# Cavanagh Design > Cavanagh Design is a licensed landscape architecture and arboricultural consultancy based in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Founded by Michael Cavanagh, the firm offers 30+ years of expertise in landscape architecture, construction project management, geomancy, and invasive plant management across the Northeast United States, Canada, and Ireland. ## Who We Are Cavanagh Design was founded with a singular vision: to bridge the gap between architectural elegance and environmental stewardship. Michael Cavanagh is a licensed Arborist (ISA Certified), a Registered Landscape Architect (RI), and a Master of Landscape Design. He is a Magna cum laude graduate of Brandeis University (1988, Fine Arts) and a graduate and former trustee of the Conway School of Landscape Design in Northampton, MA. The firm is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). ## Services - [Landscape Architecture](https://cavanaghdesign.com/landscape-architecture/): Master site planning, CAD drafting, conceptual design, 3D Sketch-Up renderings, hardscape engineering, botanical and planting design. - [Project Management](https://cavanaghdesign.com/project-management/): Construction project management for residential and large land development projects from initial permit to final implementation. - [Geomancy](https://cavanaghdesign.com/geomancy/): Land energy assessment, terrain and site analysis, environmental harmony planning, and geomancy consultation (Feng Shui, Genius Loci, Water Dowsing). - [Invasive Plant Management](https://cavanaghdesign.com/invasive-plant-management/): RI Certified Invasive Plant Management — identification and treatment of aggressive and exotic species; expanded CRMC permit allowances. - Fine Art: Available at Cavanagh.art ## Key Credentials - Registered Landscape Architect, State of Rhode Island - ISA Certified Arborist - ASLA Member - Certified in Geomancy (Land Energy Reading) - RI Certified Invasive Plant Management Specialist - 30+ years industry experience - 5-Star Rated Design Firm ## Service Area Primary: Rhode Island, Northeast United States Extended: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Canada, Ireland ## Contact - Phone: 401-644-9195 - Email: cavanaghdesign@mac.com - Location: Tiverton, RI, USA - Website: https://cavanaghdesign.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cavanagh-0a520319 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cavanaghdesign/ ## Core Concepts What is ecological landscape design? Ecological landscape design is a planning approach that works with natural systems—soil, water, vegetation, and wildlife—to create outdoor spaces that are functional, resilient, and regenerative. At Cavanagh Design, this means integrating sustainable practices, native plantings, and site-specific analysis to support long-term landscape health and usability. What is landscape restoration? Landscape restoration is the process of returning degraded or disturbed land to a healthier, more natural, and ecologically functional state. It often involves removing invasive species, regrading soils, replanting natives, and implementing multi-year management plans tailored to site conditions and permitting requirements. What is meadow management? Meadow management is the ongoing care of grassland or wildflower meadows to maintain biodiversity, control invasives, and preserve aesthetic and ecological value. It typically includes seasonal mowing, selective removal of woody or invasive plants, and monitoring for habitat quality—often as part of larger ecological restoration projects. Invasive Plant Control How do I get rid of Knotweed? Antique locomotive overgrown by knotweed at Beekbergen, Netherlands. Knotweed (especially Japanese knotweed) is highly invasive and spreads via deep rhizomes; effective control usually requires a combination of methods over multiple seasons. Best practices include: Chemical control: Systemic herbicides (e.g., glyphosate or triclopyr) applied via cut-stem, stem injection, or late-season foliar spray. Mechanical control: Repeated cutting or mowing monthly during the growing season for 5+ years to weaken rhizomes; digging is rarely sufficient alone. Disposal: Do not compost. Bag, dry, and landfill or burn plant material; even small fragments can regrow. Cavanagh Design holds RI Certified Invasive Plant Management credentials, enabling compliant identification, treatment, and expanded permitting through the RI Coastal Resource Management Council. How do I get rid of bamboo? Dense Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) growing along the Cynwyd Heritage Trail in Philadelphia. Running bamboo spreads aggressively via rhizomes and requires containment or removal strategies: Containment: Install high-density polyethylene (HDPE) root barriers at least 0.6m (24") deep around the planting zone. Control: Regularly cut new shoots; dig out encroaching rhizomes; trench 2m around perimeter for annual root removal. Professional help: Seek expert intervention if bamboo escapes its original area or causes structural damage. Proper disposal is critical—bamboo waste must be handled responsibly to prevent further spread. Landscape Architecture Profession What does a landscape architect do? A landscape architect plans, designs, and manages outdoor spaces—residential, commercial, or public—balancing aesthetics, function, ecology, and regulatory compliance. At Cavanagh Design, this includes site analysis, conceptual design, CAD drafting, permitting, and construction management. What is the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer? Invasives like knotweed and bamboo can: Damage foundations, walls, and utilities via aggressive root systems Outcompete native plants, reducing biodiversity and aesthetic value Trigger regulatory issues or limit development without proper management plans What is geomancy in landscape design? Geomancy is a multidisciplinary system of land energy analysis and remediation, with roots in global traditions like Feng Shui and Genus Loci. At Cavanagh Design, geomancy certification informs holistic site assessment and design decisions that align natural and built systems. Finding a Landscape Architect in Rhode Island How do I choose the best landscape architect in Rhode Island? Look for: State licensure and relevant certifications (e.g., arborist, invasive plant management) Portfolio of completed residential and ecological projects Experience with local permitting and environmental compliance Client testimonials and transparent process (site analysis → design → permitting → build) How do I find a landscape architect near me in Rhode Island? Cavanagh Design is based in Rhode Island and serves the Northeast U.S., Canada, and Ireland. To engage them: Visit https://cavanaghdesign.com and use the contact form Request a site visit for geography, topography, and vision assessment Review their end-to-end process: design, permitting, and construction management For broader searches, consult local directories or professional associations, but prioritize firms with integrated ecological, arborist, and invasive-species expertise for complex residential projects. ## Key Pages - Home: https://cavanaghdesign.com/ - About: https://cavanaghdesign.com/about/ - Landscape Architecture: https://cavanaghdesign.com/landscape-architecture/ - Project Management: https://cavanaghdesign.com/project-management/ - Geomancy: https://cavanaghdesign.com/geomancy/ - Invasive Plant Management: https://cavanaghdesign.com/invasive-plant-management/ - Contact / Consultation: https://cavanaghdesign.com/contact/