---
title: "Skyline design studio — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/skyline-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1862361364
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1862361364.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Skyline design studio"
category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/3c735a6c0c8a494d_1149-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Half Moon Bay, California 94019, United States"
latitude: 37.4791
longitude: -122.4459
phone: ""
website: http://www.skylinedesignstudio.net
rating: 5
review_count: 15
best_of_houzz_awards: 12
followers: 200
last_updated: 2026-09-06
---

# Skyline design studio

Original Houzz profile: [Skyline design studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/skyline-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1862361364)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
- **Location:** Half Moon Bay, CA
- **Serves:** San Francisco, San Mateo, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Burlingame, San Carlos, Belmont, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, Los Altos Hills, Emerald Lake Hills, Highlands-Baywood Park
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (15 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 100,000 Ideabook Saves
- Best of Houzz winner
- High-end
- 33 years in business

I am a Landscape and Architectural Designer.  My experience is broad and varied, starting with a strong background in Architecture, Interior Design and Construction, accompanied by a passion for Horticulture.  This experience offers a special perspective: blending an understanding of the relationship between a home and its surrounding landscape with a keen eye for what makes a space functional, inviting and attractive.

I love gardens, music, dance, cooking, cycling, sailing, cross-country skiing and all things outdoors.

### Services Provided

- Landscape Design
- Garden Design
- Landscape Plans
- Patio Design
- Drought Tolerant Landscaping
- Site Planning
- Custom Fire Pits
- Pool Landscaping
- Custom Water Features
- Swimming Pool Design
- Outdoor Lighting Design
- Deck Design

### Areas Served

- San Francisco
- San Mateo
- Redwood City
- Palo Alto
- Menlo Park
- Burlingame
- San Carlos
- Belmont
- Half Moon Bay
- Hillsborough
- Los Altos Hills
- Emerald Lake Hills
- Highlands-Baywood Park

### Typical Job Cost

$2,500 - 20,000

Design Fees only

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Skyline design studio |
| Address | Half Moon Bay, California 94019, United States |
| Website | http://www.skylinedesignstudio.net |
| Followers on Houzz | 200 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Skyline design studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/skyline-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1862361364)
- **Website:** http://www.skylinedesignstudio.net

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- 2012 CLCA Award for Residential Landscaping
- 2013 CLCA CA State Award - 1st Place Small Residential Landscape
- 2012 CLCA Achievement Award for Small Residential Landscape
- 1990 Bard Award, New York City for Adaptive Re-use: The Police Headquarters Building.

- **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service.

**Affiliations**
- [Association of Professional Landscape Designers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/association-of-professional-landscape-designers-pfvwus-pf~92795973)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 15 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — James Stein, Feb. 2022**

> Talented, personable, creative—Diane pays attention and creates better versions of everything we imagine. She is both artistic and realistic, with a sense of color, proportion, and interplay of esthetics with growing conditions. She completely redesigned the front of our property (both hardscape and plants) and we have neighbors and complete strangers asking us for her contact information nearly every week. Diane has a rare flexibility in her work: she does not impose her tastes, just seamlessly improves ours.

**★★★★★ — Evan McCulloch, March 2019**

> I would recommend Diane.  I did a complete redesign of my small back yard, removing all the grass while adding a hot tub, outdoor kitchen and fire pit, and re-landscaping.  Diane did all the design and incorporated exactly what I was looking for, and I love how it came out.  Throughout the process, I had lots of questions and she was very responsive.  Diane also has a very extensive knowledge of plants and I really like what she picked out.  Lastly, she is very interested in making sure the project met my expectations and was available throughout the installation to make sure things were going well with the contractors.  Again, I would recommend Diane for hardscape and softscape design.

**★★★★★ — Paul & Rhoda Longhenry, Dec. 2018**

> Diane was a true pleasure to work with for my wife and I.  We wanted to explore options for redesigning our backyard - inclusive of a pool and hardscape - and Diane's unique blend of both interior and exterior design helped us to develop and realize a vision that we (and all our friends and neighbors) absolutely love!  Diane's working style is to understand what you have in mind, interject her years of experience and natural taste, and work toward the ideal combination that takes your ideas to the next level.  Can't recommend her enough.

**★★★★★ — Kathy Korbholz, Dec. 2016**

> Diane was a pleasure to work with and has very good design and problem-solving skills. She understood our design goals and embraced them. She is a good listener and factors our preferences into her suggestions. She also has good knowledge of and experience with local contractors, so was able to make valuable recommendations. I would not hesitate to work with her again, and I enthusiastically recommend her.

