--- title: "SSA Landscape Architects — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ssa-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~1325546688 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1325546688.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "SSA Landscape Architects" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/7d5329ba00704a42_3750-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "303 Potrero St Suite 40-C, Santa Cruz, California 95060, United States" latitude: 37.0313 longitude: -122.1198 phone: "(831) 459-0455" website: http://www.ssala.com rating: 5 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 76 last_updated: 2026-09-02 --- # SSA Landscape Architects Original Houzz profile: [SSA Landscape Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ssa-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~1325546688) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Santa Cruz, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Los Gatos, Monterey, Live Oak, Scotts Valley, Soquel, Capitola, Rio Del Mar, Ben Lomond, Aptos, Opal Cliffs, Boulder Creek, Felton, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Bonny Doon, Mount Hermon, Pasatiempo, Davenport, Paradise Park, Twin Lakes, Carmel, La Selva, Redwood Estates - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2018), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves SSA Landscape Architects is a 33 year firm with 6 licensed landscape architects backed by the founder's 44 years of experience in design and construction. We provide landscape architectural services for residential, commercial, corporate, and public clients looking for superior service, innovative design, and solutions for complex challenges. SSA is conveniently located just outside of downtown Santa Cruz. Our offices are filled with music and fun, and aside from the occasional Pandora radio station scuffle, we maintain a happy, vibrant team of supremely talented designers and architects. We foster the success of each individual as well as an exciting work environment. We strive to provide the same experience for our clients as we work together to create beautiful landscapes. We want to get to know you and learn about your vision and your goals. By listening to your needs, we establish strong relationships that last beyond the life of our projects. We encourage you to reach out to us at ssala.com. Share your ideas and let us show you how we can turn your dreams into reality. ### 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 - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Drafting - Organic Gardens - Pond Construction - Budget Development - Conceptual Design - Construction Drawings - Cost Estimating - Feasibility Studies - Master Planning - Sustainable Design - Vision & Program Development ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Santa Cruz - Watsonville - Los Gatos - Monterey - Live Oak - Scotts Valley - Soquel - Capitola - Rio Del Mar - Ben Lomond - Aptos - Opal Cliffs - Boulder Creek - Felton - Carmel-by-the-Sea - Bonny Doon - Mount Hermon - Pasatiempo - Davenport - Paradise Park - Twin Lakes - Carmel - La Selva - Redwood Estates ### Typical Job Cost $10,000 - 250,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | SSA Landscape Architects | | Address | 303 Potrero St Suite 40-C, Santa Cruz, California 95060, United States | | Phone | (831) 459-0455 | | Website | http://www.ssala.com | | License Number | PLA \#2805 | | Followers on Houzz | 76 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [SSA Landscape Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ssa-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~1325546688) - **Website:** http://www.ssala.com - **Phone:** (831) 459-0455 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Sunset Magazine Western Garden Design Award of Excellence, CPRS Park Planning & Design Award of Excellence, APWA Project of the Year in Environment, ASCE, SF Section Outstanding Sustainable Project of the Year, CASQA Outstanding Sustainable Stormwater BMP Project - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2018), for Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Landscape Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014062207) - [U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/u-s-green-building-council-usgbc-pfvwus-pf~1797160658) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 11 reviews** ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — Stephanie Barnes-Castro, Nov. 2017** > Steve helped us on a small commercial job in Aptos. He and his employees where very responsive and creative. This was a pro-bono job for a wonderful non-profit thrift store in Santa Cruz, With that said, they handled it with thoroughness and absolute professionalism. I really appreciated this. It showed the type of people they are and the type of work they do. I would highly recommend them! **Comment from SSA Landscape Architects:** > Thank you so much, Stephanie! It was our pleasure to be a part of this project. **★★★★★ — William Fisher Architecture, Inc., Sept. 2017** > We've worked on many public projects over the years where SSA has been the Landscape Architect and have always been impressed with their artistry, customer service, and skill. Recently we've realized that their portfolio includes smaller projects like homes. Homeowners need to know that with Steve and SSA they are getting the best, a world class Landscape Architect, a firm that is widely respected. I recommend them wholeheartedly. **★★★★★ — Rachel Gubser, Nov. 2016** > I am currently working with SSA Architects on the design of a custom residence with a challenging site. From day one, Steve and Alison have been excellent to collaborate with. Alison's work is detailed, thoughtful and reflects great care. SSA has provided the owners with a creative design and we are looking forward to seeing the finished result. I would recommend them to future clients. **★★★★★ — Dorothy, April 2016** > Very professional with impressive portfolio. > good understanding of local codes and variances. Wide range of services available. > Services are beyond our budget. **★★★★★ — skipleonard, Feb. 2016** > Our idea was to take out the grass in the front yard and put in a patio that we could use. We soon learned that we could not do this ourselves. We found SSA Landscape on a google search. They listened to what we wanted and transformed our front yard into an extension of our Living Room. Steve Sutherland and company were easy to work with and guided the project along every step of the way. We could not be more pleased with the result. We highly recommend this company. **★★★★★ — billkennedy1349, Feb. 2016** > We loved working with SSA on our