Business Details
42 Years
experience
Expert Landscape Architecture Services in Half Moon Bay
Kikuchi Kankel Design Group is a process-oriented landscape architecture firm dedicated to creating innovative designs through collaborative client engagement. Our approach emphasizes communication, exploration, and responsiveness to client needs while maintaining a commitment to environmental sustainability. Founded in 1984, we have cultivated long-term relationships with clients who value our integrity, professionalism, and ability to deliver high-quality solutions across residential, commercial, and institutional projects.Our team of experienced professionals prioritizes personal involvement in every project phase, ensuring design excellence and client satisfaction. We actively contribute to community development through pro bono work and sustainable design practices that minimize ecological impacts. With offices in Half Moon Bay and Los Gatos, California, we serve clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
Services
Residential Design
Corporate/Commercial Design
Recreational Design
Institutional Design
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of specialized expertise in landscape architecture.
- Our team maintains direct principal involvement in all project phases.
- We prioritize sustainable design practices that minimize ecological impacts.
- Our firm has completed projects across Northern California and Lake Tahoe.
- We combine technical excellence with personalized client communication.
What people say
Collaborative approach
Design expertise
Sustainable solutions
Client-focused process
Long-term relationships
Services
Residential Design
We create customized outdoor living spaces that enhance residential properties while balancing functionality and aesthetics. Our team specializes in master planning, hardscape design, and sustainable planting solutions for private estates and multi-family housing developments. Each project incorporates client preferences with practical considerations for maintenance and long-term enjoyment.
Corporate/Commercial Design
Our commercial design services focus on creating inviting, functional spaces for office complexes, retail centers, and corporate campuses. We integrate branding elements with practical design features like employee amenities, entry plazas, and sustainable irrigation systems. Our solutions enhance property value while meeting the unique needs of businesses and their visitors.
Recreational Design
We develop comprehensive recreational spaces including parks, sports facilities, and community gathering areas. Our approach combines environmental considerations with user needs through master planning, community surveys, and sustainable material selection. Projects often involve collaboration with local governments and community stakeholders to ensure lasting public benefit.
Institutional Design
Our institutional design services address educational facilities, government buildings, and religious institutions. We create functional, aesthetically pleasing environments that support organizational missions while complying with regulatory requirements. Our experience includes campus master plans, accessibility improvements, and sustainable landscape solutions for long-term institutional needs.
Sustainable Design
We integrate environmentally responsible practices into all project types through water-efficient irrigation, native plant selection, and recycled material usage. Our team specializes in LEED-certified design, stormwater management systems, and renewable energy integration for residential and commercial applications. This approach reduces environmental impact while maintaining aesthetic quality and functionality.
People
Steven T. Kikuchi
Founder, Landscape Architect
With over 40 years of experience, Steven founded the firm in 1984 and established its reputation for design excellence. He oversees project direction while mentoring junior staff, ensuring quality across all projects.
Christopher Kankel
Partner, Principal, Landscape Architect
Joining in 2005, Chris became junior principal in 2013. He specializes in complex commercial projects and sustainable design solutions, bringing technical expertise to the firm's leadership team.
Tom Conroy
Partner, Senior Associate
With over 20 years in the Bay Area, Tom manages large-scale projects focusing on technical execution and client communication. He ensures project delivery meets the firm's quality standards.
Nathan Brodie Rose
Partner, Senior Associate, Landscape Architect
Nate brings extensive experience in residential and institutional projects. He focuses on design innovation and sustainable practices, contributing to the firm's creative direction since 2001.
Jeanette T. Hill
Partner, Senior Associate, Landscape Architect
Jeanette has over 25 years with the firm, specializing in project management and client relations. She ensures consistent quality across commercial and institutional projects while mentoring junior staff.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the San Francisco Bay Area, including Lake Tahoe, with projects throughout California and Nevada.
What project types do you handle?
We specialize in residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational landscape architecture projects of various scales.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
We maintain direct client communication throughout all project phases, incorporating feedback during concept development and design refinement stages.
What sustainability practices do you use?
We implement water-efficient irrigation, native plant selection, recycled materials, and stormwater management systems in our designs.
How long have you been in business?
The firm has operated since 1984, with our current partnership structure established in 2013.
