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Marengo Pass Design

MPD is founded on one core value: helping people.
Whether you're a small business owner looking to promote your business and get more done or a homeowner interested in exploring options for a living space, Marengo Pass Design is here to help.

Timber frame hemlock pavilion

A design partner when you need one

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Greg Schaumburg

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...a design partner

when you need one

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stink bug!

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Merry Christmas! Here’s hoping your ‘25 is a great one, too!

Merry Christmas! Here’s hoping your ‘25 is a great one, too!

Design should be intentional. Excited to share a pair of recent landscape concepts completing the design of a new home in State College - check back to see more soon! #statecollege #landscapedesign #landscape #property #propertydesign #intentional #entrygate #gate #concept

Design should be intentional. Excited to share a pair of recent landscape concepts completing the design of a new home in State College - check back to see more soon! #statecollege #landscapedesign #landscape #property #propertydesign #intentional #entrygate #gate #concept

Arranging an outdoor living environment should be INTENTIONAL, and not - as a former employer once joked - "rolling out a handful of pocket change on paper and tracing where it lands."

Marengo Pass Design starts every project with a conversation, listening, and questions related to your life stage, lifestyle, and season of life. Our design work blends wants and needs with the potential of each site to develop a practical and functional plan intended to be the backdrop for our clients to enjoy and live their lives.

Stay tuned for more recent design work, including a final round of some fun Tiny Houses!

#landscapedesign #landscapeplan #design #intentional #outdoorliving #gardendesign #statecollege

Arranging an outdoor living environment should be INTENTIONAL, and not - as a former employer once joked - "rolling out a handful of pocket change on paper and tracing where it lands."

Marengo Pass Design starts every project with a conversation, listening, and questions related to your life stage, lifestyle, and season of life. Our design work blends wants and needs with the potential of each site to develop a practical and functional plan intended to be the backdrop for our clients to enjoy and live their lives.

Stay tuned for more recent design work, including a final round of some fun Tiny Houses!

#landscapedesign #landscapeplan #design #intentional #outdoorliving #gardendesign #statecollege

Chef said she needed a large charcuterie board… #bigolboard #sawmill #blackoak #charcuterieboard #handmade #chef #marengopassdesign #woodwork #tinyshop

Chef said she needed a large charcuterie board… #bigolboard #sawmill #blackoak #charcuterieboard #handmade #chef #marengopassdesign #woodwork #tinyshop

Happy Friday - a few still shots of our latest "connections and capabilities" brochure for our friends at East End Woodworking, a small business cabinet shop located in Mill Hall, PA. One of our specialties is helping small businesses connect their message, products, and services in ways that capture potential clients' attention, so you can have a great looking "leave behind" while you're putting your best foot forward. Marengo Pass Design - a design partner when you need one! #brochure #graphidesign #product #promo #promotional

Happy Friday - a few still shots of our latest "connections and capabilities" brochure for our friends at East End Woodworking, a small business cabinet shop located in Mill Hall, PA. One of our specialties is helping small businesses connect their message, products, and services in ways that capture potential clients' attention, so you can have a great looking "leave behind" while you're putting your best foot forward. Marengo Pass Design - a design partner when you need one! #brochure #graphidesign #product #promo #promotional

A recent “work with existing conditions to make a nice space nicer!” landscape plan project.

This fun backyard client reached out looking to work with their existing retaining walls, deck, and pool deck spaces to complete their landscape plan with irregular bluestone patio spaces for dining and a fire pit.

Personally,
I love the opportunity of working with existing conditions, especially when it’s for a great family seeking to add functionality to to their home environment! #landscapedesign #backyard #improvement #plan #lifestyle #landscape #design #handdrawn #irregular #bluestone #standupbluestone #naturalmaterials

A recent “work with existing conditions to make a nice space nicer!” landscape plan project.

This fun backyard client reached out looking to work with their existing retaining walls, deck, and pool deck spaces to complete their landscape plan with irregular bluestone patio spaces for dining and a fire pit.

