--- title: "Gilmore Landscape Architecture — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/gilmore-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1704448873 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1704448873.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Gilmore Landscape Architecture" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/57639a440528e6ab_3670-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Arlington, Massachusetts 02474, United States" latitude: 42.4202 longitude: -71.1565 phone: "(617) 270-6396" website: http://gilmorela.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 29 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 39 last_updated: 2026-09-12 --- # Gilmore Landscape Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Gilmore Landscape Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/gilmore-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1704448873) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Arlington, MA - **Serves:** Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, Brookline, Medford, Arlington, Lexington, Watertown, Needham, Melrose, Wellesley, Belmont, Stoneham, Winchester, Concord, Bedford, Weston, Lincoln, Carlisle, Newton Center, Newton Highlands, Newton Lower Falls, West Newton - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (29 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2017–2023), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves GLA is a landscape Design + Build studio. We thrive in the process of working collaboratively with our clients to create beautiful landscapes that add value to their properties + enjoyment to their lives. We see the landscape as a living sculpture that must balance the elements of composition with the dynamic forces of nature. On each project, we discover the unique voice that emerges when client goals and site opportunities converge. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Custom Water Features - Gazebo Design & Construction - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Pond Construction - Shed Design & Construction - Living Walls - Natural Swimming Pools - Construction Drawings - Masonry - Trellis Construction ### Areas Served - Boston - Cambridge - Newton - Somerville - Waltham - Brookline - Medford - Arlington - Lexington - Watertown - Needham - Melrose - Wellesley - Belmont - Stoneham - Winchester - Concord - Bedford - Weston - Lincoln - Carlisle - Newton Center - Newton Highlands - Newton Lower Falls - West Newton ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 500,000 $50,000 - 500,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Gilmore Landscape Architecture | | Address | Arlington, Massachusetts 02474, United States | | Phone | (617) 270-6396 | | Website | http://gilmorela.com | | License Number | MA LA\#1587 | | Followers on Houzz | 39 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/GilmoreLA/ - Blog — http://gilmorela.com/ ## Offers Schedule your onsite consultation today! _30 minute consultation free of charge!_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Gilmore Landscape Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/gilmore-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1704448873) - **Website:** http://gilmorela.com - **Phone:** (617) 270-6396 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - LEED AP - MA Landscape Architect \#1587 - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2017–2023), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 29 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 48.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Karen English, Jan. 2023** > We had an incredible experience wtih Gilmore Landscape Architecture! We went to them with an idea for our backyard, and they developed a design and plan that resulted in a beautiful and calming space. They are professional and reliable, and deliver quality. We give them our highest recommendation! **★★★★★ — David Swartz, Dec. 2022** > We engaged Rob Gilmore and team to landscape our back yard. We had an aging deck leading to a wooden patio buttressing a slope, rotten timbers, and a chronic drainage problem in our lower yard next to the house. Rob and team worked with us to design a space that feels closer to the natural sloping terrain and that continues to bring us joy outdoors. > > In the design phase, Rob worked closely with us in reimagining our private outdoor space, more natural and pleasant to be in. This included replacing the old wooden deck with a Goshen stone patio and stone retaining walls forming beautiful contours around the patio and steps leading to a re-graded lower yard. Rob hired skilled masons for all the stonework, dry-laid and built to last 500 years! The team also built a waterfall that fit in beautifully with the natural slope of the yard. Despite two mature trees on the property, we were able to add two new large evergreen trees and many colorful native shrubs to surround us. We can see it all from our new composite deck and appreciate how it all came together. The GLA team was terrific, professional, and friendly from design to build. **★★★★★ — dtardiff80, Dec. 2022** > We worked with Rob on a complete yard renovation that included full regrading across multiple levels, new retaining walls (both mortared and placed), a stone landing, walkway, and stairs, a paver patio, deck, fencing, sod/irrigation system, and full planting. During the design process, we provided a rough vision and goals