Giving exceptional hardscape projects a bigger stage

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Gerry Garcia helps contractors document and submit award-worthy work for national recognition through the HNA Awards. 

Every year, hardscape contractors transform landscapes, solve complex design challenges and invest countless hours creating exceptional projects. Yet much of that work receives little recognition beyond the communities where it was completed. Gerry Garcia, business consultant for project and construction strategy at Rosetta Hardscapes, helps change that by submitting projects to the Hardscape North American (HNA) Awards on behalf of his clients. 

“Contractors are constantly focused on the next project,” Gerry said. “Once an installation is complete, it can be difficult to revisit the site months later when the landscaping has matured, plantings have filled in and the project truly shows its full impact.” 

Preparing an award entry requires time, photography and detailed documentation; resources that busy contractors may not have readily available. By collecting project information, photographs and other details, Gerry helps ensure deserving work can reach a national audience. 

He has also found that many contractors underestimate the caliber of their projects. Supporting projects across several regions allows him to see the craftsmanship, creativity and problem-solving taking place throughout the hardscape industry, including work by smaller installation companies that rivals some of the country’s best projects. 

For Gerry, recognition extends beyond a single company or contractor. “The recognition doesn’t belong solely to Rosetta,” he said. “It belongs to the producers, dealers and distributors, sales representatives, designers and contractors who supported the project locally and ultimately brought it to life.” 

That collaborative effort was recognized at the 2025 HNA Awards, when his client’s Amphitheater at Camp Lutherlyn project received the top prize in the Combination of Hardscape Products — Commercial category. 

For Gerry, the most meaningful part of the awards process comes when contractors see their work recognized on a national stage. He shared, “Seeing the contractor’s reaction to winning is probably my favorite part of the entire process.” Beyond celebrating a completed project, Gerry believes that recognition can inspire teams to keep advancing their creativity and craftsmanship while affirming the value of the work being done in local markets. 

Learn more about the 2026 HNA Awards and submit a project you or your client is proud of by August 16th!