--- title: "Rue Group, Inc. / Kathryn Rue, Landscape Architect — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/rue-group-inc-kathryn-rue-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~629363617 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~629363617.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Rue Group, Inc. / Kathryn Rue, Landscape Architect" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/3bd340eb0ffb5cc0_5651-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "2001 Calle Serena, Fullerton, California 92833, United States" latitude: 33.8766 longitude: -117.9551 phone: "(714) 738-6256" website: http://www.ruegroupinc.com rating: 5 review_count: 35 best_of_houzz_awards: 16 followers: 385 last_updated: 2026-09-08 --- # Rue Group, Inc. / Kathryn Rue, Landscape Architect Original Houzz profile: [Rue Group, Inc. / Kathryn Rue, Landscape Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/rue-group-inc-kathryn-rue-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~629363617) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Fullerton, CA - **Serves:** Long Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Orange, Whittier, Buena Park, Tustin, Yorba Linda, La Habra, South Whittier, Diamond Bar, Hacienda Heights, Placentia, Cypress, Cerritos, Rowland Heights, La Mirada, Brea, Walnut, West Whittier-Los Nietos, North Tustin, Seal Beach, La Palma, Rossmoor, Los Alamitos, East La Mirada, Villa Park - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (35 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 16 awards (2013–2026), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves Kathryn Rue is a licensed Landscape Architect in the State of California, CLA \#3933, with over 30 years experience in ornamental horticulture, landscape installations, and custom residential landscape design. Kathryn founded Rue Group, Inc. in 1989 and has enjoyed serving residential clients in Orange County and Surrounding Areas specializing in garden design and renovation, outdoor room experiences, custom home landscape architecture, custom water features including pools and spas, and project administration services for the bidding and construction phases of their client’s projects. ### Services Provided - Garden Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - Drafting - Construction Drawings - Project Administration ### Areas Served - Long Beach - Anaheim - Santa Ana - Fullerton - Orange - Whittier - Buena Park - Tustin - Yorba Linda - La Habra - South Whittier - Diamond Bar - Hacienda Heights - Placentia - Cypress - Cerritos - Rowland Heights - La Mirada - Brea - Walnut - West Whittier-Los Nietos - North Tustin - Seal Beach - La Palma - Rossmoor - Los Alamitos - East La Mirada - Villa Park ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Rue Group, Inc. / Kathryn Rue, Landscape Architect | | Address | 2001 Calle Serena, Fullerton, California 92833, United States | | Phone | (714) 738-6256 | | Website | http://www.ruegroupinc.com | | License Number | 3933 | | Followers on Houzz | 385 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/ruegroup?ref=hl - X (Twitter) — http://twitter.com/ruegroupinc - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kathryn-rue/25/bb/964 ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Rue Group, Inc. / Kathryn Rue, Landscape Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/rue-group-inc-kathryn-rue-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~629363617) - **Website:** http://www.ruegroupinc.com - **Phone:** (714) 738-6256 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - O.H. Degree & Certificate in Landscape Architecture2012 CLCA Awards: Outstanding Achievement for A Large Residential Project & for Best Outdoor Lighting 2005 CLCA Award: Landscape Beautification Large Lighting Installation Award1997 Tennis Industry Magazine - Tennis Court of the Year - **Best of Houzz:** 16 awards (2013–2026), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 35 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-639045317, March 2025** > We could not be happier with our backyard renovation with the help of Kathryn and Amanda! We took a very plain section of our backyard and were able to add a workout shed, pickleball and basketball court, deck, and beautiful planting. Kathryn was crucial in helping us think though how we were going to use the space and maximize what we get out of it. Her experience is so apparent in everything she does. Cannot recommend enough! **★★★★★ — Jeff Hamar, March 2024** > We have a very special piece of property in California. Adjacent to a lovely pool, spa area and extensive outdoor entertainment spaces was a large lawn area, orchard and hillside where our children roamed and played. With our youngest now in college, we wanted to transition the lawn area and orchard area into a very special place. Kathryn worked with us for over a year in developing a spectacular plan to utilize the area in magnificent ways by establishing even more privacy, amplifying the great views and and creating an ultra resort like feel. We Then worked with her and her team of contractors to complete the project. Now finished, we could not be