--- title: "Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/jeffrey-gordon-smith-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1954640561 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1954640561.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/b013bff00b42ce47_4051-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "630 Quintana Road, Suite 242, Morro Bay, California 93442, United States" latitude: 35.3795 longitude: -120.8447 phone: "(805) 440-0355" website: http://www.jgsdesigns.com rating: 5 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 13 followers: 3053 last_updated: 2026-09-01 --- # Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/jeffrey-gordon-smith-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1954640561) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Morro Bay, CA - **Serves:** San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Cayucos, Avila Beach, California, Central Coast, Central Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, san luis obispo metro, Southern California - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 13 awards (2012–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000,000 Ideabook Saves From the firm's inception in 1992, the philosophy of Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture has reflected Jeffrey's passion for unique plant material and meticulous attention to the projects overall design concept. As a result, Jeffrey's designs are distinct in blending his unparalleled plant vocabulary, compelling concepts and thoughtful design solutions to provide each client with an extraordinary landscape. Initially, Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture's projects focused on high concept residential designs in the San Francisco area. In 1999, the firm expanded and relocated to the San Luis Obispo area where it continues to specialize in site specific designs for both residential and commercial projects. Jeffrey’s designs strive to marry architecture to site and develop a cohesive landscape design that looks like it belongs. He has a strong conviction toward a regional style, encouraging the owners of his designs to celebrate where they live and create a stronger connection through their landscape. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - Construction Drawings - Landscape Architecture ### Areas Served - San Luis Obispo - Atascadero - Los Osos - Morro Bay - Cayucos - Avila Beach - California - Central Coast - Central Valley - San Francisco Bay Area - san luis obispo metro - Southern California ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture | | Address | 630 Quintana Road, Suite 242, Morro Bay, California 93442, United States | | Phone | (805) 440-0355 | | Website | http://www.jgsdesigns.com | | License Number | RLA \#4739 | | Followers on Houzz | 3053 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeffrey-Gordon-Smith-Landscape-Architecture/247701751542 - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=197698102&goback=%2Enmp\_\*1\_\*1\_\*1\_\*1\_\*1\_\*1\_\*1\_\*1\_\*1&trk=spm\_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/jeffrey-gordon-smith-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1954640561) - **Website:** http://www.jgsdesigns.com - **Phone:** (805) 440-0355 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - The Best of California, California Home + Design Magazine 2009,2010,2014 - San Francisco Flower Garden Show, (2011) American Society of Landscape Architects Award + 6 others - Sunset Dream Garden Award, Sunset Magazine,2006,2008,2011 - Golden Trowel Award, Garden Design Magazine,2002,2006 - **Best of Houzz:** 13 awards (2012–2026), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 13 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Studio 2G Architects, Oct. 2017** > It is always a pleasure to work with Jefferey. The choices made on our collaborative Beach Mediterranean remodel were impactful and intelligent. He is personable, detail oriented, creative and knowledgeable. **★★★★★ — cathleen21, March 2016** > Jeffrey astutely asked what we were missing inside our house as a way to inform his design of our landscape, and we discovered we were lacking a party room. He proceeded to create a backyard design that manages to feel festively intimate yet spacious, no matter the number of people around the fire pit, the central element of the design. Many of Jeffrey's designs feature a fire pit, and his experience with the appropriate use of scale and dimensions is apparent in the way people interact with it. Access to the back is via an Ipe deck strewn with festoon lights, creating a warm palette against the concrete of the fire pit area. Jeffrey is talented, decisive, and observant; he designed our garden remotely after one site visit and introduced us to our landscape contractor. **Comment from Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture:** > It was a great pleasure working with you and I am glad that we could make your home that much better. I hope that it keeps giving in fun times and memories. Jeffrey **★★★★★ — mebancroft, Oct. 2015** > I discovered Jeffrey while looking through Sunset Magazine, where his work has been featured on numerous occasions. Upon calling him, I realized that he was several