--- title: "Elemental Design Group — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/elemental-design-group-pfvwus-pf~276918703 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~276918703.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Elemental Design Group" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/55a340ea08d328ba_5946-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "5 Harris Court, Building N, Suite 4A, Monterey, California 93940, United States" latitude: 36.5802 longitude: -121.8443 phone: "(831) 338-1709" website: http://www.elementaldesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 19 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 317 last_updated: 2026-08-10 --- # Elemental Design Group Original Houzz profile: [Elemental Design Group](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/elemental-design-group-pfvwus-pf~276918703) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Monterey, CA - **Serves:** San Jose, Salinas, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Redwood City, Mountain View, Santa Cruz, Cupertino, Campbell, Menlo Park, Los Gatos, Seaside, Los Altos, Saratoga, Monterey, Marina, Pacific Grove, Scotts Valley, Alum Rock, Pebble Beach, Los Altos Hills, Ben Lomond, East Foothills, Boulder Creek, Carmel Valley, Cambrian Park, Del Monte Forest, Monte Sereno, Felton, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel By The Sea, Bonny Doon, Boronda, Del Rey Oaks, Mount Hermon, Brookdale, Davenport, Zayante, Sand City, Carmel, Holy City, Monterey County, New Almaden, Redwood Estates, San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Cruz County - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (19 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2024), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves - Online consultation - Woman owned - Offers Custom Work Elemental Design Group is a landscape architectural design firm licensed in California. We have expertise in design and construction of current technology, with an eye to sustainability. We pride ourselves on the ability to add elegant outdoor living spaces which integrate seamlessly with existing landscapes. Our transformative spaces include thoughtfully selected and designed garden structures, pools, water features, outdoor kitchens, shade structures, fire pits, and furniture. Landscape lighting, water-efficient irrigation, along with native and drought-tolerant plant material, create beautiful spaces which can be enjoyed year-round. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Pool Landscaping - Custom Fire Pits - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - Gazebo Design & Construction - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Organic Gardens - Drafting - Edible Gardens - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Living Walls - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - San Jose - Salinas - Sunnyvale - Santa Clara - San Mateo - Redwood City - Mountain View - Santa Cruz - Cupertino - Campbell - Menlo Park - Los Gatos - Seaside - Los Altos - Saratoga - Monterey - Marina - Pacific Grove - Scotts Valley - Alum Rock - Pebble Beach - Los Altos Hills - Ben Lomond - East Foothills - Boulder Creek - Carmel Valley - Cambrian Park - Del Monte Forest - Monte Sereno - Felton - Carmel-by-the-Sea - Carmel By The Sea - Bonny Doon - Boronda - Del Rey Oaks - Mount Hermon - Brookdale - Davenport - Zayante - Sand City - Carmel - Holy City - Monterey County - New Almaden - Redwood Estates - San Francisco Bay Area - Santa Cruz County ### Typical Job Cost $30,000 - 2.5 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Elemental Design Group | | Address | 5 Harris Court, Building N, Suite 4A, Monterey, California 93940, United States | | Phone | (831) 338-1709 | | Website | http://www.elementaldesign.com | | License Number | LA CA \#3944; C-27 \#926561 | | Followers on Houzz | 317 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/elementaldesigngroup/ - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/edgrhadiante - Blog — elementaldesign.com ## Offers Award-winning Landscape Designer ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Elemental Design Group](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/elemental-design-group-pfvwus-pf~276918703) - **Website:** http://www.elementaldesign.com - **Phone:** (831) 338-1709 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2001 SF Flower & Garden Show - People's Choice Award2001 SFGS - Pacific Horticulture Award2001 SFGS - California Landscape Contractor's President Award2002 SFGS- Pacific Horticulture Award2003 SFGS- Association of Landscape Designers AwardMaster of Design 2006 By Pool and Spa News - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2024), for 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: 5.0 out of 5 — 19 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Rob Jagnow, Feb. 2025** > Rhadiante and her team were phenomenal and easy to work with. They took the time to understand our goals and delivered a breathtaking result. They transformed our yard from a space that we barely used to an oasis that we constantly use to relax and entertain. > > The team worked to understand our aesthetic and how we wanted to use the space. > They used their creativity to come up with a design that exceeded our expectations. > They were very professional and responsive throughout the entire process. > The finished product is absolutely stunning. We love spending time in our new garden paradise. > > We’d happily work with Elemental Design again and highly recommend their services to others. **Comment from Elemental Design Group:** > Thank you, Rob and Tomas! It was a pleasure working with you both to bring your vision to life. We're so glad to hear that your new outdoor space has become a place you love to relax and entertain. Your kind words mean a lot to our team, and we truly appreciate your recommendation! **★★★★★ — Artistic Creations, March 2024** > I worked with Rhadiante many years ago and recently