ADDRESS: 2340 Crystal Lake Dr, Corvallis, OR
PHONE: 541-760-7598
WEBSITE: www.kapalandscapedesign.com
OWNER: Kapa Korobeinikov, B.A. Landscape Architecture
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 8
WHAT THEY SELL: Landscape design services
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: High quality landscape design with individualized service
For nearly 25 years, Kapa Korobeinikov has been designing beautiful residential and commercial landscapes in the Willamette Valley. As one of her clients observed, “Kapa really knows our local plants – their needs for sun and soil and water, and their color, size, and shape.” Whether she’s developing a personalized master plan for a client’s yard or providing an hourly consultation, Kapa takes great care to create attractive, functional, and sustainable landscapes.
When and why did you decide to start your business? I had worked as the principle designer for Garland Nursery for many years. I decided to work for myself when I realized it was time for a change. I had little formal business education, but I figured I would learn. I had developed a name for myself through the years of working with various local contractors and clients. My business grew from that experience.
Tell us more about your services. What are your favorites? I offer a range of design services to match the client’s needs: from classes, gardening coaching, and hourly consultations, to landscape plans. My services are tailored to each client’s needs. I assist clients with design for creating water-wise landscapes, hardscape layout, edible landscapes, and naturalized landscapes using native species. I can help homeowners plan bird, butterfly and hummingbird habitat, formal gardens, healing gardens, and gardens designed for low maintenance and sustainability.
What does being featured as the Local Business of the Week mean to you? I feel honored to be chosen and to have my work featured. I strive to incorporate sustainability into my designs at all times. I believe in supporting our local economy by patronizing the businesses right here in our community.
Do you fill an unusual niche? Why should folks patronize your business? There are a lot of good designers in our area. I have about 24 years of experience as a designer and gardener. My designs are based on all of that experience. I excel at designing yards that are harmonious, functional, and minimize the impact on the earth’s systems. I believe in beauty and its healing nature and incorporate that into my designs.
What challenges have you faced as an independent local business owner, and how have you met those challenges? My landscape design business is closely tied to community growth and movement. When there is less growth, my business is slower. Marketing is a challenge, as I am not as outgoing as others. I depend on my business network for mutual support. My quality work keeps bringing referrals and clients back. I teach classes and advertise my designs with yard signs. This strategy is working for me.
What do you feel is the impact of local independent businesses on Corvallis, and what does the future look like for the local independents? I am optimistic that people are seeing the value of purchasing local. I feel hopeful that our local network will continue to grow.
What do you enjoy most about owning a local, independent business in Corvallis? What excites or inspires you? I have always enjoyed a great deal of independence in my work. So having my own business was not a big change for me. I love what I do. I get to work with people who want to make their homes better. I get to help them create a yard of their dreams—whatever that may be. People want to conserve water and have plants that are friendly to insects, birds, and other life. People want to grow plants and food. And I get to be part of all that.
What is your relationship to the community? What organizations do you support and/or participate in? I am a long time First Alternative Co-op supporter. I volunteered to assist the neighborhood school to design and build a school garden. I have been a volunteer presenter for the SAGE Garden class series. I also support the Art Guild.
How important is sustainability to you and your business? Have you taken steps to save energy, reduce your use of resources, decrease your carbon footprint, reduce waste, etc.? My design work is always aiming for sustainability. I specify organic planting practices, encourage conserving water through appropriate plant choices and practices, eliminate herbicide and pesticide use, use permeable pavement when possible, and choose native plants when appropriate. In my business, I recycle everything I can. I heat with an energy efficient ductless heat pump. Since I drive a lot, I purchased a Prius when it was time to buy a vehicle. Solar panels will be installed this fall.
Please give us your one-sentence take-away message about your business. I work to create attractive, functional, and sustainable landscapes for residential and commercial clients, and I am very good at what I do.
(Interview and article by Diane Arney – August 23, 2015)
The Local Business of the Week program is designed to help the Corvallis community identify our locally owned independent businesses by featuring one business each week. The program is part of the Buy Local First campaign co-sponsored by the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition and the Community Independent Business Alliance (CIBA).