--- title: "David Thorne Landscape Architect — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/david-thorne-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~126010012 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~126010012.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "David Thorne Landscape Architect" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/94c3680b00a2bc0b_0758-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "3315 Grand Avenue, Oakland, California 94610, United States" latitude: 37.8126 longitude: -122.2443 phone: "(510) 451-6161" website: http://www.thornela.com rating: 5 review_count: 16 best_of_houzz_awards: 9 followers: 431 last_updated: 2026-08-13 --- # David Thorne Landscape Architect Original Houzz profile: [David Thorne Landscape Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/david-thorne-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~126010012) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Oakland, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, Elk Grove, Roseville, Berkeley, Richmond, Redwood City, Folsom, Alameda, Rocklin, Walnut Creek, Palo Alto, Davis, Castro Valley, Novato, El Dorado Hills, Pleasant Hill, Menlo Park, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Burlingame, El Cerrito, Lafayette, Ashland, Albany, Orinda, Moraga, Cherryland, Mill Valley, Emeryville, Piedmont, Tiburon, Los Altos Hills, Sausalito, Atherton, Saranap, Brisbane, Portola Valley, Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Marin - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (16 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves We are a full-service landscape architecture firm, established by David Thorne in 1983, specializing in custom residential design. Our design philosophy is grounded in the idea of an integrated site plan. We use the architecture of the home and natural elements of the site to inspire the design of the outside space. We aim to create a landscape that is seamlessly integrated with the style of home and our client's lifestyles. We work skillfully in many styles, spanning from traditional to contemporary and from native plantings to the exotic. We prioritize the microclimate and topography of the site in our design process as we strive for our landscapes to honor our locale and to be ecologically sustainable in our northern California climate. We envision each of our projects through a lens of Environmental Stewardship, and work with our clients to embrace sustainable design practices that meet their goals and investment parameters. We work closely with each client and their greater design team to translate their goals and vision into a landscape plan that transcends the form and function of the design elements to inspire and enhance each client's experience of their outdoor space. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Pool Landscaping - Custom Fire Pits - Swimming Pool Design - Custom Water Features - Gazebo Design & Construction - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Organic Gardens - Drafting - Shed Design & Construction - Pond Construction - Edible Gardens - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Living Walls - Greenhouse Design & Construction - Dog Run Construction - Barn Design & Construction - Landscape Supplies ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Sacramento - Oakland - Elk Grove - Roseville - Berkeley - Richmond - Redwood City - Folsom - Alameda - Rocklin - Walnut Creek - Palo Alto - Davis - Castro Valley - Novato - El Dorado Hills - Pleasant Hill - Menlo Park - Los Gatos - Los Altos - Burlingame - El Cerrito - Lafayette - Ashland - Albany - Orinda - Moraga - Cherryland - Mill Valley - Emeryville - Piedmont - Tiburon - Los Altos Hills - Sausalito - Atherton - Saranap - Brisbane - Portola Valley - Canyon - Lake Tahoe - Marin ### Typical Job Cost $250,000 - 1 million This range represents construction costs, not design fees ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | David Thorne Landscape Architect | | Address | 3315 Grand Avenue, Oakland, California 94610, United States | | Phone | (510) 451-6161 | | Website | http://www.thornela.com | | License Number | CLA 2274 | | Followers on Houzz | 431 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — facebook.com/davidthornelandscapearchitect - LinkedIn — linkedin.com/davidthornelandscapearchitect - Blog — thornela.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [David Thorne Landscape Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/david-thorne-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~126010012) - **Website:** http://www.thornela.com - **Phone:** (510) 451-6161 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2021 & 2024 Luxe Interiors + Design Gold List - 2024 Best of Houzz, US – San Francisco (Pool) - 2019-2023 Best of Houzz, Design - 2015, 2018 & 2022 APLD Residential Design, Gold Award - 2001, 2009, 2013, 2018 Piedmont Design Award - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [Association of Professional Landscape Designers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/association-of-professional-landscape-designers-pfvwus-pf~92795973) - [American Society of Landscape Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014062207) - [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 16 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — mytopntots, Dec. 2021** > We loved our experience with the David Thorne Team. They are very talented, professional and amazing to work with. > > They made our visions come to life and we were beyond pleased with the outcome! They took our ideas and made it spectacular. We enjoyed working with everyone at DTLA and look forward to referring the David Thorne group to anyone inquiring. **★★★★★ — CK Landscape, Dec. 2019** > Not only does the DTLA team have some of the best designs in the business, they are absolutley a dream to work with. From conception to completion there attention to detail and client focus approach is impeccable and as close to perfect as you can get. Everyone in the DTLA office is truly a joy to work with and as a landscape professional firim with over 40 yrs exeperience we highly, highly recomment