--- title: "Gardenscapes By Claudia — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/gardenscapes-by-claudia-pfvwus-pf~1040592216 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1040592216.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Gardenscapes By Claudia" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ab43c3cd051d856d_8063-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Carlsbad, California, United States" phone: "(760) 521-8793" website: http://www.GardenscapesByClaudia.com rating: 4.8 review_count: 24 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 33 last_updated: 2026-09-18 --- # Gardenscapes By Claudia Original Houzz profile: [Gardenscapes By Claudia](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/gardenscapes-by-claudia-pfvwus-pf~1040592216) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Carlsbad, CA - **Serves:** Carlsbad, La Costa, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Cardiff By The Sea, Del Mar - **Houzz rating:** 4.8 out of 5 (24 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2017–2026), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 250 Ideabook Saves Residential Landscape Designer using sustainable and water-wise practices. Specializing in the North San Diego County area. I am a former hobbyist gardener and plant addict who turned a passion into a career as a landscape designer. I find great joy in helping people turn a ho-hum outdoor space into a place that brings beauty and contentment. Interesting, drought tolerant landscapes, including native, Australian and Mediterranean plants, are my specialty. As a landscape designer, I get to meet all sorts of nice folks who appreciate nature and the outdoors, and also understand the value of investing in their home and personal space. I am particularly interested in helping homeowners enhance the beauty of their home in a sustainable way that respects our precious and natural resources. I love every step of this process; it is truly a journey into people's hearts and souls. The artistry and the science of this craft will never cease to fascinate me. The gleam of a leaf, the perfection of a flower, the gracefulness of a tree... How lucky I am! ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - Gazebo Design & Construction - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Drafting - Organic Gardens - Edible Gardens - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Living Walls - Dog Run Construction - Landscape Design and Consultation ### Areas Served - Carlsbad - La Costa - Encinitas - Solana Beach - Cardiff By The Sea - Del Mar ### Typical Job Cost $2,500 - 6,000 Design fees range from $2,500 to $6,000 depending on scope of work, lot size, and location. Typical construction costs include demo, irrigation, drainage, planting, hardscape, lighting, etc. and range from $25,000 to $500,000. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Gardenscapes By Claudia | | Address | Carlsbad, California, United States | | Phone | (760) 521-8793 | | Website | http://www.GardenscapesByClaudia.com | | Followers on Houzz | 33 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Gardenscapes-by-Claudia-1625496750998686/?ref=hl - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/profile/preview?locale=en\_US&trk=prof-0-sb-preview-primary-button - Blog — http://www.gardenscapesbyclaudia.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Gardenscapes By Claudia](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/gardenscapes-by-claudia-pfvwus-pf~1040592216) - **Website:** http://www.GardenscapesByClaudia.com - **Phone:** (760) 521-8793 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - CLT - Certified Landscape Technician Certification through California Landscape Contractors Association - QWEL - Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper - MWEL - Model Water Efficient Landscaper - Mira Costa College - Landscape Architecture Program - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2017–2026), for Service. **Affiliations** - [Association of Professional Landscape Designers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/association-of-professional-landscape-designers-pfvwus-pf~92795973) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 — 24 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 49.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Robert Berger, Nov. 2025** > Claudia was referred by our realtor and we’re glad she did. She has an impressive depth of knowledge about all things design and plants. She took in our input/aspirations in a true spirit of collaboration and explained both the process and her vision in a detailed and understandable way. Her expertise with computer-aided design was a major plus. Claudia also has a heartfelt respect for our environment. Lastly, she has an engaging and upbeat personality. **Comment from Gardenscapes By Claudia:** > Hi Robert, thank you so much for the kind review, greatly appreciated! I truly enjoyed assisting you and Lori with your garden updates. I hope the wildlife is frequenting your yard, and the kitties are enjoying the view! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, I'm so very grateful to have lovely clients like you and Lori. > Fondly, > Claudia **★★★★★ — A P, Aug. 2025** > Hiring Claudia to create our landscape and design the hardscape for the front yard was an excellent decision. She translated our vision into clear, detailed plans that the construction crew could easily follow, ensuring our ideas took shape beautifully. > > Claudia’s plant selection was outstanding—she chose 30 varieties perfectly suited to both the shady and sunny areas of our yard. Her deep knowledge was evident in her thoughtful, drought-aware choices, size choices and her ability to create a harmonious color palette that both highlights our home and matches our personal tastes. The flowers started to blossom and the variety of colors is just amazing. > > Claudia made several visits throughout the project, offering valuable guidance during construction and thoughtfully refining the placement of each plant. She also recommended the best local nurseries, ensuring we had access to healthy, high-quality plants. > > The finished landscape and hardscape have drawn many compliments from friends and neighbors alike. The new sitting area in our front yard has not only enhanced the beauty of our home but also inspired more connection with our neighbors. We are very happy with the results. **Comment from Gardenscapes By Claudia:** > Hi Ana, greatly appreciate the kind review! I really enjoyed working with you and Marcelo to re-imagine your beautiful home's outside spaces. I am so glad you're enjoying it just as you imagined when we first started talking. Wishing you many happy times and toasts in your new space! > Many thanks, > Claudia **★★★★★ — Jill S, Aug. 2025** > We are beyond pleased with the landscape Claudia from Gardenscapes By Claudia designed for us. She was given a tough assignment: revamping a "mish mosh" of plants and landscape with no cohesive design. Claudia was incredibly thorough in her investigation of our likes, dislikes, wants, and needs. Her knowledge of plants is truly unbelievable, and it shows in her beautifully cohesive design. The plan was executed perfectly by one of her contractor referrals, and we now have an updated, beautiful landscape to enjoy for years to come. Hiring Claudia was the best decision we made for this project. **Comment from Gardenscapes By Claudia:** > Thanks so much, Jill! Its was truly an honor to work with you and Fred to bring your vision to life. I am so happy you are enjoying the results... especially your new souped up irrigation, lighting and grill! Looking forward to seeing the new plants thrive and fill in, let's keep in touch :) Claudia **★★★★★ — gwblep, July 2025** > We had the pleasure of working with Claudia to reimagine our entire landscape. From the first consultation to the implementation, her work was exceptional. > Claudia took our very basic ideas and wishes, and thoughtfully created beautiful spaces, with her exceptional knowledge of plants, materials, and environmental considerations, seamlessly blending both decor and function. Her attention to detail was top notch, and her 3D plans helped us visualize everything in advance, which was super helpful. > Claudia was a joy to work with - positive, passionate and fun. She was excellent at follow-up, and checked in many times while the planting and pergola construction were underway. > We are thrilled with the results, and highly recommend Gardenscapes by Claudia. **Comment from Gardenscapes By Claudia:** > Hi Lori & Jack, thank you very much for the kind words! I really appreciate the feedback. What an amazing transformation of your outdoor spaces, I am so glad you're happy with the results! Can't wait to see the garden evolve, and also see it in the evening with the beautiful lighting. See you soon :) Claudia **★★★★★ — reneleslie, May 2025** > Claudia was recommended to us by a friend. We are so lucky we found her. She started off by finding our likes and dislikes. We filled out a questionnaire which was very informative about what we are looking for. We really liked that she was very available whenever we had questions. We wanted to make sure to have a colorful landscape, but also add some hardscape features. We could never have imagined how stunning our back, front and side yards could be. We wanted to mostly have low water, so the plants were selected accordingly. We also wanted lots of privacy bushes between our neighbors' yards. Claudia had so many wonderful additions and plant suggestions. She worked hand in hand with our landscaper and made sure things looked right and checked if anything needed to be adjusted or filled in. Claudia is a true artist at her craft. She knows where the plants will flourish and was delightful to work with. **Comment from Gardenscapes By Claudia:** > Hi Rene, thank you so much for the kind words, so greatly appreciated. I truly enjoyed working with you and Andreas, and also the contractor Steve. Finding solutions to everything on the checklist was very important to me and I am so glad you are happy with the results! Enjoy in good health, looking forward to seeing your garden evolve over time. Thanks again, Claudia :) **★★★★★ — Jenny, April 2025** > We are delighted with our new backyard. We hadn’t updated our backyard in over 15 years, and it had become a mixture of different styles with mismatched patio furniture and hardscaping, crumbling stucco on a retaining wall, poorly groomed plants, old turf, etc. We rarely used the