Personally,
I love the opportunity of working with existing conditions, especially when it’s for a great family seeking to add functionality to to their home environment! #landscapedesign #backyard #improvement #plan #lifestyle #landscape #design #handdrawn #irregular #bluestone #standupbluestone #naturalmaterials

Fortunate to pay a very inspiring visit to @davidalancollection in Solana Beach this past week and spot a pair of perfect slab top tables - combo of form, surface texture, and straightforward and inspo for upcoming projects. What a beautiful shop! #handmade #woodwork #sketchbook #designbuild #penandink #ink #sketch #handdrawn #travel #solanabeach

Fortunate to pay a very inspiring visit to @davidalancollection in Solana Beach this past week and spot a pair of perfect slab top tables - combo of form, surface texture, and straightforward and inspo for upcoming projects. What a beautiful shop! #handmade #woodwork #sketchbook #designbuild #penandink #ink #sketch #handdrawn #travel #solanabeach

"Heeere's Johnny!"

Print 7/7 is the final drawing available in the "BZZT" series from Marengo Pass Design.
Available on very very nice art rag paper, unframed (fast) or framed (a little longer availability). The Yellow Jacket is the OG bug nobody wants hanging around.
PM for details! Soon to be added to the marengopass.com website for all the insect lovers on your list. #insects #artwork #handdrawn #bugslife #giftideas

"Heeere's Johnny!"

Print 7/7 is the final drawing available in the "BZZT" series from Marengo Pass Design.
Available on very very nice art rag paper, unframed (fast) or framed (a little longer availability). The Yellow Jacket is the OG bug nobody wants hanging around.
PM for details! Soon to be added to the marengopass.com website for all the insect lovers on your list. #insects #artwork #handdrawn #bugslife #giftideas

"Managing Editor"

The Northern Paper Wasp is the sixth print available in the "BZZT" series from Marengo Pass Design. (They gather a little bit of material every day to make the paper, see what I did there with the title?) Available on very very nice art rag paper, unframed (fast availability) or framed (a little longer availability).
PM for details! Soon to be added to the marengopass.com website for all the insect lovers on your list. #insects #artwork #handdrawn #bugslife #giftideas

"Managing Editor"

The Northern Paper Wasp is the sixth print available in the "BZZT" series from Marengo Pass Design. (They gather a little bit of material every day to make the paper, see what I did there with the title?) Available on very very nice art rag paper, unframed (fast availability) or framed (a little longer availability).
PM for details! Soon to be added to the marengopass.com website for all the insect lovers on your list. #insects #artwork #handdrawn #bugslife #giftideas

"Me So Hornet"

The Bald Faced Hornet is the FIFTH print available in the "BZZT" series from Marengo Pass Design. Available on very very nice art rag paper, unframed (fast availability) or framed (a little longer availabilty).
PM for details! Soon to be added to the marengopass.com website for all the insect lovers on your list. #insects #artwork #handdrawn #bugslife #giftideas

"Me So Hornet"

The Bald Faced Hornet is the FIFTH print available in the "BZZT" series from Marengo Pass Design. Available on very very nice art rag paper, unframed (fast availability) or framed (a little longer availabilty).
PM for details! Soon to be added to the marengopass.com website for all the insect lovers on your list. #insects #artwork #handdrawn #bugslife #giftideas

"Picnic Crasher"

The fourth print available in the "BZZT" series from Marengo Pass Design.
Available on very very nice art rag paper, unframed (fast availability) or framed (a little longer availabilty).
PM for details! Soon to be added to the marengopass.com website for all the insect lovers on your list. #insects #artwork #handdrawn #bugslife #giftideas

"Picnic Crasher"

The fourth print available in the "BZZT" series from Marengo Pass Design.
Available on very very nice art rag paper, unframed (fast availability) or framed (a little longer availabilty).
PM for details! Soon to be added to the marengopass.com website for all the insect lovers on your list. #insects #artwork #handdrawn #bugslife #giftideas

"Houseguest: Jeff Goldblum"

The third print available in the "BZZT" series from Marengo Pass Design.
Available on very very nice art rag paper, unframed (fast availability) or framed (a little longer availabilty).
PM for details! Soon to be added to the marengopass.com website for all the insect lovers on your list. #insects #artwork #handdrawn #bugslife #giftideas

"Houseguest: Jeff Goldblum"

The third print available in the "BZZT" series from Marengo Pass Design.
Available on very very nice art rag paper, unframed (fast availability) or framed (a little longer availabilty).
PM for details! Soon to be added to the marengopass.com website for all the insect lovers on your list. #insects #artwork #handdrawn #bugslife #giftideas

