--- title: "Ferdinand Castillo Landscape Architect — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ferdinand-castillo-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~1225134395 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1225134395.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Ferdinand Castillo Landscape Architect" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ace3be4d01b8f4be_5401-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Liggett Drive, Oakland, California 94611, United States" latitude: 37.8471 longitude: -122.2223 phone: "(510) 410-2497" website: http://ferdinandcastillo.houzzsite.com rating: 5 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 49 last_updated: 2026-10-02 --- # Ferdinand Castillo Landscape Architect > Distinguished Landscape Architect in Oakland \| 3x Best of Houzz! Original Houzz profile: [Ferdinand Castillo Landscape Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ferdinand-castillo-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~1225134395) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Oakland, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo, Benicia, El Cerrito, Lafayette, Albany, Orinda, Moraga, Emeryville, El Sobrante, Piedmont, Kentfield, Marin County, Peninsula - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2016–2021), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves - Responds Quickly ### Business highlights - Responds Quickly Ferdinand Castillo Landscape Architect creates modern residential landscape architectural designs connecting the interior to the exterior spaces. Ferdinand has degrees in Architecture & Landscape Architecture. His nearly 30 years of professional experience in both disciplines give him a unique perspective with the building form and outdoor space. He has a hands on approach to each project from the initial concept to the completion of the construction. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Site Planning - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - Gazebo Design & Construction - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Drafting - Shed Design & Construction - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Living Walls - Dog Run Construction ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Oakland - Berkeley - Alameda - Walnut Creek - Pleasant Hill - San Pablo - Benicia - El Cerrito - Lafayette - Albany - Orinda - Moraga - Emeryville - El Sobrante - Piedmont - Kentfield - Marin County - Peninsula ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 500,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Ferdinand Castillo Landscape Architect | | Address | Liggett Drive, Oakland, California 94611, United States | | Phone | (510) 410-2497 | | Website | http://ferdinandcastillo.houzzsite.com | | License Number | LA 5711 | | Followers on Houzz | 49 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Ferdinand Castillo Landscape Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ferdinand-castillo-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~1225134395) - **Website:** http://ferdinandcastillo.houzzsite.com - **Phone:** (510) 410-2497 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - California Landscape Architect \#5711 American Society of Landscape Architects LEED Green Associate East Bay Bicycle Coalition - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2016–2021), for Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Landscape Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014062207) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — wrenn, April 2020** > Ferdi is the absolute best! He brings modern design and aesthetics and makes them practical and functional. He transformed both our front and backyards which had pretty much no usable outdoor space into a private outdoor sanctuary complete with multiple lounging and dining spots and space for our young child. No detail goes unnoticed and throughout the design and construction phases he was easy to communicate with and kept us up to date and on budget! They even finished the construction about a month earlier than planned. I would highly recommend working with Ferdi to anyone who is looking for a modern outdoor space that their whole family can enjoy! ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — Nikhil B, Dec. 2024** > It's been several years since Ferdi and Eden finished our project. We actually ended up contacting Ferdi because we saw a house he had done several years prior in the neighborhood and was able to get his contact info from the seller's agent. From 2018 to 2021, we did multiple, large projects on our property turning a mostly unusable .2ac hillside lot into several flat areas for us to use as a family. Ferdi was always able to turn our ideas/ambitions into reality and bring his own design sense to our project. > > The results are the highlight of our time in this house. Ferdi and Eden are still a phone call away to address any issues or send some guys over to help re-stain a deck or install new drainage. We feel fortunate to have finished a project with a contractor and be able to call them friends, as that's not always the case in this business :). **★★★★★ — Daniel Feldstein, March 2020** > Ferdi is an amazing and detail-oriented architect. He transformed our never-used brick and wood patio into a relaxing oasis that we enjoy every day. It has been three months and we still wake up surprised that this is our yard. He redesigned a small space and created unique areas for relaxing on the grass, talking around a built-in bench/fire pit, enjoying a dining area, or grilling at the barbecue. He consulted at every design decision and came in on budget and on time. His plans were rendered in 3-D and included a video walk-through. The finished product looked even better than the designs. He is also an incredibly nice guy who has become a friend. Ferdi exceeded our expectations and I would strongly recommend him. **★★★★★ — beccapr, July 2019** > Ferdi is creative, professional, thorough and talented! He went above and beyond designing and managing the complete tear down and remodel of our backyard, making creative use of a small space. He was attentive and really listened to our needs and managed the project on schedule even during the rainy season. I highly recommend Ferdi! **★★★★★ — jared\_b\_bloom, Jan. 2016** > We worked with Ferdi on transforming our small backyard from 300 sq ft of dead grass into a livable space that we absolutely love. Our project