--- title: "Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/susan-friedman-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1635782359 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1635782359.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/a0330a780f8e3d10_2485-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "San Ramon, California 94583, United States" phone: "(925) 806-0643" website: http://www.susanfriedmanlandscape.com rating: 4.7 review_count: 31 best_of_houzz_awards: 10 followers: 243 last_updated: 2026-08-23 --- # Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/susan-friedman-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1635782359) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** San Ramon, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Concord, Berkeley, Livermore, San Ramon, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Dublin, Castro Valley, Danville, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, Moraga, Alamo, Piedmont, Blackhawk, Sunol, Diablo, East Bay, San Francisco Bay Area - **Houzz rating:** 4.7 out of 5 (31 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2016–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Woman owned - High-end - Offers Custom Work The collaborative design team at Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture (SFLA) creates "cut above" custom landscape design plans for luxury residential and commercial clients, houses of worship, historic projects and HOA's. Each design blends the architectural style of the structure, the surrounding area and the unique personality of each property owner. Every design is one of a kind, highly-detailed and will result in a beautiful outdoor space that brings joy and enlightens every sense. From start to finish, SFLA will guides their clients through the entire design project from design concepts, to final design plans, to overseeing the installation process. Whether there is a need for a swimming pool, outdoor patio, shade structure, irrigation, planting, lighting, bocce court, and more, SFLA will help you through the entire process creating the perfect design to match your lifestyle and budget. ### 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 - Drafting - Organic Gardens - Edible Gardens - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Natural Swimming Pools - Construction Drawings - Contractor Selection/Project Oversight - Custom Residential Retreats - HOA Design - Irrigation Design - Landscape Budgeting - Landscape Lighting Design - Lawn Conversion Design - Lawn Conversion/Replacement - Masonry Design - Outdoor Kitchen/Bar Island Design - Pergola & Cabana Design - Planting Design - WELO compliance ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Oakland - Fremont - Hayward - Concord - Berkeley - Livermore - San Ramon - Pleasanton - Walnut Creek - Dublin - Castro Valley - Danville - Pleasant Hill - Lafayette - Moraga - Alamo - Piedmont - Blackhawk - Sunol - Diablo - East Bay - San Francisco Bay Area ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 500,000 Invest in a uniquely personal quality design starting at $5,000 for high level design concept. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture | | Address | San Ramon, California 94583, United States | | Phone | (925) 806-0643 | | Website | http://www.susanfriedmanlandscape.com | | License Number | 3893 | | Followers on Houzz | 243 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/SusanFriedmanLandscapeArchitecture/\# - Blog — www.susanfriedmanlandscape.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/susan-friedman-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1635782359) - **Website:** http://www.susanfriedmanlandscape.com - **Phone:** (925) 806-0643 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Member ASLA - Member APLD - Member CLCA - Member NARI - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2016–2025), 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) - [California Landscape Contractors Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/california-landscape-contractors-association-pfvwus-pf~127371204) - [NARI of Diablo Valley](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nari-of-diablo-valley-pfvwus-pf~1354652415) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 — 31 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 45.0 - Communication: 45.0 - Value: 45.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Lauren Keane, Oct. 2023** > Susan was a critical component of our full backyard remodel — start to finish. We has a vision, which she made even more amazing. We are loving (and absolutely living in) our new backyard. Her attention and professionalism is unmatched — plus, she's just an all-around great person. It was a pleasure working with Susan and I constantly recommend her to family and friends. She goes above and beyond. **Comment from Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture:** > It's been such a joy to work with the Keane's - from design through final installation. They now have a backyard they always dreamed about - a place to entertain and create lasting memories! **★★★★★ — Cyndi and Jeff Atherton, Sept. 2023** > We had Susan and her colleagues