for the project and Rob and team game back with multiple options that we iterated around until we generated the master plan. Rob really listened to us and brought his experience to make recommendations consistent with our goals, design aesthetic, and budget. Once we began the project, Rob and his team efficiently orchestrated its execution, which included both his own team's hard/softscape work along with that of subcontractors (e.g., mason, carpenter, excavator). There were many moving pieces and some onsite changes had to be made once the project started and "issues" arose. Rob communicated these challenges and his suggested modifications always made sense and worked out. There were some delays getting the different subcontractors scheduled that overall lengthened the timelines, but Rob kept us posted and let us know what to expect. I really appreciated the design and build aspect to Rob and his team. I was impressed with how Rob and team excelled at both the design, but also rolled up their sleeves to "dig in the dirt" as well. I think that design/build continuity really made the project successful. The final product is absolutely incredible and achieved everything we set out to do - to both create more functional spaces and to make it look great. We couldn't be happier and would absolutely recommend Glimore Landscape Architecture. **★★★★★ — Ken Schumacher, Dec. 2022** > We are so thrilled with the major renovation that Rob Gilmore and his crew designed and implemented for our back yard. From start to finish, Rob was professional, attentive, and creative in bringing our vision for the space to life. > > Before the renovation, our back yard was not very pleasant or child-friendly. It was lacking in features and design (was effectively just some crumbling mossy asphalt at the top of a steep hill), and didn't offer much in terms of enjoyment for our family and friends. But thanks to Rob's hard work and expertise, our outdoor space is now a true oasis. > > One of the things that impressed me most about Rob was his ability to listen to our ideas and incorporate them into the design. He took the time to understand our needs and preferences, and came up with a plan that exceeded our expectations. > > The end result is a truly stunning outdoor space that we can't wait to enjoy with our family and friends. Rob and his team installed a large deck off the hill, a winding stone staircase, patio, dedicated drainage for our gutters, and a \*ton\* of beautiful new plants. These features all flow seamlessly together, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere that is a perfect escape from city life. > > Rob's attention to detail was also impressive. He made sure to use high-quality materials that would stand the test of time, and his team did a fantastic job executing the installation. > > Overall, I can't recommend Rob enough for anyone looking to transform their outdoor space. He truly is a talented and reliable landscape architect, and we are so grateful for the work he did for us. Our back yard is now a pleasant and child-friendly place for us to spend time, and we have Rob (and his team) to thank for that. **★★★ — gfurie, Oct. 2021** > We worked with Gilmore Landscape Architecture to design our backyard. The design itself overall was nice - a good mix of hardscape and plantings. For the most part, the design met our goals (with the exception of a few areas in which we asked for screening and the plantings provide very little). We have received many compliments on our yard and we are generally pleased with the end result. > > Unfortunately, the process and execution were poor in several ways: > 1\) We had to frequently ask for things to be done that should have been a minimum expectation of the installation. For example, the team had trouble planting several of the new trees straight. We had to ask many times for this to be corrected. They initially tried staking one of them, which was predictably ineffective and then after further requests on our part agreed to replant it, but even after that remained crooked. We ultimately straightened them ourselves. > 2\) A number of the large shrubs and several smaller shrubs were unhealthy when they were planted and never recovered. Others died quickly within months of planting. When we asked to replace as appropriate under the one-year planting guarantee, we were told they would be replaced but the team never followed up. After multiple requests to address this went unanswered, we ultimately gave up. > 3\) Several of the new trees they planted which were recommended for the design because of their hardiness died within 1.5 years due to a pest (can’t necessarily blame the team for this but apparently this pest is quite common and once encountered can’t be eradicated). If we had known we would have planted another variety. > > Overall we found it difficult to communicate with the team. We felt we had to be more persistent than we would have expected to have requests addressed, and in the end just gave up on some because it was too challenging to get a response. We have declined to recommend to several friends for these reasons. **★★★★★ — andrewmica, Dec. 2020** > Rob and team did an amazing backyard transformation for us in Belmont, MA. We were extremely happy with the results and highly recommend the Gilmore Landscape Architecture team. They worked closely with us on the design and permitting process, guiding but not dictating, and ensuring we were able move forward confidently