happier. Her ability to execute our vision in a superbly unique way was amazing. She created an extensive set of pathways through the orchard and throughout our property to expand its use significantly. An extensive Luxor lighting system creates an amazing experience at night and the wide range of trees, shrubs and plants she specified make the area very special. Overall, my wife and I could not be any happier with the outcome of the project or the experience of working with Kathryn. **★★★★★ — sherlanneblett, Nov. 2022** > Kathryn and Amanda were always responsive and helpful. Most important, they listened and understood what I wanted in my front yard landscaping plan. **Comment from Rue Group, Inc. / Kathryn Rue, Landscape Architect:** > Thank you for sharing your experience. We appreciate you as our Client and I am looking forward to seeing your new outdoor space coming to it's full design potential this Spring and Summer! **★★★★★ — Cindi Peterson, Jan. 2022** > Kathryn and Amanda, Rue Group, Inc. were so professional, reliable, knowledgable, and helpful in helping us create a design for our small front yard. They made it fun and such a great experience. She is truly an expert with trustworthy experience, and a great listener to hear our needs and wishes. She worked hard with us to help us find exactly what would look great and still fit in our humble budget. We are so pleased with her design. She was very gracious and patient, always going the extra mile to work with us. She did a lot of educating, too, as we had no idea what is involved in successfully landscaping a little front yard for years of enjoyment. We had a great time working with this company! Looking at images for inspiration, thinking through the lovely plant palette she created, and the visit with her to the nursery were some of the highlights for me. Plus, she created trust. So important! **Comment from Rue Group, Inc. / Kathryn Rue, Landscape Architect:** > Thank you so much Cindi for your five-star review for the services we provided for your landscape renovation design project. We truly appreciate it when our clients take the time to share their experience with others. I so enjoyed my time with you and your husband while we developed the new design ideas for your front yard. We look forward to seeing how everything turns out in the coming months ahead. Enjoy! **★★★★★ — tvtori, Jan. 2021** > We did an entire redo of our landscape. Kathryn has an awesome eye for design, willing to be flexible regarding budget and also what would work for our town's microclimate. Great with follow-up and any questions I/my husband had. Would definitely use her again. **Comment from Rue Group, Inc. / Kathryn Rue, Landscape Architect:** > Thank you Victoria for your review and for selecting our firm to help you create such a beautiful transformation to your outdoor spaces that we know you will enjoy for many years to come! **★★★★★ — Sharon Rockwell, Dec. 2020** > We have used the Rue Group initially for landscaping our home in Yorba Linda 20 years ago. We have received many compliments on the overall look and specifically on the beautiful hardscape of the back yard. The Rue Group was exceptionally good to work with - paying attention to details and keeping the progress going as planned. Then 3 years ago we lost some trees after the drought and decided we wanted to re-do the plants before our daughter's wedding. The Rue Group made sure the dead trees were removed without even a scratch on the nearby aluminum fence. And though the time was short, they fininshed everything in time for a perfect wedding party! I would highly recommend them for beautiful designs and attention to detail. **Comment from Rue Group, Inc. / Kathryn Rue, Landscape Architect:** > Thank you for again for giving our firm the opportunity to assist you in updating your garden areas especially for such a wonderful occasion as your daughter's wedding party! It's always a joy working together with you and Ken. **★★★★★ — JOHN SALEEBY, July 2019** > This was a journey, landscaping our front yard after 30 years of "average." Kathryn's knowledge and expertise of design plus her experience of being on the construction side made her extremely credible and attractive as the right choice for our project. > > She fine tuned a set of developed plans, taking the time to explain the tweaks and the benefits. She worked within our budget, always keeping us abreast in the construction phase. The crew she works with was always very neat, professional and responsive to our needs. > > Kathryn had a vision for the end product which coincided with our vision! The hardscape, plant selection and placement and long term viability i.e. drought resistant were spot on! We asked her to look 20 years into the future and plan something that will still catch eyes and look spectacular. Kathryn hit a Home Run!! > > We will definitely use her services when we re-landscape our rear yard. We were so blessed to have her creativity and attention to detail. **Comment from Rue Group, Inc. / Kathryn Rue, Landscape Architect:** > Thank you for taking the time to write your review of your experience with our company John! We truly appreciate you