was a bit complicated because we worked with multiple parties on different parts of the yard, but Ferdi did an amazing job of designing with the overall project in mind and worked incredibly well with everyone involved. > > In terms of his aesthetic, Ferdi took the time to really understand what we were looking to create, and we loved both of the options he shared with us. (We ended up going with a composite of the two.) We also loved his taste in materials, plants, lighting, tiles, and all of the other details—I can't think of a single suggestion of his that we didn't love. > > He was also a joy to work with. This was our first big project in our new home, so there was a lot we didn't know. But Ferdi turned out to be our biggest advocate and the person we would call when we wanted honest feedback and advice. He took incredible care in the work he did and was very patient & thorough with us throughout the process. > > We couldn't recommend Ferdi highly enough. In fact, we've been recommending to everyone we know who is even considering a landscaping project! **★★★★★ — jhv58, Sept. 2015** > Ferdi is a great architect and designer that will help you hone in on a fantastic and unique design that will serve multiple uses for your outdoor project. Being veterans of house renovation projects and never having used a designer before I was honestly skeptical about whether the value of a designer would be worth the cost. Upon interviewing several designers it was clear that Ferdi was a cut above the rest. From spending time to understand how my family likes to live in and outside the house, to looking at the design of our home and layout of the yard he was able to conceptualize and speak to ideas that resonated with us immediately. He talked us through the process of design, drawings, selecting a landscape contractor, his management of the buildout and it was clear within minutes that his professionalism, ideas, confidence and genuine excitement to take on our project was the best fit for us. > > With any working relationship, being open, honest and clear about your wants is critical to success. You don't have to know exactly what you want. Ferdi will help you get there. Ferdi's design came to life almost note for note, inch for inch to his 3D renderings. He has an acute attention to detail and craftsmanship that both my husband and I appreciate and it shows in his projects. Can't say enough great things about Ferdi. Not only did he increase the value of our property but he increased the usability of our yard, how we entertain and the joy of seeing our boys playing safely in a beautifully manicured yard is priceless! **★★★★★ — Etienne Fang, Sept. 2015** > Ferdi Castillo is a visionary and practical designer. He has done several projects for us over the last four years: 1) a fence that has given our house privacy and immense curb appeal, 2) a porch redesign that has created a new living space, and 3) complete front and side yard redesign that included weeping rock fountain, IPE wood benches, poured concrete pavers and a 100 foot driveway. > > Ferdi is the perfect aesthetic of "warm modern" that can transform the most drab outdoor spot into a masterpiece. I recommend him wholehearted and cannot wait to work with him on our next project! **★★★★★ — lenorelew, Sept. 2015** > Ferdi Castillo is an amazing talent with landscape design, who also happens to be kind, warm and funny too. A delight to work with and I couldn't be happier with the finished product. Our home has a very difficult site, a huge elevation gain/drop, limited space, just a weird, bizarre site. What he created surpassed anything I could ever come up with and he was very flexible with our limited budget. We now are using our space so much more efficiently than ever before. He is so easy to talk to and work with, we were sad when our project ended with him. I would absolutely recommend him. Friends of ours, neighbors, etc. come over and notice our big changes and ask who the genius is behind it: Ferdi Castillo. Hire him, your yard (and family) will thank you! ## Selected projects - [Details](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/details-pj-vj~6288410) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - [Gruber Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gruber-residence-pj-vj~7699801) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: Located in the Oakland Hills, this project has panoramic views of the bay and is located on a ridge which provide the owners with a large flat backyard. Currently, the yard is mainly plantings and is underdeveloped. The task is to create a spaces for a spa like area with soaking tub & outdoor shower, fire pit centric lounge and a naturalistic garden that leads to an intimate vista space. Each of these spaces will take advantage of the incredible views. The design will give the owners options for… - [Scott Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/scott-residence-pj-vj~7680380) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: This Oakland Hills home is located just above a natural creek with natural vegetation and large mature trees. The owners are fans of mid-century design and wanted to develop the inside-outside connection to his home and nature. The task is to create interested spaces for personal and public gatherings. The existing outdoor space and creek provides wonderful views, sounds and privacy creating a park-like setting. Lounging, dining, and quiet spaces will be delineated with differing materials & lev… - [Highbaugh-Ogata Residence, Oakland, CA - In progress](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/highbaugh-ogata-residence-oakland-ca-in-progress-pj-vj~7578871) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: This project is for a hillside home with commanding views of the entire bay and Golden Gate Bridge. The compact site was originally overgrown plantings, rock mulch & boulders. It did not have functional space for entertainment and relaxation. The new space is divided into separate functions: A private hot tub area, a gathering fire pit and lounge space, and an informal pavered lower level for informal park-like relaxation. The overall space is created for the family to entertain with their kids… - [Giglio Residence - Oakland Hills, CA - In progress](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/giglio-residence-oakland-hills-ca-in-progress-pj-vj~7578967) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: The owners of this Oakland Hills Mid-Century Modern