and compliantly. Rob and Ian helped us select and source a wide variety plantings that fit with our aesthetic, our interest in local species (love the sourwood!), and the growing conditions. The installation team was easy to work with and adapted quickly as needed throughout the installation; both as site conditions dictated (e.g. granite edging on patio to compensate for slope) and as we made changes to the plans (mahogany decking and a boxed in railing!)). Overall, we were able to transform a relatively useless and unappealing backyard space into a beautiful, functional outdoor living space that is consistent with the style of our home yet uniquely modern. A special note of appreciation for Rob's coordination of the, gas, electrical, irrigation and (last minute) shed sub-contractors during a peak time of the year - it made the entire project come together. We look forward to many years of outdoor enjoyment. **★★★★★ — Deena Frazier, Dec. 2020** > We presented Rob and his team with lots of challenges - design requirements that were somehow both specific and vague, quirky and rocky terrain, access limitations, and intractable town zoning restrictions. Rob and his team overcame all of the above to give us exactly what we were hoping for – even if we couldn’t always articulate what it was we wanted. Rob was creative, persistent, patient, flexible, and kind. Equally important, he is a good listener and a good communicator. As an enthusiastic gardener, I found Rob and his team to be knowledgeable about plants, sensitive to our existing landscape considerations, and to possess unerringly good design instincts, appropriate to our site. It's important to note also that the team is obviously selected with great care. We felt that they were enthusiastic about the work they were doing, meticulous in their operations, and respectful of our property and our requests. It was always a pleasure to have them onsite, and we would love to have a chance to work with them again in the future. **★★★★★ — Kathleen Finn and Michael Panis, Dec. 2020** > Rob Gilmore and his team did a fantastic job. We selected Rob for our yard in Somerville because of his experience transforming smaller spaces into beautiful and functional areas. They came up with innovative ideas for different areas of our yard that we would have never thought of including solutions to our steep driveway that used to freeze into an ice sheet in the winter. They listened to our needs and asked about how we used our yard before making suggestions. They recommended we create an extra set of sets off our front porch to improve accessibility to our side yard. They created unique planters around a new patio to allow us to garden. They added an herb garden in a particular spot for perfect herb growing once they learned we liked to cook. Rob's partner Ian has a tremendous knowledge of plants and made great suggestions about what to plant and always gave us choices. They were incredibly easy to work with and were able to accommodate us and change plans when we realized what we had asked for wasn't exactly what we wanted. We hired Gilmore Landscape for both the design and build phases. That made it much easier to adjust things along the way. We highly recommend them. **★★★★★ — Al Weisz, Jan. 2019** > GLA were a pleasure to work with. The project was a small urban backyard lot. The installation team was professional, neat, and timely in their work. When an issue arose with a problem tree GLA was quick to respond with solutions and installation. In the end the project exceeded expectations. > > I happily recommend GLA. **★★★★★ — Bob Garrity, Jan. 2019** > This review is long overdue as we I have worked with Rob and his team at Gilmore landscape architecture on a couple different projects. > The first one Rob installed some plants in front of the house, and then designed a very unique stairway with native stone that looked very natural. That is what it’s great fun working with Rob is that he likes to use local plants and not the typical stuff you see in the landscaping done by many of the contractors in the area. > The second project was a complete makeover of my front landscape with a beautiful walkway. > My wife couldn’t be happier with the way it came out, and isn’t that what it’s all about! > Rob is easy to Communicate with, and his pricing very competitive. > Communicate with, and his pricing very competitive. Thanks Rob! > Bob, Winchester, Ma **★★★★★ — Willia Cooper, Dec. 2018** > We hired Gilmore Landscape because of water in our basement caused by rain/snow. Rob and his crew did a fantastic job. The engineering required was amazing, and we got a new, beautiful front sidewalk. The best thing is having a dry basement now. The crew was professional, hard-working and finished on time. They came back twice to seed and replant grass, then watered it. We get so many compliments about our front walk. If only people could see what's underneath. **★★★★★ — Caitlin Robillard, Dec. 2018** > Rob and his team did an incredible job with out patio and backyard landscaping. They listened to our ideas, helped us to create a vision, and then executed everything beautifully on time and on budget. We give them our highest recommendation! ## Selected projects - [Stepping Up](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stepping-up-pj-vj~7142117) - Location: Arlington, MA - Photos: 17 - [Somerville Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/somerville-oasis-pj-vj~6451062) - Location: Somerville, MA - Photos: 20 - Description: Removing asphalt and solving drainage issues has never been so beautiful. A frequently flooding backyard parking lot is transformed into a stunning landscape. A permeable driveway leads to a collaboratively designed carport with sliding barn doors that open to create a flexible use pavilion. The design features a granite path and patio, custom walls, elegant lighting, a sunken lawn, a deck with built in seating, a recirculating water feature, and lush native plantings with multiple seasons of in… - [Wooded Winchester Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wooded-winchester-retreat-pj-vj~7142074) - Location: Winchester, MA - Photos: 14 - Description: The house-attached patio features an outdoor kitchen complete with built-in gas grill and refrigerator and a heated plunge pool for soaking and swimming. Beyond lies a green lawn, a secluded spot for smores and conversation around the fire pit, and a modest greenhouse for starting the season's herbs and vegetables. A custom fence encloses this wooded garden and frames a functional and elegant arrangement of landscape elements that work together to meet all the needs of a modern family of 4. - [Garden for All Seasons](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-for-all-seasons-pj-vj~2758777) - Location: Arlington, MA - Photos: 14 - Description: In this project a shady front yard with struggling lawn was morphed into a vibrant garden. A focus on multi-season interest is a key feature of the design, with handsome foliage plants, groundcovers and grasses providing a verdant canvas over which spring bulbs and long-blooming perennials are highlighted as pops of enthusiastic color. Fall foliage, berries and evergreen species help this garden's appeal extend well into wintertime. Small granite terraces incorporate local stone and provide a fr… - [Blossoming streetside](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blossoming-streetside-pj-vj~7144721) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 10 - Description: The goal of this project was to reclaim a small sliver of front yard from weeds and passing dog traffic, and mold it into a streetside garden for personal use and quiet repose. A large granite bench of stone quarried in Quincy, MA in the 1880s anchors this contemporary design firmly within the historical context of its Cambridgeport locale. Salt-tolerant perennials are well suited to a location next to the street and are resilient in the face of meandering animals and exposure to road salt. Gran… - [Small Wood Grove](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/small-wood-grove-pj-vj~7143944) - Location: Arlington, MA - Photos: 13 - Description: This project began with an asphalt driveway, repaved with granite cobbles as a nod to the historic nature of the Harvard neighborhood. Stepping stone paths in tan gravel helped to solve issues with poor drainage while allowing for easy circumnavigation of the house, and an existing deck that serves multiple units benefitted from robust planting in the ground and in pots to define and subdivide the space. - [A Texan in New England](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-texan-in-new-england-pj-vj~1039318) - Location: Arlington, MA - Photos: 20 - Description: What do you get when a native Texan lays roots in New England? When the Owner of this 1920's American Foursquare bought her home in 2011, she wanted to unite the inside of the house with the outside, and transform the "ocean of asphalt" separating the house from her design and music studio into a living landscape filled with art, music, and friends. Our design solution features a multi-tier deck that invites guests in the Dining Room to venture outwards with ease. Gabion walls with cedar bench t… - [Flowering Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/flowering-garden-pj-vj~2758784) - Location: Brookline, MA - Photos: 13 - Description: GLA transformed this formerly blank backyard in Brookline into a lush garden retreat. A pergola covering a new brick terrace with stacked stone seatwalls offers the Owners a comfortable place to sit and watch their grandson explore the garden paths, which weave through a tapestry of native flowering perennials, trees and shrubs. - [Secret Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/secret-garden-pj-vj~1580273) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 5 - Description: In Cambridgeport a surprisingly open and verdant landscape unfolds around a triple decker home. The Owner wanted space for entertaining, and for their kids and pets to play. We removed a preponderance of walls and level changes and created one long flowing lawn space that leads to a large bluestone patio, punctuated by a small raised deck. The deck is the setting for a single hammock, which can be taken down to allow the deck to double as a stage for performances by the Owner's two daughters. We… - [South End Sanctuary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-end-sanctuary-pj-vj~1580285) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: Between Lawrence and Appleton Streets in Boston's South End, forming the 'garden alley path' between Berkeley and Clarendon Streets, are 57 privately owned garden spaces. Each around 320 square feet with a 6' high fence. The air is charged with the sounds of children playing, family's dinnertime activities, music, the occasional quarrel. While the Owner of this historic garden level brick rowhouse is drawn