Design Group is a Rehoboth landscape architecture and construction studio run by the husband-and-wife team of Neil and Samantha Best, designing and building the outdoor spaces themselves rather than handing off to a separate contractor. Every review on file dates from 2016 to 2020, but they describe consistently ambitious, detailed work: a 1.25-acre historic property redone with water features, a Japanese garden, a stone labyrinth, brick patios and archways; a yard overhaul with a rebuilt retaining wall, goshen stone steps, flagstone, a deck, a water feature, a fire pit and a sandbox; an outdoor kitchen, pool area, and backyard patio for another client. One 2016 reviewer, describing a decade of hiring the firm for multiple projects, said their work had won awards and that schedules and budgets were consistently honored. Neil is repeatedly credited with the stonework and hardscape, Samantha with the design vision. Houzz lists a Rhode Island landscape architect license (RI LA 452) for the firm — a different state's registry than where the business is based — so it's worth asking directly which licenses cover the specific work being planned. For an ambitious, design-driven backyard project — stonework, water features, a real transformation rather than a standard install — this is a firm with a real, if now dated, track record; worth confirming the same team and level of attention still applies today.
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Magma Design Group, Inc.. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$50 – $70
Typical landscaping service around $60
We had the pleasure of working with Samantha and Neil Best from Magma Design back in 2016. This husband, wife team are not only amazing people but also creative perfectionist. They listened to our requests and were able to design and build an outdoor kitchen, pool area, and backyard patio that we enjoy during our New England summers. Samantha is honest and easy to communicate with as is Neil. There were no surprises during our design process and Neil is a master of stone and hardscape. He literally brings Samantha’s ideas to life! They are an amazing team and I look forward to working with them again in the future.
Completed landscape and stonework design and installation for entire 1.25 acre historic property, including water features, Japanese Garden, stone labyrinth, brick patios, archways and sidewalks. Also included creative plantings for all parts of the property. Work was completed in a timely and professional manner and the project was an extremely positive experience. Upon completion, the design and workmanship transformed the whole property into a one of a kind piece of art!
After viewing photos by Magma Design Group, Inc. on their website, I was immediately drawn to their unique landscape design and custom stone work. I was living in a new development at the time and had decided that my cookie-cutter yard needed an attention-grabbing makeover. After spending time with me and getting a sense of my personal vision, owners Neil and Samantha Best presented and implemented a beautiful, colorful design complete with a bubbling water feature and patio created with hand-cut bluestone flagging. In a separate project they designed a stunning stone garden in a low, wet area of my property that was underwater with every torrential downpour. The rain garden collects and holds rainfall during these events, allowing it to seep into the ground gradually without flooding the area. I couldn't be happier with the result or with this couple who is incredibly talented and passionate about the work that they do.
Magma Design is an amazing company. Their design was built around our concept and the space, and they made whatever adjustments we needed until we had the perfect design. The work was done in a very timely matter, workers cleaned up as they went along, and the project went off without a hitch ... and fully within our budget. After working with lots of contractors over the years, we just couldn't believe how smoothly all of this went. I would highly recommend them to anyone, and would be happy for folks to stop over and see the gorgeous prayer and meditation garden that we are all now enjoying.
Interviewed 3 landscape architect firms. Magma Design Group provided the most interesting and comprehensive design concept. Very natural looking as if it had always existed. Working with Neil and Samantha was wonderful. Schedules and budgets were adhered to as promised. The execution of the project was flawless. We've received numerous compliments from family, friends, and people who notice and stop by. It's an urban Oasis in the city. Most importantly, the design and stonework is "artistically" natural and amazing. Neil really knows his trade and is heads above others in the business.
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1 change recorded — last scanned Aug 3, 2026.
Repeat clients5.0