--- title: "A Small Green Space — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/a-small-green-space-pfvwus-pf~252475444 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~252475444.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "A Small Green Space" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/7ed3043703a258f6_3865-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "By Appointment Only, Jersey City, New Jersey 07305, United States" latitude: 40.702 longitude: -74.089 phone: "(917) 414-2993" website: http://www.asmallgreenspace.com rating: 5 review_count: 58 best_of_houzz_awards: 10 followers: 122 last_updated: 2026-09-04 --- # A Small Green Space Original Houzz profile: [A Small Green Space](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/a-small-green-space-pfvwus-pf~252475444) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Jersey City, NJ - **Serves:** Jersey City, Bayonne, Union City, Hoboken, West New York, Weehawken, New York - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (58 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2015–2024), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves A Small Green Space is a full-service urban landscape design/build/maintenance firm. We have been creating urban outdoor “living” rooms since 2009. The owner, Emma Lam, is both a garden designer and a horticulturist. With a background in theatre and childhood homes in both England and New England, Emma brings a dramatic flare to the lush, outdoor living spaces she creates. Emma’s training includes KLC School of Designs’ Garden Design course and a Certificate of Horticulture from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. No Space is too small to be green. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Custom Water Features - Deck Design - Project Management - Drafting - Organic Gardens - Shed Design & Construction - Edible Gardens - Living Walls - Rooftop Deck Installation - Green Roofing ### Areas Served - Jersey City - Bayonne - Union City - Hoboken - West New York - Weehawken - New York ### Typical Job Cost $20,000 - 35,000 Cost of project is dependent upon scope of project and specific details such as material choices and pre-pre-exisitng condition of build site. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | A Small Green Space | | Address | By Appointment Only, Jersey City, New Jersey 07305, United States | | Phone | (917) 414-2993 | | Website | http://www.asmallgreenspace.com | | License Number | NJ HIC License: 13VH06678200 | | Followers on Houzz | 122 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Small-Green-Space/184435349420?fref=nf - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/SmallGreenSpace - Blog — asmallgreenspace.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [A Small Green Space](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/a-small-green-space-pfvwus-pf~252475444) - **Website:** http://www.asmallgreenspace.com - **Phone:** (917) 414-2993 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Certificate in Horticulture from Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Certificate of Completion for Green Roof Design and Installation from Green Roofs for Healthy Cities - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2015–2024), for 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 — 58 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — The Piuggi's, Sept. 2024** > It was a pleasure working with A Small Green Space on our backyard garden project. From the outset they truly listened to how we use our space and provided us with multiple creative design options to choose from. The construction team was professional, efficient and easy to work with. > We have been enjoying the transformation of our small space the entirety of this year! Thank you to Emma and the entire team at A Small Green Space! > > We highly recommend them to our neighbors! **Comment from A Small Green Space:** > Thank you so much for your kind words. We are so happy to hear that you have been enjoying your new small green space this season and hope that you continue to do so throughout the years! Best- A Small Green Space **★★★★★ — mhn423, Aug. 2024** > I had engaged Emma and A Small Green Space to "reimagine" the front and back yards of my Jersey City home. They did a fabulous job. > > Emma first provided very detailed design plans, which included outdoor furniture and accessories, as well as proposed plantings. The plans gave me a very good idea of what the final product would look like. Even if you don't engage Emma to implement her plans (and I would highly suggest that you do so), the design is so well thought out and comprehensive that it's money well spent. Once I decided to go ahead with the plans, Emma and her team (she works with an awesome contractor Gerry and his crew) went ahead and completed the project quickly, and efficiently. Because A Small Green Space only works on one project at a time, my project was completed in about five weeks. The before and after photos are like day and night, and everybody who has seen the space loves it. > > Aside from a beautiful end product, it was really easy working with Emma, Gerry, and their crew. They were communicative, responsive, and transparent. They say what they will do, and they do what they say. As an example, Emma provided a very detailed breakdown of the project cost before we started work. I have done other home reno projects, and I have received my share of cost estimates with little detail, so I very much appreciated Emma's thoroughness and transparency. In addition, Emma provided regular feedback as the project progressed, and always gives me a head's up if anything unexpected occurs. And even after we finished the project, Emma is still very responsive when I have questions. > > I don't think you can go wrong with working with Emma and A Small Green Space. **Comment from A Small Green Space:** > Thank you so much for the lovely review! We are so happy that you love your new small green space. And even happier that we get to visit it on a regular basis! **★★★★★ — emily carlin, Oct. 2023** > Dear Emma, > We had to write to tell you, Mia and Gerry how very pleased we are with your recent renovation of our backyard. > It was not an easy project. Our backyard was overgrown and had become difficult for us to maintain. We asked to