**★★★★★ — Barbara D., Dec. 2016**

> Diane remained fully engaged with us throughout the design process, and was able to translate and integrate our ideas and preferences into a cohesive and comprehensive landscaping plan.  Based on our discussions, she created (on paper) Plans A, B, and C - and we distilled the project from there into its final form.  She is extremely knowledgeable, creative, and artistic.  Our project was pretty big, and involved removal of a pool, and we love the results!  It's like having a resort in our backyard - a daily joy!  Plus wanted drought tolerant plants, year-round color, low maintenance, and great drainage - all accomplished!

**★★★★★ — cvirnig, Feb. 2016**

> For background, I was looking to do a massive remodel in the backyard of my San Francisco home when I first found Diane.  Specifically I told Diane I wanted a new deck / staircase with gorgeous rod iron details leading down to my newly transformed garden that would consist of a full outdoor kitchen, large fountain with mosaic tiles, comprehensive lighting plan and an AWESOME fire-pit.  Like most projects, mine quickly evolved and Diane was there to address all my new needs every step of the way.  She was always sensitive to my budget, while not sacrificing quality.   She even helped me source my beautiful new carriage garage doors for the front of my home as well as barn doors accessing my backyard from the garage area.  Again, every detail was perfect.  She helped select every plant species that would surround my new outdoor hardscape and created an oasis that is not only inviting, but is the hallmark area of my home.  All of my neighbors are envious of Diane’s creation and 2 years later I’m happier than ever.
> I would highly recommend Diane for any backyard project, but I would also let you know that if you choose to go bigger as your project evolves, Diane can scale with you and help you every step of the way.  Diane’s expertise extends all the way from basic landscape planning to detailed architectural and structural considerations.

**★★★★★ — jaleh70, Oct. 2015**

> Diane Hayford of Skyline Design Studio designed our landscape, and it looks beautiful.  We wanted a plush and flowering garden (think English garden) that was low maintenance, California drought resistant, and has low water need.  Hard right?  Well she delivered.  Our hardscape compliments our contemporary house design, and our plantings reflect our country house, garden esthetic.  Diane truly designs the outside space.  As with any project, we would recommend communicating your expectations of oversight of hiring of the landscaper, oversight during the plantings, and follow-up reviews of the landscape.  Diane can be involved with all these phases.  Our garden has now gone through 3 seasons, and we love it and so do our neighbors.

**★★★★★ — susanmmandell, Oct. 2015**

> Diane designed a re-do of our entire yard--back, front, sides--even the driveway. (We kept one small tree and the shape of the original pool.) I'm very detail-oriented and had hundreds (literally) of specific plant requests. Diane was incredibly patient working with me (and tolerating my delays), and came up with lovely planting plans, beautiful paving, a custom wood-and-steel gazebo and trellises, BBQ, fences, rock wall, irrigation systems--the works. The irrigation is all drip except for the small lawn areas, which use high-efficiency sprinklers; this approach has minimized our water use despite the lush look of the yard. The yard looks beautiful year-round, with a minimum of new planting each spring (relying on mostly perennials). We love the way everything turned out--and all of our visitors do, too! Diane was a complete pleasure to work with. I recommend her without reservation.

**★★★★★ — achristol, Sept. 2015**

> We came to Diane in an unusual way and we are so glad that we found her.  We had started with another designer for a remodel and addition to our home.  The designer did exactly what we said we wanted and when we saw the plans we were shocked by the amount of added space with lots of it unusable and no thought to function.  We contacted Diane to get input on the landscape and hardscape to go with this remodel.  Interestingly her reaction to the remodel design was similar to ours.  After she left we were at a loss since we knew that we did not want to go ahead with this design.  Lucky for us Diane called a few days saying that she had some ideas for the remodel.  We met again and discussed our needs and desires.  Her approach was to understand our design tastes and needs and to create a functional and pleasing design without adding unnecessary square feet.  She came back with a design that exceeded our expectations.  With her drawings I was able to get the structural engineering done and then submit to the building department for approval.
>
> Diane also did all of the landscape and hardscape design for us, which came out extremely well.  One thing that is critical to the successful execution of a job is the details being very specific and clear so that if you have multiple contractors bid they are bidding the same thing.  What I am talking about here are things that aren’t visible like the details for drainage and base preparation below concrete or walks.  Her drawings included all of this detail and more.  The only negative, and I think that this is true with all landscape professionals, is that they tend to over plant.  We still have the same basic design 7 years later but have removed and moved a few of the plants.
>
> Most people are not going to have as all encompassing a project as ours but it is hard to express how well every thing works together from the outside spaces to the interior and this is all because of Diane.  The other thing that I haven’t touched on was all of the interior design aspects that Diane helped us with.  In particular the tile designs for the two bathrooms and kitchen.  I had 2 very experienced tile guys whom were blown away with her designs.  Even though it was a little more work they loved laying it because the end result was so nice.  As an anecdote, they were getting ready to lay one of the bathroom floors and one came to me and said he had a concern about the design because of the swing of the door and its influence on the design.  We discussed it decided to leave it as Diane designed it.  When it was done we all agreed that the design was right on.
>
> During the course of the remodel, over 12 months, she helped us on numerous things.  She did a design for our front door and 2 gates.  We also wanted to redo the fence and she came up with a unique design that was easy to construct and doesn’t look like ever other fence out there.  She also did the design for our arbor again with some very simple details that make it stand out in a good way.
>
> The bottom line is that we have used here since on the remodel of our cabin and will in the future if the need arises.

