Our approach
We begin with the character of the land and the ways people hope to live within it. Planting, materials and space take shape together, creating landscapes that belong to their setting and grow richer with time.
Understand the place
We begin with the land—its terrain, climate and vegetation—and its relationship to the architecture and the people who use it.
Observation and site character
Terrain, vegetation, climate and patterns of water offer clues to a landscape's character. We look closely at what is already there, preserve what matters and introduce each new element with purpose.
We begin by observing what gives a place its character: the contours of the land, established trees, the movement of water and the changing light. These discoveries guide what we preserve, what we introduce and where we leave room for nature to lead. The design takes shape around them, bringing comfort, purpose and a sense of belonging to everyday life.
Project example — Wabi-Sabi House
At Wabi-Sabi House, stones found on site and the surrounding mountains informed the landscape's character.
Photography: John Hreno
Shape daily life
We compose planting, materials and outdoor spaces around comfort, movement, gathering and quiet.
Composition and proportion
Proportion, repetition and space bring clarity to a landscape. A thoughtful framework supports comfortable movement, quiet planting and moments of abundance, giving each element room to be appreciated.
We consider the landscape from within the architecture and the architecture from within the land. Views, thresholds, materials and planting connect the two, extending daily life outdoors.
At Playful Music, linear bands of stone and lawn give the retained curved pool a sculptural setting.
Room to gather, space to linger
A landscape becomes part of daily life: a shaded place to sit, a table shared with friends, a view that changes with the light. We shape outdoor spaces around these experiences, bringing comfort and purpose to time spent outside.
Materials
We choose materials for their texture, variation, durability and relationship to the setting. Natural irregularities and traces of time give a place depth, while careful detailing supports everyday use.
At Oak Sanctuary, individual stones are selected for their character and their role within the landscape.
Invite discovery
A landscape unfolds through movement and changing viewpoints. A framed outlook, an unexpected curve or the sound of water invites attention, encourages a pause and makes familiar places rewarding to revisit.
At Wabi-Sabi House, fire winds between boulders through glass selected to resemble the surrounding gravel.
Photography: John Hreno, October 2026
Design for change
We consider seasonal rhythms, growth and ongoing care so landscapes can mature gracefully.
Seasonal rhythms and growth
Landscapes make room for gathering and solitude while continuing to change. We consider seasonal rhythms, shade, water use and ongoing care, shaping places that can mature with the people who use them.
At Wabi-Sabi House, a year of growth brings fuller planting and a softer relationship between stone, architecture and the surrounding landscape.
Wabi-sabi and the passage of time
Japanese garden traditions and wabi-sabi's appreciation of imperfection, impermanence and understated beauty inform our work. We value a weathered stone, an irregular branch or a surface changed by use. These qualities help shape landscapes that reveal their character gradually and grow richer with time.
Our process
A clear, collaborative process carries each project from the first conversation through design and realization.
01
Understanding
We begin by listening—to your aspirations and to the character of the property. We consider the terrain, existing vegetation, views and relationship to the architecture, together with how you hope to use the outdoor spaces. Together, we establish the scope, priorities, budget and timing that will guide the design.
02
Design
We develop the overall idea: the arrangement of outdoor spaces, their relationship to the architecture, and the character of planting and materials. Plans, sketches and visual references help communicate the possibilities and explain the decisions behind them. Through discussion and refinement, we shape a clear direction that balances your aspirations with the opportunities and practical needs of the site.
03
Development
We refine the selected design, resolving dimensions, materials, planting and details. Working with the project team, we coordinate documentation and specialist input so the different elements work together. This stage translates the design vision into information that supports approvals, pricing and construction, according to the agreed scope.
04
Realization
We support the design as the landscape takes shape through agreed site visits, material and plant selections, and coordination with the project team. We help address site conditions and installation questions, with attention to the placement, proportions and details that give the landscape its character. Our involvement follows the agreed scope and helps carry the design intent through to completion.