have a redesigned – reimagined might be a better word – yard that would be both beautiful and easy to take care of. We are happy to say your team at A Small Green Space came through better than we could have hoped. > You made the design process easy, including taking our specific needs into account, and your build team was highly skilled. The entire installation looks great, and our home was respected the entire time your team was here. We also appreciate the attention you gave the installation, stopping by often to check for yourself the progress of the work. > Your entire team made this a great experience for us, and we look forward to enjoying our “new” backyard for many years to come. > Best regards. > Emily and Bennett (Sensitive Information Hidden) **Comment from A Small Green Space:** > Thank you so much for the lovely review, Emily and Bennett. We hope that you get a lot of enjoyment out of your new space! **★★★★★ — Kristen Hansen, Sept. 2023** > I can’t say enough positive things about Emma and her team at A Small Green Space. Emma herself is so responsive to all my questions and the process from start to finish was very organized. I love my small green space and would hands down recommend them to anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor space. **Comment from A Small Green Space:** > Thank you so much for your kind review, Kristen! It was a pleasure working on your small green space and we are so happy to hear that you are enjoying it! **★★★★★ — Elayna, Sept. 2023** > We asked Emma and her team to transform our roof deck into a green oasis, and they did! From the design which maximized the space while adding abundant and varied greenery, to the on-time and detail-oriented installation, to their ongoing maintenance program, we have been thrilled with their work. When any issue arose--during the installation or even now months later, Emma and her team were quick to respond and act. By way of example, we contacted them recently about something, and Emma personally came out to our roof deck within the hour. Very grateful for their work transforming our roof deck into a much more inviting space and 100% recommend A Small Green Space to anyone with outdoor space. **Comment from A Small Green Space:** > Thank you so much for your kind review, Elayna! It was a pleasure working on your small green space and we are so happy to hear that you are enjoying it! **★★★★★ — Michelle Chan, June 2023** > Love the work completed by A Small Green Space! They are experts in outdoor space, professional, timely and work quality is top notch. Emma took care in developing the design of the backyard and was quick to alter plans to prevent potential water drainage issues. Gerry and his crew are punctual, good workmanship, and the entire job was completed super fast! I love how they only focus on one project at a time to prevent a job from lingering open for weeks. My only regret was not calling them earlier to complete my backyard. **Comment from A Small Green Space:** > thank you so much for the lovely review, Michelle. We are so glad that you are enjoying your new 'small green space' :) **★★★★★ — Ashley S, Oct. 2022** > Emma has an excellent eye for small space design. She knows how to maximize the space to give you functionality that you want! She also considers things that you wouldn't even think of! I was set on having a pergola and built in benches, but Emma noted that while we can do them the pergola may trap heat in the yard. She showed us a design with everything we asked for as well as another one that maximized the flexibility in our space. We ended up going it with the second design and we love it. It turned out better than the pictures! Which in my experience is rare! To top it all off -working with Emma and Gerry and their crew is a delight. They show up on time, are neat, work efficiently, they don't leave you guessing on when they'll show up which is everyone's nightmare when working on a big project. We have used our backyard more this summer than we have in the past 6 years living here. So worth it! **★★★★★ — HU-9776283, Oct. 2022** > A Small Green Space reimagined our backyard to create an outdoor living for us. The entire process, including the build, was quick and seamless. Emma and her team did a wonderful job in keeping everything smoothly on schedule and on budget. In just a few weeks, our backyard has become the focal point where we gather, eat, and entertain. Thank you. **★★★★★ — Spring awakening fall clean up and artificial, Oct. 2022** > I’ve worked with Small Green Space for almost 10 years. The quality of work by Emma and her team is always exceptional! Everyone I’ve engaged with over the years has proven to be reliable, courteous and very skilled at what they do! **★★★★★ — Josh, July 2022** > Emma and her team were wonderful to work with. From the planning and design process to masonry and landscaping, the entire process was smooth and the team was open to all of our feedback and requests. Highly recommend to anyone looking to do a backyard renovation. **★★★★★ — Mark Smith, June 2022** > We used A Small Green Space to design our tiny back yard in Jersey City. Emma and her team have been wonderful from the initial consultation to the on going maintenance. When we bought our home at the end of 2020 on must haves for us was some outdoor space. Living in Jersey City, we did not expect a huge space, so we did not mind that our backyard was small. However, it was in such poor condition, we knew that it would be the first thing to work on. We already had A Small Green Space in mind and contacted them almost immediately. We have been thrilled with the results. Now our back yard is an oasis that I go to sit in every chance I get. When I sit out there, it's like I am not longer in the city. **Comment from A Small Green Space:** > We are so happy that you love your new space. It was such a joy to work on creating it for you and we hope you continue to get much enjoyment out of it! **★★★★★ — HU-88782501, June 2022** > We have worked with A Small Green Space twice because we are so happy with their work! Very highly recommend to anyone. We're in Hoboken NJ. Here are some of the things I love about working with Emma: > -She really tries to understand the client's needs, desires, and lifestyle before coming back with her designs. Both times she nailed the design on