--- title: "AFLA-Landscape Design — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/afla-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1954586249 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1954586249.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "AFLA-Landscape Design" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/6f83cdf301a6223a_6667-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "78 Avenida Drive, Berkeley, California 94708, United States" latitude: 37.8918 longitude: -122.2604 phone: "(510) 845-4129" website: http://www.aflalandscapedesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 165 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # AFLA-Landscape Design Original Houzz profile: [AFLA-Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/afla-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1954586249) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Berkeley, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Hayward, Berkeley, Napa, Alameda, Walnut Creek, Los Gatos, El Cerrito, Lafayette, Albany, Orinda, Moraga, Hillsborough, Piedmont, Kensington - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2014), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves AFLA Landscape Design provides personal and custom residential landscape master planning design services reflecting a broad range of design styles throughout the larger Bay Area ### 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 - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - Project Management - Drafting - Organic Gardens - Pond Construction - Shed Design & Construction - Edible Gardens - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Living Walls - Greenhouse Design & Construction - Dog Run Construction - Construction Drawings - Lighting plan - artistic planting - drainage plan concepts - drought tolerant planting - irrigation plan - planting plan ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Oakland - Hayward - Berkeley - Napa - Alameda - Walnut Creek - Los Gatos - El Cerrito - Lafayette - Albany - Orinda - Moraga - Hillsborough - Piedmont - Kensington ### Typical Job Cost $350,000 - 1 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | AFLA-Landscape Design | | Address | 78 Avenida Drive, Berkeley, California 94708, United States | | Phone | (510) 845-4129 | | Website | http://www.aflalandscapedesign.com | | Followers on Houzz | 165 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — https://aflalandscapedesign.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [AFLA-Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/afla-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1954586249) - **Website:** http://www.aflalandscapedesign.com - **Phone:** (510) 845-4129 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Secret Gardens of the East Bay, DWGC Diablo Woman Garden Club, JLEB Junior League of the East Bay, AAUW American Association of University Woman, CPS College preparatory school (Oakland Ca), NIAD Center for Art and Disabilities (Richmond CA), Better Homes and Gardens, Atomic Ranch - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2014), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — marberx, Dec. 2013** > As the result of a house remodel and addition, we ended up with a backyard that was half a mud pit and half an overgrown English country garden. After interviewing a few different people, we chose Andreas because his enthusiasm, vision, professionalism and pragmatism stood out immediately on our first meeting (plus we'd heard great reviews from others who'd used him). And through the whole time we worked with him, we realized that our first impression had been correct. We had many, many people who were involved at various stages of our project, and Andreas truly was a star. His creativity and talent, combined with his work ethic, communication skills and the execution of excellent landscape contractor with whom he often works, resulted in a clean, modern, functional outdoor space that our visitors rave about and that our family loves (to use and look at). What is also amazing is that Andreas was able to work with our limited budget. He has given us a sort of master plan so that we can "invest" efficiently in future phases of work, and we'll no doubt continue to consult him going forward. We are so glad we found him! **★★★★★ — blue\_star1, Oct. 2013** > We hired AFLA-Landscape Design after initial interviews of and proposals from various Landscape Designers. We were very pleased with Andreas Flache’s ideas to transform our property with sculptural walls and geometric stepped levels. These added unique form and interest, and great privacy and character (which we love) to what were pretty standard looking open and informal front and back yards. AFLA-Landscape Design and their recommended Landscape Contractor created and executed an artistic design on budget and were a pleasure to work with. Overall, outstanding service and experience, highly recommended. **★★★★★ — Jennifer Cavenaugh, Oct. 2013** > Andreas Flache, owner of AFLA-Landscape Design, is an amazing, creative and passionate Landscape Designer who is able to find a design solution for even the most hopeless appearing site locations. Our main front yard entrance was a usual straight flight of steps falling right into a