completely redo our one acre lot in native landscaping. Hands-down, it has completely changed our life outside. They designed a 150 foot creek, outdoor kitchen, multiple sitting and viewing areas, a beautiful path that crosses the creek, and more. Our yard looks and feels like it is straight out of a magazine. Susan's team is professional, friendly, knowledgable, detail-oriented, and a joy to work with. In addition, they introduced us to an amazing contractor who, with his crew of six, worked intelligently and productively day after day. We cannot say enough good about them all. We would rate them 20 stars rather than five if we could. We've recommended them to multiple neighbors and friends. We found out about them on Houzz, also. So glad we were able to work with them. **Comment from Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture:** > It is an honor and a thrill to work with amazing clients like these who embrace the beauty of nature and enthusiastically supported our "team" as their dream landscape came to life! **★★★★★ — Neda, Dec. 2022** > Susan's team proposed a very beautiful, practical, environment friendly design that included everything we had requested. We were so happy with the design that we signed up to have another home's landscaping done with Susan's team. Susan listened to all our objectives and concerns and had them incorporated into the design. The initial designs did not need changes and captured what we had envisioned exactly. They are efficient and are fantastic and keeping you updated with the progress of the project. Very dependable and personable team. **Comment from Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture:** > We are so happy to have been selected to design new landscapes for both homes, complete with all the bells and whistles for total outdoor enjoyment! Neda and Ali are so fun to work with! **★★★★★ — Kristina Krok, Dec. 2022** > Susan and her team were a joy to work with. Their design for our landscaping project is beautiful and incorporated all of our preferences and feedback. Communication was excellent and they went above to keep us informed and educated us on many aspects of plant selection and care. We highly recommend her. **Comment from Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture:** > It has been a joy to create a new landscape design they love! The best is yet to come as the planting gets installed and comes to life! **★★★★★ — Katia Huang, Aug. 2022** > The SFLA team was an absolute pleasure to work with! From our first meeting/consultation with Ian, to delivery of our final design documents, we felt listened to, supported, and guided throughout the entire design process. Having never done any major design/renovation projects on our own, my husband and I were completely at a loss for where and how to begin the enormous task of rethinking our sizeable but oddly compartmentalized outdoor space to be more welcoming and livable. Ian was incredibly patient with us--he listened to all of our ideas and answered all of our questions (even down to the smallest of things like "where should we put a hose?"). Our overall timeline from first contact to final design documents was approximately 11-ish months, but I think everyone in the world is redoing their exteriors right now (and we weren't in a rush and we actually liked having time to really think about what we wanted, so the timeline worked for us). I love our final design, and I love that we were fortunate enough to work with a team who values working with native species, being pollinator friendly, and being mindful of water use. I would absolutely recommend working with the SFLA team, and I can't wait to make their beautiful design a reality as we move towards construction. **Comment from Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture:** > We are grateful for clients like Katia, who are passionate about their outdoor space and who put their trust in our design team and our process to deliver the detailed landscape plans they've been dreaming about! Wonderful to work together and the results are amazing! **★★★★★ — R. Mizes, Sept. 2021** > Simply put, Susan, and her team, have been FANTASTIC to work with!! The entire team is creative, responsive, responsible, patient, flexible, mindful of creating a series of spaces that blend beautifully, and just all around wonderful to work with. Susan interpreted our "wish list" to create a complete makeover of our backyard, which included: a customized bbq island with generous seating for 6, wine refrigerator, sink and storage; a built-in fire pit area adjacent to a berm with a stunning arrangement of plants, boulders and customized fountain; a large, covered dining area with heaters, lights and ceiling fan; beautiful landscape with additional berms and boulders surrounding the (reduced) lawn, and a stunning makeover of an existing back patio which is now backed by metal screens that are illuminated at night. The mixture of colors and textures of the plants that she selected creates a beautiful and constantly appealing visual. In addition, after the design work and detailed plans were completed, we asked Susan to help us work with the contractor we selected, often being our "voice" on many