In 2026, Home & Design inaugurated its prestigious Icon Awards, which recognize visionary leaders who have made remarkable achievements in their fields. These annual awards honor an architect, an interior designer and a landscape professional for their accomplishments and impact on the local design community.

The magazine is proud to announce the 2026 Landscape Icon Award-winner is Kevin McHale, McHale Landscape Design.

Since Kevin McHale co-founded McHale Landscape Design in 1981 with his brother, Steve McHale, the company has made its mark designing and building exceptional residential landscapes with a focus on craftsmanship and excellent customer service.

The winner of more than 450 design awards, the firm now employs more than 450 people across 10 locations. However, it still remains a family business with 11 members of the McHale family actively involved today.

A certified professional horticulturist, Kevin McHale has been an active leader in the field throughout his career. Among other prominent board positions, he served two terms as president of the local chapter of the Landscape Contractors Association. And he has also earned LCA’s prestigious Landscape Leadership Award, which honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to the industry.

Kevin McHale puts a high priority on giving back: He has served on a Calvert County advisory board that develops programs to support individuals recovering from substance abuse. Such philanthropic work goes hand-in-hand with his belief that delivering high-quality design, landscape services and built environments can have a positive impact on the community.