--- title: "Ray Morrow Design — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ray-morrow-design-pfvwus-pf~185129722 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~185129722.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Ray Morrow Design" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/33035c8d03ab689c_2184-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Newport Beach, California 92869, United States" latitude: 33.7868 longitude: -117.7934 phone: "(562) 743-0436" website: http://www.rmorrowlandscapedesign.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 45 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 179 last_updated: 2026-09-22 --- # Ray Morrow Design > Orange County's Leading Landscape Design-Build Firm - 7x Best of Houzz Original Houzz profile: [Ray Morrow Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ray-morrow-design-pfvwus-pf~185129722) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Newport Beach, CA - **Serves:** Irvine, Orange, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, North Tustin, Foothill Ranch, Portola Hills, Villa Park, East Irvine - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (45 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2016–2024), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - References available - High-end - Verified Hires ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - High-end - References available - 2 Verified Hires Ray Morrow Design is Southern California's most recommended, high end, go to Landscaper. He has been creating unique landscape environments in Los Angeles and Orange Counties since 2001. Using a team of skilled artisans, masons, and builders, each project is a custom design-build venture from the ground up, filled with design nuances that haven’t been used in any other project. Supervision is key to ensuring that the design is never compromised by shortcuts or oversights; Ray is committed to being present on site during the construction of each project. At Ray Morrow Design, every project receives the utmost care and attention, regardless of size and budget. ### 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 - Project Management - Drafting - Organic Gardens - Pond Construction - Shed Design & Construction - Edible Gardens - Living Walls - Natural Swimming Pools - Dog Run Construction - Artificial Living Walls - Barn Design & Construction - Landscape Supplies - Construction Drawings - Custom Spas - Deck Building - Masonry - Pool and Spa Design and Construction - Trellis Construction ### Areas Served - Irvine - Orange - Costa Mesa - Newport Beach - Lake Forest - Aliso Viejo - North Tustin - Foothill Ranch - Portola Hills - Villa Park - East Irvine ### Typical Job Cost $25,000 - OC's Premier Landscape Design Firm 3x's Best of Houzz! ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Ray Morrow Design | | Address | Newport Beach, California 92869, United States | | Phone | (562) 743-0436 | | Website | http://www.rmorrowlandscapedesign.com | | Followers on Houzz | 179 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/RayMorrowDesigns/timeline - Blog — https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbzuhIxDI3kDkOe1vRZTXpg ## Offers OC's Most Trusted Landscape Design Firm! _7x Best of Houzz_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Ray Morrow Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ray-morrow-design-pfvwus-pf~185129722) - **Website:** http://www.rmorrowlandscapedesign.com - **Phone:** (562) 743-0436 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2016–2024), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 45 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — pixiluxe, June 2020** > Ray did an amazing job on our yard and his crew was stellar and beyond trustworthy! We started our backyard renovation right before COVID and I became very nervous about progress. Ray and his crew not only stayed on top of our job, but also proceeded in a safe way. I am a giant skeptic and have been burned by contractors in the past but Ray and his crew have earned my trust. > > Ray demands the highest quality in his work, it's evident. He's a true perfectionist and insured everything was the best. Because of this, I let him lead the way when normally I would be more prescriptive designwise. I provided Ray a wishlist of what we wanted for our yard and let him design. He and his contractor Ricardo did such a stellar job. Not only is our yard now modern but it includes a space for our dogs, vegetable boxes, a lounge area and an outdoor movie area. > > I have never seen a crew work so hard and so fast. I recommend them a million times over. ### All 45 reviews **★★★★★ — wcormack27, May 2023** > Ray completely transformed my dirt yard into an extraordinary paradise for me. Ray and his team are efficient, sticklers for detail and creative. . There is nothing nicer than to come home to a beautiful and tranquil place! I would highly recommend Ray Morrow Design. **★★★★★ — seanshih, Sept. 2022** > Amazing experience! Going in with this project with lots of excitement, and the promise was delivered the first day when we break ground. Our yard is conceptualized and built exactly how we wanted to be and more, and thanks to Ray for his artistry bringing all the elements to life. It's an extension of our forever home, and a place we spend many moments with our friends and families. **★★★★★ — Robert Acosta, May 2022** > The results speak for themselves. I hired Ray to transform my small backyard space from a very simple and dated concrete slab into a space that I would be proud to invite friends and family over to. I wanted a backyard that felt like an extension of the living space and offered amenities such as a BBQ and fire pit. Ray knocked it out of the park with his design. My wife and I were super impressed with the designs Ray produced and were blown away with the possibilities of this tiny space on a zero property line. This was definitely a difficult space to work with. > > What more is that once we had our designs in hand, Ray's services didn't stop there. Ray handheld us through the entire process of hiring an engineer and contractor, selecting materials and plants, working through permits, and adjusting as the build moved along. What made this build especially challenging was the zero property line and a 45 degree fence line that inhibited the overhead structure. Unfortunately the original measurements that