"Plan Bee"
The second print available in the "BZZT" series from Marengo Pass Design.
Available on very very nice art rag paper, unframed (fast availability) or framed (a little longer availabilty).
PM for details! Soon to be added to the marengopass.com website for all the insect lovers on your list. #insects #artwork #handdrawn #bugslife #giftideas

"Plan Bee"
The second print available in the "BZZT" series from Marengo Pass Design.
Available on very very nice art rag paper, unframed (fast availability) or framed (a little longer availabilty).
PM for details! Soon to be added to the marengopass.com website for all the insect lovers on your list. #insects #artwork #handdrawn #bugslife #giftideas

This week, Marengo Pass is sharing the first of a limited series of art prints available for purchase. The "BZZT" series is a set of seven insects that can sting, annoy, bite, or otherwise interrupt your day, and are usually overlooked as nuisances but beautiful in a "tim burton" sort of way.

Yes - many people consider insects gross. But if you look closely, they're also amazing. I've chosen these seven as a reminder that the things we quickly dismiss as annoying, painful, or "jump scare" interruptions in our day are highly designed, incredibly detailed, and complex illustrations of a Creator who has endless creative energy.

logistics and specifics:
8.5x11 prints are available on a gorgeous heavyweight textured art rag paper and include a short note about the insect, its purpose in the world, and the art series. They're also available framed - but this part - I swear I'm not stealing this part from an episode of Portlandia - the frames are handmade from American Cherry trees that I have cut, milled, and air dried, then made to order in my Tiny Shop here in the Marengo Pass workshop. (extra credit if you knew Marengo Pass also has a sawmill!) I know that sounds super Fred Armisen, and I realize this is a super niche thing that appeals to a very very very limited audience, but that's okay! There are also many nice things in the WalMamazonMart-universe, too.

PM for pricing and shipping options - these will be added to my marengopass.com website soon (in time for October, the season of creepy things, and also in time for Christmas for all the insect lovers on your list...)

Follow along this week to see the next 6 in the series! -gs #insects #artwork #handdrawn #giftideas

This week, Marengo Pass is sharing the first of a limited series of art prints available for purchase. The "BZZT" series is a set of seven insects that can sting, annoy, bite, or otherwise interrupt your day, and are usually overlooked as nuisances but beautiful in a "tim burton" sort of way.

Yes - many people consider insects gross. But if you look closely, they're also amazing. I've chosen these seven as a reminder that the things we quickly dismiss as annoying, painful, or "jump scare" interruptions in our day are highly designed, incredibly detailed, and complex illustrations of a Creator who has endless creative energy.

logistics and specifics:
8.5x11 prints are available on a gorgeous heavyweight textured art rag paper and include a short note about the insect, its purpose in the world, and the art series. They're also available framed - but this part - I swear I'm not stealing this part from an episode of Portlandia - the frames are handmade from American Cherry trees that I have cut, milled, and air dried, then made to order in my Tiny Shop here in the Marengo Pass workshop. (extra credit if you knew Marengo Pass also has a sawmill!) I know that sounds super Fred Armisen, and I realize this is a super niche thing that appeals to a very very very limited audience, but that's okay! There are also many nice things in the WalMamazonMart-universe, too.

PM for pricing and shipping options - these will be added to my marengopass.com website soon (in time for October, the season of creepy things, and also in time for Christmas for all the insect lovers on your list...)

Follow along this week to see the next 6 in the series! -gs #insects #artwork #handdrawn #giftideas

Rooftop renovation plans for a second story open air porch #renovation #tyrone #pennsylvania #design #porch

Rooftop renovation plans for a second story open air porch #renovation #tyrone #pennsylvania #design #porch

Rooftop deck renovation day!

Rooftop deck renovation day!

There’s too much to list in a short video, so…my a few of my favorite lessons from Bob Bertog >>>

1. “If ya don’t ask, ya can’t get”
When pursuing an opportunity, the worst another person can say is “no.” But if you don’t ask, you can’t get - or at least, you can’t get the conversation started and move forward together. Being bold and asking is the first step.

2. “ABC: Always Be Closing”. Bob empowered me to begin thinking like an owner, to be driven to pursue client satisfaction, and be proactive in pursuing opportunities. Growth and goals do not achieve themselves, they are something to go after and plan for and follow up on. He modeled what a person can achieve when they’re motivated, and to reject being lazy and complacent - nothing you want falls into your lap.

3. Bob showed me what it looks like to respect the people who work for you - to value their opinions and bounce ideas off them to gain input, and to be direct, open, and blunt when needed in the pursuit of honest communication.

