--- title: "garymarshdesign — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/garymarshdesign-pfvwus-pf~403226651 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~403226651.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: garymarshdesign category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/84c34d0702581c45_0717-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "770 Tamalpais Avenue, Marin County, California 94947, United States" latitude: 38.0973 longitude: -122.5837 phone: "(415) 509-7194" website: http://www.garymarshdesign.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 15 best_of_houzz_awards: 10 followers: 98 last_updated: 2026-09-06 --- # garymarshdesign Original Houzz profile: [garymarshdesign](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/garymarshdesign-pfvwus-pf~403226651) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Marin County, CA - **Serves:** Napa, San Rafael, Petaluma, Novato, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Sonoma, Corte Madera, Kentfield, Sausalito, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, Santa Venetia, Sleepy Hollow, Ross, Fairfax, Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, Black Point-Green Point, Woodacre, San Geronimo, Nicasio, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Lagunitas - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (15 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2017–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Award winning - Offers Custom Work - 44 years in business We are proud to provide the finest in the design of outdoor living spaces since 1979. Our focus is the creative blending of all landscape components which include elegant decks, water features, porches, sculptures, pools, cabanas, plantings and hardscaping, for an integrated visual adventure. Functionality and aesthetics play equal roles in our very personal design process. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Pool Landscaping - Custom Water Features - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - Drafting - Deck Lighting Installation - Gazebo Design ### Areas Served - Napa - San Rafael - Petaluma - Novato - Mill Valley - Larkspur - San Anselmo - Sonoma - Corte Madera - Kentfield - Sausalito - Lucas Valley-Marinwood - Santa Venetia - Sleepy Hollow - Ross - Fairfax - Lagunitas-Forest Knolls - Black Point-Green Point - Woodacre - San Geronimo - Nicasio - Forest Knolls - Greenbrae - Lagunitas ### Typical Job Cost Fees are based on the scope of work requested by our clients. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | garymarshdesign | | Address | 770 Tamalpais Avenue, Marin County, California 94947, United States | | Phone | (415) 509-7194 | | Website | http://www.garymarshdesign.com | | License Number | B 384299 | | Followers on Houzz | 98 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [garymarshdesign](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/garymarshdesign-pfvwus-pf~403226651) - **Website:** http://www.garymarshdesign.com - **Phone:** (415) 509-7194 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Our projects have been published in over 60 magazines and books, which include Sunset, Money Magazine, Better Homes, This Old House, Miami Design and House Beautiful. Gary was a guest on 'Good Morning America' to discuss the design challenges of deck design in California. - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2017–2026), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 15 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — jlaudy, Nov. 2024** > Gary designed our outdoor space remodel which includes a sprawling deck with some built in seating, two large concrete planters, an outdoor kitchen, two balconies, and several sets of stairs on our hillside property in Orinda. We love our new space so much and continue to work with Gary on the landscape design to finish the project off. > > Gary’s greatest strength is his artist’s approach. He is able to visualize possibilities that transcend and greatly improve the existing layout. In addition to all that, he is detail-oriented, hard-working, trustworthy, creative, pleasant, flexible, and a great communicator. He was also helpful in guiding us when questions or difficulties arose with our contractor and subcontractors. We never hesitated to call in his opinion for all things design-related. > > On top of his superb work quality and ethics, he’s a really great guy and fun to have around which was lucky for us because our project went on for much longer than we all anticipated (to no fault of Gary). > > Highly recommend! **★★★★★ — Nikki, Dec. 2021** > Gary has done a wonderful and detailed job on redesigning our backyard. We have a small backyard with a large pool, with the hardscape around the pool several feet lower than the level of the house. The side yard to the east and the concrete deck to the south each have staircases down to the pool, leading to a cramped landing area above the pool stairs. Given the limited usable space, and the two separate staircases coming down to the pool area, we wanted to redesign our deck to give us more usable space while improving the flow from the side yard to the deck. The location of the pool imposed a significant constraint to this goal. > > We took this problem to multiple design and build companies who ultimately failed to address the prompt. Gary, however, found the problem to be an interesting challenge and delivered a design that is both elegant and addresses all the issues we have with the current layout. > > Working with Gary has been smooth; he has offered many suggestions and great ideas about other items in the design of this project. Gary has a knack for attention to detail that has permeated the design. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome and we would recommend Gary to our closest friends for any project they might have. **★★★★★ — Matt, Aug. 2021** > We hired Gary to design an overhaul of our previously plain backyard area, which had several components to it, including a large deck on a difficult slope that had to tie into an existing fenceline on one side and existing concrete stairs on another as well as a curved set of stairs, multiple poured concrete planter areas, a very large Corten steel planter, and something like 220 plantings around our yard and adjoining hillside. > > Gary was a pleasure to work with, and did a fantastic job of finding the right solutions to problems posed by existing issues. He guided us to the general contractor we used for the project (which we were extremely happy with), and was concerned with oversight on the project and making sure details were adhered to by the contractor and subcontractor from start to finish. > > I hope we never have to redo our backyard again, but if I did, I'd certainly hire Gary to design it. I would have included pictures here, as they're lovely, but that feature doesn't seem to be working atm. **★★★★★ — HU-965591417, Sept. 2020** > Gary is an amazingly talented and creative gentlemen. We had a project that kept changing and he was able to keep coming up with new ideas and concepts to meet our changing needs. He has a deep knowledge of plants and materials for design. He gave us great drawings to work from. His fun and joyful approach to projects make him a joy to work with. > > Tom Starr > Facilities Director > Trumbull Manor > Novato, Ca. **★★★★★ — suenami25, Sept. 2020** > Gary was a delight! We redid our front yard which included taking out trees and stumps, cement the driveway and ledge and the stairs which he replaced with a beautiful deck, then planting trees and plants and landscaping rocks were a nice touch! We went with Gary to pick out the rock and trees and I was always asking him what he would do and just about always he was right! Thank you Gary and you were right the uplights that come on at night and show the trees and along the pathway are spectacular! A job well done! **★★★★★ — mariadanzica, Aug. 2020** > Gary was an absolute pleasure to work with! Not only is his work incredibly precise and stunning, he is a perfectionist and exactly the person you want handling your project. The front of my house was nothing short of a disaster. I wasn't sure there was much that could be done to change the look. Gary came in and after curating a careful and well thought out design that was within my budget, he executed and literally turned my exterior into nothing short of beautiful! I was thrilled and have received one complement after another. I never expected my house to have so much curb appeal and to look so sophisticated. I can't thank Gary enough. He is patient and does not stop until everything is perfect. Besides his phenomenal work, Gary is honest, fair and a very nice person. Hiring him was the best decision I've made in years and well worth the price. **★★★★★ — M R, April 2019** > We fell in love with Gary's portfolio of gardens and decks and wanted him to design a front yard for us. He is such a wonderful person and a great listener. We threw ideas willy nilly at him when trying to convey what we liked. The final design was fantastic. He had assimilated all our whimsical needs and come up with a harmonious front that was seamless with the house. The design itself was detailed in it's drawings and meticulous with it's engineering. Indeed he not only is an exemplary artist, but a very exacting engineer. We are looking forward to executing on this design and are impatient to see our front transform into elegance. The back yard awaits Gary's input to make it our private zen space :-)). **★★★★★ — Rachel Verby Grow, Aug. 2017** > We love our deck and patio! We had very specific requirements; we wanted a more modern look and the use of low maintenance and long lasting materials including stone, steel and composite boards. Also, since the deck was going to be over a 2nd story bedroom (we have a hillside home) we needed to ensure that light was going to get through to the bedroom after the deck was built. Gary's design met all of our needs. His workmanship exceeded our expectations with his ability to make changes on the fly, if the need arose (I totally get design build now). Finally, Gary did a really good job of blending our requirements with his creativity and skill. **★★★★★ — Bruce Friedberg, July 2017** > We first hired Gary more than 25 years ago when we bought our current house. The house had three very small decks, and no usuable rear yard, since the land our house is on has a very significant slope in the back. So, we asked Gary to design and build us a deck that would provide us with nice "living and entertaining" space, including a hot tub. We couldn't be happier. (The pictures probably don't do it justice...we love everything about the design Gary came up with and the quality of the workmanship is as good as it gets. > > 25 years later, the decking that Gary had installed has held up beautifully, but one of the small decks that were original to the house was in need of repair, so we contacted Gary last year (2016) and asked