Ray produced his designs from were incorrect which meant that we had even less space to work with than originally designed. Ray worked around these limitations and made adjustments to produce a backyard space that is beautiful and functional. > > Ray is extremely responsive and never left us hanging on any decision. You are definitely getting a premium customer experience when working with Ray. Do understand that Ray is very opinionated when it comes to the design. This is not a bad thing, he has been in the business a long time and has an eye for what works. I'm very excited with the results and definitely recommend Ray. **★★★★★ — Connie Ahn, April 2021** > My husband and I purchased our first home last October and we couldn't wait to get the backyard done since it was just an empty dirt lot. We were nervous about hiring the right person since we didn't have a great experience with a carpenter and painter we hired for our living room built in. But after talking with a few landscape designers/architects, we decided to go with Ray. He was the only person that didn't seem sketchy, wasn't turned off by our budget and genuinely seemed excited to give our backyard some life even though we didn't want anything fancy like a water feature, fire pit, BBQ grill, etc. We are so happy and thankful we got the chance to work with Ray! We told him what was important to us and gave him a few photos of what we liked and he came back with a design we loved and approved right away. Another plus was that HOA approved his plans on the first shot. Throughout the whole process, he was very communicative - always responding to my emails and texts. Never went dark on me. He also helped with choosing the pots and color for the bench cushions. So glad I listened to him! Our budget was on the lower end but I never felt like he was deprioritizing us for bigger budget clients, which, to be honest, is what I was expecting. Equally as important was the contractors we hired per his recommendation. I saw them as an extension of Ray and was very impressed with how they were able to bring his vision to life. Overall, we had a very positive experience and will hire Ray again in a heartbeat for our next house in the future! **★★★★★ — Lisa, April 2021** > Definitely recommend Ray! He listened to everything we wanted and delivered more! > We initially hired a highly rated design firm for our backyard and they were so awful - didn't consider our views, couldn't get simple measurements right, would charge us for the actual person designing to come back to our house. We fired them and Ray was recommended. What a completely different experience. > Ray listened to everything we wanted and, of course, had really great ideas. His design was beautiful and exactly what we talked about. Not only that, he really thought of everything. He was around through the build as well. Any time we thought of something and brought it up to him, he already had it covered. > Our backyard looks like a resort and it is amazing that this is our backyard. We couldn't be happier! **★★★★★ — N Wineberg, Dec. 2020** > Unique, one-of-a-kind master lighting design by Ray Morrow. > > We had looked for years for a lighting element for our front entrance alcove that would complement our remodel, an eclectic blend of time-honored Mediterranean flourishes and contemporary appointments. > > We provided Mr. Morrow photos of our home interior and exterior from which he interpreted and prepared a detailed, professional sketch (suitable for framing) of an original design, which we immediately approved. > > Mr Morrow oversaw every element of the design, execution and installation of our lighting piece. He crafted the copper, brass frame, selected the stained glass, hand polished the metals. From the moment we began working with him, he was responsive, enthusiastic, committed to our project and kept us apprised of every step in the process. > > We feel honored that we have one of his original pieces and it was very rewarding working with him. He intuited our needs and it was an amazing experience. **★★★★★ — Wendy Deller, Oct. 2020** > Ray Morrow was amazing to work with. His initial design of our backyard project was impressive especially because we had such a tiny footprint. The execution of the design was exceptional and we couldn’t be happier. Usually when you hire a designer you expect them to prepare a beautiful design but expectations aren’t too high beyond that - Ray, however was completely involved in every step. His attention to detail was remarkable and very much appreciated. He and the contractor team kept us up to date on every step to manage our expectations. They were dependable and conscientious, even working through the rain. Overall, we were very pleased with Ray Morrow design and everyone involved in our project. We would highly recommend Ray and trust him to execute an impeccable job. **★★★★★ — Ken and Joyce Ogden, Feb. 2020** > We highly recommend Ray Morrow Design. His passion for using natural materials in harmony with a property's layout and landscape is unique and refreshing. He is a true artisan and his commitment to detail and customer service are exhibited throughout the project. In addition, he has a network of skilled craftsmen with whom he works closely to bring his unique architecture and design concepts alive. His custom lighting, entry door and fireplace screen/door far exceeded our expectations, **★ — Kevin Ades, Dec. 2019** > We spoke with a few landscape Architects before I convinced my wife to go with Ray. My Bad! Ray is a better talker than a listener. We told him exactly what we wanted in the backyard and that we wanted him to bring it to life and make it wow!, which never happened. It took several attempts and months to get a drawing from him. He continually missed items to the point we created a list of the items he missed several times. No matter what we told him and provided him he or his third party CAD operator couldn’t get it right. He tried to make it seem like he was doing us a favor by coming back with another set of plans. Our vision never changed from day 1. If he would have listened to us he should have been able to do it by the second try with only minor changes. After we paid him his $10,000.00 fee, that's right 10 Grand!, his "scope of work" seemed to vanish to nothing. Keep in mind, this man is not an "Architect", although he is listed under Architects, he cannot stamp his own plans and