hundred miles away from my home in San Diego. Jeffrey informed me that he would be in the area later that month and would be more than happy to pop in and see what he could help with. I only had a very general idea of what I wanted but he was able to understand my desires and develop them into something far greater than what I could ever have imagined. He made me feel comfortable with his plan and convinced me to take some chances with my project. My landscaping is constantly praised by neighbors which validates his design and the quality of his work. I cannot recommend Jeffrey any more strongly. **Comment from Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture:** > You are so sweet! > I so appreciate the fact that you trusted me with your beautiful home! I am glad that we could work together so far away and end up with private extensions from your home in such a fun neighborhood. Thanks for the trust, > > Jeffrey **★★★★★ — Pam Nichter, Oct. 2015** > JGS developed a landscape plan for our residence on the Central Coast of California and oversaw the installation by our contractor. But . . . Jeffrey did so much more. Working with our building architect and contractor he helped to create an integrated living experience inside and outside including plant selection and location, hard-scape, fencing, gates, paths, outdoor kitchens, seating and patios. His designs are practical and at the same time elegant and fun. He brought unique one-of-a-kind ideas to our project but also listened to our needs and preferences. Our landscape is now growing in and we love all of it! As it grows we continue to understand Jeffrey's vision and appreciate his art. Jeffrey truly has a special touch and eye for what will work and where. **Comment from Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture:** > Pam, > You are too sweet! > Thanks for being such a great client I had such a great time working on your project and value your trust with such an amazing site. We are not done just yet as we have some furniture still coming I hope to add the finishing touch to an amazing outdoor room. Thanks for the fabulous review as well. > > Jeffrey **★★★★★ — Patricia Haase, Sept. 2015** > Jeffrey did a wonderful job listening to what I wanted, matched vision to what we really had to work with and came up with an awesome plan. We are just putting the finishing touches on now and I couldn't be happier with how it all turned out. **★★★★★ — Marsha, July 2015** > Before moving to the Central Coast I contacted Jeffrey. He provided advice, at no charge, regarding what house and location was the best for me. Once I purchased my home and the project started he created plans/drawings and explained his concept. He gently pushed me out of my comfort zone to enhance the architecture of my home therefore, creating an outside space that blended simply and perfectly with the home structure. His creative talent, attention to detail, architectural design concepts created a wonderful outdoor living space that I truly enjoy. I respect him and enjoyed our collaboration on this project. I have recommended him to several friends and will continue to do so. **Comment from Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture:** > Marsha, > Thank you for the sweet review! It was great working with you finding a house I forgot! As well as your garden. Thanks for allowing me to take you out of your comfort zone and believing in me it truly means a lot when I hear this from clients. I also enjoyed your phone message about your review I wish that we could have tried that one! > > Jeffrey **★★★★★ — David Hunter, March 2015** > Jeffrey recently assisted me with a community project in Los Osos, California. He generously volunteered his time to provide various ideas and resources to help me complete a presentation to members of our community regarding best practices in sustainable landscape design and implementation. **★★★★★ — nargie, Dec. 2013** > Jeffery has a gift. He is one of those rare designers who is able to think differently and in ways that revive, recreate and renew even the most chaotic spaces. His designs bring harmony and cohesion, flow with interest, drawing one into and through the space. It's brilliant, really, what he can do. > He's patience and experience facilitates an easy process to the implementation on site. I wouldn't consider making any changes to our estate without consulting him. 2004 was the first time we were lucky enough to have found him and we are planning another project for 2014. **★★★★★ — cjsoutherland, Dec. 2013** > I don't know Mr. Smith personally but had the pleasure to rent two homes to his Cal Poly students. Both of them used our yards as their senior projects! Both did a beautiful job! Used local, Eco friendly, low maintenance, low water plants. They made Mr. Smith proud and us! **★★★★★ — ka9a, Aug. 2013** > We asked for low maintenace and that's what we got. He's creative and works quickly, Easy to work with and stays within your budget. We're very happy with his design. **★★★★★ — edb designs, Sept. 2012** > Jeffrey was recommended to us by a well known Santa Barbara architect. I was at first concerned that he wasn't local but it was no problem. He was on site for all of the important decisions and he and his