**★★★★★ — cdbuckley, Sept. 2015**

> Diane was a delight to work with and I would highly recommend her design services.  She is flexible, personable professional, listens well and was timely in  follow-up on all the action items from our discussions. I loved that she was available by phone, text, or email and that she came by the job site regularly to check on progress as well as liaised between the contractors. She was also a great sounding board for validation of our concerns when something needed to be redone or when we changed or added to the design on the fly. I highly recommend her services.

**★★★★★ — pbill, Sept. 2015**

> I have an acre lot that I'd  landscaped myself 20+ years ago. I wanted to do a complete redesign, going with a drought tolerant Asian theme. I'd given a lot of thought to the project, but knew that I needed some professional input to do it right. I was browsing through Houzz when I found pictures of Diane's work. I loved what saw, but since this was going to be a long term project, I needed to know that Diane would listen to my ideas while incorporating her own expertise. I couldn't be happier! Meeting Diane for the first time was like meeting an old friend; we just hit it off. I was impressed with her knowledge of plants and the thoughtfulness with which she listened to my ideas. The plans she came back with were well beyond my expectations! We are about a third of the way through the project, since I am doing part of the work myself, and I continue to be impressed with the direction that she is taking. Diane gets my highest rating and I would gladly recommend her for any landscape design needs!

**★★★★★ — annazap, Aug. 2015**

> I hired Diane from Skyline Design Studio to design a pool and hot tub for my father's home.  The home was rebuilt in 1998 and is Tuscan / Mediterranean style.  The home was my late mother's passion and she worked with designers and architects to craft her dream home.  My father wanted a pool and hot tub and I wanted to make sure we preserved the integrity of the home and it would not end up looking like the pool was an after thought.
>
> Diane exceeded all expectations.  The pool design is incredible - the pool looks like it was built with house, the special touches of custom handrails, unique tile, and roman spouts make the entire project look like it was part of the original home design.  Diane's knowledge, patience and attention to detail are un-paralleled.  She is a delight to work with and can handle any obstacle.
>
> I am impressed with her design skills, the vast array of vendors and craftsmen that provide excellent work at reasonable prices, and her ability to seamlessly integrate into the project with several subcontractors and "pool guys".  I used Lifetime Pools and they know Diane and have nothing but praise for her work also,
>
> I would work with Skyline Design Studio again without hesitation and would gladly recommend them for any job.  I am beyond thrilled with the finished project!  Lastly, the family and friends that have seen the finished project are all amazed at how beautiful the pool is and love the design.