expects you to pay "his" architect another 10 grand to engineer and stamp plans. Every contractor we approached for bids has said his plans are vague and incomplete, including our HOA who also found him to be arrogant. Getting bids have been difficult because of the drawings (not real plans) that we ended up with. Fortunately, pool contractors can trace the PDF that we got from Ray (he wouldn't give us the cad file that would have made things easier for them). Find a true architect who can use a computer to bring your yard to life and make quick changes like all Architects can do. We asked Ray why he didn't use computer 3d animation and he said it is crazy expensive. The truth is Ray doesn't know how! Save yourself some grief AND money and go with a reputable company that can sit down with you and show you electronically how your yard can look and come to life, not to mention stamp their own design plans. I sure wish we had known this and not spent 6 months in delays to get artists renderings. **Comment from Ray Morrow Design:** > Over the almost 18 years I've been working in the Landscape industry with 300 plus projects in my portfolio, I have developed a reputation in the industry as trustworthy, fair, and a Designer who views integrity as the cornerstone of my business philosophy. > Any potential clients who review my Houzz profile will see our firm has won multiple awards and had nothing short of 5 star reviews. > > In a service oriented industry, I have had to develop a very comprehensive landscape design contract that clearly outlines the scope of services included for the design and planning stages of residential properties to protect our firm. Unfortunately as in many industries, you always have that one in a thousand Client that makes this contract worth its weight in gold. The Ades's were informed from the onset that my design package would be a comprehensive set of conceptual design plans which would be designed to pass the scrutiny of the acting Management Co. / HOA and the Architect who reviews landscape designs. I told the client from the beginning that after the design stage was completed and design plans approved, we would need the services of the following professionals to create support documentation for the completed/approved landscape plans : Architect, Engineer, and possibly a Soils Engineer considering the unique topography of their property and scope of multiple structural elements requested by Homeowner . > > My design Contract clearly stated that in the event these additional services would be needed that there would be individual costs associated with all required plans and documentation for city review . > > My initial design fees of $10,000 for the landscape plans for the Ades plans is actually a very fair if not a low cost based upon the scope of the project. The Architect and structural engineer I've worked with for the last 15 years provided a quote of approximately $10,000 for the architectural and engineering plans to correspond with my design plans.That cost based on my experience and what was entailed in preparing plans with the required level of detail was very fair. > I received a call from another Orange County Engineering firm (contacted by Kevin Ades) after I completed my landscape plans for Kevin and Chris Ades and his projected cost for the proper architectural details and corresponding engineering to coincide with my plans was more then double the quote I provided to the client from my Architect. > > I went above and beyond the agreed upon services within my design contract. I personally went and met the architect who works with the HOA and Management Company for the Ades's Laguna Hills naighborhood on the Client’s behalf (not required in my contract) and I did about 6 revisions at no additional charge to the landscape plans (my contract stipulates 3 revisions only). > > Fortunately I've never had an experience like the one I had with this client! I bent over backwards to accommodate their wishes and in the end felt that I was being taken advantage of! Unfortunate outcome all round. > > The accusations levelled at me in the negative review from Kevin Ades are not only false but also very hurtful. No matter how accommodating I was for the this client I couldn't reach a positive end to the relationship. **★★★★★ — June Lee, Oct. 2019** > Ray is your rare designer who is actually living out his passion...to create aesthetic, unique, one-of-a-kind works of art through landscape design. This is obviously not just a career for him...he lives and breathes this stuff and has quite the background in design and architecture to back it up. From our very first meeting, he carefully listened to our dream list for our backyard...and came up with a custom plan that truly exceeded what even we were imagining. Because of his decades of experience in the field, we felt confident in consulting him for the million and one decisions that must be made for a project of this scope. From the first wish list meeting to the final walk-through, Ray will be right there with you, promptly returning texts/calls for whatever concerns you may have. This is one of the things I most appreciated about his work ethic...no matter how hectic his schedule got, he never made us feel like we were forgotten in the fray. He is extremely personable, open, honest, and just really really good at keeping the communication going throughout the project. And the end result? Let the pictures do the talking...I never could have dreamed up this pool/spa/cabana/deck layout in a million years. This is why we hired Ray. Every single element in the plans were intentionally and throughtfully placed, with the highest aesthetics and quality in mind. There were several elements that are unique to his work that no one else in the industry does. He is not your run-of-the-mill designer/contractor who will give you a boring backyard-in-a-box that looks like everyone else’s out there. I’ll warn you: he dreams big. Yet he will always respect your budget and adjust accordingly. Ray is an artist, first and foremost. And your yard is his canvas! **★★★★★ — Jason and Theresa Lagestee, Aug. 2019** > Coming from an industry where perfection and attention to detail are a must, we were very selective on who we wanted to work with. To be honest, we worked with 3 designers (who were all very qualified) but we weren’t completely satisfied and we didn’t even know it until we met with Ray. We were blown