issues, and an experienced set of "eyes" to make sure the plan we created with her, would be executed as intended. > > This is the 2nd time we have worked with Susan and her team. They are exceptional. Every day ... every day ... we look at the finished result and are grateful. **Comment from Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture:** > It's such an honor to work with such wonderful clients like Mizes'! They truly confirm the reason our team loves doing the work we do! **★ — HU-79602122328, Sept. 2021** > I paid Susan Friedman and the landscaper she recommended over $100,000 to re-landscape my front yard in Blackhawk. The outcome is so disappointing that it is hard to think about and harder still to write this review. I suspect Susan is a good designer but employs a very weak team. In fact, the designer she assigned to my project has left the industry. Up front, I sent Susan detailed photos of what I wanted: a modern, drought resistant yard. The result is basically over 50% tan bark. Incredibly, the landscaper selected the specific tan bark without showing the product to me. I wanted the yard to be dominated by drought resistant plants. Instead, I have lots of small plants even after nearly a year of growth. My yard is just a bunch of tan bark. The landscaper Susan recommended had no experience with such a job and the irrigation system is a total disaster, constantly sprouting massive leaks that waste water and don’t irrigate. I am planning to start over and hire a competent firm to redo the entire project. Steer clear of this company. Hiring Susan Friedman Landscape is the worst decision I have ever made. **Comment from Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture:** > In response to this client’s review, I am compelled to address these issues in detail that this client has raised. This review is an unfair criticism containing inaccurate descriptions that I will address one by one. > > DESIGN: With all of our clients, including this client, we provide a collaborative and iterative design process allowing our clients to make decisions during every step of the design process. We start with a concept plan and budget showing the intended shape of the design based on their specific desires. After gaining client approval, we go to the next design step where we refine the design, and start to choose plants and lighting. Once again, after gaining client approval we finalize the plan set to include the final planting plan, lighting plan, irrigation plan and other details. This client was involved with every aspect and approval of all features of this design process. > > BARK & PLANTS SELECTION: As stated in the design process, we formulate recommendations and refine selections of materials and plants based on our client’s desires and receive the client’s final approval. Specifically, we showed this client many drought tolerant plant options and we used those plants that James chose. We also informed this client (and all of our clients) to expect about a three year fill in period between plant installation and plant fullness/maturity. This client pointed out that it’s been less than one year since the plants were installed, so his plants have 2 more years to reach maturity. Because it’s early in the growth cycle, of course the growth still looks sparse. Note that we’ve had an exceptionally dry year, so that also affects plant growth rates. Regarding the non-plant materials, we spent time with this client at a masonry yard looking at options to choose specific landscape materials such as gravel, boulders, flagstone and bark mulch…and James approved these selections too. > > IRRIGATION: This client is correct in the fact that there were leaks in the newly installed system that had to be resolved. But these leaks were not the result of a faulty design. To resolve the irrigation installation difficulties, and at no cost to the client, a professional irrigation auditor was engaged to inspect and provide solutions for repairing the installation. After these repairs were implemented, the auditor conducted a final inspection and the leaks stopped. > > CHOICE of LANDSCAPER: As a point of clarification – the landscaper is not part of my team and does not work for my design/landscape architect company – we are separate companies. If the client asks, we will provide landscapers for the client to consider, but we do not select the landscaper for our clients. The client has the responsibility to interview and make the choice of landscaper, and then contracts directly with the landscaper they chose. This is the process that this client followed. > > SUMMARY: This client was involved in the design, the selections of what was installed, and chose the landscaper who did the work. Based on what the client wrote, it is clear that the client wants to accept no responsibility for selecting and approving everything along the way. > > FINAL COMMENTS: At SFLA, we work hard to get the best results for our clients and are very proud of the positive feedback we have received on Houzz with a rating of over 4.7 satisfaction from our clients. Our customer satisfaction rating is a stronger indication of how we perform, rather than this client’s review which is not a full