--- title: "Water & Earth Landscape Design — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/water-and-earth-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1704054025 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1704054025.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Water & Earth Landscape Design" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/56537536045269d8_4548-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Richmond, Virginia 23222, United States" phone: "(408) 560-6362" website: http://www.waterandearthld.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 37 best_of_houzz_awards: 9 followers: 106 last_updated: 2026-09-01 --- # Water & Earth Landscape Design Original Houzz profile: [Water & Earth Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/water-and-earth-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1704054025) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Richmond, VA - **Serves:** Richmond, Tuckahoe, Mechanicsville, Short Pump, Laurel, Bon Air, East Highland Park, Highland Springs, Glen Allen, Lakeside, Henrico, Dumbarton, Bellwood, Montrose, Sandston, Buena Vista, Bensley, Chamberlayne, Alviso, Atherton, Cambrian Park, Campbell, Cupertino, Fruitdale, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Loyola, Menlo Park, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Stanford, Sunnyvale, University Of Richmond, West Menlo Park - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (37 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2016–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Online consultation - High-end Water & Earth Landscape Design is a full-service outdoor living design firm specializing in custom, high-end residential landscapes that transform underutilized yards into immersive, functional outdoor environments. Serving clients in both Virginia and California, our work blends architecture, horticulture, and lifestyle-driven planning to create outdoor spaces that feel intentional, timeless, and uniquely tailored to each homeowner. Our design approach begins with understanding how clients truly want to live outdoors whether that means resort-style pools, modern entertaining patios, private garden retreats, or complete backyard masterplans. From concept sketches and detailed construction drawings to 3D visualizations that allow clients to “walk through” their future space before construction begins, we guide each project with clarity, creativity, and precision. Known for clean design lines, thoughtful plant palettes, and seamless integration between home and landscape, Water & Earth Landscape Design focuses on projects where quality, detail, and long-term value matter. Our goal is simple: create outdoor environments that elevate everyday living while increasing the beauty and functionality of the property for years to come. Make sure to find us on Instagram and YouTube for current project updates. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - Gazebo Design & Construction - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Drafting - Shed Design & Construction - Greenhouse Design & Construction - Natural Swimming Pools - Barn Design & Construction - Construction Drawings - Deck Building - Deck Repair - Fence Installation - Masonry - Trellis Construction ### Areas Served - Richmond - Tuckahoe - Mechanicsville - Short Pump - Laurel - Bon Air - East Highland Park - Highland Springs - Glen Allen - Lakeside - Henrico - Dumbarton - Bellwood - Montrose - Sandston - Buena Vista - Bensley - Chamberlayne - Alviso - Atherton - Cambrian Park - Campbell - Cupertino - Fruitdale - Los Altos - Los Altos Hills - Los Gatos - Loyola - Menlo Park - Milpitas - Monte Sereno - Mountain View - Palo Alto - Portola Valley - San Jose - Santa Clara - Saratoga - Stanford - Sunnyvale - University Of Richmond - West Menlo Park ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 1.5 million $50,000 - 1.5 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Water & Earth Landscape Design | | Address | Richmond, Virginia 23222, United States | | Phone | (408) 560-6362 | | Website | http://www.waterandearthld.com | | Followers on Houzz | 106 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/waterandearthlandscapedesign/ ## Offers Complimentary 60-Minute Consultations! _First 3 customers a month, Mention Houzz_ (valid through Oct. 2029) ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Water & Earth Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/water-and-earth-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1704054025) - **Website:** http://www.waterandearthld.com - **Phone:** (408) 560-6362 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2016–2025), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 37 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Melissa Montoya, Sept. 2021** > Matt and his team are true professionals that only have your best interests at heart. If you are considering a landscape design team to assist you in planning and completing your dream project, select