About ARK Design + Build
For [ark_years_of_excellence]+, ARK Design + Build has been transforming properties throughout Madison County and the greater Jackson metropolitan area. What began as one man's vision to bring genuine craftsmanship to landscape design has grown into the region's most trusted design-build firm—yet the core remains unchanged: one team, exceptional attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to doing things right. We're not a franchise. We're not a satellite office of a larger company. We're a Madison-based firm with roots in this community, relationships spanning nearly two decades, and a reputation built one project at a time.
Meet Matt Gates
Matt’s path to landscape design began earlier than most. At 21, he found mentorship under a veteran landscape contractor who instilled the fundamentals that still guide his work today: measure twice, communicate clearly, and never compromise on quality. This veteran mentorship shaped not just technical skills, but a philosophy of craftsmanship that permeates everything ARK does.
“Those early years taught me that the difference between good and exceptional isn’t talent—it’s attention to detail,” Matt explains. “Every base layer properly compacted. Every plant installed at the right depth. Every client updated before they have to ask. The details aren’t extras. They’re everything.”
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Credentials That Matter
Unlike many landscape contractors who rely solely on experience claims, Matt invested in credentials that verify expertise:
ICPI Certification (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute)
The ICPI represents the hardscape industry’s gold standard for installation knowledge. Certification requires passing examinations covering proper base preparation, edge restraint installation, drainage integration, and the technical specifications that determine whether pavers last decades or fail within years.
In the Madison/Jackson metro market, ICPI-certified landscape design-build firms are exceptionally rare. ARK Design + Build stands as the only firm offering this credential alongside comprehensive landscape services.
What this means for your project: Every hardscape element—patios, walkways, driveways, retaining walls—is installed according to proven specifications, not shortcuts. The difference becomes apparent 5-10 years later when properly installed hardscape remains solid while budget installations fail.
Licensed Landscape Horticulturist
Plants are living investments requiring knowledgeable selection and installation. The Licensed Landscape Horticulturist (#40404) credential demonstrates professional-level plant expertise beyond general landscaping.
For Madison homeowners, this credential ensures:
- Plant selections appropriate for Mississippi’s clay soils and humidity
- Species that thrive in our 55+ inches of annual rainfall
- Understanding of mature plant sizes preventing costly replacements
- Seasonal considerations specific to central Mississippi
20 Years Continuous Operation
ARK has operated continuously from Madison. In an industry with high contractor turnover, this longevity demonstrates:
- Sufficient quality to generate repeat business and referrals
- Financial stability enabling consistent operation
- Reputational investment motivating continued excellence
- Deep local knowledge accumulated over nearly two decades
The ICPI + Licensed Landscape Horticulturist Combination
Among landscape contractors in the Jackson metropolitan area, ARK Design + Build offers the only combination of ICPI-certified hardscape expertise and Licensed Landscape Horticulturist knowledge.
This matters because comprehensive landscape projects require both:
- Hardscape elements built to proper specifications (ICPI)
- Planting designed and installed with professional expertise (Horticulturalist)
Other contractors may excel at one discipline. ARK delivers both under one roof—with Matt’s direct oversight ensuring integration between all elements.
From first design sketch to final stone!
Our Story: From Vision to Madison's Trusted Firm
ARK Design + Build opened its doors
20+ years ago, from what would become our permanent home: 316 Old Jackson Road in Madison, Mississippi. Matt Gates had spent years learning the craft under veteran mentorship. The time had come to build something reflecting his own vision of what landscape service should be.
The name “ARK” carries intentional meaning—a vessel of preservation and careful construction. Like its namesake, our work is designed to endure: proper foundations, quality materials, attention to details that determine longevity.
The Early Years
The first projects established the reputation that would fuel growth. Word spread through Madison neighborhoods: here was a contractor who did what he said, showed up when promised, and built things that lasted. In an industry plagued by the problems detailed in our contractor selection guide—53% budget overruns, 46% significant delays—ARK’s reliability became our most powerful marketing.
Growth Through Excellence
As Madison grew from a small city to one of Mississippi’s most desirable communities, ARK grew alongside it. We transformed properties in Annandale when it was new construction. We’ve maintained relationships with Lake Caroline homeowners since the community’s early development. We’ve watched Lost Rabbit mature and contributed to its landscape character.
This growth came not through aggressive marketing, but through referrals. Satisfied clients told neighbors. Those neighbors became clients. Their friends followed. Nearly two decades later, many of our clients are second or third-generation relationships—people who grew up seeing our work in their parents’ yards now hiring us for their own homes.
Madison’s Trusted Partner
Today, ARK Design + Build serves homeowners throughout Madison County and the Jackson metro from our Madison headquarters. We’ve refined our process into The ARK Way—a 5-phase methodology preventing the problems that plague our industry. We’ve maintained credentials that prove expertise rather than just claiming it. We’ve built a reputation that speaks louder than any advertisement.
What hasn’t changed: Matt’s direct involvement in every project. The same attention to detail instilled by veteran mentorship. The commitment to communication that addresses the industry’s #1 failure. The belief that landscape work should enhance lives, not create headaches.
Ready to Meet the ARK Difference?
Every exceptional project begins with a conversation. We'd welcome the opportunity to understand your vision and share how The ARK Way can bring it to life.
Frequently Asked Questions | About ARK Design + Build
How long has ARK Design + Build been in business?
ARK Design + Build was founded February 2, 2007—over 20 years of continuous operation from our Madison, Mississippi headquarters. This longevity demonstrates quality sufficient to sustain repeat business and referrals over nearly two decades.
Who is Matt Gates?
Matt Gates is the Principal Designer and Owner of ARK Design + Build. He holds both ICPI certification and Licensed Horticulturalist credentials—the only combination of these qualifications in the Madison/Jackson metropolitan market. Matt has been directly involved in every ARK project since founding the company in 2007.
What does ICPI certification mean?
ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) certification demonstrates verified knowledge of proper hardscape installation: base preparation, edge restraints, drainage integration, and installation specifications. This certification ensures your patio, walkway, or driveway is built to last decades rather than fail within years.
Why does the Licensed Horticulturalist credential matter?
Plants are living investments requiring expertise for proper selection and installation. The Licensed Horticulturalist credential verifies professional plant knowledge—ensuring selections appropriate for Madison’s clay soils, humidity, and climate rather than guesswork that leads to costly replacements.
Is Matt Gates involved in every project?
Yes. Unlike larger firms where owners manage from a distance, Matt maintains direct involvement in every project—from initial consultation through design, planning, and build oversight. This hands-on approach ensures the quality standards he established in 2007 continue in every project today.
Where is ARK Design + Build located?
Our headquarters is at 316 Old Jackson Road, Madison, MS 39110. We’re not a satellite office or franchise—we’re a Madison-based firm serving Madison County and the greater Jackson metro.
What areas does ARK Design + Build serve?
We serve Madison, Ridgeland, Canton, Gluckstadt, Flora, Flowood, Brandon, Clinton, and surrounding communities. See our complete service area coverage for details.
How can I see examples of ARK's work?
Visit our portfolio to see examples of landscape transformations throughout Madison County. We’re also happy to provide references from recent clients and arrange visits to completed projects when possible.