representation of the facts. Our customer reviews speaks loudly and I believe that in 2 – 3 years when the plants mature, this client will actually love the results. **★★★★★ — Sandy, July 2021** > We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Susan Friedman for landscape design. We moved into our home in February 2020 and our backyard had no landscaping whatsoever, just a black tarp covering the whole yard. When we met with Susan, she asked us what we wanted for our backyard, how we planned to use it, and what our budget was. She and her team then provided us with a plan that included landscaping (trees, shrubs, and plants), hardscaping (two decks, a pergola, a fire pit area, a patio, a play area, a waterfall, and an outdoor kitchen). After receiving our feedback they fine-tuned the design and created detailed construction plans that included plantings, irrigation, and lighting. The project took a long time to complete (blame the pandemic), but now that it’s done we absolutely love our backyard. Every time we go out there, we feel like we’re on vacation. **Comment from Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture:** > This project was such a fun transformation! Mark & Sandy were great to work with and so appreciative of pollinator and wildlife friendly environment we created for them. All the features are just right for them and happy they don't have to travel very far to feel like they're on "vacation"! **★★★★★ — Ja Nell Shepard, Sept. 2020** > Susan, Michelle and their whole team are superstars. Excellent design and equally as important excellent service and follow up. After consideration of our vision and budget they presented multiple design concepts. They nailed it. After tweaking our plan they handled the biding process. We met and discussed three excellent bids and chose our contractor. Fantastic! Susan and Michelle met us at the vendor to help pick our pavers. They made site visits throughout construction which was greatly appreciated. > Our relationship with these professionals greatly exceeded our expectations. They were with us from inception to completion. We have the landscaping we envisioned and more. Thank you team! > > Stu & Ja Nell **Comment from Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture:** > It was our pleasure to work with such enthusiastic clients like Stu & Ja Nell! They were fun and engaging throughout the entire process! **★★★★★ — Karen S, Sept. 2020** > My email to Susan after completion of my project: "I am so thrilled to have a yard that is beautiful and inviting for family and friends. It is exactly what I envisioned. You brought it to life! Your attention to detail and to create a space that is functional and attractive have met all of my expectations and hopes for a gorgeous outdoor space. Every time I step outside I feel so lucky and pleased with the result!" **Comment from Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture:** > We really enjoyed working with Karen! She has very good taste in style and happy we could provide a new outdoor space that matches her vision! **★★★★★ — Cliff and Donna Yokomizo, Jan. 2020** > We are absolutely delighted with our new yard! We worked with Susan and her team by trusting them completely to redo our yard from an overgrown hodgepodge of native volunteers and some minimal plantings to beautiful front, back, and side yards that we are proud to have family, friends, and neighbors enjoy. They listened, suggested, and guided us through a project in which we totally trusted them to transform our space. We are so grateful and pleased with the results. **Comment from Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture:** > It was such a joy to work with Cliff & Donna! Always so cheerful and positive to be around. Many fun details and surprises went into their project. I'm so happy they love the results! **★★★★★ — Mindy Murphy, Jan. 2019** > Susan and her staff worked with me on a complete remodel of my backyard. After listening to what I wanted, I was very pleased with the designs they came up with. We tweaked them a bit and then I interviewed contractors that she recommended. Loved the contractor I ended up with. Susan worked so well with him and would come and site check the progress regularly. Susan helped pick out the pavers and stone for the project, but more than that she was readily available to call or text to help me pick out my bar material and furniture to make sure it looked good and fit the space. And it's all beautiful! **Comment from Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture:** > We love working on highly detailed projects like Mindy's as every piece of the landscape puzzle has to fit together perfectly and get well implemented by a highly professional and skilled contractor. It was a great team effort! ## Selected projects - [Pleasanton Paradise](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pleasanton-paradise-pj-vj~7303307) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: This expansive property in Pleasanton, California provided the perfect canvas to complement our clients’ custom home and ADU with an all ages outdoor “playground” and garden spaces. Our collaborative design process and ability to listen to our