---
title: "Sarah Herman Landscape Design — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/sarah-herman-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~722335014
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~722335014.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Sarah Herman Landscape Design"
category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ce436ab6031138f4_6232-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Berkeley, California 94707, United States"
latitude: 37.8927
longitude: -122.2761
phone: "(510) 558-4069"
website: http://sarahscapedesign.com
rating: 5
review_count: 11
best_of_houzz_awards: 2
followers: 46
last_updated: 2026-09-04
---

# Sarah Herman Landscape Design

Original Houzz profile: [Sarah Herman Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/sarah-herman-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~722335014)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
- **Location:** Berkeley, CA
- **Serves:** Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Alameda, El Cerrito, Lafayette, Albany, Orinda, Moraga, Emeryville, Piedmont
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (11 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2020–2023), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 10,000 Ideabook Saves
- Best of Houzz winner
- Online consultation
- 17 years in business

Sarah Herman Landscape Design has been creating California residential gardens since 2002. Our goal is to provide people with functional, beautiful and ecologically sensitive landscapes which reflect each client’s personal vision and practical concerns. We are also committed to enriching people’s lives by enhancing their appreciation and stewardship of California’s natural environment.

Pro-bono projects include edible school gardens and California native plant gardens which introduce children to sustainable garden principles and California native habitats.

Sarah Herman earned her Certificate in Landscape Design from Merritt College. She is a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLDCA) and is a Bay Friendly Qualified Landscape Designer. She also has a Masters degree in Social Work from New York University and a Bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley.

### Services Provided

- Landscape Design
- Garden Design
- Hardscaping
- Landscape Plans
- Patio Design
- Drought Tolerant Landscaping
- Outdoor Lighting Design
- Deck Design
- Organic Gardens
- Edible Gardens
- Living Walls

### Areas Served

- Oakland
- Berkeley
- Richmond
- Alameda
- El Cerrito
- Lafayette
- Albany
- Orinda
- Moraga
- Emeryville
- Piedmont

### Typical Job Cost

$30,000 - 200,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Sarah Herman Landscape Design |
| Address | Berkeley, California 94707, United States |
| Phone | (510) 558-4069 |
| Website | http://sarahscapedesign.com |
| License Number | BL-041935 |
| Followers on Houzz | 46 |

**Social profiles:**
- Blog — www.sarahscapedesign.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Sarah Herman Landscape Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/sarah-herman-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~722335014)
- **Website:** http://sarahscapedesign.com
- **Phone:** (510) 558-4069

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Certificate in Landscape Design from Merritt College, Oakland, California; member of Association of Professional Landscape Designers;  Bay-Friendly Qualified Landscape Designer

- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2020–2023), for Design, 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 — 11 reviews**

### All 11 reviews

**★★★★★ — Julie Sinai, Dec. 2019**

> After years of drought our backyard looked like a mud pit. The pathways were decomposing, the grass no longer existed and the hedges that created green-screen between yards (vs. heavy fencing) was infested with bugs.  We wanted a backyard that would be an extension of our living area and one that wouldn't feel boxed in. I called Sarah Herman to the rescue. Sarah worked with us to design a yard filled with drought resistant, colorful plants; fruitless olive trees (to avoid mess); and pittosporum to retain the light, private green-screen between homes. Three years later, the yard is totally filled in and meets our every expectation. It works for entertaining or just relaxing with a book.  Sarah is visionary, affordable and an excellent project manager. (When looking at 2019 photo, ignore the wild potted tomato plant - not part of landscaping)

**★★★★★ — Jessica A, Oct. 2019**

> I truly enjoyed the collaboration with Sarah Herman. My husband loves boulders and paths and I love native plant gardens, fruit trees and growing vegetables. Sarah worked with us both to transform a weedy, sloping backyard into terraced spaces with something for everyone, including a central labyrinth to walk, enjoy, and view from above.

**Comment from Sarah Herman Landscape Design:**

> Thank you, Jessica and Toby!  Working with you to develop this magical garden was truly a professional highlight for me- It's absolutely one of my favorite landscapes and I'm so happy that you love it too!

**★★★★★ — Linda Kremer, Oct. 2019**

> Sarah created a beautiful front garden for us; we love it! She gives the right amount of time and is respectful consulting with her clients regarding their preferences and  about site potential. She brings extensive horticultural knowledge to her skillful designs. She is clear and definite about dates of work and about costs. She has solid relationships with the contractors who provide site specific assistance. She is open to client input regarding design features.  She is available by phone or computer and responds timely. She is the ultimate professional.
> .

**Comment from Sarah Herman Landscape Design:**

> Thank you, Linda!  You and John were so much fun to work with- it truly felt like a collaborative process!  I'm thrilled with the garden and am overjoyed that you're happy with it!