team were always in communication when needed. Though working with a mid century modern home , the design is simple,organic and uses native plant materials for easy upkeep. We gained a larger yard, gorgeous hot tub, outdoor shower, and a naturally beautiful fire pit.....in short an outdoor living space that we use constantly. Jeffrey was easy to work with and listened to our concerns and ideas. The yard only keeps getting more beautiful as it matures. You can see his work under Santa Barbara Modern Ranch. Thank you Jeffrey and company! **Comment from Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture:** > Beth your a great client thanks for the review and sweet feedback I can't wait for phase 2! **★★★★★ — Matt Clark Tile & Stone, Aug. 2012** > Jeffrey Gordon Smith is a gifted visionary. I have had the pleasure of working with him since 2003, and every project is inspired and well executed. I love Jeffrey's work flow, commitment to communication, aesthetic and above all his results. The award winning spaces he creates are instantly recognizable and yet totally integrated into their settings. Hooray Jeffrey! ## Selected projects - [Spanish Spa Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spanish-spa-retreat-pj-vj~843327) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 16 - [Montecito Zen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montecito-zen-pj-vj~81976) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 19 - [Winery Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/winery-residence-pj-vj~2717) - Location: Paso Robles, CA - Photos: 24 - Description: A winery and residence. This home is nestled in the hills of Paso Robles wine country. Large stone boulders that had been unearthed during the planting of a vineyard now form the curved wall behind the upper terrace of the pool. Additional stones were placed throughout the landscape as stepping stones and visual appeal. The palate of mostly natives and mediterranean plants blends itself with the natural landscape. The muhlenbergia turns golden brown in the late fall transitioning the more florif… - [Open Air Hookah Lounge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/open-air-hookah-lounge-pj-vj~2716) - Location: Avila Beach, CA - Photos: 15 - [Modern Vineyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-vineyard-pj-vj~1408792) - Location: Paso Robles, CA - Photos: 38 - Description: In the heart of a historic drought, JGS designed an outdoor retreat that responds directly to the surrounding hillside vineyards. The low water, native plant palette paired with modern hardscape features creates a striking balance between the built and natural environments. The large drifts of drought tolerant grasses allow for sweeping views to continue past the property line, to the client's vineyards and the Paso Robles hills beyond. - [Farm Field Pacific Rim](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farm-field-pacific-rim-pj-vj~2726) - Location: Arroyo Grande, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: This residence sits on the Nipomo Mesa high above farm fields overlooking the dunes and Pacific Ocean. The client wanted a “Japanese Garden,” and a deck off the back of the remodeled residence. We incorporated a major element of japanese gardens the “borrowed landscape.” Abstracting the quilt work of the farm fields the ipe deck boards alternate directions and raised concrete planters planted with succulents in crop rows add a twist to the usual thought of a Japanese Garden. The farm fields belo… - [Morro Bay Breezeway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/morro-bay-breezeway-pj-vj~2722) - Location: Morro Bay, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: This jewel box design of a 10’6” wide by 32’ long raised deck, transformed a breezeway between the garage, kitchen and entry foyer, into an inviting courtyard space. The courtyard is divided into three distinct spaces in this design: an entry fountain space, a BBQ kitchen space, and a fire pit sectional area. The entry fountain is a focal point viewed by guests arriving through the entry foyer of the house. The fountain is comprised of a glass tile wall with three weirs that spill into a Corten… - [Edna Valley Shangri-La](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/edna-valley-shangri-la-pj-vj~829625) - Location: San Luis Obispo, CA - Photos: 40 - Description: Nestled within the rolling hills of Edna Valley, Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture designed a private oasis that peacefully coexists with the existing natural landscape. Elements of the landscape are integrated into a design that combines organic patterns of the surrounding environment with modern lines to echo the architecture of the home. The result is a distinctly Californian paradise, a vision of Shangri-La. Environmental factors, such as the serpentine soils that surround the prop… - [Santa Barbara Modern Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-barbara-modern-ranch-pj-vj~15387) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 59 - Description: This 1950's ranch house, reinvented by architect Nick Noyes of San Francisco, takes advantage of the sites dynamic views, exceptional climate and location in the foothills of the Santa