--- title: "Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates — Landscape Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/margie-grace-grace-design-associates-pfvwus-pf~754992949 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~754992949.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates" category: ["Landscape Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d573753e0f4d204d_2504-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "please call for appointment, Santa Barbara, California 93105, United States" latitude: 34.4369 longitude: -119.7285 phone: "(805) 687-3569" website: http://gracedesignassociates.com rating: 5 review_count: 22 best_of_houzz_awards: 13 followers: 2671 last_updated: 2026-08-18 --- # Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates Original Houzz profile: [Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/margie-grace-grace-design-associates-pfvwus-pf~754992949) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Contractors - **Location:** Santa Barbara, CA - **Serves:** Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Montecito, Ojai, Santa Ynez, Mission Canyon, Toro Canyon, Summerland, Hope Ranch - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (22 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 13 awards (2013–2023), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 500,000 Ideabook Saves Margie Grace is the founding principal and design director of Grace Design Associates based in Santa Barbara. As a licensed landscape contractor, her firm has the unique advantage of building the gardens she designs. Since 1982, her company has conceived and built more than 350 gardens in Southern California and the western states. Her work is in demand because her gardens strike a balance between beauty and fulfilling her clients’ practical needs. Margie's award-winning projects range from intimate gardens to large estates, and have been featured in top publications throughout the world including Garden Design, Sunset Western Garden Book, Traditional Home, Better Homes and Gardens, Veranda and The Wall Street Journal. Grace Design Associates is a collaborative landscape design studio and construction company based in Santa Barbara made up of talented designers and craftsmen committed to teamwork that results in exceptional gardens. Together we delight in designing and building the very best landscapes for our clients. As a design-build firm, we take every project from concept to construction. This combination of abilities allows us to create designs with the intimate knowledge of construction requirements. Design and installation happen on a continuum. By building the gardens we design, we provide our clients with the unique advantage of getting a beautiful landscape while working with one firm. Because the process is integrated, the finished garden is too. ### Services Provided - Landscape Construction - Hardscaping - Patio Construction - Garden Design - Pergola Construction - Retaining Wall Construction - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Custom Water Features - Outdoor Lighting Installation - Outdoor Fireplace Construction - Masonry - Swimming Pool Construction - Concrete Construction - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Gazebo Design & Construction - Landscape Lighting Installation - Planting - Landscape Drainage System Installation - Tree Planting - Irrigation System Installation - Drip Irrigation Installation - Sprinkler System Installation - Gate Installation - Shed Design & Construction - Wood Fence Installation - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Greenhouse Design & Construction - Driveway Gate Installation - Automatic Gate Installation - Aluminum Fence Installation - 3D Rendering - Site Planning - Swimming Pool Design - Construction Drawings - Drafting ### Areas Served - Santa Barbara - Goleta - Carpinteria - Montecito - Ojai - Santa Ynez - Mission Canyon - Toro Canyon - Summerland - Hope Ranch ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 1 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates | | Address | please call for appointment, Santa Barbara, California 93105, United States | | Phone | (805) 687-3569 | | Website | http://gracedesignassociates.com | | Followers on Houzz | 2671 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/\#!/gracedesignassociates - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/mgracedesign - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/761169?trk=tyah&trkInfo=tarId%3A1405469080354%2Ctas%3Agrace%20desig - Blog — http://www.gballiance.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/margie-grace-grace-design-associates-pfvwus-pf~754992949) - **Website:** http://gracedesignassociates.com - **Phone:** (805) 687-3569 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - International Landscape Designer of the Year - APLD - Sunset Dream Garden Award for Sustainability Landscape - Santa Barbara Contractors, Builder of Year, Hardscape & Landscape - Certified Landscape Designer, APLD - **Best of Houzz:** 13 awards (2013–2023), 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 — 22 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Julia Lowell, May 2019** > Margie and her team completely redid our landscaping, which consists of just over 1/4 acre. The existing landscape was mostly lawn dominated by two very large old trees--one in front, one in back. It was formal, geometric, water-intensive--and boring. Margie reimagined our front and back yards, taking out the lawn and replacing it with winding gravel paths, fountains, and colorful but drought-tolerant flowers, shrubs and grasses. Throughout the process she provided lots of ideas but was always attentive to what we wanted, even when we weren't sure ourselves. She was also sensitive to cost considerations. > Now, we sit on our back patio and feel like we're at a resort. Really. Thank you, Margie. **★★★★★ — jdb7183, Nov. 2015** > We purchased our casual home in the hills overlooking Santa Barbara and the ocean as a retreat from the harsh New England winters. We were fortunate to engage Grace Designs to do the landscape design. Margie and her team were a delight to work with, and have beautifully transformed the landscape to optimize ocean and vast