Water & Earth Landscape Design. **★★★★★ — Eisenflowers, July 2021** > I found Matt, Water and Earth Design on Instagram because his designs were invigorating and intriguing. I met with him but wasn’t ready to commit to a landscaping project. He gave me some great ideas. > > When I was about to sell a townhouse/condo in Palo Alto, I asked Matt to help me transform my backyard with awkward angles into a more enticing space. Matt did this spectacularly with a curved concrete seating area which optimized the space in a tiny backyard. He designed a deck for dining and seating with storage. His design, executed beautifully by Salas Landscaping, added a 900 sq ft outside room/oasis to my townhouse and increased the value by $100K **★★★★★ — Salas Construction Inc, Dec. 2020** > Matt and team have an incredible vision when it comes to modern landscape design. As a landscape contractor, it is very important to have great communication with the designer, this makes our team achieve optimal levels of performance and helps us achieve our deadlines. **★★★★★ — A B, June 2020** > Matt has been incredibly involved throughout our landscape design process. He provides great insight and has been involved from the initial consultation through to breaking ground on the project thus far, including a few iterations to ensure the design worked for us. He has an excellent design style which has the perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality. > > Matt has focused on our needs, is very professional and a pleasure to work with throughout the process. I would certainly recommend Matt to anyone looking for a sleek, contemporary, functional backyard who could use support throughout their landscaping project. **★★★★★ — Karuna Chhabra, June 2020** > Matt is professional, patient, makes time to understand Client needs and comes back with you a plan that works for the house with his creative finesse. It’s been a pleasure to design our backyard with Matt, we look forward to see it turn the design into reality now **★★★★★ — Srihari Kumar, March 2020** > Matt has amazing experience and talent for design. He acts as your trusted design advisor and tells you what would work vs. what would not work with solid reasoning. He is focused on your needs as a client rather than selling his services. He takes his time and is thoughtful. **★★★★★ — Adam Blightman, Feb. 2020** > Matt has a fantastic eye for design. All of his projects look amazing, which is why we contacted him for our yard. His process is thorough and professional, and we can’t wait for our project to finish. > > I would definitely recommend him to anybody looking for a clean, modern refresh for their yard. **★★★★★ — Transformation Landscape Development, Inc, Feb. 2020** > Matt Daly and Water & Earth Landscape Design are changing the game in Silicon Valley. Their designs are innovative, forward thinking, and enjoyable to install. As a landscape contractor, I am always looking to gain an edge with clients and learn new facets of the trade to keep us sharp as installers. Matt is very hands on as well during the construction which allows us to see the design become a reality as a team. Creativity is a key element to their designs, specifically with material selections and color usage. I recommend them as an innovator and designer who envisions each design as unique. **★★★★★ — Jay Severson, Feb. 2020** > Matt was very helpful in coming up with a design that worked with our somewhat limited space in our new home build project. He gave us several options and went through several iterations to make sure the design worked for us. **★★★★★ — HU-730777548, Feb. 2020** > Matt designed and managed the renovation of our backyard. He was very professional and did well to manage and not over promised on time line. I'm writing this review because we had an on-going electrical issue with one of the outlets that the landscaper installed. I reached out to the Meza Landscaping (the company we hired to carry out Matt's design) to get it fixed but they never replied. Matt the put us in touch with an electrician and fInally got the outlet fixed. He could have very well just left us hanging, but didn't. Very impressed with his sense of responsibility to his clients. **★★★★★ — Vijay Raghavendra, Jan. 2020** > We worked with Matt Daly for the landscape architecture and design as part of the full house remodel of our place in Saratoga. We have had a great experience working with Matt. From the first time we met him, it was obvious that he was someone with a refreshing, unique but adaptable sense of landscape design. He has an incredible amount of energy and is brimming with new ideas. He was incredibly patient with us as we worked thru the design and changed our minds a few times. He makes really good use of tech - his 3-D rendering is super realistic and very helpful to visualize the design. Ours is a slightly unique space with two outdoor patios and a large-ish yard. Matt came up with a great design that cleanly blended the indoor and outdoor areas and seamlessly incorporated