---
title: "Mark S. Garff, Landscape Architect — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/mark-s-garff-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~2047086918
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2047086918.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Mark S. Garff, Landscape Architect"
category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/6cc368a401255cbf_9355-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "1148 NW Leary Way, Seattle, Washington 98107, United States"
latitude: 47.6701
longitude: -122.3763
phone: "(206) 799-6155"
website: http://www.scjstudiola.com
rating: 4.9
review_count: 12
best_of_houzz_awards: 4
followers: 203
last_updated: 2026-09-14
---

# Mark S. Garff, Landscape Architect

Original Houzz profile: [Mark S. Garff, Landscape Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/mark-s-garff-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~2047086918)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
- **Location:** Seattle, WA
- **Serves:** Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell, Edmonds, Mercer Island, Bainbridge Island, Kenmore, Inglewood-Finn Hill, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Kingsgate, Brier, Esperance, Clyde Hill, Medina, Kingston, Yarrow Point, Beaux Arts Village, Hunts Point, Ballard, Fairmount Park, Gatewood, North Beacon
- **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (12 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2015–2018), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- 5 Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 25,000 Ideabook Saves

"We couldn't be more pleased!" Our clients love working with us, you will too. We are a small group of thoughtful designers led by landscape architect Mark S. Garff.  We specialize in detailed residential gardens both large and small, shorelines, ecological restoration, native and drought tolerant plants.  We are fun to work with, flexible and enjoy designing both modern and traditional gardens.

### 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
- Organic Gardens
- Shed Design & Construction
- Edible Gardens
- Custom Bocce Ball Courts
- Living Walls
- Greenhouse Design & Construction
- Artificial Living Walls
- Green Roofing
- Design

### Areas Served

- Seattle
- Bellevue
- Kirkland
- Redmond
- Bothell
- Edmonds
- Mercer Island
- Bainbridge Island
- Kenmore
- Inglewood-Finn Hill
- Mountlake Terrace
- Lake Forest Park
- Kingsgate
- Brier
- Esperance
- Clyde Hill
- Medina
- Kingston
- Yarrow Point
- Beaux Arts Village
- Hunts Point
- Ballard
- Fairmount Park
- Gatewood
- North Beacon

### Typical Job Cost

$10,000 - 100,000

We provide a custom fee proposal for each project and also provide consultation by the hour.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Mark S. Garff, Landscape Architect |
| Address | 1148 NW Leary Way, Seattle, Washington 98107, United States |
| Phone | (206) 799-6155 |
| Website | http://www.scjstudiola.com |
| License Number | WA 888 |
| Followers on Houzz | 203 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/SCJStudioLA
- LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/markgarff
- Blog — http://www.SCJstudioLA.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Mark S. Garff, Landscape Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/mark-s-garff-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~2047086918)
- **Website:** http://www.scjstudiola.com
- **Phone:** (206) 799-6155

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- WASLA Honor Award; What Makes It Green? Award; Futurewise Sustainable Communities; Licensed Landscape Architect State of Washington

- **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2015–2018), for Design, Service.

**Affiliations**
- [American Society of Landscape Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014062207)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 12 reviews**

### All 12 reviews

**★★★★★ — hsMAC Design, March 2017**

> As an interior designer, I knew my modern design client was going to need a true artist for the modern landscape of her newly constructed dream home, that we had worked on for over a year! Mark was referred to me by a trusted peer. Lucky for me, my client was immediately impressed by Marks character, style, vision and clear knowledge of his craft. His ability to clearly and patiently communicate and exchange ideas with my client was a thrill for me to watch. I was honored to see their shared vision come to life on her amazing property. Mark and his team took care of every detail. And the follow up has been amazing! With Mark, and the team at SCJ, you have an ally thru the seasons. I’m thrilled to hear that another one of my clients recently hired him!

**★★★★★ — Ore Studios, March 2017**

> I refer clients to Mark knowing that his clarity, warmth, and excellent communication are great assets to every project he collaborates on. His design work is of the highest quality, and my clients appreciate his aesthetic sensibility as well as his direct approach to the design process.