had her help me out on a small project. As always, I love collaborating with her and have huge respect for her talent and experience. Her support staff also was very competent, efficient and helpful. Highly recommend! **★★★★★ — Mich D, June 2023** > My finished garden project surpassed my expectations. I knew my backyard was going to look good, but it looks even better than I had hoped, and we've gotten tons of compliments. The level of detail that was put in was excellent, from the layout of the hardscaping, to putting in each palm in just the right place. From the beginning, I knew that I wanted help from a designer that would work with me, and not just for me, and Rhadiante was great to work with. I took a risk sourcing someone without any recommendation from friends or family, but it really worked out in the end. I connected with the website and liked the thoughtfulness of materials used, and focus on smaller details. Other sites seemed to keep focus only on basic items such as building a deck, or creating an outdoor kitchen. All great things, but they lacked character and all looked the same after you visited several sites. The team was also incredibly polite, which was a bonus. Even better is that we stayed pretty much on budget, which I know is not always the case with renovations. **Comment from Elemental Design Group:** > Your feedback is valuable to us. We strive to provide the best possible experience for our customers, and we look forward to working with you again in the future. > > Thanks again for your kind words! **★★★★★ — mikeamoser, May 2023** > Rhadiante was recommended by neighbors of ours where she did a project about 15 years ago. Her team did two projects for us, and we are extremely happy with the way both turned out. > > Rhadiante listened carefully to our requirements and worked with us to incorporate the existing hardscape and plantings into her design. The projects went very smoothly from design to plant selection. to contractor bidding, and finally supervision and project management of the installation. We couldn't be happier about the complete process and the end results. **Comment from Elemental Design Group:** > Mike, your project was engaging and we enjoyed working with you and your wife. We are happy that you enjoyed the results. **★★★★★ — Carol Swanson, April 2020** > We interviewed 4-5 people for our front yard remodel and chose Elemental Design after talking to Rhadiante. She really listened to what our priorities were and paid attention to our personal style. We wanted a very functional yard that made our average looking ranch home look inviting. We explicitly said we didn't need to be the best yard on the block. We aren't, instead we've ended up vying for the best yard in the neighborhood. Sometimes you get more than you ask for. Rhadiante found us a project lead that was a great match for us. She and the project lead worked well together and she kept her finger on the pulse of the project. It's been 2 years and we still get compliments on the yard from people passing by. If you contact Elemental Design, They know we're happy to share our experience and what the yard looks like with others. BTW....we only went over our budget a little bit, pretty good with us. And, if not clear already, we highly recommend Elemental Design. **★★★★★ — Nancy Keslin, Feb. 2020** > Rhadiante and her team did an amazing job re imagining what our suburban yard could be. We have the most beautiful outdoor spaces that bring me joy every day when I look out the windows. Rhadiante managed to create a space that requires little maintenance and looks gorgeous both day and night. Her team is fabulous to work with and I look forward to doing another project in the future. **Comment from Elemental Design Group:** > Thank you, Nancy. We really enjoyed working with you, and it brings us great joy to know we make you smile. **★★★★★ — Lori, March 2018** > Rhadiante & her team transformed our small and oddly paved backyard into an organic and beautiful outdoor living space. I appreciated that for the design she spent several hours with us working on her sketches and asking questions, and then provided multiple bids for the work that needed to be performed. She was patient with us when we changed our minds, and let us know in advance how much time or cost would be needed for each step. She is amazingly knowledgeable about a variety of plants & design options... I can not recommend her services enough. **★★★★★ — Linda Poncetta, March 2017** > After reviewing several companies and checking their websites, I decided to hire Elemental Design Group. Rhadiante was patient with me, as I had a "look" in mind and she helped me find what I wanted--and I love it!! I wanted to cut my water bill and she was very familiar with drought tolerant plants that fit my design. Working with she and Lori made the project easy. They have been quick to answer my post-project needs for my rebate. I highly recommend this firm. **Comment from Elemental Design Group:** > Thank you Linda, all of us really enjoyed our process with you, and we are also pleased with results of your garden's transformation. **★★★★★ — stephen\_rossi\_phd, Sept. 2015** > Rhadiante of Elemental Design is a one-of-a-kind landscape architect. Her design process takes you on a journey where abstract ideas materialize into an inspired landscape. Rhadiante listens carefully to your needs, draws on enormous creative energy, and transforms spaces into magical oases. Whether you want your garden to provide personal retreat or captivate your guests, you will be pleased with the outcome. We are so enamored with her work that we are having her landscape design our new home, 10 years after she did our first one! **★★★★★ — j H, July 2015** > Rhadiante at Elemental Design Group is such a joy to work with. She landscaped our front, side and backyard into a wonderful Mediterranean garden with outdoor kitchen and sitting area paradise that I enjoy daily as it has matured over the years. Her expertise and knowledge of all things