design elements such as water features that we wanted. He is also super knowledgable about the plats and trees that will thrive in the local geography. We are in the middle of the landscape construction right now and are looking forward to to completing it shortly. Overall, I have no hesitation in recommending Matt for your landscape architecture and design needs. **★★★★★ — HU-929382754, Jan. 2020** > We have a small and oddly shaped backyard with little consistency in space. We had a lot of trouble finding somone to design it. Most of the designers gave us simple ideas and said they could not do much with it or they were not willing to design such a small backyard. To be honest it was a challenge. We found Matt through the Houzz App and couldn't be happier. When we met Matt we told him we wanted something modern and to be wowed with the space. He was up for the challenge and gave us just that. Not only did he provide us with great design but was extremely helpful with exact details such as plants, lighting and materials to be used. He was also extremely helpful when the design went into construction. He provided helpful feedback before it began and also visited a couple of times during the contruction process to make sure everything was going according to the plan we had envisioned. Overall we are extremely happy with Matt as our designer and would definitely recommend him. ## Selected projects - [Richmond, VA \| Monument Ave. Outdoor Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/richmond-va-monument-ave-outdoor-living-pj-vj~2333616) - Location: Richmond, VA - Photos: 11 - Description: These clients had just purchased their home and were hoping for a custom backyard that would serve as a space to play with their young son as well as hang out with family and guests. Originally wanting a pool, we helped this client explore the options and they quickly determined a smaller spa would be best to save space for some other creature comforts. - [Sunken Fire Pit and Container Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunken-fire-pit-and-container-pool-pj-vj~7241653) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: This backyard was once a simple lawn with a small patio and aging plantings that no longer supported how the homeowners wanted to use the space. The goal of the redesign was to transform the yard into a clean, modern outdoor living environment that felt architecturally connected to the home while maximizing functionality for entertaining, relaxing, and year-round enjoyment. At the center of the design is a custom-installed MOD Pool, selected not only for its sleek modern form but also for the co… - [Richmond, VA \| Modern Pool Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/richmond-va-modern-pool-space-pj-vj~6033808) - Location: Richmond, VA - Photos: 26 - [Brown + Blue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brown-blue-pj-vj~6390028) - Location: Campbell, California - Photos: 15 - Description: This is project 1 of 4 for four neighbors in a newly constructed neighborhood. This client was hoping to have a modern minded outdoor living space with pool, hang out space, fire pit, kitchen and putting green. The challenge of the space was due to the Live Oak in the middle of the yard that could not be removed due to protections by the local city. - [VA Project: Custom Pool Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/va-project-custom-pool-space-pj-vj~2317354) - Location: Midlothian, VA - Photos: 11 - Description: This Midlothian, Virginia property presented a unique opportunity to convert a large but underutilized backyard with a gentle slope into a functional outdoor living environment. Although the yard offered depth, much of the space was unusable due to grade transitions and the steep drop beyond the rear property line overlooking Old Gun Road. The design goal was to create a comfortable, safe, and visually balanced outdoor space while maximizing the usable footprint closest to the home. A custom gun… - [Pool With A View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pool-with-a-view-pj-vj~6719768) - Location: Los Gatos, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: This project was truly special, featuring a full breadth of show stopping views of the Los Gatos hills. Immediately, we knew our job was to create a beautiful, interesting space that could stand on its own, but would also stand back and let the views speak for themselves. If the Los Gatos hills are the picture, we wanted our final product to be the frame. Features included black, powder coated steel and IPE decking. Three different types of Techo Bloc pavers work in unison to create a patio that… - [San Jose, CA \| Modern Space to Compliment ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-jose-ca-modern-space-to-compliment-adu-pj-vj~4180888) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: In this San Jose landscape design project, we were faced with a total backyard renovation, anchored by a newly constructed accessory dwelling unit (ADU), and