DTLA **★★★★★ — Diamond Construction Inc., June 2017** > David Thorne, and his entire team, are the most creative, professional and organized landscape architects we have had the pleasure to work with. We have worked on multiple projects with David's team. David's experienced approach, combined with his artistic vision, produces an aesthetic/function balance unparalleled in our industry. Skilled in both contract build and development, their team has the ability to value-engineer, but by not compromising quality. Diamond Construction always looks forward to projects with David Thorne and their team. **★★★★★ — Allwood Construction Inc, May 2017** > David Thorne Landscape fulfilled my client's vision during a complete landscape project in Burlingame in 2016. The meetings with the client were well thought out, which led to detailed and accurate drawings. The project included a bocci ball court, small vineyard, firepit, bbq center, bistro lights, and vegetable garden; among general landscaping and patios. We look forward to working with you again! **★★★★★ — lbrowman, Aug. 2016** > We cannot praise David Thorne & his team highly enough for the design and execution of our landscape. They listened, considered our family, our lifestyle, our likes & dislikes as well as what the city likes too. It was very collaborative. He pushed us when it was right to and improved the plan over and over again. We are beyond happy with the whole team's work ethic and skill. **★★★★★ — Bella Ironworks, July 2016** > David and his entire team are a pleasure to work with! I have collaborated with them on numerous projects over the last 8 years and they are always knowledgable, professional and fun to work with. I have built everything from custom plant stakes to large scale railings and gates for DTLA projects, and I can honestly say that David and his team have been beautifully attentive to every detail - no matter what the size of the job. I am always happy to recommend David Thorne to my friends and customers! > > -Jill Turman > Owner, Bella Ironworks **★★★★★ — thomaslbloxham, Dec. 2014** > We retained David Thorne and company to design a driveway renovation and entrance gate at our residence in Lafayette, California. What a lovely result. Mr. Thorne and his company assisted us throughout the entire process, through the design, through the city design review, shepherding us through the contractor selection process and arriving at the right contractor for us and for the job. Mr. Thorne and his firm faithfully monitored the construction process making sure the project was built faithfully to the design and to the highest level of construction quality. Changes were made along the way to enhance the project. We feel that we were very lucky to have Mr. Thorne and his firm assist us with our project. The result is stunning. We and our friends love what Mr. Thorne and his firm did to make our home even more beautiful. We must also note what a pleasure it was to work with Mr. Thorne and everyone in his firm. The words courtesy, professionalism, and talent come to mind. Thank you David Thorne Landscape Architect. Tom and Di **★★★★★ — James D. Rogers, Builder, Aug. 2014** > I have been involved with David and his group on several significant projects and find them a pleasure to work with. My confidence in their work and procedures encouraged me to recommend them to > additional clients as well as some family members. I recommend David Thorne Landscape Architect without reservation. **★★★★★ — AG DESIGN STUDIO, March 2013** > We contact DTLA for Landscape Architecture services -- they were terrific to work with and the garden space turned out beautifully. We love our new outdoor patio, fireplace, built-in BBQ, hot tub and especially all the wonderful trees, bushes and flowers. DTLA really transformed our boring backyard into a wonderful resort-like setting! **★★★★★ — j9evans, March 2013** > We scraped our entire lot, and David Thorne provided everything from drainage plans to hardscape and planting plans. The outcome is better than we could have imagined and the process was extremely smooth. Not being from the area, they helped us choose landscaping that would thrive as well as bring a touch of our past to the project. After 5 years, our garden is flourishing! David helped us along with our project architect to design an outdoor patio and fireplace, that looks out onto all aspects of the yard and is used year round. **★★★★★ — scottyscott44, March 2013** > David Throne was creative and precise when he made our plans. He helped with their execution and the result was even better than the plans foretold. **★★★★★ — cjfreeman, March 2013** > David Thorne and his team are incredibly thoughtful and creative in their landscape design. The entire team is a pleasure to work with. We would recommend them very highly! ## Selected projects - [Westside Diablo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westside-diablo-pj-vj~7320347) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Mid Century Mod](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-mod-pj-vj~7320343) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: DTLA has been fortunate to work with this fabulous family on several renovation projects over the years and we are finally ready to show this project off. The beautiful terraced front entry garden features stunning stonework, a recirculating stone fountain and custom metal railings echoing the modern architecture of the home. The rear garden is the gathering space for family and friends, featuring many thoughtful details that complement and enhance the architecture of the home including an allée… - [Creekside Gathering](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/creekside-gathering-pj-vj~7320324) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Andalusian Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/andalusian-retreat-pj-vj~7320298) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: We were honored to be asked to transform the rear yard of a Californian Mediterranean home into a stylish and lush oasis for an active family and their beloved dog. The project features an upper dining terrace, pool with inset spa and a