helping others know about us and the value we brought to you and your project. It was so fun working with you and your wife. We know you both will enjoy the beauty, function, and uniqueness of what has been created for you for many years to come. We look forward to working with you again when you are ready for the next project! **★★★★★ — Mark Mooney, June 2019** > Thanks to the Rue Group I now have a house that looks like the Ritz Carlton on the outside. I now have some major catching up to do on the inside, so that is my current project. Kathryn and Amanda had their work cut out for them when they signed on with my wife, Anne. Anne was a perfectionist and enjoyed being involved with every detail of the project. Anne was also facing the challenges of metastatic melanoma and without fear knew that her 61 years here on earth were most likely coming to an end. The Rue group created a living legacy, one that I can marvel at each and every day and night. Anne would no doubt say that Heaven has the only advantage. **Comment from Rue Group, Inc. / Kathryn Rue, Landscape Architect:** > Thank you Mark for sharing this post. As you know, you and Anne are forever in our hearts and your project is something we are very proud of. We so enjoyed working with you and Anne to create this dream come true. **★★★★★ — Gayle Kaplan, Dec. 2018** > We worked with Kathryn on design for our new home. We are delighted with the result. > She took the time to learn what we wanted and created a plan that was on time, under our budget and exactly what we were looking for **★★★★★ — Teri Wright Budner, May 2018** > Kathryn is somebody who can look at a space and see things that would never occur to me. Actually, I did have some ideas, and she wove them into a plan for our backyard that we are enjoying immensely - particularly since it's spring and the plants are growing in. She has a wonderful group of contractors and resources, and everybody we worked with was professional and nice. I don't remember many times in where I have had work done and the crew showed up - on time - and did what they said they were going to do. **★★★★★ — Sharon Rockwell, Feb. 2018** > My husband and I used the Rue Group over 20 years ago to do the landscape and hardscape when we were remodeling our home. The hardscape is still pristine – paver driveway and patio, patio cover above the roof line, a gazebo and barbeque island. After loosing some trees to the recent drought, and seeing bushes that were no longer manageable by pruning, we needed to consider re-landscaping. Kathryn’s team helped us remove the large trees from near a fence line without so much as a dent on our aluminum fence. She redesigned our landscaping to make it more drought tolerant and easy-to-maintain, a highly desired outcome as we near our retirement years. We still have plenty of yard color, and the new design is fresh looking yet fits into the neighborhood style and compliments our house design and color. The contractors she recommended were excellent. They were willing to work with what we already had for sprinklers and lighting, modifying those systems to accentuate the new landscape design. All in all, we felt that we received great value for our investment, have a lovely home exterior in both back and front that is easy to care for. We should also add that all the changes were done under a changing timeline after one daughter decided to get married and use our backyard for the rehearsal night. Everything was done on time and looks beautiful. We recommend the Rue Group without hesitation, and have offered for Kathryn to show our property to prospective clients any time! **Comment from Rue Group, Inc. / Kathryn Rue, Landscape Architect:** > Thank you Sharon for taking the time to share your experience with others who may be looking for the right landscape architect to help them with their landscape project. We feel very honored and blessed to have clients such as you and your husband who know the value of working with professionals who understand their clients priorities and needs. Keep enjoying your beautiful property and all that life offers in the years ahead! Thank you for also inviting my husband and I for our lovely evening with you in the gazebo. I so enjoy it when I can return to project's I've designed to experience the spaces and gardens with my clients. We will be inviting you to our humble garden later this year when it warms up more and we can enjoy a summer meal under the bistro lights! **★★★★★ — Jim and Karen Thomas, Sept. 2017** > We were initially drawn to Kathryn’s horticultural expertise, based on the photos on Houzz. Now with nearly two years of growth we can say the results are amazing! We knew we needed a landscape architect for our very difficult hillside property which contained a lot of inaccessible areas. Thanks to Kathryn’s design concepts, the front and back yards have been transformed into beautiful, inviting, and highly accessible spaces. We have honestly spent more time in our back yard in the last year than we did in the previous ten! The project from conception to finish was large, taking nearly three years to complete, and included relandscaping of both front and back