busy street, as a result our front yard was divided into two unused areas and our house was completely exposed. Andreas designed an offset staircase with a courtyard in between which not only gave us privacy stepping out of our home, but also a fantastic view balcony with a welcoming, usable, unified front garden we can now use. He far-exceeded our expectations for what was possible in a small space. > > Andreas' design for our backyard was similarly creative. By stressing multifunctionality of spaces, his sensitive and detailed designs converted a driveway into a playground and was able to find sufficient space for a hot tub, dinning terrace with steps leading to a kids play ground with lawn. We now have plenty of room for vegetables, flowering plants and a fountain. > > We were finally able to achieve our vision for our home: a seamless integration between our family living spaces inside our home and functional outside spaces for entertaining, play and relaxation. Now we live in our garden. Guests and neighbors frequently compliment us on the successful conversion of our new found oasis. **★★★★★ — mdellar, Aug. 2013** > AFLA provided complete and thorough creative and technical services for our very complicated and large-scale landscape project. The process was extremely professional and the results have received rave reviews. We strongly recommend AFLA for a variety of landscape needs. **★★★★★ — robertstoner, Aug. 2013** > Andreas is a highly creative landscape architect, willing to "brainstorm" with his clients, but then, when he finally puts pen to paper, he comes up with eminently sensible and beautiful designs that can actually be carried out. He provided a beautiful plan for our multi-level yard that was previously hardly developed, and stresses "form and "structure" so that the yard doesn't quickly return to the state of nature. (But the actual "feel" at the end of the project is naturalistic, despite the structure.) He is easy to work with and very enthusiastic, which makes the whole process much more enjoyable. He will adapt his plan to whatever budget you have, although the need to put some "structure" in the yard does involve an investment beyond just buying a bunch of plants. He works with several very competent landscaping firms who are able to implement his plans and work with you in doing that. All in all, the highest recommendation! **★★★★★ — nar3ada, Aug. 2013** > Andreas Flache, owner of AFLA-Landscape Design is a visionary, a pleasure to work with, and very attentive to the needs/desires (whether aesthetic or financial) of his clients > > We purchased a home with the need for a major landscape makeover. The decks were decrepit and falling apart, and there was almost no landscape design to speak of on what was otherwise a beautiful and promising property. We found Andreas by accident. His home is near ours, and we admired his landscaping from afar. Then, we read his fantastic reviews on a local email listserv. Finally, we met him, and his enthusiasm and superb artistic sensibilities sealed the deal. > > We had unavoidable repair needs for our Residence with an impractical entrance deck, a too steep driveway ,and collapsing retaining walls. Most of our landscape budget had to be tied to building or maintenance related issues. Here, Andreas' additional strong building architectural passion made even the most mundane fixes exciting and beautiful. > > With a remaining modest landscape budget, Andreas skillfully created an amazing (and affordable) plan for working transitions into the natural environment. We enjoy our new landscape everyday, love the compliments we receive from guests, and most of all, we cherish the friendship we made with Andreas along the way. > > We highly recommend him. **★★★★★ — mow510, Aug. 2013** > Andreas is a true artist who transformed our outdoor area from mostly unusable space into a beautiful garden that we are now able to enjoy, skillfully incorporating our needs into the design. A couple of things that set Andreas apart – he has great passion for his work, which was apparent from our first meeting, and he has the vision to see a space’s potential, no matter how challenging the project. In our case, one of our challenges was a small, sloped lot with street exposure. After Andreas worked his magic, our garden is not only beautiful and more private, but actually feels much bigger. Another testament to Andreas’ talent is that we have received many compliments from neighbors and passers-by who inquire about who designed our garden. Overall, the final result greatly exceeded our expectations. **★★★★★ — lafayettem, Aug. 2013** > Andreas Flache is a gifted landscape architect who was a pleasure to work with. We completed a complete renovation of our home and landscaping and were extremely impressed with Andreas's work and with the finished project. The experience was the best part of a very involved construction project. > Andreas was very sensitive to creating a space that would work aesthetically with the architecture of our redesigned home and functionally with the needs of our family. He created a beautiful outdoor space for us that has become our main living space for us, our children, and gatherings. With each season it evolves, surprises, and delights us. We receive glowing comments from everyone who visits our