Neil And Samantha Best At The 2010 Rhode Island Flower Show

Owner Profiles

Neil G. Best, Principal:

RLA Rhode Island #452, RLA Connecticut #1115, MA Construction Supervisor Specialty License #101527, Rhode Island Contractor’s License # 29517, RINLA Member

Neil Best is a registered landscape architect in Rhode Island and Connecticut. He has been involved in the landscape architecture and construction industry for the past 16 years. From his first experience as an assistant to a land surveyor, to learning the craft of masonry, to becoming a licensed landscape architect, Neil has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to design and build high-quality, landscape projects. Educated at The University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning, Neil’s professional experience has led him to work for some the most respected  landscape architecture, construction, and engineering firms in Rhode Island. As Neil’s interest in the profession grew, so too did his desire to work in the field. In 2004, he started his own landscape design and construction company. In 2005, along with his wife, he incorporated the company into Magma Design Group, Inc. Through this company, Neil has focused on building projects to the highest degree of quality, often times using natural stone as the focal point of a project. His work is elegant, durable, and truly a product of his passion for the work that he does.

Samantha G. Best, principal:

Certified Horticulturalist, Certified Coastal Resources Invasive Plant Manager, Rhode Island Contractor’s License # 29517, RINLA Member

Samantha Best has had a wide range of professional experiences which allow her to excel in the field of landscape architecture, client services, and office management. As a graduate of RISD (Bachelor of Fine Arts, Photography), she immersed herself in the world of design. As photography major, she trained herself to look at environments carefully and with full consideration of their potential. Her career path led her to become a video editor and producer for several PBS programs and various cable television shows, where she was intimately involved with her clients on a day-to-day basis. Such intense client relationships would prepare her for the demands of running a service-based company. By 2000, Samantha began exploring opportunities that would allow her to reconnect with the outdoors. After working at a nursery center and as an estate gardener, she decided to return to school to pursue a degree in landscape architecture. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Landscape Architecture, she started the company, Magma Design Group, Inc. with her husband. Her thorough knowledge of plants, site-sensitive designs, and willingness to experiment with materials define her style. She is committed to creating designs that solve problems for her clients and create beautiful outdoor living spaces.

Awards & Honors

2010: “Best In Show,” 2nd Place, Rhode Island Flower Show
2010: “Exhibitor’s Choice Award,” 1st Place, Rhode Island Flower Show
2010: “People’s Choice Award,” 1st Place, Rhode Island Flower Show
2009: “Best In Show,” 1st Place, Rhode Island Flower Show
2009: “Exhibitor’s Choice Award,” 2nd Place, Rhode Island Flower Show
2009: 1st Place, Class 9 Green Energy Container, Newport Flower Show
2008: Masonry Award, 2nd Place, RINLA Design Awards