Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architects in Oakland, CA
Founded in 2003, Inside Out Design is a collaborative architecture and landscape architecture firm based in Oakland's Rockridge district. Our practice bridges indoor and outdoor spaces, emphasizing sustainable design principles that reflect California's unique lifestyle. With nearly 25 years of experience, our principals have led diverse projects ranging from residential renovations to public memorials, prioritizing LEED-certified practices and native plant integration. We specialize in transforming challenging terrains into functional, award-winning spaces while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and client collaboration. 
Services
Architecture
Landscape Design
Arborist Reports
Irrigation Audits
Interior Design
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of combined architectural experience
- Our team includes LEED-certified professionals
- Specialized in sustainable, drought-tolerant landscaping
- Proven expertise in challenging hillside terrains
- Collaborative design process with direct principal involvement
Associations and certifications
- LEED
What people say
Amazing Landscape Architect
Collaborative and creative
Perfect person
Thrilled with it
Prompt, knowledgeable
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services focus on creating functional, aesthetically integrated spaces that harmonize with their surroundings. We specialize in residential renovations, commercial projects, and educational facilities, emphasizing sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs. Our LEED-certified professionals ensure every project meets modern environmental standards while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Landscape Design
We transform challenging terrains into beautiful, functional outdoor environments. Our approach combines native plant selection with innovative hardscaping solutions, including fire pits, terraced gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes. Each design balances aesthetic appeal with practical considerations for long-term usability and environmental sustainability.
Arborist Reports
Our certified arborists provide comprehensive tree health evaluations and management plans. Services include risk assessment, species selection, and preservation strategies for both residential and municipal projects. We ensure proper tree care while maintaining compliance with local regulations and environmental best practices.
Irrigation Audits
We analyze existing irrigation systems to identify inefficiencies and recommend water-saving improvements. Our audits focus on sustainable water use through smart technology implementation and drought-tolerant plant selection, helping clients reduce consumption while maintaining landscape health in California's climate.
Interior Design
Our interior design services extend the seamless indoor-outdoor philosophy to interior spaces. We create cohesive environments that enhance natural light flow and material continuity. The team specializes in residential renovations that maximize functionality while maintaining architectural integrity and aesthetic harmony.
People
Julianna Fecsks Phillips
Architect - Principal
With 25+ years of experience, Julianna leads architectural projects at Inside Out Design. A LEED-accredited professional and former Harvard faculty member, she specializes in residential and commercial design with sustainable practices. Her work has been published in major architectural publications.
Penn Phillips
Landscape Architect - Principal
Penn Phillips brings extensive landscape architecture experience to Inside Out Design. A registered landscape architect in California and Arizona, he focuses on sustainable design solutions and serves as Lafayette's city arborist. His expertise includes urban creek restoration and drought-tolerant landscaping.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily work throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, and surrounding communities.
Do you handle both architecture and landscape design?
Yes, our firm uniquely combines architecture and landscape architecture services for integrated, cohesive project outcomes.
What project types do you specialize in?
We specialize in residential renovations, commercial projects, public memorials, and challenging terrain transformations with sustainable solutions.
How do you approach sustainability?
We prioritize LEED-certified practices, native plant selection, drought-tolerant landscaping, and energy-efficient building designs to minimize environmental impact.
Can you work with historic properties?
Yes, we have experience preserving architectural character while modernizing spaces, including Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired designs.