home landscaping project. > SSA brought us all the vendors, and staff to add a contemporary look to our home, that was lacking prior to his hire. > Based on Steve's vision for our property, we got exactly the appearance we sought, this included: extensively reconfiguring the elevations, building entry reconstructions, getting top vendors in their field, such as concrete finishing, a rainwater capture system, landscape lighting, coast sensitive plantings, (our prior plantings through another landscape architectural, firm turned out to suffer , due to our micro climate} and getting all county agencies to approve our permits, > To say our property was transformed into a real pride of ownership, would be to put it mildly. > SSA deserves our praise for a job well done, and achieved an award winning presentation, > in our opinion **★★★★★ — Cayton Design Studio, Feb. 2016** > If I have the option, I always choose to work with Steve Sutherland at SSA. They are creative, professional and fun to work with! I highly recommend them!! **★★★★★ — Toni, Feb. 2016** > Steve Sutherland, SSA Landscape Architects, was the answer to my dreams for our front yard redesign--from a patch of lawn, brick walkway and a white picket fence to a modern usable space with a coffee bar and dining area, fire pit, hammock trellis, and drought-tolerant greenery. He was able to take my muddled ideas and pull them together into EXACTLY the right look and feel I wanted. Steve is a professional in the true sense, and never made me feel uncomfortable for asking questions or wanting clarification. And he went well beyond our front yard landscape design: he helped modernize the look of my home from 1980s beach cottage-craftsman to contemporary beauty by advising on new windows, front door and garage door, and even offered suggestions for the house color.Before we sent Steve's finished landscape design to bid, we asked him for a ballpark figure on what the actual work would cost. Although we used someone as a general contractor who was unknown to Steve, in the end his figures were right on.We live in a walking neighborhood, I have continue to have people stopping to ask about our lovely outdoor living space. I happily tell them it wasn't my design, it was Steve Sutherland, SSA. **★★★★★ — mzampelli, Feb. 2016** > SSA converted a very ugly outdoor patio area into a peaceful meditation garden secluded from the neighboring street--increasing the "contemplative" space available to us. Steve and Alison were wonderful to work with--from initial conception through design through construction. The staff listened very carefully to our landscaping needs--and took seriously our financial restrictions, making several adjustments in the original design so that it would be financially feasible for us to bring the project to completion. We are deeply grateful for their expertise, artistry and flexibility. **★★★★★ — Janet Allinger, Feb. 2016** > SSA Landscape Architects did a great job drawing up plans for our future backyard and were very easy to work with. **★★★★★ — brian67988, Feb. 2016** > A talented team of landscape architects who were collaborative and creative. We love our backyard kitchen and our front courtyard. ## Selected projects - [Scotts Valley Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/scotts-valley-residence-pj-vj~772600) - Location: Scotts Valley, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: This private Scotts Valley residence has become an entertaining oasis and a favorite family hangout with a pool, spa, and entertainment area which includes a fire pit, outdoor television, and an outdoor kitchen complete with a wood burning pizza oven. The custom built design includes Cameron Stone throughout to create the Mediterranean character the client dreamed of. - [Pleasure Point Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pleasure-point-residence-pj-vj~549159) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: This Hacienda residence blends a rustic charm with an eclectic functionality that takes you back to a simpler time. An immediate calm washes over anyone who turns onto the gravel driveway lined with olive trees and lavender as they leave the hustle and bustle behind them. This old-world oasis transports you to a special place full of jovial outdoor parties or an intimate dinner with friends. Features like an outdoor kitchen, a hammock trellis, orchard trees, a spa, warm plantings, and many recyc… - [California Room - Santa Cruz](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-room-santa-cruz-pj-vj~2604343) - Location: Capitola, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Located in the Depot Hill area of Capitola the goal of this project was to transform the home and garden from a cape cod cottage style to a more contemporary home and garden. SSA developed concepts for modifications to the architecture and color palette along with a new contemporary and functional courtyard or California Room, with a fire pit, buffet counter, dining space, patio and lounge area with a hammock trellis, new garage door, front door and canopy. The market lights provide a warm glow… - [Sacramento Avenue Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sacramento-avenue-residence-pj-vj~574290) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: This project is located on the westside of Santa Cruz, where wind and fog can be a big deterrent to outdoor living. The goal of the project was to create a comfortable, warm outdoor living room which expands the indoor living space and can be used in all seasons. - [Seacliff Patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seacliff-patio-pj-vj~565853) - Location: Soquel, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: For this seaside patio, creating maximum usable space in a small front yard was the main goal. Equipped with an outdoor kitchen and a large fireplace, this space is a perfect compliment to the recently renovated ultra-modern house. - [Branciforte Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/branciforte-residence-pj-vj~2139011) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 13 - [Palmer Victorian](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palmer-victorian-pj-vj~549602) - Location: Capitola, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: The Palmer Victorian landscape design puts a modern twist on a classical Victorian style. Designed for entertaining, it includes an outdoor kitchen with professional grade appliances and a restaurant quality pizza oven, fire pit with cast-in-place concrete benches, two staircases flanking a central patio, and natural stone walls creating a grotto entrance into the wine cellar. - [Capitola Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/capitola-residence-pj-vj~576776) - Location: Capitola, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: Located on a hill overlooking Capitola Beach, the site offered stunning panoramic views but was exposed to coastal wind and fog. SSA's design preserved views while protecting users from the elements with glass wind walls, custom concrete couches and an outdoor kitchen. - [Burlingame Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/burlingame-residence-pj-vj~565787) - Location: Burlingame, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Nestled in the Hillsborough/Burlingame hills, this landscape embodies a traditional country garden with a hint of modern flare. SSA designed multiple spaces for clients who like to relax outdoors, cook in the open air, and entertain guests. This project included the redesign of a new multi level deck, a large patio with a fire pit, a high-end outdoor kitchen, and a smaller, more private patio with a water feature. One of the unique features of this landscape are the multiple stone walls througho… - [Rio del Mar Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rio-del-mar-residence-pj-vj~549623) - Location: Rio del Mar, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: This residence is situated atop a coastal bluff, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. SSA Landscape Architects, Inc. collaborated with Steven Ehrlich Architects to create this modern, elegant landscape. It was featured in Architectural Digest. - [Pelton Avenue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pelton-avenue-pj-vj~563114) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Living along the coast can present some challenges when it comes to weather. But for this family, cool, misty days are no longer a concern. Their new backyard is fully equipped with built in heat lamps above the outdoor kitchen, a fire pit and fire place to ensure their guests stay warm and a custom water feature that is designed to be a children's pool in the day, an adult spa in the evening and a one of a kind fountain during parties. - [Live Oak Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/live-oak-residence-pj-vj~635527) - Location: Live Oak, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Country cottage goes contemporary. Before site improvements, a steep driveway limited access to this home's front entry, the outdoor living space was confined to a small brick patio, and a large sloped lawn used more than its share of water. Now with a terraced front yard and large entry steps leading to the house, a spacious upper patio with a gas fire pit, and raised garden planters, outdoor living has been taken to a new level while providing a clear and purposeful home entrance. - [Boulder Creek Wildlife Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boulder-creek-wildlife-garden-pj-vj~575630) - Location: Boulder Creek, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: In this design concept, boulders are arranged to appear as though the entire garden is part of a natural rock outcropping. Garden walls were designed to provide seating opportunities, while the pond is the focal point of the garden. This project was featured in Sunset and received the Sunset Western Garden Design Award of Excellence. - [Seacliff Beach Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seacliff-beach-residence-pj-vj~1527640) - Location: Soquel, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: Slated for completion in February 2016 - [Santa Cruz Mountains Foothills Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-cruz-mountains-foothills-estate-pj-vj~6706530) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Two Home Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/two-home-estate-pj-vj~6706338) - Location: Los Gatos, CA - Photos: 14 [See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ssa-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~1325546688) ## Ideabooks - [Pools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111661358/list/pools) — 8 ideas - [KidFriendly](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/98460627/list/kidfriendly) — 3 ideas - [Trayer Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/98403553/list/trayer-residence) — 6 ideas [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ssa-landscape_architects) ## Community Q&A **Q: Can you tell me the name/color of the floor stone & wall stone?** *(in Photo Questions)* We've been looking for stone as shown in this photo but haven't found it yet. Any information you can provide is much appreciated. A: I will have to pull out the archive files on this project as this was done a few years ago. I do know that Peninsula Building Supply out of Mountain View, CA supplied it and as I recall it was special order and special cut from either Montana or Colorado. Please give me a couple of days to try to look that up. Please send me a direct email to steve@ssala.com and once I find it I will respond to your email. Thanks for your interest in our work. Steve Sutherland, Principal SSA Landscape Architects Inc. 831-459-0455 **Q: square footage of area** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello could you tell me the square footage of this design. From the bbq to the entertainment space. What was the square footage of the patio/ entertaining area. Thank you A: it is about 1,000 square feet, not including landscape frontage on the outside of the wall **Q: what is the dark grey tile in between the concrete floor?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The drak grey stone is Connecticut blue stone that has ben saw cut with a flame finish **Q: Beautiful pergola and cabinet** *(in Photo Questions)* What color stain (and name brand) did you use on the pergola and cabinets? Also, is the wood cedar or something else? Thank you A: It is western red cedar, it is torch flamed and then brushed and burnished. The stain was a transparent water base stain but the color and brand I don't remember and can't find in our records **Q: Where did you get the the burner for the custom pit?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It was a custom stainless steel tube burner made by a local fabricator in Santa Cruz. There are many sizes of pre-made fire pit tubes available on the internet though **Q: Stone** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi, what kind of beautiful stone is this? A: The stone on the ground for the walkway is Tehama Water Wash, which in these sizes is almost impossible to get as the quarry's have been shut down for environmental reasons. An alternative could be Connecticut Blue Stone in a tumbled finish. The stone fountain is Black Basalt. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-02.*