Love and Appreciation
of Our Natural Environment
OUR STORY
“Island” is in our name for a reason.
Our individual stories all seem to start with a love and appreciation of our natural environment. Although we have widely varied backgrounds, we are environmentalists united in awe of the beauty of the Caribbean and the US Virgin Islands in particular. And in the belief that our fragile ecosystem needs to be protected and nurtured so that future generations will be surrounded by tropical beauty and our islands a model of environmental sustainability.
OUR GOAL
Preservation by Design
Preserving our islands’ ecosystem doesn’t happen by chance. It is a product of scientific and environmental design. At Island Designs, we are advocates for green living and responsible sustainability of our natural resources. We provide a holistic, full service approach to exterior spaces with an appreciation of place and appropriate planning for personal and community enjoyment. We strive to design with indigenous vegetation most resilient to harsh tropical conditions like lack of rain and an over abundance of rain during storm events.
Island Designs is the only firm in the USVI comprised of Landscape and Hardscape Designers, a licensed Civil/Structural Engineer, and a Marine Scientist.
THE OWNERS
50+ Years of Experience
After the devastation of the 2017 Cat 5 hurricanes Irma and Maria, Dave Zimmerman and Duane Ferguson witnessed the extreme vulnerability of many properties and their surrounding topography. With their combined 50+ years of industry experience they teamed up to help a small, family-owned St. Thomas resort with emergency remediation. They also created a plan for long-term sustainability through sound environmental solutions and enhancements. The company expanded their team to include engineering, commercial and residential consultation and design, installation and maintenance on a full time basis, making Island Designs the leading landscaping firm in the US Virgin Islands.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Evaluate. Design. Protect.
Dave Zimmerman
Principal, Professional Landscape Designer…
Dennis Lazanja
Partner, Lead Commercial Estimator, Project Manager