him to inspect our decks as we wanted to be sure everything was still structurally sound, and replace/repair the small deck. Our experience was the same as 25 years ago....great work, and excellent communication throughout the process. > > One other anecdote: A few years after we were living in the house, we experienced an earthquake tremor (I think centered in Bolinas). I had been relaxing on the deck Gary built when my wife came running out saying "Did you feel that?", and honestly I didn't feel a thing. > > So if you want creative, beautfiul design, excellent craftmanship and reliable professionalism, do yourself a favor and hire Gary Marsh Design. **★★★★★ — tonidenmark, April 2015** > Gary brings his artistic and construction talent to his designs with a great eye for detail. He takes into account surrounding topography, the architectural integrity of the home, and scope of work the customer is willing to do, while gracefully handling unusual design and construction requirements. The design focuses on the customer; we always felt heard, and that he understood our desires. Gary's ultimate goal is that you enjoy the end product ---- and we definitely are! **★★★★★ — francismac2, April 2015** > Gary is a creative and visionary artist who has a highly developed talent for seeing the relationship between form, shape and texture. He is also equally skilled and knowledgeable about building materials and construction, as well as botanicals. We first met eleven years ago when our disintegrating redwood deck and expansive barren outdoor area needed some thoughtful planning. Gary worked collaboratively with us and we contracted with him to draw an architectural blueprint for two new Brazilian hardwood decks, a stamped concrete patio, and an undulating rock retaining wall with a recycling water feature constructed with an antique French stone basin. The designs included new areas for planting and suggested plants. We continue to say that this was the best money we have ever spent on our home, feeling as if we are on a permanent vacation in our own backyard! Last summer we again contacted Gary and sought out his advice on a lawn replacement project. He helped up design a faux streambed with a bridge, a stairway extension from the deck, a decomposed granite pathway, and helped us select drought tolerant plantings. Now our yard is even more of a heavenly paradise! > > Anne Moran & Francis Macrae **★★★★★ — rpsuser, April 2015** > Gary Marsh created a fantastic deck replacement for our woodsy and naturalistic yard. We wanted a deck that would fit with the trees that surrounded the deck area, not the standard rectangular deck. When we saw Gary’s portfolio of curved decks, we immediately knew the curves would blend perfectly with the massive curved limbs of the trees. Gary impressed us with his professionalism, and worked with our ideas to expand past the original deck area and to ‘swoop and curve’ around the trees (my words exactly). We were so impressed by the neat, tidy and organized manner of the work, and how immaculate the work area was in at the end of every day. Everyone we know has told us what a great deck we have! All thanks to Gary’s great flair for designing decks to fit the space. ## Selected projects - [A Summers Night Deck Dream](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-summers-night-deck-dream-pj-vj~509280) - Location: Los Gatos, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: featuring a curved redwood deck creating a space which is intimate, yet grand enough for an evening of entertainment. Los Gatos, CA - [A Magical Backyard Patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-magical-backyard-patio-pj-vj~369646) - Location: San Rafael, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: with terraced stone planters and a custom shear descent water feature, San Rafael, CA - [Peace and Quiet](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/peace-and-quiet-pj-vj~347796) - Location: Sausalito, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: A hardwood Ipe deck elevated in the tree tops for a stunning view of Sausalito. - [California living / al fresco dining](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-living-al-fresco-dining-pj-vj~347802) - Location: Novato, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: … featuring a shaded outdoor entertaining area by the pool, with clean stone planters and a Bocce court, in northern Marin County, CA. - [Private Spa Deck](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-spa-deck-pj-vj~509287) - Location: Ross, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: … in a secluded setting off of the master bedroom. Ross, CA - [Gracefully Lofted Deck in the Trees](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gracefully-lofted-deck-in-the-trees-pj-vj~509267) - Location: Kentfield, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: … featuring a curved redwood and slate deck highlighting the spectacular view of Mt Tamalpais. in Kentfield, CA - [Backyard Expansion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-expansion-pj-vj~7083196) - Location: Novato, CA - Photos: 3 - [Modern Japanest garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-japanest-garden-pj-vj~509264) - Location: Novato, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: … featuring clean graceful lines and a custom Corten steel bog planter, in Northern Marin County, CA. - [Industrial complex landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/industrial-complex-landscaping-pj-vj~7083197) - Location: Novato, CA - Photos: 4 - [Antique French Garden Water Feature](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/antique-french-garden-water-feature-pj-vj~369645) - Location: Novato, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: …. repurposing an antique French stone sink. The water spills into an antique wooden well bucket which overflows into the rock reservoir. Novato, CA - [Privacy Entry Gate and Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/privacy-entry-gate-and-garden-pj-vj~369650) - Location: San Rafael, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: … creating a secluded and private front yard patio and garden, San Rafael, CA - [A Curved Redwood Deck](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-curved-redwood-deck-pj-vj~347807) - Location: Novato, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: A truly magical and private deck nestled under the ancient oak trees. Northern Marin County, CA - [Curb Appeal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/curb-appeal-pj-vj~7083194) - Location: Novato, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Transforming a tired and outdated entry to a more welcoming and transitional design. - [Custom Garden Water Feature](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-garden-water-feature-pj-vj~347797) - Location: San Rafael, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: … repurposing an antique French stone sink in a serene garden setting. San Anselmo, CA - [Lush Backyard Entertainment Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lush-backyard-entertainment-space-pj-vj~347789) - Location: San Anselmo, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: A peaceful setting created with a combination of stone, Ipe decking, stamped concrete and graceful plantings. San Anselmo, CA - [Peaceful Backyard Porch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/peaceful-backyard-porch-pj-vj~347775) - Location: Novato, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: … creating a secluded and nurturing space for entertaining. Northern Marin County, CA. - [Eclectic Entry Stairs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eclectic-entry-stairs-pj-vj~1747884) - Location: Larkspur, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Repositioned access stairs to an entry deck, with an artistic flare for the dramatic ! In Larkspur, CA - [Capturing the Amazing View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/capturing-the-amazing-view-pj-vj~1747902) - Location: Novato, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: …. and creating a bird friendly haven with the installation of an antique French well pump and fountain, in Novato, CA - [Contemporary Curb Appeal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-curb-appeal-pj-vj~6656201) - Location: Novato, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: Uplifting a dated entry into a contemporary design with added curb appeal and functionality. - [Pool Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pool-retreat-pj-vj~6656186) - Location: Los Gatos, CA - Photos: 1 [See all 30 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/garymarshdesign-pfvwus-pf~403226651) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/135155338/list/wish-list) — 3 ideas - [Sponsored Photo Ad- Rotating Photos (up to 25-30)](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/66917169/list/sponsored-photo-ad-rotating-photos-up-to-25-30) — 22 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/garymarshdesign) ## Community Q&A **Q: Redwood Question** *(in Photo Questions)* Did you seal or apply any type of finish to the redwood? A: I would always recommend a sealer unless you are looking for a naturally patinaed surface that grays out over time. That being said, the difficulty with sealers is that over the years they build up, potentially becoming opaque, and will require sanding and starting over again. I would recommend reaching out to the local professionals for product recommendations for I am focused on design only these days, and not construction. ... best to you . **Q: Love the benches!** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me where they are from , or are they custom? Thanks for any info! A: So glad you love them Maureen. These are custom designed for the site. Best Gary garymarshdesign.com **Q: Gate?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where to purchase? Can you see thru glass? A: Good morning Bonnie This was a custom design for a local client, therefore it is not available as a store purchased item. The glass that I installed, reed glass, obscures a vivid image yet allows light through. Best Gary **Q: Could you share the company the water feature was purchased from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you for the interest ! This particular fountain was my custom design, which I then manufactured for my client. Unfortunately it is not available through a manufacturing company. Best Gary **Q: Please tell me about the lights? Thanks** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Try ANP Lighting **Q: I'm also in the Bay Area - Who did the railing fabrication** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi, I'm looking to have a steel railing almost exactly like this fabricated for our deck. Could you tell me who fabricated it for you? A: It was not slotted Hannah due to the expense... just spot welded professionally ! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-06.*