home. > During the design and implementation process Andreas was always highly accessible and responsive to our needs. As issues have arisen even several years after completion he has always been available to address them. He is a consummate professional and is passionate about creating beautiful, living, dynamic outdoor spaces. We would eagerly work with him again and recommend him to all our friends. **★★★★★ — ethelethelethel, Aug. 2013** > My dream came true. > I can hands down, highly recommend Andreas Flache from AFLA-Landscape Design. > > After having hired first another Landscape Architect who's work was not up to my expectation, I interviewed a variety of new Landscape Designers. Andreas Flache stuck out immediately since his first vision seems to picture what I hoped for, but needed help to express. He had an amazing feeling for the site's possibilities and truly advanced my design options. > > From thereon, our work relationship was educational, creative and as much fun as it can get. It was a pleasure to work with such professional designers as well as the by AFLA recommended Landscape Contractors. Everything was done with professional quality, right at the first time. > > I wish I would have met them first. My very good experience needs to be passed on to the community. I attached before and after pictures > > Sincerely > Ethel Lebenkoff > Artist **★★★★★ — efbirkawhite, Aug. 2013** > Andreas Flache was given a huge project--the relandscape of a property of an acre and one half. His sinuous curves, dense planting, and cool colors of primarily green and white created a garden of tranquility and beauty. We have another small project in the works now and who did we turn to again but Andreas. We wholeheartedly recommend his unique European sensibility and also very important, the skilled workers who actually plant the trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers that he selects. ## Selected projects - [Cont. Diablo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cont-diablo-pj-vj~295659) - Location: Diablo, CA - Photos: 41 - Description: This extensively restored residence built in 1924, achieved a Historic Preservation Award after completion. Before redesign, the house was completely shaded by redwood trees. AFLA worked to retain the historic forest-character of the site, while carefully fitting a new pool below a heritage Oak, establishing sunny lawn-covered spaces throughout, while evoking an 'Old World' feel. An apple tree alley connects the house to the pool. see original site photos: http://www.aflalandscapedesign.com/AFLA… - [Cont. Orinda](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cont-orinda-pj-vj~295679) - Location: Orinda, CA - Photos: 19 - Description: A minimal landscaped corner property with large lawn areas bordering surrounding roads, required usable and private exterior spaces. The client's need for a fun and in parts whimsical kid friendly environment, set the stage for colorful concrete hardscape settings, landscape engaging kid activities like waterfall, 'peek-through' bolder and tough low maintenance plant settings to play hide and seek. A lavender cypress alley toward the front door sets a pronounced and unique entrance mood, interac… - [Cont. Meadowood](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cont-meadowood-pj-vj~295919) - Location: St. Helena, CA - Photos: 20 - Description: The original residence exhibited a main building elevated above ground on wooden posts. A large one level lawn area in front with pool, bordered a viewing deck overlooking the St. Helena Valley. During a new building addition, AFLA concluded that despite an unrivaled view, the large one level area created a feeling of 'emptiness' and did not engage the landscape with the building nor the viewing deck. AFLA proposed a stone building foundation and multilevel terraces. see original site photos: ht… - [Cont. Menlo Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cont-menlo-park-pj-vj~295649) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: This residence’s large landscape was cut off by wood retaining walls located too close to the house, limiting access to the majority of the hillside back yard. Opening up the yard with unobtrusive transitions, allowed previously unusable areas to be explored and utilized. A mix of native and Mediterranean plants were applied to achieve a diverse, textured, and color-coordinated landscape. Paint stroke and cluster-like applications were used to extend space and lead the eye. see original site pho… - [Cont. Napa 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cont-napa-2-pj-vj~295902) - Location: Napa, CA - Photos: 31 - Description: Located on top of a new vineyard hillside, the build Estate needed to be surrounded with wind protected 'Garden Rooms' showcasing sweeping views. The client's desire for lush vegetation, required a balanced plant compromise with drought tolerant and local vegetation. A minimized lawn area with pavers, leads to a sunken pool terrace with native grasses and lavender. The pool's orientation doubles as an imaginary water basin seen from the building, reflecting the sky. A vegetable walled garden and… - [Cont. Orinda 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cont-orinda-2-pj-vj~295714) - Location: Orinda, CA - Photos: 25 - Description: This newly