**★★★★★ — Stella, Oct. 2019**

> Working with Sarah was an absolute delight, and a breeze. She supported us from early design concepts and even through the installation of her design, and even after.
>
> Sarah spent the time to really understand how we wanted to use our yard, and helped us to see how we could make much better use of the space we had. She was able to design beautifully around some unusual constraints, like our parking space, and a back yard climbing wall, and was able to help us completely re-imagine our back yard. Consultations and communication with her were easy, and she was incredibly patient in answering our many, many questions, from trees, to boulders, and groundcover choices, irrigation and more. She chose beautiful plantings and was incredibly knowledgable about surfacing, timelines, and anything else we were curious about.
>
> After our project was complete, Sarah took the time to make sure we were happy with the final product, and really helped us to understand the new plantings in the garden. She even helped us figure out how to fight garden pests. It was an absolute pleasure to work with her! Highly recommend. Our new back yard blew away our expectations, and brings us pleasure every day.

**Comment from Sarah Herman Landscape Design:**

> Stella and Augy, it was so rewarding to be able to help you envision a completely transformed outdoor living space!  You were a pleasure to work with from start to finish and I'm thrilled that you'll be able to enjoy your beautiful garden for years to come-

**★★★★★ — Grace Bishop, Oct. 2019**

> Sarah Herman is legitimately the BEST professional landscape designer I've met. Being in the real estate industry I have a vast array of contacts for all things home-improvement related, including how to maximize the look and feel of a garden and outdoor space. Sarah worked collaboratively with me, listened to my ideas and preferences, and offered a variety of suggestions and ideas to complete the most beautiful front yard garden I could imagine. Sarah was professional, reliable, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. The job was completed about 5 years ago and still I get people who walk by and stop to marvel at the garden. Some knock on my door and ask who was the mastermind behind the masterpiece!  I've recommended Sarah to many folks and will continue to do so. She's incredible, I cannot recommend her higher.

**★★★★★ — Christy Buckham, Oct. 2019**

> We had the privilege of working with Sarah on two projects at two homes. In both projects we were beyond thrilled with our new landscape. Our most recent project involved expanding our yard and incorporating native landscaping, farm boxes, and maximize the play space for our children. Sarah was very professional and most importantly, attentively listened to us describe our dream yard. She took our ideas and developed a comprehensive design, providing suggestions to optimize the landscape. It has been wonderful to see the vegetation mature. Spending time outside is our favorite family activity.

**★★★★★ — Alex Rogin, Oct. 2019**

> Sarah did a wonderful job helping us to completely redesign our outside space.  She had creative design and planting ideas, was responsive to our input, helped to find a great contractor, and was both professional and easy to work with.  I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for great design input and good practical advice.

**Comment from Sarah Herman Landscape Design:**

> Alex and Robyn, it was a total pleasure working with you to renovate your garden!  It's especially fun to look back a the 'before photos' to fully appreciate the complete transformation of the space!  Thank you for the wonderful review and for being such fantastic clients!

**★★★★★ — Nicole Gyan, Sept. 2019**

> My wife and I had the pleasure of working with Sarah to design our backyard redo. Sarah first met with us to see the property space and to get a feel for our thoughts around this much-needed face-lift as well as our preferred aesthetic. Neither of us are plant experts, so tapping into Sarah's vast knowledge and tasteful design approach was just what we needed.
>
> Not only did Sarah create an outstanding design layout for us - complete with suggested deck, plant and boulder placements - but she connected us with an equally professional, competent, and thoughtful landscape contractor. Together, they transformed our once clunky, barely used backyard into an oasis to which we retreat at the end of a long day, where our daughter can play, and our guests can lounge amidst a scenic layout of flora.
>
> From start to finish, Sarah was easy to talk to, readily available, and incredibly insightful. She offered a range of options based on our budget; money spent on this project is perhaps the best we've spent to date on making our home our favorite place to be. We brag about Sarah whenever we're complimented about our backyard and we've already met with her to make some minor upgrades to our front yard. Thank you so much, Sarah!

**★★★★★ — Laura Gilmore, Sept. 2019**

> Sarah made the process so easy.  Her designs and plant selections were-spot on. Implementation was timely and very high quality.  She oversaw all the work and made sure I was satisfied with every last detail.  She has followed up with me since the work was completed to make sure I was still satisfied, and offered tips and resources to help me maintain my yard. I highly recommend her!!!

**Comment from Sarah Herman Landscape Design:**

> Thank you for the glowing review, Laura!  It was an absolute pleasure working with you- I'm so happy that you enjoy your new garden and had a positive experience working with me!

