Verified record
Ream Design is a family-owned, Ayer-based landscape design/build firm led by founding partner Sally Ream alongside general partners Alex Ream and Marcus Rodriguez. It holds an active Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration, verified against the state registry, and has earned Houzz's Best of Houzz distinction five times. Sally is a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist and UMASS Green School-certified in turf grass management, according to the company's own materials. The written record stretches back to 2018 and describes genuinely complex, high-end projects rather than routine yard work: a custom shed paired with a redesigned retaining wall, patios, and a sited and installed swim spa; a three-phase front-yard project that ran from 2012 to 2015, with a stone wall the client called the favorite part of the finished hardscape; and, notably, an accessible ramp built for Mass Audubon's headquarters building, which the nonprofit praised for its attention to detail and durability under the plans as designed. Several reviewers describe being repeat clients across multiple projects — retaining walls and walkways on one job, patios and drainage systems on another — consistently citing the same skilled craftsmen and crews. Sally herself draws specific praise for the design side of the process: one reviewer described several video consultations in which she took the time to work through a long list of wants and needs before any construction began. Reviewers across different years also note the company matching or beating competing design/build quotes while still delivering the requested result. There's essentially nothing negative in the written record — two reviews from 2018 landed at four stars rather than five, but both describe a smooth, professional experience with no complaint attached. Ram Design is a strong choice for a substantial landscape or hardscape project — retaining walls, patios, decks, or a full-yard redesign — where design expertise and craftsmanship matter as much as installation; the volume of repeat and institutional clients is a real signal of sustained trust over more than a decade.
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from REAM DESIGN. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$50 – $70
Typical landscaping service around $60
We are thrilled with our new, transformed yard from Ream Design. From concept, to design, land clearing, planting, and now support, they have been professional, on time, and educating us each step of the way. We highly recommend Ream Design for your next landscape project. We are already planning on the next one!
We couldn't be more pleased with the results of our project, which included a custom shed, redesigned retaining wall and patios, new planting beds, and siting and installation of a swim spa. It was clear that every person who worked on the project was committed to doing an excellent job - and they did. Given our space constraints, I don't think any other firm could have done a better job of creating such a high functioning and beautiful space. They listened to our wants and needs with true attention to detail. Highly recommend.
We are repeat clients of Ream Design. From retaining walls and walkways to painting and patios to drainage systems and driveways, they do terrific work. They have the best, most talented craftsmen and crews to get it done. They are responsive and provide good communication, and take the time to listen to what you want (and don’t want). And if things don’t go quite right the first time around, for whatever reason, they’ll come back to get it right. Ream Design has the talent and experience to bring your vision to life!
We have done several projects with Ream Design and highly recommend them. One of the many pleasures of working with them includes their keen eye as well as their appreciation for the artisans who work for them. Our most recent project includes reclaimed granite bridge blocks from the Charlestown bridge which are stunning! Their mason is truly an artisan who takes the time to create a work of art. We are so pleased with Ream Design and love working with Marcus, Sally and Alex.
My experience with Ream Design so far has been incredible. Sally has been a pleasure to work with and is so knowledgeable. She sat with us for several video consultations and really took the time to identify our needs in addition to our wants. I gave her a very long list of wants for my small space and in our design, Marcus not only fit them all in but did so in a way that is thoughtful and well planned so each gets its own attention without overshadowing the other or making the space feel crowded. I cannot wait to break ground with this team! They are great communicators and obviously experts in their field.
Specializes in
Also offers
Service area
Languages
Ownership
Certified attributes are verified against the public registry. Others are the business's own statement.
Added 14 new comments, added 20 new photos, established 4.0 rating
Full in-ground pool removal, tight-access jobs5.0