the first round, really giving us what we wanted for our space. > -She understands how to get work done in small urban spaces, both from a design and plant perspective, but also the realities of permits and managing the town. > -Great eye and sense of style and knowledge of plants. > -Super communicative and easy to work with, both Mia and Emma. > -Always transparent on timelines and when to expect the work to be done. > -I love her reliability - when she says that her crew is going to show up on a day, they always show up on time, and finish their work on time. Such a rare trait in contractors! > > Hire Emma! She's the best! > -Hobokeners, with projects in 2020 and 2022 **Comment from A Small Green Space:** > Thank you so much for your kind words. We loved working on your 'small green spaces' and hope you are getting much enjoyment out of using them :) ## Selected projects - [2020 SILVER International APLD Design Award](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2020-silver-international-apld-design-award-pj-vj~2554635) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This Jersey City, NJ design won a Silver International Design Award from the APLD Some of the judges comments: "Excellent use of space and re‐working of existing fence. Great artistic details and multi‐functional, appropriately sized furniture." and "What a creative and efficient way to use a small space. I love all the separate rooms and how well they work together. Nice double‐duty as a children's play area and family space too." This space is a small private (condo) garden within the larger "… - [2020 BRONZE International APLD Design Award](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2020-bronze-international-apld-design-award-pj-vj~2667758) - Location: Hoboken, NJ - Photos: 10 - Description: This design won an international APLD Design Bronze Award. Some of the judges comments: "Clean, simple spaces with high quality materials. Nice way to use different levels on a difficult site. and "Creative use of space, of diagonal axis and solutions. " This Hoboken client wanted more useable outdoor space but didn't want to sacrifice their storage shed. They also loved the idea of incorporating a green roof into the space. And they wanted their exterior to not only match their modern aesthetic… - [2019 SILVER International APLD Design Award](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2019-silver-international-apld-design-award-pj-vj~2229811) - Location: Hoboken, NJ - Photos: 14 - Description: This busy client required a really low maintenance space. They also wanted to "brighten up" the worn out old design and incorporate their own warm contemporary style. Originally they wanted to remove all three of their lovely mature trees but we convinced them by removing one they could really open up the space and maintain the lovely "green feel" of the space. - [2018 BRONZE International APLD Design Award](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2018-bronze-international-apld-design-award-pj-vj~1501123) - Location: Jersey City, NJ - Photos: 8 - Description: This client has lived in this space for many years. The client also happens to be an architect. It was great working with him and his lovely wife and coming up with this design for their beautiful outdoor space. Our client didn't think he wanted a Faux Lawn, but now he has it he's pretty smitten ;) The beautiful cobblestones were "rescued" by our clients many years ago when Jersey City was ripping up (and throwing away!) their cobblestone streets. Thank goodness he saved them! - [Small City Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/small-city-garden-pj-vj~5749433) - Location: Jersey City, NJ - Photos: 5 - Description: This tiny space was overgrown and cramped. Our client wanted a space that was family and dog friendly and safe. We designed the space with 2 tiers in order to accommodate for the slope. We remediated the exiting bamboo and designed a low maintenance planting plan and artificial lawn. The patio consists of 1x1 concrete pavers. And the fencing is cedar wood tongue and groove. Professional Photographs by: www.meganmaloy.com - [Small Retro Condo Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/small-retro-condo-garden-pj-vj~2089293) - Location: Jersey City, NJ - Photos: 6 - Description: Our hip, young client lives downtown Jersey City in a lovely little condo with a private back yard. Her building had been renovated in the near past and most likely the garden was the last (and least thought out) item on the contractors to do list. As such there were piles of debris dumped under the earth; soil had been mounded on top of this and piled up around a very small and partially "sunken" patio. There were random pieces of flagstone strewn throughout the space and the neighbors bamboo g… - [City Roof Deck](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/city-roof-deck-pj-vj~1254090) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - Description: This beautiful 1800 square foot roof deck has gorgeous views of NYC and New Jersey. Challenges: oppressive sun; extreme winds and lots of undefined "grey" space. Solutions: Break the space up into individually defined spaces (lounge, dining, play lawn and utilities). Add color by way of hardy, perennial, container plantings. Include irrigation systems for all plantings. Install large sturdy wind resistant umbrellas over the main seating areas. Break the monotonous look of the grey tile up by usi… - [Chic Outdoor Entertaining Area](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chic-outdoor-entertaining-area-pj-vj~583420) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Small Urban Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/small-urban-garden-pj-vj~2249213) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: Goal: our clients wanted a warm and inviting, low maintenance garden that incorporated storage space. Challenges for this space: extremely narrow space (12' wide); very large neighboring river birch creating lots of shade and debris; unsightly cement patio and overgrown worn out plantings. Solutions: light grey composite horizontal decking to create the illusion of more width; "planting nooks" with low maintenance shade tolerant perennial plantings; generously sized lawn to warm and open the spa… - [Rehab Tiny City Back Courtyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rehab-tiny-city-back-courtyard-pj-vj~2023853) - Location: Jersey City, NJ - Photos: 7 - Description: This tiny (14' x 16') Urban "Back Yard" was not only unsightly, it was dangerous for our clients young family. Requirements for the space included: a safe play area for our clients 3 small children; attractive urban retreat for adults; and space for the family to grill and dine in. Obstacles: budget did not allow for a new "main staircase"; small footprint of space was a challenge; and lots of unsightly (and unsafe) cement (both floorings and walls). Solutions: artificial lawn created soft and s… - [City Brownstone Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/city-brownstone-garden-pj-vj~2249038) - Location: Jersey City, NJ - Photos: 12 - Description: This 2016 design was a big installation that included: a large bluestone patio; new planting beds; artificial lawn; lighting plan; new cedar fencing; and breaking up the garden into two levels with a lit wall/ bench with a central (lit) step. - [Living Art Gallery- Urban Outdoor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/living-art-gallery-urban-outdoor-pj-vj~1166291) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: This is a VERY small city condo garden. The client really wanted a usable space with plantings but as access is tricky (up an internal flight of stairs three floors through an apartment and down a back staircase three flights...) and because there currently is NO water in the space our choices were limited. We wanted to create a garden that appeared lush but was low maintenance. We therefore opted for an Out Door Living Art Gallery. Many of the planters we designed incorporated hardy succulents… - [Urban Gardeners Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-gardeners-garden-pj-vj~1366088) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This client does not entertain nor do they grill. But they do LOVE plants and they love to sit and read in their outdoor space. They requested a city garden that would grow around them and through which they could quietly stroll... - [Tiny City Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tiny-city-garden-pj-vj~1126944) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: This space is a tiny 16' x 16' outdoor space of an NYC metro area. It is the back space of an urban brick row house, circa 1890 located in a Historic District of Jersey City. Before the small space was overwhelmed by overgrown plantings and worn out furniture, that were too large for the small footprint. As this home belongs to a young family who has a child and a dog, the scope required that the space meet a variety of needs. Also the only light to the lower living level of the home was through… - [Small Townhouse Modern Outdoor Entertainment Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/small-townhouse-modern-outdoor-entertainment-space-pj-vj~985040) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: This was another small urban townhouse garden we designed and installed. The client had a very modern aesthetic but we were somewhat restricted by the required, common white vinyl fencing and surrounding buildings. We chose uniform bluestone pavers in a running board pattern with a artificial lawn and inset grey composite deck. All three surfaces were set at the same level and therefore furniture and or/ people can straddle more than one simultaneously. We chose simple evergreen plantings with l… - [Modern Classic Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-classic-garden-pj-vj~578178) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Sunny and Sophisticated Rooftop Lounge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunny-and-sophisticated-rooftop-lounge-pj-vj~583418) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Sophisticated Front Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sophisticated-front-garden-pj-vj~665086) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Minimalist Narrow City Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/minimalist-narrow-city-garden-pj-vj~578181) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Sleek L-Shaped Rooftop Living Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sleek-l-shaped-rooftop-living-space-pj-vj~583417) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 [See all 31 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/a-small-green-space-pfvwus-pf~252475444) ## Ideabooks - [wall paper](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77738276/list/wall-paper) — 2 ideas - [stephanie](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/66519843/list/stephanie) — 6 ideas - [Roof Deck](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51877628/list/roof-deck) — 1 idea - [Small Space Fountains](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30432882/list/small-space-fountains) — 3 ideas [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/asmallgreenspace) ## Community Q&A **Q: Floor tile please?** *(in Photo Questions)* Could you please share material and type of floor tile this is? What material and who makes it? Thanks in advance A: The patio is made with 2x3' thermal bluestone **Q: Stairs?** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the stone materials of the stairs? A: The tops of all the steps are bluestone. The front of the (first set) of stairs is brick faced (and painted white). The front of the back step (where the lights are) is white painted stucco finish. **Q: I love the table - where is it from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The table and Benches are by Restoration Hardware (EOS): http://www.dwr.com/outdoor-dining/eos-rectangular-table/4083.html?lang=en\_US\#q=eos&lang=en\_US&start=2 **Q: What type of stone is used in the paving? Thanks.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The patio is made of 1x1 thermal bluestone **Q: what are the planter boxes made of ? where can you get them and cost?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: They are made of fiberglass. They are from an industry supplier (based in the UK) called Capital Garden Products. **Q: How heavy are the tiles?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you so much for the quick response. I will likely be in touch shortly for more info. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-04.*