renovated Residence bordering a steep creek, sat in a native environment which closed in on the Residence, blocking the view to distant mountain ranges. AFLA proposed a physical and psychological enlarged 'vanishing edge like' rear garden design to fully bring out the distant mountain range with its strong and calming contrast. Incorporating an of center pool, various levels and a client's desired putting cord behind the vanishing edge lawn with sitting steps, added to the variety of… - [Cont. Orinda 3](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cont-orinda-3-pj-vj~295871) - Location: Orinda, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: New ownership allowed for an overhaul of existing neglected garden areas. AFLA's task was to design a family/ kids friendly environment for minimal costs with distinguished settings to entice a custom feel. Providing shade and privacy with a variety of tree settings, tied the formerly 'empty feeling' space together. AFLA integrated brick walls, regraded swamped site areas and screened out a high traffic road with vegetation and a driveway gate. The new tree surrounded driveway creates a neighbor… - [Cont. Proj. add. images](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cont-proj-add-images-pj-vj~296009) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Medit. Berkeley Hills](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/medit-berkeley-hills-pj-vj~292306) - Location: Berkeley, CA - Photos: 67 - Description: Mediterranean retreat with diverse custom details and sculptures, Napa Basalt stone walls, custom fountains, paver patterns, custom pavilion, dinning table, Mediterranean- Italian -Provence style plant and hardscape settings see original site photos: http://www.aflalandscapedesign.com/AFLALandscapeDesign/Med\_Berk\_Hills\_before.html - [Cont. Alamo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cont-alamo-pj-vj~295686) - Location: Alamo, CA - Photos: 40 - Description: This large residence's landscaping lacked coherent and usable space. A fenced rear pool closed in and separated bordering garden areas. Opening up the existing pool area and planting surrounding cherry trees with vegetation, helped to connect a variety of new garden spaces. The client's intentions to convert the house into a more Mediterranean-style building set the stage for several garden additions. Highlights included a planted 'forest' and 'Old World'-style gates, which playfully contrast wi… - [Medit. Oakl.Hills 1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/medit-oakl-hills-1-pj-vj~294031) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 21 - Description: After a Firestorm, a rebuild mediterranean Residence had lost its original neighborhood. A design vision was needed to complement the client's artistic lifestyle as a painter with a desire for privacy. Featured in the ‘Secret Gardens of the East Bay’ tour, this garden’s interconnected and themed spaces, incorporate today lush green textured vegetation, with pops of red Pelargoniums, 'cloud-like' grey leafed olive trees and yellow citrus fruit. Garden walls frame spectacular city views. see origi… - [Medit. Oakl.Hills 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/medit-oakl-hills-2-pj-vj~294552) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: Mediterranean city courtyard with wine country feel for outdoor entertaining see photos before: http://www.aflalandscapedesign.com/AFLALandscapeDesign/Med\_Oak\_Hills\_before\_2.html - [Medit. Proj. add. images](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/medit-proj-add-images-pj-vj~295965) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Mod. Belvedere](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mod-belvedere-pj-vj~295569) - Location: Belvedere, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: This contemporary remodeled residence, required an architectural and functional landscape design, which incorporated the residence's largest asset, a lagoon. Tiles chosen to match the blue of the sky and water evoke endlessness, while contrasting tiles visually extend the residence's interior spaces out toward the lagoon. A new regraded and borderless transition at the lagoon allows for easy boating access. see photos before: http://www.aflalandscapedesign.com/AFLALandscapeDesign/Mod\_Belvedere\_b… - [Mod. Berkeley](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mod-berkeley-pj-vj~295582) - Location: Berkeley, CA - Photos: 31 - Description: Located at the edge of a steep slope, this garden's overgrown and deeply shaded backyard was unusable for recreational purposes. Despite the traditional building style, a modern landscape design with simple, rough, concrete walled levels was proposed. To keep consistence with the traditional, more whimsical detailed residence, the contrasting plain concrete surfaces were complimented with lush vegetation and diverse tile patterns and client objects inlayed in the lawn. see original site photos:… - [Mod. Berkeley 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mod-berkeley-2-pj-vj~295628) - Location: Berkeley, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: AFLA's primary task was to make the exterior for a newly purchased home workable. It required lowering an existing unusable steep driveway by 5 feet, redesign deteriorated retaining