---
title: "MARPA DESIGN STUDIO — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/marpa-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~595787666
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~595787666.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "MARPA DESIGN STUDIO"
category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/3153269a00903d75_2573-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "1539 Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado 80302, United States"
latitude: 40.0172
longitude: -105.2851
phone: "(303) 442-5220"
website: http://www.marpa.com
rating: 5
review_count: 4
best_of_houzz_awards: 6
followers: 353
last_updated: 2026-08-17
---

# MARPA DESIGN STUDIO

Original Houzz profile: [MARPA DESIGN STUDIO](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/marpa-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~595787666)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
- **Location:** Boulder, CO
- **Serves:** Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Niwot, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, United States
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (4 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2013–2020), for Design.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Influencer
- 50,000 Ideabook Saves

Marpa has over 30 years of experience designing and building the extraordinary. Our vision is to create landscapes of wonder, whether in the commercial or residential setting. Our gardens are entire in themselves: they may tell a story or create a journey, but they are always complete experiences. We do not try to do city planning or to decorate architecture. Instead, we create and build remarkable gardens that uplift and inspire, which set you loose from the mundane into magic.

### Services Provided

- Landscape Design
- Garden Design
- Hardscaping
- Landscape Plans
- Patio Design
- Drought Tolerant Landscaping
- Site Planning
- Pool Landscaping
- Swimming Pool Design
- Custom Water Features
- Outdoor Lighting Design
- Deck Design
- 3D Rendering
- Project Management
- Pond Construction
- Custom Bocce Ball Courts
- Living Walls
- Rooftop Deck Installation

### Areas Served

- Boulder
- Longmont
- Louisville
- Niwot
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Nevada
- Texas
- United States

### Typical Job Cost

$200,000 -

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | MARPA DESIGN STUDIO |
| Address | 1539 Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado 80302, United States |
| Phone | (303) 442-5220 |
| Website | http://www.marpa.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 353 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/marpalandscapedesign/
- X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/marpalandscape
- LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/marpalandscapes
- Blog — www.marpa.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [MARPA DESIGN STUDIO](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/marpa-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~595787666)
- **Website:** http://www.marpa.com
- **Phone:** (303) 442-5220

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Over 50 state & national awards including a President's Award for Residential Design from the American Society of Landscape Architects.

- **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2013–2020), for Design.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 4 reviews**

### All 4 reviews

**★★★★★ — BARRETT STUDIO architects, July 2018**

> Our best work has come when Martin and Luke have been integrated from the get go in the design process. There is a synergy of landscape and architecture that comes out of that kind of collaboration.
>
> Martin brings visions that come from mandalas, from dream states and deep listening. There is always a big idea. Luke is both a big idea designer and also a great facilitator of the details that make a design become realized, whether it be landscape installation or literal landscape architecture.

**★★★★★ — amymeyersmith, May 2014**

> Last summer, my husband & I hired Luke Sanzone from Marpa Design Studio to create a modern yet warm landscape to accompany our new modern house in Cherry Hills Village.  From the beginning of the relationship, Luke listened to what we as homeowners wanted.  He was accommodating, creative and extremely knowledgable about not only the plantings but the overall scope of the design and how it fit within our needs.  His vision for our flat work was amazing with the cantilever overhangs & different levels.
> He was attentive to us and made sure everything was flawless.  Luke far exceeded our expectations and our imagination.  He knew the right subcontractors to complete the vision to perfection.    The finished product has completely made our house.  It is indescribable how stunningly beautiful it is.  The backyard is our escape every night - it is warm & inviting and exactly what we wanted.  We have already used his services again for round \#2 this spring and will hire him again next time for Round \#3.    Luke is extremely talented and works well with his clients.  We highly recommend his services.

**★★★★★ — kseng, April 2014**

> We hired Marpa for a landscaping project for a home residence in 2013.   Marpa's concept with Luke Sanzone at the wheel transformed a tired, dated yard of old rotten planter beds and misguided flagstone into a functional and finessed outdoor living space.
>
> The work was detailed, the staff was timely, and the inspiration was thoughtful.  From concept to design and now to enjoyment,  we have been thoroughly pleased.
>
> We would recommend Marpa without reservation.  Cheers to marpa.

**★★★★★ — Teri Fotheringham Photography, Jan. 2013**

> Marpa Design Studio completely astounded me with their landscape design for a project that I photographed. I have never experienced nirvana photographing exteriors until I was in the presence of their creation in Castle Rock, CO. The Asian influences they used were awe-inspiring. What an amazing design.