4. Bob showed me what it looked like to mediate conflict in business, specifically when he moderated conflict with a client I struggled to manage. He stepped in to balance supporting me and supporting the client’s needs.

As I read news articles of CEOs engaging poorly with the people who run their businesses today, I’m reminded by contrast that many of them could learn a lot from Bob Bertog, too.

#bob

There’s too much to list in a short video, so…my a few of my favorite lessons from Bob Bertog >>>

1. “If ya don’t ask, ya can’t get”
When pursuing an opportunity, the worst another person can say is “no.” But if you don’t ask, you can’t get - or at least, you can’t get the conversation started and move forward together. Being bold and asking is the first step.

2. “ABC: Always Be Closing”. Bob empowered me to begin thinking like an owner, to be driven to pursue client satisfaction, and be proactive in pursuing opportunities. Growth and goals do not achieve themselves, they are something to go after and plan for and follow up on. He modeled what a person can achieve when they’re motivated, and to reject being lazy and complacent - nothing you want falls into your lap.

3. Bob showed me what it looks like to respect the people who work for you - to value their opinions and bounce ideas off them to gain input, and to be direct, open, and blunt when needed in the pursuit of honest communication.

4. Bob showed me what it looked like to mediate conflict in business, specifically when he moderated conflict with a client I struggled to manage. He stepped in to balance supporting me and supporting the client’s needs.

As I read news articles of CEOs engaging poorly with the people who run their businesses today, I’m reminded by contrast that many of them could learn a lot from Bob Bertog, too.

#bob

The difference between verbal communication and graphic communication :

Verbal description: “we need a vertical timber post to support the main header beam. Cut a 2” bearing notch above the post to support a side beam, which will also rest on the post. Be sure the top of both beams are flush”

Graphic description: “oh you mean this?”

#Sketchbook #panandink #visualnotes #drawingasasecondlanguage #dsl

The difference between verbal communication and graphic communication :

Verbal description: “we need a vertical timber post to support the main header beam. Cut a 2” bearing notch above the post to support a side beam, which will also rest on the post. Be sure the top of both beams are flush”

Graphic description: “oh you mean this?”

#Sketchbook #panandink #visualnotes #drawingasasecondlanguage #dsl

A shout out to one of my longest term friends in the landscape industry- sharing my thanks to another “real influencer” in a world full of “reel” influencers! #thankyou #note #shoutout #tomselinger #designer #graphicguru #mastergraphics #real #influencer

A shout out to one of my longest term friends in the landscape industry- sharing my thanks to another “real influencer” in a world full of “reel” influencers! #thankyou #note #shoutout #tomselinger #designer #graphicguru #mastergraphics #real #influencer

Quick framing concept for a pent roof timber addition over the accordion doors of a pool house. #penandink #sketch #quicksketch #pentroof

Quick framing concept for a pent roof timber addition over the accordion doors of a pool house. #penandink #sketch #quicksketch #pentroof

Had a moment of clarity while considering whether to pursue working with a potential new client, and realized my “fit check” for serving clients looks like this:

1. Does it help others?
2. Is it a creative opportunity?
3. Is it within my professional capabilities?

If so, I’ll pursue it. If not, I’ll try to recommend a better fit!

#fitcheck #design #designservice #marengopass #venn

Had a moment of clarity while considering whether to pursue working with a potential new client, and realized my “fit check” for serving clients looks like this:

1. Does it help others?
2. Is it a creative opportunity?
3. Is it within my professional capabilities?

If so, I’ll pursue it. If not, I’ll try to recommend a better fit!

#fitcheck #design #designservice #marengopass #venn

Another thank you note in a stack of thank you notes. To Bob Hursthouse, who invests in his people, protects the office culture, and shared a lot of his wisdom and experience with me along the way. Bob’s 4 “refrigerator rules” are good to know in order to out of the work day. #hursthouselandscape #hursthouse #thankyou #bob #appreciation #realinfluencer #real #influencer

Another thank you note in a stack of thank you notes. To Bob Hursthouse, who invests in his people, protects the office culture, and shared a lot of his wisdom and experience with me along the way. Bob’s 4 “refrigerator rules” are good to know in order to out of the work day. #hursthouselandscape #hursthouse #thankyou #bob #appreciation #realinfluencer #real #influencer