**★★★★★ — ucrs59, July 2016**

> Mark initially presented several design ideas nicely suited for our relatively small yard.  We arrived at a final design through a collaborative approach where Mark listened to our aesthetic and functional preferences, and successfully incorporated them into the plan.
> Our small yard presented some unique challenges that Mark was able to help us navigate through.  We would describe Mark as being easy to work with, very talented, and professional in his approach.
> We are very pleased with the final results of our project.

**★★★★★ — stevebarthel, Sept. 2015**

> We have used Mark twice now for two big waterfront projects.  We couldn't be more pleased.  He is talented, very likable, professional, attentive, and honest.  We don't have a single negative thing to say about him or his work!

**★★★★★ — b figgs, July 2015**

> We actually called Mark based on his previous Houzz projects, and we were not disappointed!  He took our waterfront property from an unimaginative, hard-to-use yard to a beautiful, serene space where we can enjoy the outdoors in any weather!  He listened to our unorganized ideas and turned them into a beautiful landscape we are looking forward to enjoying for years to come.  And most importantly, he was fun to work with...his enthusiasm and knowledge are fantastic!

**★★★★★ — Amy S, July 2015**

> Mark was recommended to us by our architect and we found him to be very creative and easy to work with. He came up with great designs executing them with our cost concerns in mind. We are very happy with the outcome and in particular that he made great use of native plants. It looks beautiful!

**★★★★★ — cuyler\_binion, Jan. 2015**

> I couldn't be happier with having chosen Mark for my landscape design. From the onset, he was very focused and attentive on helping me design a space that would satisfy my needs. His communication is outstanding and always kept me up to date with where things stood and what the next steps would be. His vast experience in Landscape Architecture helped me avoid many pitfalls that would have been inevitable had I simply hired a landscape company to create something for me.  He has a great eye for design and was open to my ideas but also not afraid to tell me when my idea wasn't going to work. That to me, is a clear sign of experience and confidence, something that is worth every penny. I'm extremely pleased with how my space turned out and It wouldn't have been feasible without the help of Mark Garff.

**★★★★★ — Thielsen Architects, Inc. P.S., Dec. 2014**

> We have had the pleasure of working with Mark Garff regularly over the course of the last eight years.  Working with Mark has been a pleasure for both us and our clients.  His designs are beautiful, thoughtful and functional.  Further, he is very personable and engages well with the project team.  Mark is very receptive to the ideas of the clients and other members of the team while maintaining the integrity of his design concepts.  He presents his ideas clearly and includes all of the information our clients need to understand his vision for the landscape.  He is always a huge asset to the project team and we look forward to continuing to work with him on future projects.

**★★★★★ — jonpolaha, Aug. 2014**

> We hired Mark and his team to provide us with landscaping plans for our small, north seattle residence. We were hesitant at first since hiring a professional firm seemed out of our league. Could we afford to execute their ideas? Couldn't we get the same advice for free by talking to a master gardener at a nursery? When Mark arrived to go over the plans, I knew we had made the right decision. The drawings were complete, professional and included an image catalog of all of the plantings. Careful attention was paid to our tastes (we like bold color) while selecting and placing the plantings to best utilize available water, light and seasonal blossoms. We highly recommend Mark for planning even the smallest of jobs like ours.

**★★★★ — Noah Jeppson, July 2014**

> Mark was great to collaborate with during our yard renovation project. We had an initial idea of what we wanted in terms of design elements and layout, and he was able to listen to our needs and design a plan that worked with our space. This was our first time to work with a landscape architect, and the process was smooth and professional. We challenged Mark to think outside the box and create something that reflected our style, maximizing usable space and building on some of the existing elements. The plans we received were detailed and easy for our contractor and fabricators to use, and when we needed to make changes along the way Mark was quick to respond with alternative suggestions. Being new to the Pacific Northwest, we relied on Mark to provide planting suggestions that would work well in our new climate; we followed his detailed guide which featured native and edible plants appropriate for the smaller space. We enjoyed being part of the design process along the way. With his services, our urban yard was transformed from a basic patio to an outdoor living, entertaining, and garden space that has become the center of social gatherings.