space. > > Our goal was to refresh the backyard into a clean, modern space that we could use everyday and also for entertaining; an extension of our indoor space. We wanted to watch summer baseball games in an outdoor “living room,” invite friends over for dinners while enjoying beer on tap and staying cozy in the evenings, and not constantly go back and forth to the inside kitchen. > > Claudia met with us to discuss all of these goals for the backyard, and keeping our budget in mind, gave us several options for a low, medium, and higher budget refresh. She incorporated our desires and product ideas for a clean, modern design, provided an excellent contractor, and kept a watchful eye on the project the entire time. She was always available by phone call or text, and calmed me down when I got nervous about demo or install. > > It’s only been a few months since our project was completed, and we already use it daily and have entertained several times. It’s exactly what we envisioned. > > I highly recommend Claudia. She is a skilled designer and excellent communicator, and has the connections and reputation to get your project done by the right people. We couldn’t be happier! **Comment from Gardenscapes By Claudia:** > Hi Jenny, thanks so much for the kind review! I enjoyed working with you and Mark again on re-imagining the back yard. I am so glad you are enjoying the space we created together, and hoping you have many happy times and memories there! > > Appreciatively, > Claudia :) **★★★★★ — Front Yard Renovation, March 2025** > Claudia did a fantastic job with our front yard remodel! We had a twenty year old yard that the crows had picked over and 7 overgrown, pest infested cypress trees. Claudia's design transformed our house from neglected and tired into a point of pride for the entire neighborhood. The front yard is now a beautiful, water friendly outdoor living space. > > To get a better visual of what the yard would look like, she did an animated rendering of her yard design (both during the day and at night) and it's amazing how similar the yard ended up looking like her animated rendering! > > In the same year our project was completed, our yard was featured on the SD Horticultural Society Spring Garden Tour! **Comment from Gardenscapes By Claudia:** > Wow, what a great reminder of where we started! Your beautiful front yard has come such a long way. What a blast we had re-imagining the space! I am so glad the final outcome was so close to what we envisioned. Thank you for the lovely review, and also for letting me and a few hundred of my plant friends tour your garden on the tour! **★★★★★ — Herdes Beach house Complete Landscape Renovatio, March 2025** > We are so happy with the garden Claudia designed for us! It is full of all the things we requested: colors that evolve over the seasons, lots of textures, and easy-care requirements. Claudia found a way to tastefully add the features we wanted -- like outdoor art and lighted spheres -- while also finding creative solutions for some of the challenges -- like lighting for level changes. At every step of the process, Claudia brought her knowledge, enthusiasm, and kindness to the project. Her process of gathering information, vetting plant choices with us, and then circling back with a strong cohesive design not only created a strong sense of collaboration but resulted in a garden we feel is truly ours. > > We also appreciated Claudia's recommendations for contractors who did the work for us. Each we interviewed seemed very able. The one we selected (GreenDreams Landscapes) did a great job of executing on Claudia's plan. They were very professional, paid great attention to all of the details and were very responsive. Together, Gardenscapes and Greendreams really pulled our new landscape together. **Comment from Gardenscapes By Claudia:** > Hi Elizabeth, thank you so much for the kind words. I am so happy you are pleased with the outcome and are enjoying your beautiful yard. I wish you both many happy moments there. I will share your review with Green Dreams, I enjoyed collaborating with you and them. They really executed our plan beautifully. Enjoy!... Claudia **★★★★★ — Todd R, March 2025** > We hired Claudia for a complete landscape re-design and could not be happier with the results. She listened carefully to our desire for low water, low maintenance landscaping and for certain types of plants to be included in the design. There was also a steep slope that was subject to erosion and required plants with good root systems. Claudia completed multiple iterations of the design and provided digital copies to share with our contractors. She met with our landscaper before, during and after completion. Claudia was a complete professional and a joy to work with. **Comment from Gardenscapes By Claudia:** > Thanks Todd, it was great working with you and Jacque on the updates! Looking forward to seeing things grow and fill in :) Claudia **★★★★★ — Jim Van Pelt, March 2025** > Very knowledgeable about plants and landscape form. Claudia is so easy to work with. Her design was very comprehensive and worked well with the contractor hired to do the job. **Comment from Gardenscapes By Claudia:** > Thank you Jim, I enjoyed working with you and Kathy on your back yard renovation. Glad you're enjoying it! :) Claudia **★★★★★ — Neil Harrington, March 2025** > Outstanding professional in every respect! Claudia transformed our front exterior from a boring, nondescript appearance to one where passer byes stop to compliment the home. Could not recommend Claudia highly enough. Claudia was prompt, thorough, and an excellent communicator. She followed up well beyond expectations to ensure that the project was completed on time and to plan. Her knowledge base and attention to detail are superb and she used her extensive knowledge of plants to select specimens that fit the design, were affordable, and, if necessary, was able to readily recommend substitutions. > Five stars aren’t enough to describe her work! **Comment from Gardenscapes By Claudia:** > Hi Neil, thank you for the glowing review, appreciate that! I enjoyed collaborating with both you and Joanne on the many different elements of your home's update. Looking forward to helping you with future projects. :) Claudia **★ — Joanna, Feb. 2025** > I do not recommend. Our experience was that her design was way over our designated budget range. We didn’t find that out until after we had paid for the design. I’m not sure why she made many of the recommendations given our priorities and budget. When we asked why she had presented a design that was 50-100% over the budget she’d been given to work with she claimed to have told us this, but that was not true. **Comment from Gardenscapes By Claudia:** > I am very sorry you are unhappy with the design I created for your yard. My understanding was that you wanted options for pricing and also phasing of the many elements on your yard's wish list. I revised the design once at no additional cost when you initially expressed that the installation cost was higher than you expected. I would have been happy to revise the design a second time and work further with your contractor to value-engineer the materials if you would have let me know that was needed. I remain willing to make revisions to the design and materials, but you have declined to discuss this option. I work hard for my clients to present creative design ideas and solutions and want every client to be satisfied with my services. Open communication and partnering are important in a process as collaborative as landscape design. I am sorry we were not able to achieve this. ## Selected projects - [Encinitas Ranch / Horticulture Society Garden Tour](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/encinitas-ranch-horticulture-society-garden-tour-pj-vj~7607078) - Location: Encinitas, CA - Photos: 7 - [La Costa Slope and Patio Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-costa-slope-and-patio-renovation-pj-vj~6506789) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 9 - [Encinitas Jewel Box](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/encinitas-jewel-box-pj-vj~6465235) - Location: Encinitas, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: A tiny front yard in need of curb appeal, a back yard with a stunning view and barren planters. Boulders were added in front to create a terrace and crevices in which to tuck beautiful, colorful perennials, grasses and groundcover. Colorful plants with texture and movement were used in front and back to brighten up the spaces. - [Encinitas Front Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/encinitas-front-yard-pj-vj~6465224) - Location: Encinitas, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: A beautiful, functional and waterwise front yard makeover. The entry was remodeled with a new accent wall, walkway, porch area, dry creek / rain garden, and lighting. A new concrete driveway replaced one that was decades-old, faded and cracked. All rainwater from downspouts, walkway and driveway pitch towards the dry stream bed that percolates rain into the planter areas. The homeowner crafted the beautiful Ipe wood bench as the final personal touch on the project. - [La Costa Garden Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-costa-garden-makeover-pj-vj~6465211) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 16 - [Solana Beach Terraced Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/solana-beach-terraced-garden-pj-vj~6465163) - Location: Solana Beach, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: A stunning coastal home renovation called for a new modern landscape and garden. The designer collaborated with the homeowner on the best use of space in this steeply pitched lot. Together they came up with a functional and modern update that makes the most of the slope, the amazing ocean view, and the unusual lot shape. A small pool, fire pit feature, patios, walkways, retaining walls and a new stand-out entry welcomes the occupants and visitors to this amazing home and garden. Enjoy these Befo… - ['Under-the-Sea' Landscape Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/under-the-sea-landscape-makeover-pj-vj~1630542) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: My client downsized to this lovely home in San Diego that was built in 1989. Overgrown Juniper shrubs dominated the landscape, an update was desperately needed. Keeping in mind the client's love for tropical landscapes while balancing out the need for drought-tolerant plants, I came up with a colorful and low-water mix of plants for this home with an "Under-the-Sea" theme. We used a mix of low-water tropicals, succulents, and Mediterranean plants to come up with this lush and colorful garden ful… - [Vista Lawn Removal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vista-lawn-removal-pj-vj~2820839) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: This owner of this beautiful, large view lot requested a low-water garden to replace their tired lawn. The new garden needed to complement the existing pool and tropical plantings, like Canary and Queen Palms, and Bird of Paradise. The new garden incorporates a dry creek bed to add water retention and contours, and a natural rock recirculating fountain to provide soothing water sounds. We also added a new custom Coreten steel vegetable garden as a focal point. The homeowners enjoy their evening… - [Carlsbad Bocce Ball and Kurapia Lawn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carlsbad-bocce-ball-and-kurapia-lawn-pj-vj~1650689) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: This Carlsbad home had a dark and overgrown entry, a slope with forlorn plantings, and a failing lawn in the back yard. The homeowner wanted to spruce up the property with low water plantings, and a fun feature for the teens to enjoy. The result of this front and back yard renovation is a gorgeous, new Kurapia lawn, DG Bocce ball court, colorful drought tolerant slope plantings, shady pergola, sleek fire pit makeover, rock retaining walls, beautiful container plantings, and warm LED lighting. Th… - [La Costa Oaks Drought-Tolerant](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-costa-oaks-drought-tolerant-pj-vj~1651084) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: This homeowner wanted to ditch their unhappy lawn, and replace it with a water-thrifty, colorful garden. We removed the Fescue/Bermuda turf grass, added a low cheek-wall and installed a new fruitless Olive tree and drought-tolerant plantings. The result is a happy profusion of color and texture, as well as a lower water bill. [See all 10 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/gardenscapes-by-claudia-pfvwus-pf~1040592216) ## Ideabooks - [Tropical/Beachy](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13327054/list/tropical-beachy) — 4 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/158399881/list/wish-list) — 10 ideas - [Modern Patio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/157022656/list/modern-patio) — 7 ideas - [Patio Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/155280176/list/patio-furniture) — 1 idea - [Front entries](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/154743021/list/front-entries) — 18 ideas - [Outdoor Kitchens and BBQ Islands](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64201826/list/outdoor-kitchens-and-bbq-islands) — 9 ideas - [Low Water Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13331563/list/low-water-gardens) — 9 ideas - [Pools and Patios](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141309870/list/pools-and-patios) — 6 ideas - [Sloped Yard Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/138097198/list/sloped-yard-ideas) — 1 idea - [Fencing Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21087671/list/fencing-ideas) — 10 ideas - [Beck Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121082302/list/beck-project) — 2 ideas - [Hilsenroth Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111869291/list/hilsenroth-project) — 1 idea - [Spools and Water Features](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/48813918/list/spools-and-water-features) — 21 ideas - [Jarosz project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/99884631/list/jarosz-project) — 6 ideas - [Fire Features](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49325371/list/fire-features) — 9 ideas - [Slope Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64200830/list/slope-ideas) — 1 idea - [Veg Box Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46597763/list/veg-box-ideas) — 7 ideas - [Napa Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13340888/list/napa-gardens) — 2 ideas - [Dana](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54170463/list/dana) — 3 ideas - [Trifunovic ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47728623/list/trifunovic-ideas) — 4 ideas [See all 26 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/claudiak2) ## Community Q&A **Q: Kurapia!** *(in Photo Questions)* Thinking to put this in instead of lawn or artificial grass. How often do you water it? It's advertised as 60% less water than regular lawn but is it true? Great appreciate your input. thanks! A: Hi, thanks for your note! Kurapia is a great lawn replacement and uses a lot less water than a traditional cool fescue lawn. The amount of irrigation needed depends on a variety of factors - the climate where you live, the season, soil type, irrigation type, etc. That said, the Kurapia in this photo is in the San Diego area, has sub-surface drip irrigation and gets watered approx. 10-15 min. 2x week. Here is a link for further info: http://www.kurapia.com/about.html **Q: What is the name of the palm? Thank you!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: I think it is a Beaucarnea recurvata, Ponytail Palm... --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-18.*