Barbara Riviera. When the clients purchased the home the architecture had already been redone and there was an existing courtyard that the home opened up to. Being recent transplants from Connecticut and avid gardeners, the clients fell in love with the climate of Santa Barbara and the extensive plant palette they… - [Beach Mediterranean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-mediterranean-pj-vj~1278186) - Location: Pismo Beach, CA - Photos: 31 - Description: This Shell Beach home was remodeled with an emphasis on improving indoor/outdoor connections and accentuating ocean views. Comprised of 3 fire pits, a spa, multiple balconies and patios, this project provided numerous outdoor entertaining spaces. New hardscape and planting palettes revived the space to a warmer, fresher, and more expansive feel. 45 degree angles were used on the ground plane to create more dynamic interest in the otherwise square lot while also creating the illusion of larger sp… - [Modern Beach Vision](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-beach-vision-pj-vj~15035) - Location: Morro Bay, CA - Photos: 44 - Description: Coastal beach project. - [Mid Century Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-pj-vj~2723) - Location: San Luis Obispo, CA - Photos: 30 - Description: This mid-century modern home resides in an old 50’s tract home neighborhood surrounded by priceless San Luis Obispo hilltop vistas. The clients had recognized the home’s hidden potential and hired JGSLA to restore the landscape back to its modern lines using a contemporary palette. Renovation began by selecting a new house color to serve as a complementary backdrop for the newly conceived landscape. By reducing the driveway’s foot print by 30 percent, we were able to create an invigorated entry… - [Shell Beach Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shell-beach-residence-pj-vj~2725) - Location: Pismo Beach, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: This Shell Beach home was enhanced with a dramatic new entry focal point, created with steel and a sand blasted glass screen designed to provide privacy. The motor court was created with scored concrete that echoed the grid pattern of the privacy screen. The front planters incorporated Carex “Milk Chocolate” as the major color block that plays off of the oxidized steel screen. Kniphofia “Burning Scepter” and Achillea “Fireland” accented the rust colors and provided a pop of color. The motor cour… - [Back Bay Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/back-bay-retreat-pj-vj~2837) - Location: Baywood-Los Osos, CA - Photos: 32 - Description: The Wills Residence reflects the regionalism throughout its landscape. The project draws on the curved shapes of the bay-line and estuary that can be seen winding away from the property’s edge. These gentle sweeps were then drawn into the hardscape walls and walk-ways. The form and sheen on the concrete bench wall mirrors the still waters of the bay in the late afternoon sun. The main paving stone was selected to mimic the colors in the distant sand-spit which help to define this unique back bay… - [Coastal Influence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-influence-pj-vj~2730) - Location: Cayucos, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: This regional landscape is located in the back yard of a two-story beach-side residence. From much of the house the landscape is used as a viewing garden. The shell motif was chosen to unify the garden and tie it to the ocean landscape beyond. The spiral shape defines the patio through the use of flagstone and a tumbled beach glass accent band. A central fire bowl and rope light below the glass band, provide soft mood lighting in the evening. Some difficult problems on this property led to uniqu… - [Garden Pavilion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-pavilion-pj-vj~222581) - Location: Pismo Beach, CA - Photos: 27 - Description: Designed in conjunction with architect Richard LeGros, this Shell Beach home aimed to tie the clients’ contemporary-style with a beach getaway feel. A dramatic grade change on the site made the outdoor space non-functional and disjointed, prompting the need for more usable space. Using several terraced levels and a roof top garden overlooking the ocean, the outdoor space was maximized for use as entertaining and relaxing nodes. The main focus of the project was to design a guest house to provide… - [Japanese Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/japanese-cottage-pj-vj~2731) - Location: Los Osos, CA - Photos: 29 - Description: This 37.5’ wide lot provided a narrow and tight canvas to work on. A 45 degree twist was incorporated to lengthen sight lines and give the garden room a greater sense of width. The entry approach was redesigned to down play the garage by breaking the driveway with a drive on turf which incorporated a subsurface structure to support cars. A seating room with a fire pit was designed unconventionally in the front yard utilizing the house as an effective wind break from the nearby Pacific winds to f… - [Retro Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/retro-ranch-pj-vj~2724) - Location: San Luis Obispo, CA - Photos: 25 - Description: This ranch style home needed an update