a unique challenge in elevations. The question: How do we design a beautiful outdoor living space that not only creates natural cohesion between the main home and the ADU, but also allows for the necessary raised patio, decking, and practical drainage? All without compromising materiality, visual interest, and day to day functionality? In t… - [San Jose, CA \| Funky Updates to this Spanish Revival Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-jose-ca-funky-updates-to-this-spanish-revival-home-pj-vj~5973947) - Location: San Jose, California - Photos: 10 - Description: This project was designed to transform a previously underutilized backyard into a highly functional modern outdoor living environment centered around entertainment, comfort, and architectural cohesion with the home. The layout introduces a series of connected outdoor “rooms,” anchored by a covered pavilion lounge, open-air dining terrace, and layered planting zones that create privacy while maintaining an open visual flow across the space. A custom multi-tone composite deck serves as the primary… - [Covered/Uncovered Outdoor Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/covered-uncovered-outdoor-living-pj-vj~6942395) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 26 - Description: The homeowners were hoping to transform their backyard into a space where they could enjoy an open air fire pit and hot tub space as well as a covered outdoor dining area to include kitchen, bar and a good amount of open space. - [San Jose, CA \| Making a Small Backyard Feel Larger](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-jose-ca-making-a-small-backyard-feel-larger-pj-vj~6935531) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: These clients were looking to take their unusable backyard and turn it into a space they could be proud of to entertain family and friends. We designed a custom deck/seating area off of the home, patio, outdoor kitchen, dining area, planting and lighting. Additionally, we helped the clients figure out how to repurpose the garage as an auxiliary living space and added French door to the side of the structure to give access from the dining area. - [Corner Lot](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/corner-lot-pj-vj~6721492) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [CA Project: Almaden Hills Backyard Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ca-project-almaden-hills-backyard-renovation-pj-vj~5973975) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 8 - [CA Project: A Space For the Whole Family](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ca-project-a-space-for-the-whole-family-pj-vj~4835967) - Location: Campbell, CA - Photos: 18 - [Soak](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/soak-pj-vj~6721495) - Location: Campbell, CA - Photos: 18 - [VA Project: Outdoor Pergola and Fire Pit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/va-project-outdoor-pergola-and-fire-pit-pj-vj~2190987) - Location: Glen Allen, VA - Photos: 12 - [CA Project: Front Yard Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ca-project-front-yard-renovation-pj-vj~4160469) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 4 - [VA Project: Modern Pool and Large Hardscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/va-project-modern-pool-and-large-hardscape-pj-vj~2317605) - Location: Tuckahoe, VA - Photos: 15 - [CA Project: Sunnyvale Eichler Front Yard (Under Construction)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ca-project-sunnyvale-eichler-front-yard-under-construction-pj-vj~5813408) - Location: Sunnyvale, CA - Photos: 9 - [VA Project: Pool and Outdoor Living in New Kent VA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/va-project-pool-and-outdoor-living-in-new-kent-va-pj-vj~1458281) - Location: New Kent, VA - Photos: 9 - [CA Project: Eichler complete overhaul](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ca-project-eichler-complete-overhaul-pj-vj~5814008) - Location: Cupertino, CA - Photos: 16 [See all 30 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/water-and-earth-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1704054025) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What types of landscape design projects do you specialize in?** We specialize in custom, high-end residential landscapes, transforming underutilized yards into immersive, functional outdoor environments. Our projects range from resort-style pools and modern entertaining patios to private garden retreats and complete backyard masterplans. We blend architecture, horticulture, and lifestyle-driven planning to create intentional, timeless spaces uniquely tailored to each homeowner. **Do you offer design-only services or full project coordination?** As a full-service outdoor living design firm, we primarily offer comprehensive design services. We guide each project from concept sketches and detailed construction drawings to 3D visualizations, allowing clients to 'walk through' their future space. While we focus on the design phase, our process provides all the necessary documentation and guidance for successful construction. **Do you create detailed planting and layout plans?