"woodies" roundup!
…one full year in the ground for some Bottlebrush Buckeye and Year 03 for a Dwarf Limelight Hydrangea hedge. Border plants are rooting in and taking off nicely! #garden #planting #woody #bottlebrushbuckeye #hydrangea

"woodies" roundup!
…one full year in the ground for some Bottlebrush Buckeye and Year 03 for a Dwarf Limelight Hydrangea hedge. Border plants are rooting in and taking off nicely! #garden #planting #woody #bottlebrushbuckeye #hydrangea

A shout out to another “real” influencer who invested and believed in me- thank you Phil Rosborough of Rosborough Partners in Libertyville, IL! #gratitude #thankyou #realinfluencer #influencer #landscape #design #designer #appreciation

A shout out to another “real” influencer who invested and believed in me- thank you Phil Rosborough of Rosborough Partners in Libertyville, IL! #gratitude #thankyou #realinfluencer #influencer #landscape #design #designer #appreciation

“Real” Influencers, Part 01:
A quick shout out to my first employer, and the first of a few shorts recognizing the people who invested in me and built into my career.

Thank you for starting me off on the right foot and providing an environment where exceptional work was produced. You are a Real influencer in a world of Reel influencers, every day working for you was a challenge, it was really hard work, and it made me a better designer because of it.
#roccofiore #libertyville #designbuild #thankyou #real #realvsreel #influencer #appreciation #investing #rolemodel

“Real” Influencers, Part 01:
A quick shout out to my first employer, and the first of a few shorts recognizing the people who invested in me and built into my career.

Thank you for starting me off on the right foot and providing an environment where exceptional work was produced. You are a Real influencer in a world of Reel influencers, every day working for you was a challenge, it was really hard work, and it made me a better designer because of it.
#roccofiore #libertyville #designbuild #thankyou #real #realvsreel #influencer #appreciation #investing #rolemodel

It makes SO much more sense now that I know the code office wants “egress” in the bedrooms. #buildingcode #redline #code #codecomment #centreregioncode #compliant #zoning #safety

It makes SO much more sense now that I know the code office wants “egress” in the bedrooms. #buildingcode #redline #code #codecomment #centreregioncode #compliant #zoning #safety

Client says “hey I want a cool gate”
Sketch an idea, and they’re like “yeah, that’ll be great!”
Couple artisan trades: “we can do that, mate”
Installer: “we’ll be there, just pick a date!”
And the sketch gets built not a minute too late.
This will alwaaaays be my favorite way to get things off my plate- this working together to make places look great.

#designer #landscape #gate #entry #timber #steel #centralpennsylvania #custom #curbappeal #details #statecollege #pennsylvania #artisan #trade #design #sketch

Client says “hey I want a cool gate”
Sketch an idea, and they’re like “yeah, that’ll be great!”
Couple artisan trades: “we can do that, mate”
Installer: “we’ll be there, just pick a date!”
And the sketch gets built not a minute too late.
This will alwaaaays be my favorite way to get things off my plate- this working together to make places look great.

#designer #landscape #gate #entry #timber #steel #centralpennsylvania #custom #curbappeal #details #statecollege #pennsylvania #artisan #trade #design #sketch

A little decor in an unexpected corner is my reminder that every bit of a garden is important. The “bird bowl” in the first pic was a thoughtful gift from the owners of @longshadowplanters many years ago after a visit to their beautiful Pomona, Illinois home and production facility. I still remember that visit as a highlight of my time spent living in the Midwest, which was a time full of many great highlights. #longshadow #garden #decor #ornament #placemaker #landscape #landscapedesign #designer

A little decor in an unexpected corner is my reminder that every bit of a garden is important. The “bird bowl” in the first pic was a thoughtful gift from the owners of @longshadowplanters many years ago after a visit to their beautiful Pomona, Illinois home and production facility. I still remember that visit as a highlight of my time spent living in the Midwest, which was a time full of many great highlights. #longshadow #garden #decor #ornament #placemaker #landscape #landscapedesign #designer

Sketching in the morning for job sign graphics for my fill time gig. I tried using an exported file and making a photoshop rendering, but wasn’t feeling it and switched to pen on trash …. #handdrawn #sketch #prismacolor

Sketching in the morning for job sign graphics for my fill time gig. I tried using an exported file and making a photoshop rendering, but wasn’t feeling it and switched to pen on trash …. #handdrawn #sketch #prismacolor

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