## Selected projects

- [Willow Glen Landscaping with Pool, Spa, Fireplace and Outdoor Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/willow-glen-landscaping-with-pool-spa-fireplace-and-outdoor-kitchen-pj-vj~1307599)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Los Altos Hills Front Entry Garden and Spa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-altos-hills-front-entry-garden-and-spa-pj-vj~129695)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 14
- [Atherton Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/atherton-gardens-pj-vj~5715761)
  - Location: Atherton, CA
  - Photos: 8
- [Los Altos Hills Contemporary Pool & Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-altos-hills-contemporary-pool-and-landscape-pj-vj~1206101)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Los Altos Hills Hillside Infinity Edge swimming pool and spa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-altos-hills-hillside-infinity-edge-swimming-pool-and-spa-pj-vj~95441)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Los Altos Hills Mediterranean Pool and Spa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-altos-hills-mediterranean-pool-and-spa-pj-vj~120410)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: This project entailed adding a new spa and renovating the existing swimming pool. We also added a new sweeping curving stair with a decorative iron railing that flows into an upper patio that curves out and overlooks the pool. The exiting retaining walls were incorporated into the new design and the existing tinted concrete around the pool was also retained. A new border of contrasting concrete scored with a diagonal pattern around the perimeter of the pool allowed us to run new plumbing lines a…
- [Woodside Woodland Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/woodside-woodland-gardens-pj-vj~95465)
  - Location: Woodside, CA
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: This gently sloping wooded site wraps around a contemporary home. Stone paths wind through lush gardens providing constantly changing vistas. Stone inlay details repeat throughout the site.
- [Atherton Infinity Edge Pool & Waterwall](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/atherton-infinity-edge-pool-and-waterwall-pj-vj~330822)
  - Location: Atherton, CA
  - Photos: 6
- [Willow Glen Mediterranean Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/willow-glen-mediterranean-landscape-pj-vj~1206112)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [San Francisco Mediterranean Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-francisco-mediterranean-garden-pj-vj~1206106)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Cupertino House Remodel & Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cupertino-house-remodel-and-landscape-pj-vj~1206097)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Los Altos Hills drought tolerant garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-altos-hills-drought-tolerant-garden-pj-vj~1076777)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: This Los Altos Hills hillside garden was once a sea of thirsty lawn. Over the years we have replaced the grass with drought tolerant natives and Mediterranean plantings, giving color and interest year round. New concrete steps through drystack stone walls lead up to the pool area, where a beautifully detailed arbor provides shelter from the hot sun and a beckoning destination. An additional arbor across the back of the pool casts shadows on the concrete retaining wall.
- [Palo Alto Driveway Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palo-alto-driveway-garden-pj-vj~120437)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: This was originally an asphalt driveway from house to fence with a partial line of Cypresses along the fence. We wanted to create an attractive view from inside and help create a sense of seclusion to the back yard. We designed a custom driveway gate to help interrupt the view from the street by creating a focal point at the front. The brick pavement creates interest and provides a solid driving surface with plantings to soften it and make it a "garden". The shallow arbor in front of the garage…
- [Mediterranean Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mediterranean-garden-pj-vj~355388)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: This modestly sized yard needed functional space and a garden to soften the boundaries and increase the sense of space and seclusion. A partially hidden rose garden creates a sense of mystery and encourages one to explore further.
- [Mountain View Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-view-contemporary-pj-vj~379000)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Contemporary Los Altos Hills Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-los-altos-hills-garden-pj-vj~329776)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6

[See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/skyline-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1862361364)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Very nice patio and garden area.  Love the brick capped walls!** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you provide dimensions and manufacturer information about the rounded brick cap?  What grout color was used?

Thank you.

A: Hello and thank you for your kind comments.  I don't have a record of the exact color, but this was a McNear brick bullnose cap.  They come in several widths, and with single or double bullnose edges which are great for walls or steps.  It's likely the color was Sepia, but of course you would select a color that went with whatever other colors and finishes you were using.  Hope this helps!  Best, Diane

**Q: customer homeowner** *(in Photo Questions)*

I am trying to build a private act fence with the lattice . I need to know how this was constructed

A: Hi Erica, It's quite easy.  The posts need to be set in concrete at a depth of at least 1/3 the height; so for a 6' fence you would sink them 2'.  Space the posts the width of the lattice, available at places like Home Depot.  Use 2x4 stringers top and bottom vertically, or you can use 4x4s at the top & bottom as pictured.  Attach 2x2s vertically as nailers and then attach the lattice to that.  If you attach the lattice behind the 2x4s & 2x2s it will be neater from the front.  You can then use a 1x2 vertically to cover the back side where the lattice meets the post.  Good luck!

**Q: What did you use for the wall cap?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Is the wall cap made of pre-cast concrete, natural stone, terra cotta? Thanks!

A: Oh, my, I don't know how I missed your question - I'm so sorry.  The wall caps are terra cotta from Arto, as is the patio tile.  We used Arto's Roman wall caps and pier caps (the square ones).  The color  is Cafe Olay and the finish is smooth.  For the patio tile we used their Spanish Cotto blend.  Thanks for asking and my apologies for the delay!

**Q: Exterior - Siding** *(in Photo Questions)*

What type of wood was used for the exterior siding please?

A: You're welcome!  I like your work - very nice massing and use of materials throughout. Cheers, Diane Hayford, Skyline Design Studio

**Q: Garden** *(in Photo Questions)*

Where are the wooden panels you use from please?

A: These are built on site by the contractor.  If you look at some of the previous questions on this photo you'll see some more info on them.  Thanks for asking!

**Q: posts** *(in Photo Questions)*

Just wondering what size of post used and if they are buried, sitting on piles, or just attached to fence.  Thanks

A: If you're going to bury the posts in concrete coating the part that will be buried with copper green is a good idea to help protect from rotting.  Make sure you slope the top of the concrete away from the post so water doesn't collect.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-06.*