away with his Passion, Creativity, Functionality and the all of the details he put into our design. Ray literally blew us away from his very first concept, all the way to completion of our project. His responsiveness, onsite presence was beyond what we could have ever expected. The amount of times that he showed up, the numerous conversations we had with him easily exceeded what he was required for the scope of the project but he cared. It wasn’t just another job, he was passionate about making sure it was perfect. And it IS! It became very clear that Ray cared just as much as we did about bringing the design to life. I challenge you to find someone who is more passionate and dedicated to you and your project. If you are reading this, you have found your guy. You will not be disappointed. **★★★★★ — Carrie Henry, Nov. 2018** > Ray Morrow has gone above and beyond our expectations! His passion for his work and attention to detail are one of a kind. Since we are not creative, we trusted him with his vision for our backyard and couldn't be happier with the result! The custom design that he created is absolutely gorgeous and functional. Every single detail has been considered and planned. You can definitely trust his artistic talent! Working with Ray has been enjoyable and refreshing. He is professional, treats everyone with respect, is constantly in communication with updates, and extremely responsive to any questions or concerns. Ray also took the time to help me pick out patio furniture! He truly cares about his projects and seeing them through with every step. We highly recommend him! **★★★★★ — Jean Wu, March 2018** > Ray Morrow is an exceptionally talented landscape designer. His attention to detail was exceptional and his knowledge was impressive. If you want the highest quality of service and workmanship, then select Ray for your next project! **Comment from Ray Morrow Design:** > The design theory for the Wu project necessitated a balanced approach, being that the client has a decidedly contemporary esthetic, which she favors over traditional themes . The final design and completed environment really melds with the the simple Mediterranean architectural style of the home with the elegant spare linear structures and subtle textures of limestone and other natural surfaces, creating a relaxed fluid outdoor space perfectly suited for any occasion . **★★★★★ — Randy & Lilian, Feb. 2018** > Ray did the design work for our yards and was personally involved in the construction process. He takes great pride in providing recommendations that will provide a unique space and atmosphere and he sweated the details for things like columns on our outdoor structure (Cabana) and the custom fountain he designed. We contacted Ray, based on his prior work that we saw on the Houzz site and we are happy with the finished product and would highly recommend Ray to others. **Comment from Ray Morrow Design:** > At first glance the available space in the rear yard of the Schaffer home doesn't appear in scale with the clients desires which were : Outdoor Cabana , Custom Fountain, Outdoor Fire Pit, multiple planter spaces and imported pottery accents . The completed backyard space not only accommodated all of the above elements in a harmonious way but all features presented beautiful pairings of finish materials which lend distinctive nuances to the individual venues within the overall space. **★★★★★ — Glena Cheng, April 2017** > Ray is an artist who is able to take one's ideas to another level. He had a great vision of transforming my yard, while trying to retain aspects of the existing property such as the "tree with character" in my front yard and my existing driveway, while adding elements to the project to make it more modern and unique. As with any project, we encountered snafus which Ray was able to work around, and I am pleased with the end result includes a cantilevered deck covering, which I enjoy daily! **Comment from Ray Morrow Design:** > The Chang home was built decades ago and was in need of a major makeover within a finite cost structure. The end product Is a testimony to creative use of timeless and architecturally appropriate embellishments to essentially reinvent the entire property while adhering to a definitive project budget . The property now presents as a clean contemporary environment with all the elements in balance, from the carefully selected plant groupings along with modest hardscape improvements to the overall color palette and use of subtle textures......... beautiful execution! **★★★★★ — Raul Lomas, March 2017** > Ray is special. We interviewed 7 different landscape architects/designers before we agreed to have Ray design the hardscape and landscape of our modern home. He has been blessed with a gift. The gift of creativity and vision. Our home was not easy to design because of the unusual angles in the property, yet Ray took it as a personal challenge and worked feverishly to design and create an amazing project. We were very particular about the details of this project, yet we always felt confident that Ray would supervise the project with the exceptional design he created. **Comment from Ray Morrow Design:** > The Lomas property was basically a study in asymmetry! The Design challenge was to implement Major architectural pieces and create spaces unique unto themselves which would also invite specific uses and offer varied atmospheres . The ultra modern design / build home was already completed when RMD first arrived to discuss the improvements to the surrounding property which would include : Private gated motor court and front entry , Outdoor Cooking / Dining area , Expansive IPE wood deck and communal Fire Pit area and thematic minimalist planting venues , which feature sculptural shapes , contrasting textures and rich coloring. The completed project is pure ART and the juxtaposition of landscape architectural elements with the orientation of the home is amazing ! **★★★★★ — HU-335, March 2017** > Ray Morrow is an artist. His designs are unique and well considered. He is intuitive and creative; he works well with his homeowners. We had an existing home and landscape that I suppose you'd classify as more "traditional" than many of the more contemporary homes and designs depicted on Ray's website. We discussed this with Ray. He assured us that he wasn't a "one size fits all" designer, and that turned out to be the case. He re-imagined our front yard, pool