** Yes, absolutely. We create detailed landscape plans, including comprehensive planting and layout plans. Our design approach emphasizes thoughtful plant palettes and seamless integration, ensuring every element is meticulously planned. We also provide construction drawings to bring these detailed plans to life. **Do you design outdoor living spaces such as patios and outdoor kitchens?** We frequently design outdoor living spaces, including custom patios and other hardscaping elements. Our goal is to create modern entertaining patios and functional outdoor environments that enhance your lifestyle. While outdoor kitchens aren't explicitly listed, they are a common component of the 'Hardscaping' and 'Patio Design' services we offer. **Do you design drought-tolerant or sustainable landscapes?** Yes, we absolutely design drought-tolerant landscapes. We are committed to creating sustainable and beautiful outdoor environments that are both water-wise and aesthetically pleasing. Our expertise in 'Drought Tolerant Landscaping' allows us to select appropriate plant palettes and design strategies for efficient water use. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [JI](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81567951/list/ji) — 1 idea - [Stonehurst Estates Terrace](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57887790/list/stonehurst-estates-terrace) — 27 ideas - [Pool's in Central VA.](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44600793/list/pool-s-in-central-va) — 5 ideas - [Olsen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55990403/list/olsen) — 15 ideas - [Pegolas, Arbors and Trellises - OH MY!](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43966913/list/pegolas-arbors-and-trellises-oh-my) — 3 ideas [See all 5 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mattdalydesigns) ## Community Q&A **Q: Will this pergola post look wired or in the way?** *(in Landscape Design)* I am planning my back yard deck with a free standing pergola. If I am placing the 12by10 pergola in the place shown below, will the post be really annoying when I step out of the sliding door or even look wired even from inside the room? I am trying to keep the cost down, so a pre-made pergola kit might be a better choice for us. Any other ideas on where or what size of pergola best fit my space. ps, I would like to grow some vining/creeping plants in the flower bed around the 2 sides of the pergola in the summer. Thanks! A: @Li Ge Thanks! These decking board are composite boards. They are from @TimberTech. On the first photo we used tigerwood, pecan and mocha which are all colors in their legacy collection. It definitely required some playing with to get it right. My favorite detail in that first link was bringing the boards on to the fierplace. You can see more of my projects on Instagram if you use it. **Q: down payment for landscape** *(in Landscape Design)* Is it normal for a landscape designer to charge 25% of his fee before I even get to see his landscape design plans? He's asking for $875 right now and a total of $3500 when the whole yard is completed. A: Definitely. We charge 30%. **Q: survey map vs. property line stakes** *(in Landscape Design)* We want to plant privacy trees in out backyard. Since we don’t have the original survey to our house, we will need to call a professional to lay out our property line. The cost for property line stakes will be $400 and for and ADDITIONAL $800, they will draw and issue a map survey. To plant trees, all I need are the line stakes but should I go ahead and have a survey map done? A: It's 800 well spent if they are including property lines, topography, exisiting structures (house, etc) and trees above a certain caliper measurement. I can't get that service in either of our service areas for less than 3k! **Q: Anyone have any experience w/Yardzen for landscape design? Opinions?** *(in Landscape Design)* Considering hiring Yardzen for landscape design around our house/flowerbed planning, etc. Has anyone had any experience working with them? Good, bad or indifferent? I would love to hear your experiences! We would ideally love to implement the plan ourselves w/some help from a professional landscape contractor (but when it comes to digging holes and putting plants in I'm pretty capable!) Thanks in advance! A: @Jilly I can see it on my screen but not when I access the link from a private web page. Houzz prob has to have mods comb through it or something. idk. **Q: What type of wood is used on the patio area.** *(in Photo Questions)* Is that wood or something else on the patio area? A: That is composite decking from TimberTech. It is their Legacy Collection **Q: What material is on the wall?** *(in Photo Questions)* The green viny stuff on the fence. Beautiful yard! A: The client purchased it. It’s from gorilla playsets --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-01.*