home wanted to create a clean and modern outdoor space and enhance their inside-outside interaction. The existence this compact footprint included a deteriorating deck, large imposing tree which made it impossible to achieve this. Modern touches include board formed retaining walls, Corten steel planters, modern horizontal fencing, native grasses and other elements. The space was expanded to create a larger area for private and public gathering… - [Suwannukul Residence - Oakland Hills - In progress](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suwannukul-residence-oakland-hills-in-progress-pj-vj~7184100) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: This Mid-Century Oakland hills house boasts bridge to bridge view of the bay. The outdoor space was originally built in 1980 and requires redesigning that will make both the front and backyard more dynamic and functional. This includes developing outdoor dining areas, a fire pit lounge, creating single level pool/hot tub area that includes a new deck, shaded pool bed and access to a lower meditation area. An overall master plan will create an up to date, unified and useful space for the owners a… - [Bursavich Residence, Berkeley, CA - In Progress](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bursavich-residence-berkeley-ca-in-progress-pj-vj~7150721) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: Located in the Berkeley hills on a very large lot with amazing canyon view, this Mid-Century home's raw landscape begs to have an entire make-over. The clients asked to develop a inside-outside design that will compliment the mid-century home. The clients want to include a front yard patio that will allow them to seamlessly connect to the indoors to the outdoor and take advantage of the canyon views. The side and backyard will include built-in benches, an outdoor kitchen, dining & fire pit loung… - [Milliken/Hoge Residence - Los Altos, CA - Under Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/milliken-hoge-residence-los-altos-ca-under-construction-pj-vj~6709324) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: This project is located on a large plot of land. The design involves a complete redesign of a tired & underutilized backyard with an existing pool. The renovation includes the development of outdoor areas for entertainment, both for lounging and dining. Also improved will be the use of the pool area with a shade structure, the installation of a play court and the redevelopment of an existing pool studio. The design will provide the family a more dynamic space to be entertained and entertain. Key… - [Micheli-Shank Residence, Alameda CA - Under Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/micheli-shank-residence-alameda-ca-under-construction-pj-vj~7150711) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: This project is located on a beautiful traditional where the clients want to the replace old traditional landscape with a cleaner, modern aesthetic. The outdoor spaces include spaces for an outdoor fire pit, dining area, modern shade structure, recreational spaces for a young child, custom built storage, modern fountain and hardwood deck. - [Yiping Residence - Mid Century Home - Castro Valley](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/yiping-residence-mid-century-home-castro-valley-pj-vj~7040451) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: This project is for a magnificent mid-century modern home located on a gently sloping hill facing an amazing view of a verdant canyon. The very large site lends itself for many functional opportunities for this family with kids. The architecture of the building begs for an 'indoor-outdoor' style of living. Parts of the design includes informal lounge spaces, outdoor dining and kitchen, fire pit & recreational spaces for play and the dogs. The crown jewel of the design is to have a large cedar so… - [Manjinder Residence - Oakland Hills Project - Container Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/manjinder-residence-oakland-hills-project-container-pool-pj-vj~7063078) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: This project is situated on a hillside with sweeping views of the bay. The key elements to this design is the installation of a container pool, an outdoor dining/kitchen area, a fire pit lounge and playfield area, a large deck and pool lounge concrete patio. Together with a revised clean and modern front yard, this design is developed to create multifunctional entertainment for a large extended family and friends for this young growing family with kids. - [Barlo-Wang Residence - Los Altos, CA - In Progress](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barlo-wang-residence-los-altos-ca-in-progress-pj-vj~7151187) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: This project involves a very large yard with wonderful elements of a pool, pool house, large open field, redwood grove, deck and patio space. It is currently uninviting and underutilized for gatherings. What is missing is a master plan to connect it all together and soften the harshness of the hardscape. The new design includes a Tea house and Zen garden, a connective park like path throughout, introduction of plantings and trees, development of a hot tub & outdoor shower alcove, and a dining an… - [Yukabov Residence - Alameda, CA - In progress](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/yukabov-residence-alameda-ca-in-progress-pj-vj~6731641) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: The project is is located on a very large site with a detached garage and cottage in the back. The design is for a young growing family so there is an emphasis on creating multiple spaces for adults, children and friends. The design includes outdoor cooking, dining, lounging areas as well as recreational space for court play and a bocce court. Additionally, the home will be enclosed with a modern front yard fence that will create a serene front yard space as well as privacy. Overall, the design… - [Oliver Residence - Berkeley Hills, CA - In Progress](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oliver-residence-berkeley-hills-ca-in-progress-pj-vj~7151225) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: This stunning mid-century modern home, located in the Berkeley Hills, boasts wonderful bay views. There is a lack of useable space in the downward sloping yard. The new design includes creating a outdoor patio lounge, dining and recreational space that will compliment