**★★★★★ — Dan Hardy, Sept. 2019**

> Sarah did a fantastic job on what I consider a difficult site, and she was a pleasure to work with.
>
> Our project involved a complete do-over of our front courtyard from the street to the front of the house. This is a steep hillside, with the house about 18 steps below the street. It included completely reconfiguring the entry stairs, building new rock walls, adding an outdoor kitchen with a grill, refrigerator, and pizza oven, irrigation, lighting, and plants, a tiled patio, and a raised ipe deck.
>
> The end result was far nicer that I could have hoped we might accomplish. I designed and built the ipe fencing myself, but Sarah designed the rest after that was already in place. Her recommendation for the landscape contractor was excellent, and the whole project went smoothly. Check out the before and after photos!

**Comment from Sarah Herman Landscape Design:**

> Dan and Kristy, thank you for your lovely review! I'm thrilled that you were happy with our work!  Your steeply sloping site was definitely a challenge- but one that we thoroughly enjoyed tackling.  It's so gratifying to know that you and your family are now enjoying this newly transformed outdoor space.  Thanks to both of you for being such a pleasure to work with!

**★★★★★ — Nina Gabelko, Sept. 2019**

> I selected to work with Sarah Herman because of her very, very highly rated reviews. She has exceed not only my expectations but my dreams. I have a very small craftsman house, with a very small front yard. Even knowing that most of her clients have spaces several times larger than mine, I asked her to come to look at the job anyway. I have never worked with anyone whom I would rate higher than Sarah Herman. Of course, she is very talented and most knowledgeable. But most importantly, she is an astoundingly good listener, always asking for clarification when needed. She keeps her word right down to the last iota, she is prompt, and she is also very accommodating--bending over backwards to meet the client's needs and even the client's dreams
> . The consequence of all of this is that I have a front yard beyond my dreams, my home looks beautiful AND everything installed is very easy to care for. Some of the plants, since they have a drip irrigation system, require no more of me than a kind word , now and then ;).

**Comment from Sarah Herman Landscape Design:**

> Nina, thank you for the lovely review! I'm so happy that you're delighted with the new garden!  Smaller landscape transformations can be just as gratifying as larger ones when they make big impacts on clients' lives- I enjoyed working with you immensely- thanks for being such a wonderful client!

## Selected projects

- [Amazing Berkeley Back Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/amazing-berkeley-back-yard-pj-vj~5883025)
  - Location: Berkeley, CA
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: This formerly unlandscaped, sloped Berkeley back yard magically evolved into a Northern California wonderland with curving paths that gently frame a beautiful labyrinth, fire pit seating area, fountain and veggie garden. You can read more about the project through this Houzz Feature link: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/hillside-yard-offers-scenic-views-and-space-for-contemplation-stsetivw-vs~131483772 Photo credit: Jude Parkinson-Morgan
- [Alameda Alchemy](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alameda-alchemy-pj-vj~5883022)
  - Location: Alameda, CA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: New outdoor rooms were created at this Alameda home with the creative use of new low walls and raised planting beds, beautifully landscaped with Mediterranean climate plantings.
- [Berkeley Slope Transformed](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/berkeley-slope-transformed-pj-vj~5883028)
  - Location: Berkeley, CA
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: This front yard in Berkeley now works triple time as family retreat, and includes a new outdoor kitchen (with pizza oven), ipe deck, bluestone patio and contemporary new stair entry. New rock walls and boulders are integrated with pre-existing walls giving the landscape a sense of timelessness.
- [Vibrant Piedmont Front Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vibrant-piedmont-front-yard-pj-vj~5883033)
  - Location: Piedmont, CA
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: Towering giant sequoias stand as sentries in this outstanding Piedmont front yard. Giant boulders rest underneath the majestic trees, providing balance and a sense of calm. Glorious colorful plantings grace the harmonious garden and provide respite for people and birds, alike.
- [Mediterranean Courtyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mediterranean-courtyard-pj-vj~5883029)
  - Location: Piedmont, CA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: A beautiful Mediterranean courtyard, resplendent with cabernet dry stack walls, gorgeous flagstone patio, an olive tree and an espaliered citrus, creates a special corner for meditation and respite in this Piedmont back yard. New cobblestone driveway, brick walls and a new gate enhance this early 20th century home.
- [Succulent Front Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/succulent-front-yard-pj-vj~5883031)
  - Location: Berkeley, CA
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: A lush succulent garden explodes with color and energy in this El Cerrito front yard.
- [El Cerrito Bungalow Front Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/el-cerrito-bungalow-front-yard-pj-vj~6844676)
  - Location: El Cerrito, CA
  - Photos: 4
- [Orinda Back Yard Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/orinda-back-yard-retreat-pj-vj~5914069)
  - Location: Orinda, CA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: This Orinda back yard was dramatically transformed from a previously overgrown slope into five large, distinctive outdoor usable spaces. New outdoor rooms include a bluestone dining patio, a generous deck for lounging and entertaining, a turf playing field for active children, an edible garden including raised veggie beds and a viewing patio.
- [Modern Oakland Vista](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-oakland-vista-pj-vj~5941448)
  - Location: Oakland, CA
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: This Oakland back yard is now a spacious place for family gatherings and a quiet refuge for enjoying beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay. A new poured concrete patio and low walls define more functional and comfortable hang out spaces. A California Native meadow, surrounded by boulders and wildflowers adds to the expansive feel. The new upper viewing patio was carved out of an overgrown hillside to take advantage of the amazing views.
- [California Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-contemporary-pj-vj~5939670)
  - Location: Albany, CA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: Organic forms mesh with contemporary angles in this modern Albany California back yard. Concrete steps poured around Napa basalt boulders enhance the composition and form of each material.
- [Tropical Hang Out](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tropical-hang-out-pj-vj~5933950)
  - Location: Oakland, CA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: This Oakland back yard was magically transformed into a tropical paradise, featuring porcelain paver patios that gracefully transition into pathways that traverse a new Kurapia lawn. Raised veggie beds and edible plantings were built on what was formerly a driveway.

