The Story Behind the Craftsmanship
Family-owned, locally rooted, and nationally recognized. Meet the team that has been transforming outdoor spaces across the western Minneapolis suburbs for over three decades.
A Minnetonka Native with 30+ Years of Passion
Charlie Kraemer grew up in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and has spent his life outdoors. After earning his BS from St. Cloud State University, he entered the landscape construction industry in 1995 and never looked back. What started as a career quickly became a calling.
In 2009, Charlie founded Landscape Charlie with a straightforward vision: deliver the highest quality hardscape and landscape construction in the Lake Minnetonka area, and treat every client's property like his own. That principle has guided every project since.
Charlie lives in Shorewood with his wife Colette and their three children. When he is not designing outdoor spaces for clients, you will find him enjoying his own backyard, coaching youth sports, or volunteering in the local community. His roots in the area are deep, and he takes genuine pride in making his neighbors' homes more beautiful.
"I believe every property has untapped potential. My job is to help homeowners see what is possible and then bring that vision to life with materials and craftsmanship that will last for decades."
What Sets Us Apart
Owner On Every Job
Charlie is not a salesman who hands your project off to a crew. He is on-site for every project, working alongside his team as both designer and builder. That is the design-build advantage: one person who understands your vision from first conversation to final walkthrough.
National Recognition, Local Roots
As one of only 12 founding members of the Belgard Advisory Council in the entire nation, Charlie is consulted on product development and industry best practices. That level of expertise comes home to every project we build in the Lake Minnetonka area.
Built for Minnesota
Three decades of building in Minnesota means we know the unique challenges of freeze-thaw cycles, expansive soils, and seasonal conditions. Every base layer, drainage plan, and material selection accounts for our climate, so your investment lasts.
Principles That Guide Every Project
Craftsmanship First
We never cut corners on base preparation, compaction, or materials. The work beneath the surface matters as much as what you see on top. That is why our installations hold up season after season.
Transparent Communication
From the initial consultation through project completion, you will always know what is happening, what comes next, and what it costs. No surprises, no hidden fees, and no unanswered calls.
Continuous Improvement
The landscape industry evolves, and so do we. Charlie regularly trains with Belgard, ICPI, and NCMA to stay current on the latest materials, installation techniques, and design trends.
Community Commitment
We live and work in the same neighborhoods we serve. Our reputation is built on the relationships we maintain long after the last paver is set. Many of our clients become repeat customers and friends.
Industry-Leading Qualifications
Our certifications are not just badges on a website. They represent thousands of hours of training, testing, and continuing education that directly benefit the quality of your project.
Belgard Advisory Council
Charlie is one of only 12 founding members nationally. This invitation-only council advises Belgard on product development, installation standards, and contractor training. It represents the highest tier of recognition in the hardscape industry.
Belgard Authorized Contractor
As an authorized Belgard contractor, we offer access to the full Belgard product line and can provide manufacturer-backed warranties on qualifying installations. This ensures your paver products are installed to factory specifications.
ICPI Certified Installer
The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute certification ensures our team follows industry-standard installation practices for interlocking concrete pavements, including proper base preparation, joint sand, and edge restraint systems.
NCMA Certified SRW Installer
The National Concrete Masonry Association certification verifies our expertise in segmental retaining wall design and construction, including walls that require engineering analysis for height and surcharge loads.
MNLA Certified Professional
The Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association professional certification demonstrates competency in landscape design, installation, and maintenance within Minnesota's specific growing conditions and regulations.
Additional Training
PaveTech trained for specialized paver installation techniques, SASP (Segmental Arch System of Pavements) trained, and MN Licensed Contractor #BC684026. We invest in ongoing education to stay at the forefront of our industry.
Ready to Meet Charlie?
Schedule a complimentary on-site consultation and see firsthand why homeowners across the Lake Minnetonka area trust Landscape Charlie with their most important outdoor investments.