walls as well as front entrance and rear yard decks. A modest remaining landscape budget was used to create minimal but strong connections into the surrounding natural Eucalyptus forest. see original site photos: http://www.aflalandscapedesign.com/AFLALandscapeDesign/Mod\_Berkeley\_2\_before.html - [Mod. Kensington](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mod-kensington-pj-vj~295605) - Location: Kensington, CA - Photos: 52 - Description: A newly purchased residence was hidden behind shrubs with empty, unusable outdoor spaces and lack of privacy which decreased its property value. The client's modern lifestyle informed the redesign through the use of bold sculptural and graded settings. Sitting steps and bordering stucco benches maximized the minimal outdoor space. Inlayed pattern repetition add interest and encourage interaction. Cherry trees planted along the sidewalk of the street around the property enlarged visually the prop… - [Proj. AFLA Interior Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/proj-afla-interior-design-pj-vj~296049) - Location: Berkeley, CA - Photos: 17 - [Mod. Oakl.Hills 1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mod-oakl-hills-1-pj-vj~295427) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: This contemporary residence required a fundamental definition of exterior spaces to add usability and visual interest. AFLA's staggered walls interact with freestanding wall elements to work as sculptural separations of space and function. Overlapping linear structures and large lawn steps add to a modern design aesthetic. see photos before: http://www.aflalandscapedesign.com/AFLALandscapeDesign/Mod\_Oak\_Hills\_before.html - [Mod. Oakl.Hills 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mod-oakl-hills-2-pj-vj~295220) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: Minimalist garden terrace with floating steps, concrete walls, lawn and wisteria pergola [See all 21 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/afla-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~1954586249) ## Ideabooks - [Courtyard](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18222325/list/courtyard) — 3 ideas - [Pool](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18120126/list/pool) — 3 ideas - [Door](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18336741/list/door) — 1 idea - [Water Feature](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18282297/list/water-feature) — 1 idea - [Land Art](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18277512/list/land-art) — 1 idea - [Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18277000/list/landscape) — 1 idea - [Sculpture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18272835/list/sculpture) — 1 idea [See all 7 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/aflache) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the name of the plant with the red-orange flower?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Common Name 'Crocosmia' or 'Montbretia', Latin Name Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 36" stalks of brilliantly colored, tube shaped 2" flowers from July until the first frost with 8-12 stems lasting for weeks. Favorite for Hummingbirds and Butterflies. Hardy in USDA Zones 7-11. Can be grown, but not over-wintered in containers. Crocosmia will die back to the ground in winter. Quickly regrow in the spring. Need full sun or light shade in the afternon. Plant your Crocosmia clumps 12"-18" apart in rich, moisture retaining soil that won't become waterlogged **Q: dimensions?** *(in Photo Questions)* do you happen to know the dimensions of this pool? thanks! A: 18'x38' with overhanging 3" thick 36" long bluestone coping **Q: Type of driveway pavers?** *(in Photo Questions)* What type of pavers are these in the driveway? Thanks. A: Driveway pavers installed over compacted gravel base are from Manufacturer 'CastleLite Block LLC', Paver type 'Shasta Blend', Paver pattern 'Mission 3', Border over conc. is made out of rectangles. **Q: How is this wall constructed? What are materials used? thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The 16" wide sitting bench wall is constructed with a trench concrete strip footing and mortared reinforced CMU-wall on top (concrete masonry units with \#4 = 1/2"thick rebar) which got cladded with 'Connecticut Blue Stone' veneer (+/-2"-3" thick). Top coping is a 3" thick 36' long 'Connecticut Blue Stone' slab. **Q: Hello, can you tell me who makes that play structure? Thank you.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The play structure was purchased from CedarWorks (800 462 3327) http://www.cedarworks.com/product/outdoor. CedarWorks allows you to customize your own play structure with web site integrated design application. If you like this particular play structure layout they will assist you based on this photo. **Q: Is that horse tail reed? Looks great** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Yes. The root invasive perennial's common name is horsetail, the botanical name is equisetum hyemale. Best used in confined areas. Culture. Best grown in medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates an extremely wide range of soils, however. Will grow in up to 4" of standing water. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*