When most people imagine top-tier landscape architecture in Brooklyn, they picture long-established firms with decades of prestige and deep-pocketed investors. But Tier II is rewriting that narrative—and doing it fast. Founded when CEO Tzvi Rauch was just 22, this once-local startup has become one of the city’s most respected design-build landscape firms in just eight years.
From Concrete to Canopies—And Over 3 Million Sq. Ft. Later
Since 2020, Tier II has completed more than three million square feet of outdoor spaces across the Tri-State Area—ranging from lush rooftop terraces to high-efficiency green infrastructure. But this rapid ascent isn’t just a story of scale. It’s a reflection of Tier II’s ability to meet the demands of a city where buildable space is scarce, expectations are sky-high, and timelines leave no room for error.
Whether transforming sterile rooftops into serene green spaces or designing terraces that merge luxury with sustainability, Tier II has positioned itself as a firm that understands both the technical and emotional value of urban landscapes. Their projects don’t just check boxes—they create impact.
Beating the Odds Without Outside Funding
Unlike many of its competitors, Tier II scaled without outside capital. The firm’s growth model was powered by community, systems, client relationships, and hands-on execution. Every project became a case study in how to deliver speed and quality without compromise—earning the firm repeat contracts and trusted partnerships with some of NYC’s most prominent developers and architects.
This self-funded journey shaped the company’s DNA. With no room for waste or delays, Tier II built a culture of accountability—one where design decisions are made with execution and budget in mind, and every team member, from designer to builder, shares ownership of the outcome.
Collaboration as a Competitive Edge
Tier II doesn’t just work for clients—it builds with them. As a design-build firm, its model is structured from the ground up to ensure a seamless transition between vision and execution. From early-stage schematic planning to the final paver set in stone, Tier II integrates closely with project teams to eliminate friction, reduce timelines, and ensure every design is executable.
This tight-knit collaboration model has become a signature of Tier II’s process—and a reason why so many builders now consider them a first call.
Developers and architects consistently cite Tier II’s responsiveness and clarity as game-changers in fast-paced urban projects. Instead of handing off drawings and hoping for alignment, Tier II’s team is often embedded from day one—bringing construction-minded thinking to every design decision.
The Future of Urban Landscape is Vertical—And Tier II Is Leading It
Every square foot matters in Brooklyn. Tier II has proven that outdoor space isn’t an afterthought—it’s an asset. As real estate developers and architects continue to push the limits of urban living, Tier II is standing at the forefront, designing environments that elevate value, experience, and livability—one rooftop at a time.
Beyond functionality, Tier II’s work also taps into something deeper: the human need for connection to nature, especially in dense metropolitan settings. Their rooftops aren’t just spaces to occupy—they’re spaces to breathe. And in a post-pandemic era where health, wellness, and lifestyle design intersect more than ever, Tier II is proving that landscape architecture isn’t just about plants and pavers. It’s about quality of life.
From its beginnings as a two-person operation—Tzvi Rauch and his wife and co-founder Liba Miller—to a 20+ person team and a respected player in Brooklyn’s development ecosystem, Tier II’s journey is proof that when vision meets execution—even in one of the hardest cities in the world—the results are undeniable.