area, slope and pond area in a way that was entirely consistent with our home. We are very happy with Ray's design. **★★★★★ — Masoud Zargari, Jan. 2017** > We interviewed quite a few people/companies for doing our landscape but finally settled on Ray. What we liked the most about Ray aside from his unique artistic talent is the fact that he listens to what you like to see and designs the project to fit your taste. Each of his designs are different and unlike others he does not cookie cut the project. Ray is a very pleasant person to work with. We totally enjoyed our interactions with him and have kept in touch with him over the years. We ended up going with his preferred choice of contractor which turned out to be another excellent decision. During the course of the project which lasted about 4 months Ray was personally present to guide the contractors do the tricky parts. He was not shy about asking them to redo certain parts so they better fit his artistic vision. Overall our landscape turned out to be wonderful and needless to say choosing Ray Morrow design turned out to be an excellent choice. **★★★★★ — George Perri, Dec. 2016** > Ray Morrow gave us everything we could have hoped for on our home landscaping project. He listened to our ideas. He reviewed the goals and theme of the project with us. As he reviewed he made suggestions that focused what we wanted and hadn't been able to clearly articulate. When he presented his design to us, it was everything we dreamed. But even after the design was done he listened to us and made subtle improvements that made the outcome even better and more customized for our family. He is just a pleasure to work with and an absolute genius in landscape design. **★★★★★ — ericapgilman, Dec. 2016** > We purchased a new home with no landscaping. Ray designed and executed the job. We were very happy with the finished product. **★★★★★ — Alisa W, Nov. 2016** > I worked with Ray on the custom design and landscaping of my backyard. I found Ray to be creative, attentive and thoughtful in his design process. His design was unique and functional. We truly enjoyed the completed product and would work with Ray again without hesitation. **★★★★★ — Marcel Weise, Oct. 2016** > Ray first designed and completed my pool and landscape for my first home in Newport Coast in 2002. In 2003 I purchased another home in Irvine and the only person I would even consider for the job was Ray. In both case I was the envy of all my neighbors. He ran with both jobs and I was completely hands free. I put my complete trust in him and if ever I was to purchase another home that needed a designer it would be Ray. 5 stars all the way! **★★★★★ — Sue Waltz, Oct. 2016** > We hired Ray to do the outdoor design for our new home, and have been so happy with the results! He came to our house even before our new home was completed. He sat in a chair in our dirt yard, and came up with his original design in a few hours. We ended up approving his original design with very few changes. It was something that we never would have imagined, but that we absolutely loved! Ray was great to work with -- easy going, very creative, and reliable. I would highly recommend him! **★★★★★ — brivera1525, Oct. 2016** > Ray was very professional and diligent in working on our project. He has extensive knowledge in creating space and providing a very unique plan design which is what we were looking for when we made the decision to hire his services. He was timely, followed up to the best of his ability, and was a resource in answering questions during the process. **★★★★★ — abalkwell, Oct. 2016** > Having had the opportunity to collaborate with Ray Morrow as an Electrical Engineer for the last 17 years, I have found Ray to be one of the only designers I've met to truly push the envelope, of lighting ingenuity and creativity, without compromise. The designs he produced have forced me, and numerous other contractors and fabricators, to think outside of the traditional lighting ‘box’, to develop something truly original and bold. Anyone fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of a Ray Morrow Design can relate to the feeling of pride in ownership, after seeing the results. > Andrew Balkwell > Electrical Engineer **★★★★★ — Brenda Knohl Design, Oct. 2016** > Ray is a pleasure to work with. He was detailed & meticulous with his designs every step of the way, making sure to work closely with both us & the crews. His eye for design is truly unique & has a timeless quality about it as our project is even more stunning today after all these years. Highly recommend! **★★★★★ — rhunt1, Oct. 2016** > Ray's vision, artistry, style, commitment, and execution made our then new house in Orange Hills / Villa Park truly become a home. Our interior square footage now extends into our outdoor living environment that he masterfully created for us. No other "landscaper" can bring the artistic quality and emotional connection that Ray's environmental designs yield. His integrity, commitment, and attention to detail only further add to the tangible value he delivers. Thank you Ray, we continue to appreciate and showcase our property to others with both excitement and pride. **★★★★★ — ron goodlin, Oct. 2016** > We loved working with Ray. He has done 2 of our homes and several of our friends homes. His creativity and passion for his work is infectious. Couldn't recommend a better guy! **★★★★★ — Marianne Hill, Oct. 2016** > Ray is an amazing design artist who's innovative ideas can transform your home. He works well with clients to give them their vision for their home. He is amazing and very easy to work with - quality and workmanship is top notch! **★★★★★ — rusznak, Oct. 2016** > Ray is a true visionary . He created a landscape design for a new construction home in Aliso viejo for me in 2003. We would regularly have neighbors stop by to ask if they could take pictures of our home for inspiration for their own homes designer. I would recommend Ray for your design if you want to stand out as something truly unique in your neighborhood. > > Mike **★★★★★ — Bill Nancy Naeve, Sept. 2016** > We had a backyard which was a vacant lot. But we knew exactly what we wanted. We had to incorporate a five foot long, three foot tall Tyrannosaurus skull which would look as if it was being revealed by a waterfall. We had to have a fireplace bookended with six foot tall inlaid purple Amethyst Geodes. We wanted a wood burning