**★★★★★ — Beachworks llc, July 2014**

> As we were finishing an extensive remodel, we needed a landscape design to match the contemporary upgrades to our mid-century modern home in Seattle’s Blue Ridge neighborhood.  A local architect recommended we call Mark.  We met with him and he was able to meet both our budget and our short timeline for completing a set of landscape plans.  We are extremely happy with the results.  Mark did a great job selecting plants with the “wow factor” that we wanted to have in our garden.  He was also very helpful when explaining the different site constraints in our yard, and which plants would do well in each parts of the garden. We weren't crazy about every plant on the list at first, but Mark was quick to find plants that we did like and the garden looks great as a result.

**★★★★★ — tina1840, July 2014**

> Mark did an excellent job understanding our vision and budget.  He created a very private space which is artistically interesting.  He incorporated various textures with the use of clear cedar, gabion baskets and plant selections.  The result is just what we desired, a calm retreat to enjoy the water's edge.  Visitors rave and are a bit in awe of the feeling of great space which is in reality - extremely small.  Mark worked directly with the landscapers during the project.  His hands on communication and oversight made the whole process easy for us and assured the vision was achieved.  We are thrilled.

## Selected projects

- [Fremont Firepit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fremont-firepit-pj-vj~3497961)
  - Location: Seattle, WA
  - Photos: 12
- [Yarrow Point Lakefront Terrace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/yarrow-point-lakefront-terrace-pj-vj~1940835)
  - Location: Yarrow Point, WA
  - Photos: 11
- [Mid Century Courtyard Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-courtyard-remodel-pj-vj~1207193)
  - Location: Seattle, WA
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: Already partially enclosed by an ipe fence and concrete wall, our client had a vision of an outdoor courtyard for entertaining on warm summer evenings since the space would be shaded by the house in the afternoon. He imagined the space with a water feature, lighting and paving surrounded by plants. With our marching orders in place, we drew up a schematic plan quickly and met to review two options for the space. These options quickly coalesced and combined into a single vision for the space. A t…
- [Mercer Island Waterfront Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mercer-island-waterfront-estate-pj-vj~1185257)
  - Location: Mercer Island, WA
  - Photos: 21
  - Description: A Mercer Island couple wanted to transform their yard from mushy lawn into a more usable, beach-like space. We added new concrete pads to connect the stairs to the waterfront complete with salvaged, cedar logs around a deconstructed wood-burning firepit, invigorating the space and creating a place to relax and entertain right on the water. Closer to the house, an ipe deck built around a new Paloform gas firepit created a new outdoor room for enjoying endless summer evenings. LED landscape lighti…
- [Magnolia Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/magnolia-modern-pj-vj~3589045)
  - Location: Seattle, WA
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: This newly constructed home needed an outdoor entertaining space and streetscape to match contemporary style of the architecture. Our studio composed a landscape with an improved entry sequence, balancing the need for personal privacy alongside a distinctive public face. A steel framed gabion basket wall provides a crisp edge and doubles as retaining for the private patio behind a horizontal board privacy fence. The courtyard oasis with a new deck is enclosed by warm wooden fencing set on top of…
- [Hunts Point Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hunts-point-renovation-pj-vj~1172951)
  - Location: Hunts Point, WA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: An existing home on Hunts Point was in need of a landscape renovation. Project Groundwork transformed the existing, uneven and small pool terrace from “afterthought” to an expansive outdoor amenity oasis with a built in gas firepit, ipe deck on a single level, and included a new privacy fence, raised corten steel planters and dramatic lighting. A new side garden with play lawn for the kids included raised cedar planting beds, crushed granite steel edged walkways, lighting and thoughtful planting…
- [Edible Urban Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/edible-urban-oasis-pj-vj~581326)
  - Location: Seattle, WA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: In south Seattle, a tiny backyard garden needed a makeover to add usability and create a sitting area for entertaining. Raised garden beds for edible plants provide the transition between the existing deck and new patio below, eliminating the need for a railing. A firepit provides the focal point for the new patio. Angles create drama and direct flow to the steel stairs and gate. Installed June, 2014.
- [Capitol Hill Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/capitol-hill-modern-pj-vj~1242456)
  - Location: Seattle, WA
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: Our client built a striking new home on the east slope of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. To complement the clean lines of the facade we designed a simple, elegant landscape that sets off the home rather than competing with the bold architecture. Soft grasses offer contrast to the natural stone veneer, perennials brighten the mood, and planters add a bit of whimsy to the arrival sequence. On either side of the main entry, roof runoff is dramatically routed down the face of the home in steel…
- [Shoreline Serenity](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shoreline-serenity-pj-vj~737308)
  - Location: Issaquah, WA
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: Restored lake shore near Seattle, designed, and photographed by Mark S. Garff, ASLA. Collaborated with Paul Broadhurst on additional planting, amenities and installation. A large flat lawn ending abruptly at a concrete bulkhead was transformed into an entertaining beach oasis using granite boulders, beach logs, sand and gravel. Detailed planting and paving touches, along with a gas firepit, custom-made log bench, and LED lighting round out this amazing transformation.
- [Lake Cottage Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-cottage-landscape-pj-vj~581200)
  - Location: Renton, WA
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: A small space garden at the water's edge was redesigned for intimate gathering and privacy from a messy neighbor. A steep hillside was tamed by a gabion basket wall and elegant planting.
- [Mid-Century Upgrade, Seattle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-upgrade-seattle-pj-vj~589008)
  - Location: Seattle, WA
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: In Seattle's Crown Hill neighborhood, a young couple recently upgraded a mid-century modern home with an amazing view of Puget Sound. A modern plant palette with year round vibrant color sets off the architecture. Installed in June, 2014.