horticultural is broad and encompasses all styles. She has a great eye for beauty and detail and gives her clients the information and tools needed to maintain the landscape once she has finished the project. > > If you are looking for a beautiful design that you will enjoy for years to come, give Rhadiante a call. She will autograph her work with excellence. > > John H. **Comment from Elemental Design Group:** > Thank you JH, I really enjoyed working with you and your family! **★★★★★ — candl66, Dec. 2014** > Rhadiante was fast, knowledgeable, respectful, accommodating and plain fun to work with. She was aware of our budget and kept it very close to where it needed to be without sacrificing the design. We have not finished building the plan she designed but so far it had been a very pleasant experience and we are very excited to finish the execution of it! **★★★★★ — brian\_elkin, May 2013** > We have used Van De Voorde Elemental Design Group on 2 large projects. The first was a complete redesign of our backyard. She did a fantastic job, we had specific requirements and Rhadiante had a way of making the entire yard flow. It is hard to describe. Each element that she adds, can stand on its own, and yet flows from the rest of the yard. > > The second project was even larger, we built a house and had Rhadiante design the entire landscaping in the front and back yards. The backyard design included a pool, play area, path, grass area, firepit and bbq area with patio. The way she separates each element with her plantings and trees really makes the entire yard flow. Again, we couldn't be happier with the design and everyone that sees the yard just says, "Wow". She has a talent of maximizing a space without overcrowding. > > Her landscape plans are extremely detailed and our landscape contractor was very impressed, it made his job much easier and helped reduce construction costs, because Rhadiante had already thought of and detailed everything in her architecture plans. > > We wouldn't hesitate to use her again. ## Selected projects - [Mountain View Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-view-backyard-pj-vj~5939354) - Location: Mountain View, CA - Photos: 12 - [Moroccan Modern in Los Altos](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moroccan-modern-in-los-altos-pj-vj~6059148) - Location: Los Altos, CA - Photos: 13 - [Mid Century Modern in Mountain View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-in-mountain-view-pj-vj~7313235) - Location: Mountain View, CA - Photos: 10 - [Old World Elegance with a modern touch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-world-elegance-with-a-modern-touch-pj-vj~6059154) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 7 - [Contemporary Coastal Garden Transformation in Aptos](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-coastal-garden-transformation-in-aptos-pj-vj~7313260) - Location: Aptos, CA - Photos: 32 - [Slope Serenity: Elevated Outdoor Oasis with Hillside Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/slope-serenity-elevated-outdoor-oasis-with-hillside-pool-pj-vj~7357949) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 21 - Description: Elemental Design Group had a big challenge in transforming an inaccessible hillside into a beautiful outdoor landscape. The garden includes terraces for an outdoor kitchen, spa deck, dining deck, swimming pool and fireside lounge. The harmoniously integrated spaces are as beautiful by night with downlighting, up lighting, integrated hardscape lights and the warm glow of fire. Existing decks that were originally disconnected were redesigned to seamlessly flow down to the pool. The pool includes a… - [Blending Contemporary Simplicity with Classic Elegance](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blending-contemporary-simplicity-with-classic-elegance-pj-vj~517837) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 20 - Description: Organic curves and elevated spaces bring movement and interest to this mid-sized home in the Almaden Valley. The garden features a wood pergola, custom fire feature, dining pavilion and drought tolerant plantings. - [Contemporary Water Feature -Classic Elegance in Campbell](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-water-feature-classic-elegance-in-campbell-pj-vj~613571) - Location: Campbell, CA - Photos: 1 - [Coastal Cottage Garden, Aptos CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-cottage-garden-aptos-ca-pj-vj~539) - Location: Aptos, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: This coastal garden is a vibrant oasis of sustainable beauty. It features a welcoming wood entry deck that serves as a charming focal point and offers a seamless transition from the indoors to the outdoors. The garden showcases an array of colorful drought-tolerant perennials, thoughtfully chosen not only for their vibrant blooms but also for their ability to attract and nourish local pollinators. - [Redwood City Hillside entry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/redwood-city-hillside-entry-pj-vj~537) - Location: Redwood City, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: Sonoma fieldstones terrace a level area for a fountain to create a welcoming entry on this steep hillside lot in Redwood City. - [Coastal Garden, Capitola, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-garden-capitola-ca-pj-vj~541) - Location: Capitola, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: Discover the epitome of coastal charm with our street-side garden that harmoniously blends beauty and sustainability. Nestled near the ocean, this garden stands as a testament to nature's resilience. Against a backdrop of a striking blue painted fence that mirrors the nearby ocean, a vibrant display of drought-tolerant perennials thrives. - [Santa Cruz Zen Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-cruz-zen-garden-pj-vj~534) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: Natural pond with waterfall and decomposed granite and woodland plantings provide the perfect