that would take advantage of the expansive views of Cerro San Luis and the Edna Valley and provide an indoor outdoor lifestyle. The retro-ranch theme of this garden update plays off the home’s architecture and the client’s love of early modern furnishings. Retro 50’s circular shapes are designed throughout the landscape creating a fun, modern outdoor mood. New rounded concrete entry steps lead the visitor to the first circular entry threshold. This same cir… - [Harmony Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harmony-ranch-pj-vj~1492598) - Location: Harmony, CA - Photos: 36 - Description: This alluring rural estate is situated in the hills of the small coastal town Harmony, California. Designed to be entirely drought tolerant, the palette of natives and mediterranean plants blend themselves with the natural landscape; enhancing the sweeping views towards the ocean and emulating the transitioning seasonal colors. Grasses that surround the home help blend the architecture back into the hills that surround it while providing a kinetic quality in the wind. Meandering stabilized dg pa… - [Avila Valley Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/avila-valley-estate-pj-vj~2718) - Location: San Luis Obispo, CA - Photos: 24 - Description: The home owners were in desperate need of additional privacy after the raising of the nearby road and bridge exposed their home to passing cars. Garden walls, berms and plant buffers were encorprated around the house. The front driveway was redesigned to include a motor court for guests to park cars and higher walls blocking the view of the garage. A perennial garden was planted with massings of euphorbia, penstemons, yarrow, and kniphofia among others. The owners love the ability to have their… [See all 58 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/jeffrey-gordon-smith-landscape-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1954640561) ## Ideabooks - [Outdoor Dining Sets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89014803/list/outdoor-dining-sets) — 3 ideas - [AIA](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75494419/list/aia) — 21 ideas - [BB](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/79127220/list/bb) — 3 ideas - [COR-Tan](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52564782/list/cor-tan) — 8 ideas - [sing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53177725/list/sing) — 4 ideas - [Interesting Landscape Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49727386/list/interesting-landscape-ideas) — 1 idea - [Topanga](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/42365515/list/topanga) — 11 ideas - [Thousand Oaks Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34689135/list/thousand-oaks-craftsman) — 20 ideas - [ranch house](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24756218/list/ranch-house) — 5 ideas - [O'neil](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20415817/list/o-neil) — 5 ideas - [Garden Pavilion](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10755443/list/garden-pavilion) — 9 ideas - [mid century modern landscapes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/16387/list/mid-century-modern-landscapes) — 12 ideas - [harmony](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4901314/list/harmony) — 1 idea - [Transforming your surroundings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4181933/list/transforming-your-surroundings) — 8 ideas - [deckin](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30515/list/deckin) — 9 ideas - [firepits](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/16377/list/firepits) — 19 ideas - [Use a "Regionalistic Style" to Develop a Cohesive Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15111/list/use-a-regionalistic-style-to-develop-a-cohesive-landscape) — 15 ideas [See all 17 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jgsdesigns) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the pool deck material?** *(in Photo Questions)* It looks like concrete. Wasn't sure if it was a large format tile. A: I am only aware of large format pavers about 24"x24" concrete is very heavy so its hard to ship and or plave this is all poured in place. Thanks **Q: Are the planter boxes made of cement?** *(in Photo Questions)* In creating the planter boxes do they have a base or just sides? Can you give basic details about how they were created? Thank you. A: Thanks for the interest there are quite a few details that go into the planters drainage as well as the fire pit **Q: Love view & privacy. What area of SLO is the property in?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: This is in Paso Robles! **Q: Deck material** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi there, is this weathered Ipe or cedar, or another type of material? Thank you in advance. A: Yes this is weathered Ipe wood. **Q: where was that table purchase from** *(in Photo Questions)* bigna123@gmail.com A: Thanks for the inquiry. This was custom designed and fabricated as part of the project. **Q: Love the color of the blooms** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the name of the plant? A: This is a variety of Anigozanthos or Kangaroo Paw. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-01.*