Pizza Oven and a fire pit. We wanted a back yard which offered our guests the gift of discovery combined with surround sound and easy to view television. We wanted to create a Wow Factor which would make our backyard both comfortable and user friendly. > > We interviewed a bunch of designers. Most offered cookie cutter suggestions and garden variety designs. No imagination. > > Then we bumped into to Ray Morrow.We will never forget our first meeting with Ray. After listening to our goals, Ray thoroughly understood what we wanted to achieve. Rather than trying to tamper down our expectations, he embraced them. Two weeks after our first meeting, Ray presented us with hand drawn plans showing how he would make our Tyrannosaurus skull look as if it was being revealed by a waterfall incorporated in a spa. The fireplace was designed with our Amethyst Geodes. The pizza oven was perfectly positioned under a cabana which allowed easy access to our fire pit. Wow. > > Not only did Ray translate our instructions into reality, he designed and personally fabricated natural gas Copper lamps for our Cabana. And, the coup de gras of our back yard is the cooper spark arrestor Ray designed, built and installed on the top of our fireplace. It is magical. At night, the arrestor is uplit and stands out as beautiful beacon illuminating his creativity. > > Ray is as easy to work with as he is creative. He is cost conscious, frugal, principled and hard working. If we had another backyard to create, we would select Ray. He is an amazing designer. **★★★★★ — boobette45, Sept. 2016** > Ray and Grant did a really nice job on our patio/outdoor kitchen/wine room > They had great ideas and were willing to do what I wanted > We have been loving it and have friends over often **★★★★★ — korotzer, Sept. 2016** > Ray is an artistic genius! We had seen his design for a friend's backyard and always loved it. He worked within our budget to create a beautiful but highly functional space. We have an outdoor kitchen, cabana with 2-sided fireplace, flowing into a gorgeous spa with waterfall. The project is also superbly accented with firebowl features - Ray was a perfectionist about the design of the firebowls, and made sure they exactly met his artistic vision. We even had him build custom tables using design elements from our spa and cabana. We have had several large parties since, and the space is perfectly designed to host parties, and we always receive many compliments. **★★★★★ — fredsmithmusic, Sept. 2016** > Ray Morrow did a fantastic job with my front and back yard. He's creative as well as economical. His designs really stand out in in quality and uniqueness. He's also a great guy to work with. I'd highly recommend hiring Ray to anyone who wants a one of a kind design! **★★★★★ — nancyjhernandez, Sept. 2016** > Ray provided an amazing design for my rather small back yard area. For about a year prior to finding/hiring Ray to design my back yard I interviewed a number of landscape designers. Throughout each interview I knew the designer did not have the same perspective in their mind as I was envisioning and continued my search. Before I progress further let me also say that each designer interviewed insisted that my retaining wall required re-building which added a fairly hefty amount to the overall budget of the project. Finally, after much research and asking many people for a referral, I was given the link to Ray’s website. I liked what I saw on Ray's website and while interviewing Ray I knew we were on the same page for design ideas. Also, Ray checked the structure of my back wall and indeed it is solid and did not require replacing. I simply could not ask for a more beautifully landscaped back yard as it is gorgeous. Ray is a treat to work with and in my opinion an honest professional. **★★★★★ — scott\_seminoff, Sept. 2016** > Ray has a great eye for the little details. He used what little space we had in our backyard to create both a functional area as well as something that is gorgeous. Can't say enough about his amazing custom lights as well. **★★★★★ — Rick Huff, Aug. 2016** > I have worked on design projects with Ray Morrow for several years. He is an extremely creative individual that has years of expertise. I have watched him work on everything from small to massive projects and he always delivers his own unique perspective to whatever he does. The passion he has for his work comes across in his enthusiasm and is infectious – after speaking with him about one of his projects you can't help being excited about it. **Comment from Ray Morrow Design:** > Thank you Rick. You are a super talented guy as well! **★★★★★ — ninawinn, Aug. 2016** > Over 10 years ago, Ray Morrow completed a stunning redesign of my entire yard which entailed moving my existing swimming pool and spa, and included all new hardscape, lighting and landscaping. This complimented the ultra modern design of my Eichler home. > > This spring, after a 40' diseased pine tree was removed from a remote corner of my yard, Ray designed a charming area of dwarf fruit trees and raised vegetable beds. We always receive compliments from friends regarding how "enchanting" this little area is with a seating area to enjoy the fragrant citrus blossoms, espaliered fruit trees along the fence, and the lovely gardenias interspersed among the more mature plants. I have used solar lanterns which light this area and give it a magical quality in the evening. Ray's design ability is outstanding and he always works with the customer to provide efficient service, the ultimate attention to detail, and an exquisite final project. **★★★★★ — carrie\_birkel, Aug. 2016** > The front of my home is amazing the landscape design with the most breathtaking fountain . The backyard pool, spa, patios, and landscaping one of a kind. From the flower pots, to the pool tiles to the side walkways all perfection. **★★★★★ — nadine3030, Aug. 2016** > We had the pleasure of working with Ray Morrow on our landscaping project. We bought a brand new home in Irvine, sitting on a 10,000 sq ft lot. Aside from the home, we bought one large piece of dirt. To us, we weren't sure what to do with all of it. To Ray, it was a blank canvas with endless opportunities. We shared a few photos of different backyards or outdoor spaces we were inspired by. His mind started racing and his vision started to form from the moment he set foot on our lot. > > After several lengthy and productive