What We Do
Our Services
Our Story
A Legacy of Design — and a New Chapter
Where We Came From
Founded in 2001 by Joel Kirby, Curly Willow Designs grew into one of the Southeast's most respected full-service design firms. Over two decades, the team delivered extraordinary landscape architecture, unforgettable events, stunning interiors, dream weddings, and holiday transformations for clients across South Carolina and beyond.
The portfolio speaks for itself — the Dabo Swinney All In Ball, the BMW Pro-Am, events at the Biltmore Estate, the American Heart Association Heart Ball, the Artisphere Gala, and hundreds of weddings and private celebrations that became the standard others aspired to.
Where We Are Now
When COVID brought the events world to a standstill, Joel embraced a new chapter — moving to Saluda, NC and co-founding The Saluda Inn with partner Jay Burriss. Today, most of Joel's time is devoted to running the day-to-day operations of the inn and designing its full calendar of events in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Curly Willow Designs continues in a more focused form — Joel still takes on select small interior projects and occasional landscape work for longtime clients he has enjoyed over the years.
Visit The Saluda Inn
Landscape Architectural Design
For over two decades, Curly Willow Designs operated as a full-service Landscape Architecture firm. From intimate residential gardens to large commercial properties, the team designed spaces that became the envy of every neighborhood.
Services include:
- Planting Design — Shrubs, trees, lawn/sod, ground covers, annuals, perennials, seasonal grasses
- Hardscape Design — walkways, driveways, walls, steps, patios, decking
- Fireplace and Firepit Feature Design
- Trellis and Arbor Design
- Pool/Spa Design and Water Feature Design
- Modern and Unique Space Design
- Container, Accent, and Architectural Feature Design
Event Design
For 15+ years, Curly Willow Designs produced some of the most celebrated events across the Southeast — from the Dabo Swinney All In Ball and the BMW Pro-Am to galas at the Biltmore Estate and the Artisphere Gala. That same obsession with beauty, scale, and flawless execution now lives at The Saluda Inn.
Services include:
- Space planning — to make a space flow and function
- Budgeting — to meet needs of all parties
- Theme Generation — how to make a party fun and stand out
- Vendor procurement — Event Rentals, Audio and Lighting, Props Rental, etc.
- Floral Design — Full unique floral design and install service
Interior Design
Curly Willow Designs has always believed that interiors should feel as intentional and alive as the outdoor spaces surrounding them. Selecting unique elements and cleverly putting them together is a passion — the goal is always to help clients live in the space they dream of.
Services include:
- Space planning — to make a space flow, function, and feel special
- Budgeting — to meet needs of all parties
- Item Selection, Sourcing, and Procurement
- Installation assistance
Wedding Design
Curly Willow Designs spent 15+ years planning weddings that were, by every measure, over the top. That same dedication to making your day uniquely yours — every detail, every moment — is now channeled into the extraordinary setting of The Saluda Inn.
Services include:
- Space planning — to make a space flow and function
- Budgeting — to meet needs of all parties
- Timeline generation — to help make the day flow seamlessly
- Coordination and Vendor procurement — Rentals, Audio, Lighting, Props, etc.
- Floral Design — Full unique floral design and install service
Let us plan your dream mountain wedding!