yards. The effort included removing an existing pool, installing a new pool, reworking the existing hillside to create tiered patio levels while preserving our mature trees, replacement of an existing covered patio deck structure, and the installation of electric, gas, water, drainage, and irrigation lines supporting the new landscaping. Our decision to have Kathryn also do our project administration was essential. Despite a difficult county permitting process, Kathryn was able to coordinate workflow so that downtime on this very complex project was minimized. Kathryn had excellent recommendations for contractors and professional support personnel for every phase of the project. Without exception, all the companies we worked with were first-rate and consummate professionals in every sense. In addition Kathryn walked us through the very confusing process of selecting compatible materials for patio surfacing, walls, lighting effects, and of course she put together an amazing set of plantings that are glorious to behold. Throughout the entire process, Kathryn and Amanda kept everything moving forward, and kept us fully informed at all times. You can trust the Rue Group to listen carefully to your needs and desires, and transform them into reality. Don’t be surprised if you consider them part of your family right away- they really care about each and every project, and it shows! **Comment from Rue Group, Inc. / Kathryn Rue, Landscape Architect:** > Thank you so much for sharing your experience with our company with others who, like you at one time, are seeking professional, creative and experienced assistance for bringing to life the landscape experiences of their dreams. We so enjoyed working throughout the evaluation, design, bidding, construction and establishment phases of your project. It gives us so much joy to know how happy you are with all of your new outdoor spaces and gardens. You will now always be part of the Rue Group family and we look forward to seeing you at this year's Client Appreciation Event! ## Selected projects - [Hilltop Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hilltop-oasis-pj-vj~3137250) - Location: Yorba Linda, CA - Photos: 26 - Description: This family has returned to Rue Group Inc. many times over the years when they needed to upgrade their different home’s gardens and usable space. Their current beautiful home enjoys incredible views from the hills of Yorba Linda, California. It was spared in the 2009 Yorba Linda fires due to the efforts of the homeowner. Recent additions we designed and implemented for this project have been an outdoor fireplace, entertainment bar and cooking counter, connecting stone walkways from the front yar… - [Major Backyard Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/major-backyard-update-pj-vj~2255379) - Location: Villa Park, CA - Photos: 12 - [Outdoor Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-retreat-pj-vj~2255279) - Location: Coto de Caza, CA - Photos: 19 - [Transformed Lawn Area](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transformed-lawn-area-pj-vj~2255046) - Location: Fullerton, CA - Photos: 19 - [Contemporary Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-backyard-pj-vj~220790) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - [Country Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/country-estate-pj-vj~196768) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Family Fun](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/family-fun-pj-vj~196827) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Natural Drought Tolerant Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/natural-drought-tolerant-garden-pj-vj~196802) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [Landscape Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/landscape-lighting-pj-vj~140808) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Laguna Lake Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laguna-lake-estate-pj-vj~63628) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - [Lush Garden Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lush-garden-retreat-pj-vj~63623) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Fullerton Hills Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fullerton-hills-renovation-pj-vj~63612) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Golf Course Terrace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/golf-course-terrace-pj-vj~63609) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Ranch Style Beauty](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ranch-style-beauty-pj-vj~63603) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Dream Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dream-backyard-pj-vj~63592) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 [See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/rue-group-inc-kathryn-rue-landscape-architect-pfvwus-pf~629363617) ## Ideabooks - [Pool Area Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/185725314/list/pool-area-remodel) — 8 ideas - [Dining Space](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/185162721/list/dining-space) — 1 idea - [Turner - Fullerton](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/184754811/list/turner-fullerton) — 36 ideas - [Bustle - Back Yard Features](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183946658/list/bustle-back-yard-features) — 28 ideas - [Huntington Bay](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/182907884/list/huntington-bay) — 21 ideas - [Front Yard Remodel - Santa Ana](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/182414732/list/front-yard-remodel-santa-ana) — 18 ideas - [Palm Springs in Fullerton](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/181998522/list/palm-springs-in-fullerton) — 39 ideas - [Villa Park Sanctuary](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/181716584/list/villa-park-sanctuary) — 67 ideas - [Huntington Beach](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/175016399/list/huntington-beach) — 53 ideas - [Deck Rails](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/174724602/list/deck-rails) — 29 ideas - [Hawaii in La Habra Heights](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/173301593/list/hawaii-in-la-habra-heights) — 67 ideas - [McGee River Circle Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/170259085/list/mcgee-river-circle-project) — 74 ideas - [Dieckhoff Driveway Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/168313679/list/dieckhoff-driveway-project) — 2 ideas - [Richman Ave. Driveway Area Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/167853922/list/richman-ave-driveway-area-project) — 97 ideas - [Orange County Landscape Renovation Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/167804509/list/orange-county-landscape-renovation-ideas) — 117 ideas - [Villa Park Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165721451/list/villa-park-remodel) — 60 ideas - [Adams corner](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165570231/list/adams-corner) — 51 ideas - [Avalon Dr. Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162618897/list/avalon-dr-project) — 27 ideas - [French Modern](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162027238/list/french-modern) — 27 ideas - [Garden Styles - Drought Tolerant](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5643389/list/garden-styles-drought-tolerant) — 60 ideas [See all 89 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ruegroupinc) ## Community Q&A **Q: Planters?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where are the planters on top of the columns from? Thanks! A: Thank you for your interest in one of our projects. This particular client had worked, ahead of retaining our firm, with a general contractor with their home remodel and hardscape installation so the pots were already installed on top of the pilasters before we began our planting and lighting designs so I unfortunately don't really know where these pots were purchased from. I have seen similar pots at West Coast Pottery in Santa Ana, CA. They are a wholesale importer and distributor not open to the general public though. Sorry I couldn't be of more help to you. **Q: Pool color** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi, how did you get the pool color? A: I have to say that the water color of this pool was enhanced by the professional photographer who took this photo. Water color in pools is influenced by both the color of plaster chosen and the weather/time of day. In other words, how much sun, clouds, clear blue sky, etc. can also change the appearance of the pool water color. **Q: Is Dakota stone a flagstone that will breakdown over time?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you for your inquiry and interest in our project! This stone should not break down over time under normal circumstances. **Q: Watering** *(in Photo Questions)* To water all these beautiful ferns, is there a mister overhead or other irrigation features? Thank you. A: Thanks for your question Jeanette. These are very hardy Lace Ferns in a wind and sun protected area that only require low stream bubbler heads for irrigation. No misting system needed though I encouraged the client to hose spray the foliage off each month it didn't rain. **Q: Patio** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, what kind of paver is used in your patio. It is beautiful. A: Thank you for your interest in one of our design projects and your very nice comment! The paving material is a natural stone cut into squares and tumbled. In this area of the project the stone was set over a reinforced concrete sub-base and grouted. In other areas of the project this stone was set over a compacted soil and sand sub-base with a sand fill between each stone, no grout, which gives a totally different look. **Q: Plant ID?** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the short green shrub on the outside of the pavers? A: Thank you for your interest in one of our design projects! The plant you are interested in is one of my favorite evergreen low border plants, Euonymus japonicas 'Microphyllus' (Boxleaf Euonymus). This wonderful plant is slow growing to 1-2' tall and half as wide in ten years. It is easily trimmed to a lower height. Have fun in the garden! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-08.*