pavilion that can double as either a parking area or lounge space. Our design embraces the family’s need for seamless indoor/outdoor living in a relatively small space while finding creative solutions for the city’s rigorous parking requirements. Beautiful decora… - [Rustic Serenity](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-serenity-pj-vj~7321692) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: We had the opportunity to start with a blank slate for this project, a new ground up build for a young family on a large lot in Lafayette, CA. Starting with a gracious, expansive approach to the home, the large driveway comprised of permeable pavers provides plenty of overflow parking while a field of plantings, existing mature trees and fencing covered in vines creates separation from the street. The entryway to the home is open, with a subtle nod to a Southern vernacular, leading to the covere… - [Contemporary Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-retreat-pj-vj~6006857) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This project embraces the rectilinear shape of the property and utilizes clean lines and modern geometry throughout the rest of the landscape. Hosting guests was a big part of the client’s lifestyle thus indoor-outdoor spaces were thoughtfully designed to accommodate large groups for entertaining, live music, and other events. The landscape encourages easy movement and minimizes boundaries between spaces. Oversized pavers frame and brighten up the pool area, while linking to all other areas of t… - [Chaparral Hillside](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chaparral-hillside-pj-vj~2960468) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: Situated above the Briones reservoir, this home is held by minimal lines and a modern aesthetic to focus attention on the sweeping views of the chaparral hillsides beyond. The owners desired open and warm spaces for gathering that maintained an intimate relationship with the natural environment. The program included a pool to accommodate a competitive water polo team and to provide frequent respite for the family. We responded by lowering the grade of the pool area to optimize views and connect… - [East Bay Pastoral](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-bay-pastoral-pj-vj~6866824) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: As soon as they saw this beautiful location, our clients knew this was the perfect spot for building their forever home. Encircled by golden hillsides populated with native oaks, this expansive site sits nestled in a valley, with a seasonal creek flowing through, providing plentiful opportunities for outdoor living for the family and future grandchildren. The valley floor was large enough to fit the home, as well as spaces for multiple activities including swimming, putting & chipping greens, bo… - [Sylvan Escape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sylvan-escape-pj-vj~6506697) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Elegant Sanctuary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elegant-sanctuary-pj-vj~6506680) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Idyllic Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/idyllic-modern-pj-vj~5586482) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: The homeowner/architect of this property engaged our firm to collaborate on the modernization of their 1957 era Piedmont estate. As the property had been deprived of any updates for over fifty years, our client was ready for a comprehensive transformation of the aesthetic. Modern sophistication and a minimalist color palette became the guiding principles for this update. In order to make the outdoor spaces more usable, mature redwoods were relocated from the upper bank of the site to the edges o… - [Valley Haven](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/valley-haven-pj-vj~7319582) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Winsome Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/winsome-living-pj-vj~5586060) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: Sited on a Lafayette ridge top, this home radiates a feeling of serenity and playfulness. Crickets, frogs, horses and sweeping views of a native California landscape all set the stage for gracious outdoor living. The fundamental challenge that guided our landscape design was determining the highest-use outdoor room where the site has the most stunning views of Mount Diablo. For this site, the prime location for consideration was the front entry of the existing house. Since the home went through… - [Artful Revelry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/artful-revelry-pj-vj~5586471) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: Winner of a 2018 Piedmont Design Award The project initially began as a house addition for the homeowner’s painting studio and soon evolved into a more extensive home renovation with updated materials and large new windows and glass doors to invite the landscape views and light inside. With her children grown, the homeowner’s new lifestyle filled with art and entertaining was actualized alongside her vision for a sophisticated and harmonious contemporary design inside and out. The landscape was… - [Poolside Sophistication](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/poolside-sophistication-pj-vj~2246651) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: This property is embraced by large Valley Oaks that provide privacy, shade, and a gorgeous backdrop illustrating the natural landscape beyond. We deconstructed the concept of a pool house and created a landscape design that was sympathetic to the site and the clients’ lifestyle while also utilizing the architectural vernacular of the main residence in the outdoor structures. We organized key outdoor areas around the axial lines of the house and site structures, creating an intuitive flow between… - [Panoramic Sanctuary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/panoramic-sanctuary-pj-vj~1830273) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - [Perennial Splendor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/perennial-splendor-pj-vj~1300406) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [California Country](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-country-pj-vj~778063) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: This project was designed to provide this family with a home designed for easy hospitality and opportunities to interact with the landscape on a variety of levels. Working closely with the architect and owners, we designed an estate landscape that realized this family’s vision for rugged charm that both recalls their Southern roots and draws upon the horticultural richness of the Bay Area. - [Neo-Traditional Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/neo-traditional-cottage-pj-vj~314907) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: When we teamed up with this young family for a renovation, we created an outdoor space satisfying the needs of all the members of their family. An outdoor fireplace and cooking area provide spaces for evening socializing. The landscape has multiple activity areas for the children -- a lawn, a lap pool specially designed for games of water volleyball, and a sport court. Tucked away behind the Japanese maples is an outdoor shower that allows for a refreshing dip amid nature. Throughout the landsca… - [Quaint Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/quaint-oasis-pj-vj~781908) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - Description: The goal of this landscape renovation was easy outdoor entertaining with a variety of programmatic elements gracefully arranged in a small space. Our design crafted spaces for a lap pool, fireside lounge, kitchen and bar, heated cabana for dining, children’s play space, and an extensive rose garden. Our planting design provides a year-round display of flowers and lush greens under a line of towering redwoods. The lap pool serves a double function as the basin for a trio of fountains and a sensor… [See all 37 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/david-thorne-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~126010012) ## Ideabooks - [HIGGINS RESIDENCE](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/147635243/list/higgins-residence) — 28 ideas - [Natural Water Feature](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104457419/list/natural-water-feature) — 17 ideas - [Natural Waterfall](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104457289/list/natural-waterfall) — 1 idea - [Paving Options](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102747813/list/paving-options) — 1 idea - [Pavers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102214229/list/pavers) — 1 idea - [Farmhouse Materials](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/94634504/list/farmhouse-materials) — 16 ideas - [Mediterranean Fence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/91191093/list/mediterranean-fence) — 1 idea - [Curving Trellis](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90332104/list/curving-trellis) — 3 ideas - [Feedback](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89644847/list/feedback) — 8 ideas - [Dining Patio Pergola](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89280433/list/dining-patio-pergola) — 3 ideas - [Pool Rails](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87797463/list/pool-rails) — 5 ideas - [Accent Fence/Wall](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87741313/list/accent-fence-wall) — 5 ideas - [Modern Craftsman Landscape Details](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/85956660/list/modern-craftsman-landscape-details) — 4 ideas - [Gravel Driveway/Parking](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72224009/list/gravel-driveway-parking) — 9 ideas - [Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/61369587/list/ideas) — 17 ideas - [Fire Tables](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/33369430/list/fire-tables) — 9 ideas - [Cottage and Farm Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/33369304/list/cottage-and-farm-gardens) — 56 ideas - [Farmhouse Pool](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/33369194/list/farmhouse-pool) — 7 ideas - [Hanging Textured Outdoor Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20090018/list/hanging-textured-outdoor-lighting) — 28 ideas - [Wall Fountains](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23016149/list/wall-fountains) — 4 ideas [See all 22 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/dtla) ## Community Q&A **Q: what's the location of this house?** *(in Photo Questions)* Would love to drive by and get a feel for the overall look A: Hello Satyajit- thank you for your interest, but we do not share location information out of respect for our client's privacy. **Q: chairs by the fire pit** *(in Photo Questions)* Please advise where we can get chairs like those by the fire pit Thanks A: Hello! Those chairs were sourced by the interior designer on the project. They are teak chairs from Sutherland Furniture www.sutherlandfurniture.com Thank you- **Q: Where is the pergola from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the modern pergola which appears to be custom fit to the space. Would love to know approximate cost of a 15 x 10 size A: Hi Katherine- StruXure Pergolas! **Q: What are the steps made of?** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the steps (almost white) made of? A: Hello! They are concrete with a sand glass finish. **Q: what are the names of the three different plant layers on the right si** *(in Photo Questions)* What plant zone is this please A: Hello, thank you for your inquiry! This is a mix of low and moderate plants, Sunset Climate Zone 17, and USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 10a (30-35 degrees F). We hope this helps! Good luck on your project! David Thorne Landscape Architect, Inc **Q: pool dimensions** *(in Photo Questions)* what is the length and width of the pool ( including spa) please? A: Hello, Thank you for your inquiry. The dimensions of the pool are roughly 36'x16'. The spa is measured around 8'x7'-6". We wish you the best of luck on your project! David Thorne Landscape Architect, Inc. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*