About Ecoscapes

EcoScapes of Santa Fe was founded in 2001 with an inspiration to create a full-service landscaping company that designs and builds beautiful landscapes while remaining mindful of the local ecology and limited water resources.

Our work is influenced by a love for New Mexico and its unique climate and architectural styles. Through observation and experience, the valleys and foothills around Santa Fe speak to us with their distinct needs and sensitivities. Whether reviving an established garden or commencing a design on a newly completed building, we make an effort to fully understand the land, the plants, and our client’s needs. We are committed to conserving and rejuvenating the natural environment and creating spaces that fulfill the human spirit.

With a landscape architect on staff, it is our wish and intent to work collaboratively with designers, builders, vendors, and individuals who are socially and environmentally conscious, which we feel exponentially enriches the ecology and economy of Northern New Mexico. EcoScapes is dedicated to the promotion of ecological sustainability and offers competitive wages, employee health insurance, literacy classes, and outreach to organizations in our community.

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Michael Nelsen

Before pursuing a major in English Literature and numerous educational courses, Michael spent long days with his grandfather digging and repairing water wells in rural Nebraska. Those early years with his wise progenitor instilled an appreciation of the precious value of our water resources and the need to conserve and protect them. He also gained hands-on experience growing and preserving food, composting the leftovers, and a general respect for the earth.

In the spring of 1975 Michael and his wife, Susan, with two young children in tow, chose Santa Fe to raise their family. Soon after arriving, the Nelsens opened the Haven Restaurant on Canyon Road. The Haven gained both local and national acclaim, becoming one of Santa Fe’s favorites. Michael also managed other establishments that included the San Francisco St. Bar & Grill, the Zia Diner, the Steaksmith and Harry’s Roadhouse.

After 25 plus years in the restaurant business, Michael decided to pursue another of his life’s love of gardening into a business venture. The transition included five years of the study toward the practice of landscape design and construction and a license as a Landscape Contractor. EcoScapes was opened in 2002 with a clear mission of utilizing rainwater through water catchment systems to reduce the need for increasingly scarce potable water supplies.

Michael remains enthused with reading and home gardening, plus other active pursuits of practicing yoga, skiing, hiking, mushroom gathering, and mountain biking in the hills around Santa Fe.

Mike Malovich

Mike Malovich is the Operations Manager at EcoScapes. Born and raised in the Mountain West, Mike has been known to create innovative landscape work inspired by the vastness of the environment while incorporating design features that complement modern life.

With landscape experience spanning three decades, Mike comes with the knowledge of having owned and operated landscape construction and retail nursery businesses year-round, recognizing the changing seasons and challenges that come with working in a dynamic, constantly evolving world.

In his free time, Mike enjoys fishing, biking, skiing and travel.

Carlos Gomez

Carlos Gomez is EcoScapes' dedicated and creative Landscape architect. Graduating with a master's degree in Landscape Architecture at the University of New Mexico, Carlos has made getting to know the distinct landscapes, vegetation, water and soil conditions of the southwest his raison d'être. He brings to EcoScapes' team experience planning and installing museum exhibitions at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. and creating landscape designs for Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Carlos' designs strive for effective communication that places human experience into a harmonious relationship with the natural environment.

Immersed in the landscapes and cultures of New Mexico is where Carlos finds joy.