setting for a meditation zen garden in Santa Cruz. - [Expansive Drought Tolerant Garden in Aromas, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/expansive-drought-tolerant-garden-in-aromas-ca-pj-vj~551) - Location: Aromas, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: Large acreage in the South Bay with expansive lawn and drought tolerant planting of lavenders and verbena. Gazebo provides a relaxing area to enjoy the scenery of the surrounding hills. - [Tuscan Style Remodel in Cupertino](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tuscan-style-remodel-in-cupertino-pj-vj~538) - Location: Cupertino, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Complete renovation of the home's exterior from Colonial Track to Custom Tuscan. Stone terraced walls with new driveway of Interlocking Concrete Pavers with Drought Tolerant Plantings - [A Gardener's Paradise for Outdoor Living in Suburbs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-gardener-s-paradise-for-outdoor-living-in-suburbs-pj-vj~544) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: Transforming your ordinary tract home landscape into an indoor/outdoor entertaining haven while making the vegetable garden front place and center. Beautifully integrated, vegie gardens don't need to be in the rear 40 of the yard. - [San Francisco Flower and Garden Show 2001 My Personal Sanctuary In Harmony with](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-francisco-flower-and-garden-show-2001-my-personal-sanctuary-in-harmony-with-pj-vj~553) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 1 - [Tranquil Pond in San Jose](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tranquil-pond-in-san-jose-pj-vj~548) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 1 - [The Trustman Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-trustman-residence-pj-vj~529) - Location: Watsonville, CA - Photos: 3 - [The Rossi Residence, Hercules, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-rossi-residence-hercules-ca-pj-vj~540) - Location: Hercules, CA - Photos: 2 - [A Spiral Says Hello for a Welcoming Entry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-spiral-says-hello-for-a-welcoming-entry-pj-vj~517846) - Location: Campbell, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: We were honored to design the landscape for the owners of Paradise Pools and Gardens. They wanted to push the envelope and design spiral walls. [See all 51 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/elemental-design-group-pfvwus-pf~276918703) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/172197078/list/wish-list) — 2 ideas - [Shopping list](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/164596401/list/shopping-list) — 5 ideas - [Barn Door](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/94256418/list/barn-door) — 3 ideas - [Gates](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/161075233/list/gates) — 1 idea - [elementaldesigngroup's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10099612/list/elementaldesigngroup-s-ideas) — 45 ideas - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108721046/list/bathrooms) — 1 idea - [LIghting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107604092/list/lighting) — 3 ideas - [Southland](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/98484740/list/southland) — 15 ideas - [Drake-Saunders](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/95360729/list/drake-saunders) — 8 ideas - [clayton](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52760696/list/clayton) — 5 ideas - [Gabion Baskets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44598818/list/gabion-baskets) — 1 idea - [Cor-Ten Steel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31927087/list/cor-ten-steel) — 4 ideas - [boulder house](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44076458/list/boulder-house) — 22 ideas - [Lucas' closet](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34634879/list/lucas-closet) — 5 ideas - [Stonework that we love](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30610103/list/stonework-that-we-love) — 7 ideas - [Water Retention Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29783108/list/water-retention-ideas) — 1 idea [See all 16 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/elementaldesigngroup) ## Community Q&A **Q: How much and do you ship?** *(in Photo Questions)* We had a gazing ball just like this but it was stolen. This is the first on I have seen since then. How much and would you ship to Missouri? A: This was installed in a project back in 1999. We don't know the source anymore. **Q: Love the arbor, I am looking for a screen** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the name of the vine? I am in Ca climate zone 9a, and looking for a drought tolerant perennial vine which will climb an arbor. I don’t want a wisteria as they require regular pruning to maintain control. Thank you A: Jasminum polyanthum **Q: The plants in the photo** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the name of the plant to the right & left of the steps? A: Salvia leucantha - Mexican Sage **Q: What keeps the gravel bed in front of the flowers so clean?** *(in Photo Questions)* I found it difficult to maintain. A: I recommend 4" of gravel installed over weed cloth. **Q: Purple Flowers** *(in Photo Questions)* With a home in wine country-do you have to prep the soil below it for the purple flowers? We had to prep each area where we dropped shrubs as we have such thick clay. A: Yes, we always amend areas prior to planting. I recommend testing the microbiology of your soil and using compost teas inoculated with beneficial organisms to re-establish your soils for optimum growth. **Q: Spillway and pump used?** *(in Photo Questions)* Great project! I am doing something similar and was wondering what spill way and pump you used. Submersible or inline. Thanks! A: I don't recall the brand of the pump, but it may have been Oase. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-10.*