clients provided creative, customized solutions to many challenges and we assisted with the development of the property at every step of the way. The results showcase unique features that work with the specific topography, blend with the Mediterranean arch… - [Classy, Cozy and Comfortable Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classy-cozy-and-comfortable-backyard-pj-vj~7086850) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: Designed in 2020 by SFLA, this backyard renovation gave the homeowners an amazing, useful and comfortable space with an open feel, coordinated materials and refreshed planting that is pleasing to both people and pollinators! This expansive oasis is filled with the sights and sounds of nature, seamlessly blending with its surroundings. Its custom features include a solid-roof structure with lighting, heat and fans for year-round day or nighttime dining and lounging, a circular fire table with sur… - [Botanical Garden Delight in Danville](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/botanical-garden-delight-in-danville-pj-vj~6008425) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: When the homeowners wanted to update their expansive 23 year old landscape, they called the design team at SFLA and were thrilled when the results perfectly reflected their style and gave their home a gorgeous, welcoming appearance with inviting, comfortable and usable spaces throughout. Every detail was carefully planned and once installed, the newly renovated property featured beautiful gardens, fossilized flagstone pathways, a gazebo for gathering, custom basalt water feature, nooks and crann… - [Luxurious Backyard Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/luxurious-backyard-retreat-pj-vj~228369) - Location: Lafayette, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: This hillside backyard in Lafayette now has multi levels of outdoor fun to entertain family and friends. Complete with two pergolas, swimming pool/spa, ping pong and basketball areas, cabana with fireplace and kitchen island, outdoor lighting and so much more. - [Multilevel Backyard Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/multilevel-backyard-retreat-pj-vj~2820670) - Location: San Ramon, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: Nestled into this hillside backyard are terraced Connecticut Bluestone patio spaces, including a private reading corner, cozy dining area nestled a under heavy woodbeam pergola, spacious fire-pit gathering patio, gorgeous Ipe spa deck with wrought-iron railing, and an outdoor entertainment kitchen with a bar, bbq, pizza oven, wine fridge and all the amenities. Stucco and veneered walls with stone caps encompass and define each outdoor room, creating seating where possible. LED landscape lighting… - [Danville Backyard Nature Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/danville-backyard-nature-retreat-pj-vj~2685161) - Location: Danville, CA - Photos: 26 - Description: Completed in spring 2017, lead designer Aisha Bouziane worked hand in hand with wonderful clients and landscape contractor Blair Landscape Services, Adams Pool Solutions, and BCP Concrete to make this backyard into a gorgeous new outdoor retreat! Featuring new concrete patios, built-in veneered seat-walls, all native and drought tolerant plants, Calistoga dry-stack retaining walls, a custom Yellow Moss Rock boulder sheer descent waterfall, stone and D.G. pathways, a zen inspired river rock dry s… - [Irresistible Backyard Elegance](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/irresistible-backyard-elegance-pj-vj~161471) - Location: Blackhawk, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: The transformation of this Blackhawk backyard was remarkable. The refurbished swimming pool, jacuzzi and raised patio with fireplace take center stage. The new outdoor pavilion, a few steps down from the pool deck, provides a cozy space for cooking and dining, with sweeping golf course views all under a beautiful copper roof. A new balcony, sculpture garden, decorative planters, outdoor furniture, seasonal plants and garden path are finishing details bringing this gorgeous backyard to a level ne… - [West Coast Craftsman Entry Cabana](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-coast-craftsman-entry-cabana-pj-vj~2213839) - Location: Orinda, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: This custom Craftsman-style entry cabana serves as a greeting area for visitors to this private home in Orinda. Masonry columns with stone veneer, an impressive wood gate with iron trim, a cozy couch and a high, wood ceiling with sconce, in-step and overhead lighting set the tone. The natural style of the architecture is complemented by lush Mediterranean and California native planting, in pots and in layered beds throughout the property, embellished with impressive accent boulders, flowing flag… - [Exquisite Outdoor Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exquisite-outdoor-living-pj-vj~1124566) - Location: San Ramon, CA - Photos: 19 - Description: This East Bay home has a completely transformed front and backyard that is now the perfect entertaining space for large gatherings of family and friends. A custom outdoor wood burning oven is frequently used for gourmet cooking. The firepit provides a perfect gathering space on a cool evening. Colorful plants create a garden setting with seasonal interest and color. - [California Native Splendor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-native-splendor-pj-vj~2211145) - Location: San Ramon, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: The spectacular view across the valley and to the oak-covered hills in the distance is equaled by this beautiful back garden, a delightful combination of texture, form, and color. Slate flagstone paths provide access to this vibrant landscape, which bursts with an exuberant springtime blend of colors and textures. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to remove your lawn, this must-see garden will help you make up your mind! - [Refined Relaxation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/refined-relaxation-pj-vj~2210937) - Location: Dublin, CA - Photos: 35 - Description: Every square foot of this compact, modern style backyard has been transformed into a space where everyone can enjoy it as an outdoor extension of the home. The custom "spool" with sheer descent walls is a refreshing and beautiful water feature used by all ages. As the evening cools, the central fireplace is the perfect cozy gathering space. You can find everything here: a large cooking area and separate bar island used for small and large gatherings, a pergola that provides shade in the hot sun… - [Nature Close to Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nature-close-to-home-pj-vj~1723997) - Location: San Ramon, CA - Photos: 28 - Description: Water thirsty lawn was replaced by an inviting outdoor space utilizing stamped concrete and flagstone, stone seat walls, cozy fire-table, succulent planters, boulder fountain, seasonal stream beds and more; all surrounded by drought tolerant California Native and Mediterranean shrubs, grasses, trees and perennials. Adjoining the Bishop Ranch Open Space, this garden comes alive year around with a variety of local native pollinating insects, butterflies and birds. - [Exterior Elegance](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exterior-elegance-pj-vj~5526272) - Location: Alamo, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: All new landscaping captures the beautiful style of the home while incorporating the existing pool to make the exterior spaces feel brand new. - [Inviting Front Entry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/inviting-front-entry-pj-vj~2213832) - Location: Danville, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: The front entry of this home has been completely updated to connect guests to the new driveway with masonry steps and walls. - [Contemporary Pergola](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-pergola-pj-vj~1470211) - Location: Alamo, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Creative solutions for shade help the modern meet the traditional in this Alamo backyard. - [Bay Area Backyard Fun](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bay-area-backyard-fun-pj-vj~112640) - Location: Livermore, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Living in the San Francisco Bay Area allows for outdoor entertaining year around. - [Landscape Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/landscape-lighting-pj-vj~161502) - Location: Bay Area, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: Low voltage outdoor lighting adds a beautiful touch to any outdoor living area and brings these outdoor spaces alive at night. - [Swimming Pools & Water Features](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/swimming-pools-and-water-features-pj-vj~161486) - Location: Blackhawk, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: Outdoor water features such as swimming pools, hot tubs, fountains and more, add life, activity, focal points and fun to your outdoor environment. - [Decks, Pergolas, Arbors, and More!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/decks-pergolas-arbors-and-more-pj-vj~161493) - Location: Pleasanton, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: These overhead structures provide much needed shade and architectural detail in the landscape. - [Family Friendly Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/family-friendly-backyard-pj-vj~4671513) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: A new outdoor cabana, precast paver pool deck, masonry terraced walls and California native plants create the perfect family friendly outdoor space for all to enjoy. [See all 23 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/susan-friedman-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1635782359) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/167805661/list/wish-list) — 3 ideas - [Family/Media room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125677167/list/family-media-room) — 18 ideas - [Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/140355838/list/bedroom) — 1 idea - [Collins](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/123102625/list/collins) — 16 ideas [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/susanfriedman) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-23.*