[See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/sarah-herman-landscape-design-pfvwus-pf~722335014)

## Ideabooks

- [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183351068/list/bathrooms) — 25 ideas
- [Smalley back yard patio ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/182921682/list/smalley-back-yard-patio-ideas) — 7 ideas
- [Japanese gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/182921650/list/japanese-gardens) — 6 ideas
- [Uphostery Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/169222214/list/uphostery-ideas) — 8 ideas
- [Roofs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/163140425/list/roofs) — 10 ideas
- [Bridges](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/161087027/list/bridges) — 21 ideas
- [Pergolas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/157192178/list/pergolas) — 48 ideas
- [Concrete steps](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/152125043/list/concrete-steps) — 2 ideas
- [Stone steps](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/147157626/list/stone-steps) — 54 ideas
- [Living walls](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/147154558/list/living-walls) — 14 ideas
- [Trough Fountains](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/146815633/list/trough-fountains) — 45 ideas
- [Benches](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/140366239/list/benches) — 11 ideas
- [outdoor test](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/140054107/list/outdoor-test) — 1 idea
- [Osha-Berg Fence Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/135922184/list/osha-berg-fence-ideas) — 27 ideas
- [Children's Play Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/135595473/list/children-s-play-spaces) — 21 ideas
- [Stair rails](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127992950/list/stair-rails) — 10 ideas
- [Arbors and Pergolas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127992675/list/arbors-and-pergolas) — 23 ideas
- [Outdoor kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115925333/list/outdoor-kitchens) — 29 ideas
- [Deck rails](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114350892/list/deck-rails) — 14 ideas
- [Steps](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114168409/list/steps) — 17 ideas

[See all 23 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/sarahscapedesign)

## Community Q&A

**Q: dark red plant** *(in Photo Questions)*

HI! what is the beautiful upright plant directly behind the donkey tail? Stunning!

A: You're welcome!

**Q: what a beautiful stone** *(in Photo Questions)*

Please share the name of stone used and the ground cover
Does it need any water to survive?

A: Thank you!  The flagstone is "Wolf Creek" and the ground cover is dymondia margaretae. After the first six months, Dymondia is drought-tolerant; however, it benefits from an occasional watering when weather is especially hot and dry. Dymondia never needs mowing, but division will keep the stand vibrant and healthy if the plants eventually become overcrowded.

**Q: the walkway looks like decomposed granite?** *(in Photo Questions)*

If so does it wash away in a heavy downpour? I made a walkway on a hill using the same material and with a heavy downpour it washes away on one side- I guess it must be the low side- washing lots of tiny pebbles into grass and other gardens, what a mess and has to be redone every time. What’s your secret ?

A: Thanks for your question about the decomposed granite pathway.  We use steel edging to keep the path materials in place.  Also, 3" of compacted base rock is placed under the top layer of DG.

**Q: Beautiful!  What are the 3 shrub/bushes around the firepit area?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Beautiful!  What are the 3 shrub/bushes around the firepit area?

A: The plants you see are Euphorbia characias 'Black Pearl'.  So glad you like the design!

**Q: What flagstone is used for the patio?** *(in Photo Questions)*

What flagstone is used for the patio?

A: Wolf Creek flagstone on decomposed granite.

**Q: Top Left Corner** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the large green plant in the top left corner?

A: Hunterjohns: the “fuzzy” plant is the Euphorbia characias ‘Black Pearl’

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-04.*