to the energy and bustle of Bostson's South End, she wanted a garden space in which she co… - [Stone Terrace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stone-terrace-pj-vj~1039316) - Location: Arlington, MA - Photos: 11 - Description: A line is the shortest distance between two points, but it can be nice to have a stop along the way. That simple concept guided the development of a design that turned an Arlington family's seldom used backyard into the "best room of the house". We started from scratch, removing a steep set of 8 steps leading down from an old deck to a steep and root-choked lawn. A new stone terrace forms an intermediate level up just 3 steps from a sun-dappled play lawn. It draws the character of the sylvan sit… - [Cube Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cube-garden-pj-vj~1039322) - Location: Arlington, MA - Photos: 12 - Description: A big transformation of a tiny backyard space in East Arlington. The Owner, an Architect, presented us with a collection of photos of contemporary gardens that she admired, and most of them featured a bold use of concrete. She knew she wanted a wood deck that appeared to float over the ground plane by way of cantilevered edges. Together we developed a design for a garden that balances the light floating plane of the deck with a series of anchoring concrete cubes. We cast 12 of these concrete cub… - [Green Driveway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/green-driveway-pj-vj~1580232) - Location: Somerville, MA - Photos: 7 - Description: 15 tons of old concrete and asphalt driveway were removed and replaced with a new living landscape. Previously the old paved surfaces shed thousands of gallons of water each year into the City of Somerville's already overburdened sewer system. We installed an underground drainage collection system that accepts all of the water from the roofs of two houses and a permeable grass driveway that accomodates 2 cars. The layout and planting design was inspired by the Owner's three young children who ex… - [Circle Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/circle-garden-pj-vj~1580247) - Location: Arlington, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: The Owner of this East Arlington two-family home came to us with a new hand-made tile mosaic, in the shape of a small circle, and a desire for a major change in their backyard. With the mosaic as a starting point, we explored several design options before settling on a garden layout made up entirely of segmented circular arcs. Only the mosaic circle is complete. Every other circle, such as those forming the edges of pathways, the shape of the deck, etc., are made up of segmented arcs on circular… - [Spiritual Influences](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spiritual-influences-pj-vj~2804191) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Process and Drawings various projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/process-and-drawings-various-projects-pj-vj~7596524) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: Depending on the project we work with sketches, drawings, technical drawings, different styles of renders and walkthrouhg/flythrough videos. - [Assorted photos](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/assorted-photos-pj-vj~7394073) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Pavements by GLA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pavements-by-gla-pj-vj~7596539) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 [See all 18 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/gilmore-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1704448873) ## Ideabooks - [Cherry St](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107835467/list/cherry-st) — 4 ideas - [Patterns](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/61972330/list/patterns) — 6 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/gilmore-landscape_architecture) ## Community Q&A **Q: stones on garage wall** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, beautiful work. Love all the landscaping. Can you share color & type of stone used for the garage wall? Who is the manufacturer of the the galvanized cage? A: Hello, and thanks! The gabion wire mesh materiall we sourced from https://midwestconstruct.com/  and the stones were one of a half dozen choices in the bulk bins at our local stoneyard in Woburn, Massachusetts...I believe we spec'd a 3" mesh size and the stones are 3 - 6" local river rock. **Q: Deck material** *(in Photo Questions)* What product did you use for the decking? A: it was left untreated and has about a year of weathering at time of photo **Q: trees along fence** *(in Photo Questions)* This is lovely! Can you tell me what type of trees are planted along the wood fence? Thank you! A: Thank you! The trees along the fence are Serviceberry - Amelanchier canadensis...a profusion of white blooms in laye April / **Q: Are you located in New York?** *(in Photo Questions)* I love everything about this design. A: Thank you so much! We are in Arlington, MA **Q: Where can I get these glow in the dark lights?** *(in Photo Questions)* They are so cool! A: They are from a company called swimline: 2 Swimline 10" Chill Lite Pool/Spa Bubble Waterproof Color Floating LED Lights http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GCRO0JC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref\_=oh\_aui\_detailpage\_o08\_s00 --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-12.*