conversations, Ray understood what we were looking for. He took the time to understand us as individuals, as well as our lifestyle and needs. He went to work for a few days and came back with a recommendation that exceeded our expectations. Ray is a true artist and understands the integrity of architecture. We bought a Craftsman style home, and his design was 100% in line with the home's architectural integrity. The best result is when your front and backyards are a natural extension of your home, and enhance the overall curb appeal and ambiance. > > Aside from being an incredible visionary and having a fine eye for beautiful outdoor spaces, Ray is one of a kind. In a rather corrupt industry, Ray's unquestionable work ethic, honesty and integrity made him that much more of a pleasure to work with. Not only were we lucky to work with such an artist and visionary, but we have also gained a friend. We would never work with anyone else in the future. We trust Ray and his artistic eye blindly. **★★★★★ — vivob\_8, Nov. 2015** > We contracted with Ray of Ray Morrow Design to create a new look for our front and backyards. They were outdated and the hardscapes were in need of repair. Ray sincerely took the time to listen and understand our goal. In a few weeks he delivered a detailed drawing of his proposal. He walked us through each phase of the plan (drains, BBQ Island, sprinklers, lighting, fire pit, and natural stone planter wall, etc.) to ensure he had captured our vision. > > Now the project is done and we are in awe of the transformation. He designed us a perfect resort! We have received numerous compliments on our new yards and recommend Ray Morrow Design to all who ask. **★★★★★ — Gurn Blanston, July 2015** > In a world full of flakey contractors, RAY has been a breath of fresh air and has renewed my confidence that a contractor can indeed see a job through from the initial contact to completion! > > Ironically, I met Ray as a result of a flakey contractor on HOUZZ blowing us off on a job bid. The contractor who blew me off recommended Ray for my job! I'm glad he did. Ray is a very talented and unique designer who syncs with my tastes and style. It has been a pleasure to work with him. What I enjoy most about Ray is his passion and vision for our project. He is tireless in getting it right and checking with me every step of the way to make sure he is still on target. > > Every friend and nosy neighbor has watched with interest and lust with what Ray has designed and installed for us. I have recommended him to at least 3 potential clients so far and will continue to do so. Ray does not do cookie cutter jobs - it's all custom and his prices are extremely fair for the quality of work you get from him. Can't recommend Ray Morrow Design any higher. If HOUZZ had a ten star rating - I'd give him that! **★★★★★ — susancottle, Nov. 2014** > Ray Morrow designed our backyard last year. He was absolutely fabulous! He has an incredible talent to see spaces and develop it into a completely new usable living space. He took a small back yard and made three levels that allowed us to have a pool, hot tub, fire pit, swim up bar, and kitchen area. He managed the entire job and designed unique fixtures to make it even more personal and special. I would highly recommend Ray for anyone wanting a truly unique landscape. **★★★★★ — rdodson64, Sept. 2014** > Ray completely designed our front and back yard including all hardscape and softscape. We wanted to put in a pool and complete outdoor living environment in our back yard, and upgrade our front yard / driveway to enrich the entire look of the property. He did a phenomenal job on the Design. We went back a forth a couple of times till we settled on exactly what we wanted. He was great at presenting us with options to fit our budget. > And, he monitored the contractor during implementation which was a big help. Ray took personal pride in every detail. He has a passion for quality and settled for nothing less that perfection. > We recently had to move and sell our property. I have to say our yard sold the house and we made a 100% return on our investment in our yard. I cannot recommend Ray high enough. ## Selected projects - [Via Sedona Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/via-sedona-project-pj-vj~7013713) - Location: San Clemente, CA - Photos: 9 - [Cardona Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cardona-project-pj-vj~7009963) - Location: Lake Forest, CA - Photos: 8 - [Refa Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/refa-project-pj-vj~6906453) - Location: North Tustin, CA - Photos: 7 - [Sinchai Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sinchai-residence-pj-vj~2814039) - Location: Irvine, CA - Photos: 8 - [Lagastee Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lagastee-residence-pj-vj~5787591) - Location: San Clemente, CA - Photos: 12 - [Lee Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lee-residence-pj-vj~5849652) - Location: Laguna Niguel, CA - Photos: 19 - [Lomas Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lomas-residence-pj-vj~2422256) - Location: Monrovia, CA - Photos: 6 - [Old Course](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-course-pj-vj~2001063) - Location: Newport Beach, CA - Photos: 4 - [Hermosa Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hermosa-beach-pj-vj~1184392) - Location: Manhattan Beach, CA - Photos: 8 - [Henry Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/henry-residence-pj-vj~5599552) - Location: San Clemente, CA - Photos: 1 - [Irvine](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/irvine-pj-vj~2812681) - Location: Irvine, CA - Photos: 7 - [Cottle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cottle-pj-vj~597271) - Location: Manhattan Beach, CA - Photos: 8 - [Crystal Cove](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crystal-cove-pj-vj~597530) - Location: Newport Beach, CA - Photos: 13 - [Beautiful Water Feature / Custom Spa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beautiful-water-feature-custom-spa-pj-vj~1747064) - Location: Huntington Beach, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: These few images shown represent Another example of the incredible possibilities within a relatively small yard when properly designed and implemented. With this space there was an emphasis on creating a Beautiful multifaceted Water Feature / Custom Spa that would be the focal point of the yard from several