[See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/mark-s-garff-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~2047086918)

## Ideabooks

- [Wow.](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51500828/list/wow) — 10 ideas
- [Decks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56225839/list/decks) — 5 ideas
- [Paving](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59060880/list/paving) — 8 ideas
- [horizontal fences](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22789745/list/horizontal-fences) — 19 ideas
- [Pools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59116758/list/pools) — 14 ideas
- [Firepits](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53788452/list/firepits) — 5 ideas
- [Slopes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57634949/list/slopes) — 1 idea
- [Landscape walls](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22751689/list/landscape-walls) — 18 ideas
- [House Numbers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57524082/list/house-numbers) — 2 ideas
- [Fountains](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53833960/list/fountains) — 8 ideas
- [Deck/raingarden ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10451747/list/deck-raingarden-ideas) — 48 ideas
- [Pools and Spas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52518526/list/pools-and-spas) — 2 ideas
- [Redmond garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47846459/list/redmond-garden) — 12 ideas
- [Stone bands](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25320441/list/stone-bands) — 7 ideas
- [8805](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30985234/list/8805) — 15 ideas
- [8499](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32486579/list/8499) — 20 ideas
- [party lights](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32802057/list/party-lights) — 7 ideas
- [Small space design](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22751418/list/small-space-design) — 5 ideas
- [horizontal railing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30698093/list/horizontal-railing) — 7 ideas
- [3133](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25933840/list/3133) — 31 ideas

[See all 26 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mark-garff)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Love the yellow ground cover. What's the name of it?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Hi Joyce, it's creeping Jenny.  
Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’.

**Q: Color and finish of concrete** *(in Photo Questions)*

Hi. Would u pls share the color and finish for the concrete drive way? Looks great.

A: Hi, it's standard concrete, no color or stain added.  The finish is hard trowel, then lightly sandblasted to even it out. Thanks!

**Q: Metal fence** *(in Photo Questions)*

Where can I get these metal planks??

A: Hi, it's 12" channel, MC12x10.2\#.  Available from Seaport Steel in Seattle.  206.343.0700.  Thanks.

**Q: Metal fence** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you tell me what the metal is used for fencing and where to purchase?? How did you achieve the color?

A: Hi, it's 12" channel, MC12x10\#2 available from Seaport Steel in Seattle 206.343.0700.  The metal was allowed to rust naturally in the rain, nothing added, nothing sealed.  Thanks.

**Q: What kind of steel did you use to separate the grsss from the gravel?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Hi Rob,
It's a Col-Met product, commercial grade steel edging, 1/4" gauge.
http://www.colmet.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.productDetail/productID/2/index.htm
Thanks!
M

**Q: Width of bluestone?** *(in Photo Questions)*

I love your use of bluestone here, and I especially appreciate that you didn't pave the entire area with bluestone.  It seems to me that what makes this work so well visually, is that while the paver lengths vary, you chose to use a uniform width.  Do you recall the paver width?

A: Hi, and thank you.  Most of the pavers are 12" width, on the left, there are a couple of 18" pavers.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-14.*