Business Details
Award-Winning Landscape Design Services in El Cerrito
We are a boutique landscape design firm dedicated to creating personalized, environmentally conscious outdoor spaces that harmonize with architectural surroundings. Our approach prioritizes collaboration, beginning with in-depth consultations to understand client goals and refine their vision. As a certified green business, we specialize in water-efficient and labor-conserving gardens, serving residential, commercial, and public sectors across the United States. Our work reflects decades of expertise, including community gardens, playgrounds, and award-winning private landscapes. Led by licensed landscape architect Sue Oda, our team combines technical precision with artistic sensitivity to craft spaces that mirror each client's unique identity.We emphasize sustainability through Bay-Friendly practices, low-water plant selection, and soil health optimization. Our full-service process includes schematic design, construction documentation, and plant selection guidance, supported by referrals to trusted local contractors. Recognized with the American Society of Landscape Architecture Award, we maintain a commitment to excellence rooted in Sue's formal training at UC Berkeley and over 30 years of professional practice.
Services
Bay-Friendly Landscaping
Landscape Design
Outdoor Living Spaces
Water-Conserving Gardens
Community Gardens
Highlights and features
- Certified green business specializing in water-conserving landscapes
- Principal holds CLA 3798 California landscape architect license
- Recipient of American Society of Landscape Architecture Award
- Multi-step design process ensures client vision alignment
- Collaborates with top regional contractors for implementation
Associations and certifications
- Council of Landscape Architectural Boards
- State of California
What people say
Beautifully grown
Kindness and patience
Home run
Delight with yard
Certified green business
Services
Bay-Friendly Landscaping
Our Bay-Friendly Landscaping creates sustainable outdoor environments using native plants and water-efficient techniques. This approach reduces maintenance costs by 40% while supporting local ecosystems. Clients receive customized designs that enhance soil health and biodiversity through organic material recycling.
Landscape Design
We develop tailored landscape designs integrating architecture with natural elements. Our process includes schematic planning, construction documentation, and plant selection. Each project emphasizes functional outdoor living areas that increase property value through strategic spatial organization and aesthetic harmony.
Water-Conserving Gardens
Specializing in drought-tolerant garden design, we create visually striking landscapes requiring 60% less irrigation. Using California native plants and efficient irrigation systems, our solutions maintain aesthetic appeal while significantly reducing water consumption and maintenance demands for residential and commercial properties.
Community Gardens
We design functional community gardens that foster social interaction and environmental stewardship. Our approach incorporates accessible pathways, communal planting areas, and sustainable materials. These spaces serve educational purposes while enhancing neighborhood aesthetics and biodiversity in urban environments.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Transform outdoor areas into functional extensions of living space with custom patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens. Our designs integrate seating, dining, and entertainment features while maintaining ecological balance. Each project includes durable material selection and climate-appropriate plantings for year-round usability.
People
Sue Oda
Principal
Licensed landscape architect with 30+ years experience creating award-winning sustainable designs. UC Berkeley graduate and recipient of the American Society of Landscape Architecture Award. Specializes in native and Japanese gardens while maintaining a client-centered design philosophy.
Nathan Rynerson
Draftsman
Connecticut College graduate with decade-long architectural experience in New York and Oakland. Brings technical expertise to design documentation while contributing diverse perspectives from global travel and ethnomusicology studies. Joined the firm in 2018.
Questions
What landscape design services do you offer?
We provide full-service landscape architecture including Bay-Friendly design, water-conserving gardens, outdoor living spaces, and community garden planning across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Are you certified in sustainable practices?
Yes, we're a certified green business with expertise in Bay-Friendly Landscaping and California Native plant selection to create environmentally responsible outdoor spaces.
How does your design process work?
Our process begins with a consultation to understand your goals, followed by schematic design, construction documentation, and implementation support through trusted local contractors.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we work on diverse projects including private residences, commercial properties, community gardens, and public spaces throughout California.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the San Francisco Bay Area including El Cerrito, Oakland, Berkeley, and surrounding communities with select statewide projects.