perspectives, the front view is centered with a Loggia off the back of the clients new home. The Natural stone and Glass "Waterwall" along with the clean linear design perfectly embodies the… - [Dana Point](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dana-point-pj-vj~1184400) - Location: Dana Point, CA - Photos: 15 - [Manhattan Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/manhattan-beach-pj-vj~590446) - Location: Manhattan Beach, CA - Photos: 18 - [Irvine Small Backyard Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/irvine-small-backyard-space-pj-vj~1656222) - Location: Irvine, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: Contemporary materials use in this small backyard meet seamlessly with natural stone elements. We worked on making great use of space and giving them a dramatic water feature that is the focal point from the home. There is also a perimeter stationary seating area. On the opposite side, there is an elevated permanent glass top bar with a separate detached grill and food station. We wanted to make sure that the BBQ did not block the view of the fountain. - [Landscaped Backyard with Beautiful View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/landscaped-backyard-with-beautiful-view-pj-vj~1982660) - Location: Irvine, CA - Photos: 6 - [Muller](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/muller-pj-vj~597485) - Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA - Photos: 7 - [Custom Lighting Installations](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-lighting-installations-pj-vj~1493902) - Location: Newport Beach, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: Ray Morrow doesn't just create custom landscape architecture, but also designs and builds one-off custom original site fixtures. This includes custom interior and exterior lighting, interior and exterior doors, and numerous other boutique hand-made items specific and unique to each project. All lights are original and custom designed and crafted by Ray Morrow Design. The following are examples from four different projects, which were all stylistically unique and individual to themselves. [See all 21 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/ray-morrow-design-pfvwus-pf~185129722) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What types of landscape design projects do you specialize in?** I specialize in creating unique, high-end residential landscape environments throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. My projects are custom design-build ventures, focusing on artisan details and tailored to each client's personality. This includes everything from garden design, hardscaping, and custom water features to pool landscaping and outdoor living spaces. **Do you offer design-only services or full project coordination?** We offer comprehensive design-build services, meaning we handle both the creative design and full project coordination. I am committed to being present on-site throughout construction to ensure the design's integrity and quality are maintained, delivering a seamless experience from concept to completion. **Do you create detailed planting and layout plans?** Absolutely, detailed planting and layout plans are a core part of my design process. We create comprehensive landscape plans, site planning, and construction drawings to ensure every element, from plant selection to hardscape placement, is meticulously documented for a successful and beautiful outcome. **Do you design outdoor living spaces such as patios and outdoor kitchens?** Yes, designing luxurious outdoor living spaces is a key part of what we do. I create custom patio designs, hardscaping, and deck designs to extend your home's living area into the landscape, crafting functional and beautiful environments for relaxation and entertainment. **Do you design drought-tolerant or sustainable landscapes?** Yes, I absolutely design drought-tolerant and sustainable landscapes. Given our Southern California location, I often incorporate drought-tolerant landscaping, edible gardens, and organic gardening principles to create beautiful, water-wise, and environmentally conscious outdoor spaces for my clients. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Community Q&A **Q: Costco vs BJ's LED lights** *(in Cacti & Succulents)* OK, so briefly....I need a new bank of lights. Weather is unsettled and now, so am I. In the warmth of the sun that popped up for the first time in days, I watered my thirsty plants....now the temp is forecasted to drop to 50ish with no sun =( So, off the fence and into BBS territory with me.....choices are as follows: 3700 Lumens @ 29.99 (Costco) 4500 Lumens @ 34.99 (BJ's) Both are 'white' My plants will be inside until temps reach 50's again reliably, probably next March/May. My zone is 7/7a, Long Island, NY, plants are going in a heated spare room, temp is about 75\*F. I've had good results in the past, with regular ol' shoplights but would like to be able to keep electric bill lower with LED's. All opinions welcome =D Edited to add: my instinct is to get the cheapest highest lumen output I can afford, all else seeming to be equal. Is that safe logic for this purpose? A: Spend the money and invest in some higher grade fixtures like FX Luminaire. It is what we use on all of our projects. **Q: Storm prep** *(in Cacti & Succulents)* Looks like Hurricane Matthew might be coming to visit. :( My plants are all outside, mostly potted in gritty mix. It's been raining for a few days, and will likely be raining until Saturday or Sunday. I want to move them into the garage, hopefully up on something to protect in case we're flooded, and get them out of the garden where a salty storm surge would be a disaster. Will they be okay for four days in a dark garage, or should I keep them out in the rain until the last possible moment? (Right now, forecast calls for winds over 35mph and 2.5 inches of rain on Thursday and Friday) I have easily 100 plants to move, so not easy to wait until the storm starts. A: These plants are so durable. they should be fine ;) **Q: What kind of plant is this?** *(in Cacti & Succulents)* Hi, I'm trying to find out what type of plant this is. Its very small, leaves small like rice. This plant leaves keep fall apart. I don't think it will last longer. A: I would try taking to a local nursery and see if they can identify. It is very nice --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-22.*