## Selected projects

- [A Virtuous Garden, Far Beyond Form & Emptiness](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-virtuous-garden-far-beyond-form-and-emptiness-pj-vj~104540)
  - Location: Boulder, CO
  - Photos: 54
  - Description: There is an intimate connection between house and landscape: the home is shaped as an arc, and the garden forms a counter-arc, creating a play of geometric form. The materials of the garden (Corten steel, natural stone) echo those used in the house, forming a fusion of natural textures and an integration of the indoors with the outdoors. The modern, minimal design of the architecture is softened by the colors and feeling of the natural world of the landscape, creating a contemporary feel that is…
- [EhMaHo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ehmaho-pj-vj~104550)
  - Location: Castle Pines Village, CO
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: The simplicity of this entry is deceptive: all the elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space combine in this landscape. Clean lines and unexpected edges, the meeting of texture and sound, all take our breath away.
- [Flowers in Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/flowers-in-space-pj-vj~104624)
  - Location: Castle Pines Village, CO
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: A poet's picture of the universe: three valleys nestle among nine mountains; passion takes form in a garden grove planted all in red flowers; and broad stairs lead to the gate of the gods. Stone benches, arbor seats, and ancient teak chairs are everywhere, the better to contemplate this feast for the senses.
- [Breath of the Vale](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/breath-of-the-vale-pj-vj~104629)
  - Location: Boulder, CO
  - Photos: 14
- [Five Realms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/five-realms-pj-vj~104620)
  - Location: Hygiene, CO
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: This prairie-style garden integrates perfectly with the sweeping view of plains and mountains. Its formal entry sets the soul at ease, while the back of the property invites strolling through the magnificent flower beds. The naturally-filtered swimming pool is organically-shaped to suit the surroundings.
- [Arching Echo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arching-echo-pj-vj~104562)
  - Location: Lakewood, CO
  - Photos: 15
- [Reflection in a Dewdrop](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/reflection-in-a-dewdrop-pj-vj~115637)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Merit of Family Life](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/merit-of-family-life-pj-vj~115612)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [Linear Synthesis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/linear-synthesis-pj-vj~493635)
  - Location: Cherry Hills Village, CO
  - Photos: 12
- [Dragon's Cosmic Breath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dragon-s-cosmic-breath-pj-vj~115620)
  - Location: Taos, NM
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: This is the way to enjoy southwest living: in the open air, surrounded by color and shaded by trees as you enjoy the view. The artist-built mural on the outer garden wall underlines the expanse of mountains beyond, uniting the garden with its natural surroundings.
- [Big Alpine](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/big-alpine-pj-vj~973375)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Peppet Zell](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/peppet-zell-pj-vj~2589521)
  - Location: Denver, CO
  - Photos: 19
- [Garden of Infinite Compassion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-of-infinite-compassion-pj-vj~2589481)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [Opus 22](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/opus-22-pj-vj~2589542)
  - Location: Denver, CO
  - Photos: 24
- [Skyline Rooftop](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/skyline-rooftop-pj-vj~2589536)
  - Location: Denver, CO
  - Photos: 10
- [Smith Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/smith-residence-pj-vj~2589528)
  - Location: Boulder, CO
  - Photos: 13
- [Kelly Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kelly-residence-pj-vj~2589519)
  - Location: Denver, CO
  - Photos: 10
- [1005 Gilbert](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1005-gilbert-pj-vj~2589515)
  - Location: Boulder, CO
  - Photos: 9
- [Hakubai Temple](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hakubai-temple-pj-vj~2589511)
  - Location: Denver, CO
  - Photos: 12
- [Expression Blue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/expression-blue-pj-vj~2589437)
  - Location: Boulder, CO
  - Photos: 7

[See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/marpa-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~595787666)

## Community Q&A

**Q: What is the name of the red bush** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: That particular plant is a perennial called Sonoran Sunset Hyssop.

**Q: what is the name of paver color?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: We designed and built this particular terrace with Travertine pavers set in mason's sand.
Travertine is a very dense stone that holds up extremely well to the challenging temperature / moisture fluctuations in Colorado.

**Q: What is this red plant?** *(in Photo Questions)*

is it in the grass family? is this its Fall color ? year round red?

A: This is Japanese Bloodgrass.
Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron'.

**Q: What is the burn rate of gas for this feature?  Looks amazing.** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: The image only shows half of the fire feature's overall length.

**Q: Stunning! What are the different trees, shrubs, plants?** *(in Photo Questions)*

This is my favorite landscape! I love the variety of evergreens, tall, medium, & low plants, textures, etc.  Any information will be appreciated.

A: Thank you! Here is a list of a few of the plants we used...

Back of Border:
Hoopsii Spruce
Bosnian Pine
Tanyosho Pine
Aspen
Purple Leaf Sandcherry

Middle of Border:
Globe Spruce
Alpine Currant
Red Barberry
Golden Ninebark

Front of Border:
Red Thyme
Woolly Thyme
Crystal River Veronica
Stella d'Oro Daylily

**Q: Anyone know the name of the plant with purple flowers?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Delosperma cooperi (Purple Ice Plant)

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-17.*