the addition of a lower level entertainment room that will be level with the patio. There will also be a dog path loop and flat open space at the lower slopes to utilize the entire backyard. The design aesthetic will be in tune wit… - [Hutchings Residence - Oakland, CA - Under Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hutchings-residence-oakland-ca-under-construction-pj-vj~6709337) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This is a compact sized yard with awkwardly designed areas. The owners requested a design that would create a spaces for their growing young family. The spaces include an outdoor lounge, dining area, outdoor kitchen and storage. To achieve this in a tight space, the design included opening up the existing deck and using part of the existing long driveway to expand the overall area and reduce visual barriers. Also, by designing wall screens with integrated lighting and planters, an outdoor room i… - [Pinsky Residence - Piedmont, CA - Under Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pinsky-residence-piedmont-ca-under-construction-pj-vj~6573675) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: This project provides outdoor space that functionally connects 3 spaces. A detached garage & driveway, an outdoor fire pit lounge and dining area, and a recreational side yard space. These spaces will provide the owners the flexibility to entertain all ages at the same time while still being able to feel connected. Additionally, there will be a bar counter with a simple outdoor kitchen. The outdoor areas will be able to accommodate all types of activities, including a trampoline, basketball/socc… - [Jorcino Residence - Oakland - Crocker Highlands - Under Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/jorcino-residence-oakland-crocker-highlands-under-construction-pj-vj~6546852) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: The goal of this project is to develop a large backyard that is sloping downhill so the family and friends can better utilize it. The design will involve creating separate spaces for different functions but allow family and guests to interact with each other from every area. There will be an outdooring dining area, fire pit gathering lounge, a meditation garden anchored by a huge existing oak tree, a lawn area, a sunken garden with fruit trees and vegetable planters, and a hot tub with deck and… - [Hazer Residence - Montclair Hills - Oakland](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hazer-residence-montclair-hills-oakland-pj-vj~5667704) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: This project in the Oakland Hills is for a house on a slope without a developed frontyard and backyard. This is a family with active young kids so a multi-use design is key. The design involves creating a functional frontyard area for privacy, entertaining as well as create a indoor outdoor connection. Additionally, the backyard is on a dramatic slope so utilizing a retaining wall to create a flat space for the young children to use as recreation is vital. - [Balaraman Residence - Phase II - Entry Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/balaraman-residence-phase-ii-entry-landscape-design-pj-vj~6288298) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: This is a continuation of a project started in 2018. It is Phase II, the redevelopment of a dilapidated entry way that did not relate to the modern aesthetic of the existing house. The new design creates a modern access with cleaner lines and materials. The addition of outdoor lights provide a cooler night time appearance and safer access. - [Zeitlin Residence - Oakland Hills, CA - Under Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zeitlin-residence-oakland-hills-ca-under-construction-pj-vj~5776665) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: This is a typical Oakland Hillside home with fantastic views but limited outdoor spaces. The challenge was to develop usable space for this young family. The existing front yard has little to none outdoor area. The backyard had deteriorating retaining walls and a sloping lawn. The new design introduces a front yard space that will serve as an extension of the living area. Outdoor dining, a fire pit lounge, an expanded porch, a formal entry with an enclosed fence provide much needed entertainment… [See all 69 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ferdinand-castillo-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~1225134395) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840891785.m3u8?s=bfa4e27e3d822bbc7555a468103253681aefe8ba&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What types of landscape design projects do you specialize in?** I specialize in modern residential landscape architectural designs, focusing on seamlessly connecting your home's interior with its exterior spaces. With nearly 30 years of experience, I bring a unique perspective to creating functional and beautiful outdoor environments tailored to your lifestyle. **Do you offer design-only services or full project coordination?** I take a hands-on approach to each project, from the initial concept through to the completion of construction. While I provide comprehensive design services, my involvement extends to ensuring the vision is realized, offering a blend of design and coordination throughout the entire process. **Do you create detailed planting and layout plans?** Yes, I create detailed planting and layout plans as part of my comprehensive landscape design services. My goal is to develop precise plans that bring your vision to life, ensuring every element, from garden design to site planning, is meticulously considered and beautifully executed. **Do you design outdoor living spaces such as patios and outdoor kitchens?** Absolutely! I specialize in designing inviting outdoor living spaces, including custom patios and decks. While outdoor kitchens aren't explicitly listed, my expertise in hardscaping and creating integrated outdoor environments allows me to incorporate such features into a cohesive and functional design. **Do you design drought-tolerant or sustainable landscapes?** Yes, I have extensive experience designing drought-tolerant and sustainable landscapes. As a LEED Green Associate, I am committed to creating environmentally responsible designs that conserve water and thrive in our local climate, ensuring both beauty and long-term sustainability for your property. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-10-02.*