national Forrest views, carefully using drought tolerant and fire resistant plants. She also incorporated boulders, a cedar hot tub, an antique fountain, large pots and even recommended outdoor furniture to create an outdoor living ambience that's as comfortable to enjoy as it is beautiful to look at. Her team's attention to detail and service follow through are extraordinary. We couldn't be any happier and would highly recommend Grace Designs to anyone seeking exquisite taste in landscape design. **★★★★★ — joyous77, Nov. 2015** > Margie is a force of nature -- creative, inspiring and gets it done. She listens to the land and beautifies what she sees. She respects resources, re-purposes what you already have and brings in the best. Her crew is fantastic and a pleasure to work with. We would hire her again...and again! > > Joy Leach and Rich Goodstein **★★★★★ — Harrison Design - California, Jan. 2015** > Working with Margie Grace and her team is always a wonderful experience. Grace Design Associates are creative, knowledgeable yet sensitive to meeting budgetary requirements. With Grace Design Associates we know we will have a coordinated effort to create complementary designs for the landscape, architecture and interiors. In our most recent project with Grace Design we received the 2013 Santa Barbara Beautiful Award for a Single Family Estate. **★★★★★ — Stepstone, LLC, Dec. 2014** > Grace Design truly has an eye for beauty. We have worked with Grace Design for several years and have been continuously amazed with the elegance that they bring to an outdoor space. As a manufacturer we are confident that our materials will be incorporated into another incredible design by Grace Design! **★★★★★ — Manson-Hing Architects Inc., Nov. 2014** > With a challenging site and good clients who want to be involved in the details we trusted Margie to the task of helping them achieve a garden retreat that had to be exceptional. Margie and her team delivered and was able to strike the balance between aesthetic quality and cost, while implementing the build out on a tight schedule. Margie is hands on and a great trait of hers is the ability to make field decisions that take advantage of situations that reveal themselves late in the process. The Owners ended up with a wonderfully designed and executed landscape that is an integral part of how the home is experienced. **★★★★★ — Cabana Home, June 2014** > Margie Grace is a pleasure to work with on design projects. All of her work is outstanding and beautiful. She is professional and is very knowledgable in the landscaping field, we would recommend her for all of your landscaping needs. **★★★★★ — Dennis Thompson Architect, March 2014** > We have worked with Grace Design Associates on several residential projects in Santa Barbara. Margie is endlessly enthusiastic and imaginative in her design, and her team realizes their projects very professionally. **★★★★★ — Coast Property Advisors, Dec. 2013** > I have worked with Margie personally on a project and through referral. Each experience with Margie has been the highest level of professionalism in this industry. Margie gave us a price, delivered on time and more than we expected on our project. Margie listened to what I wanted to see in my project and fulfilled all my expectations! I would refer her over and over. **★★★★★ — mseabaugh, July 2013** > We recently purchased a home in Mission Canyon where Grace Designs had done the landscape. It was a stunning job, very respectful to the beautiful and unusual site, and a major factor in our decision to buy the property. **★★★★★ — maryhildermansmith, June 2013** > Accolades galore for the Grace team. Mostly I worked with Margie and Ariel and the compliments abound. Admittedly I am a perfectionist about my "nest" and also admit to being a garden fanatic, so I had high hopes for this crew and they delivered. With any project, the very hardest part is getting the loose ends tied up at the close, and the Grace team came through, always willing and ready to make things right. Creative about plants, creative about the mechanics of landscaping, and , most of all, hard working. One could not ask for more. **★★★★★ — Andy Dowen, June 2013** > After running into a roadblock on a landscaping project after having spent tens of thousands of dollars with a landscape architect we foun Grace Designs. We didn't think we'd be able to afford them because their work looked so wonderful. As it turned out they gave us a very realistic and objective assessment, a creative solution and a reasonable price. We moved forward and could not be happier both with the result and the process. What a great team to work with! We have conducted a number of construction projects over the years and until working with Grace designs have always been over budget and behind schedule. This project was a refreshing exception. We ended up with a beautiful landscape that we enjoy every day. If we ever have a need to landscape in the future they will be the only firm we call. ## Selected projects - [Santa Barbara Style Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-barbara-style-garden-pj-vj~41213) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 32 - Description: Back from the ashes!! Burned in the Tea Fire. Lovely Mediterranean and Classic Santa Barbara Style Garden. \* Builder of the Year: Best Landscape and Hardscape for Santa Barbara Contractors Association - [Hollister Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hollister-ranch-pj-vj~1354257) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 26 - Description: This unique portfolio project was photographed at Hollister Ranch for Grace Design Associates. - [LotusLand South aka Sycamore Canyon Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lotusland-south-aka-sycamore-canyon-landscape-pj-vj~2630836) - Location: Montecito, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: We are excited to announce that we won a \*\*\*\*Gold Medal and International Landscape Designers for this wonderful garden that we call Lotusland South.......we are lucky enough to be located right across the street from Lotusland.....We purchased this home a couple of years ago and did an extensive remodel on the inside. Margie Grace out did herself on the Landscape. - [Montecito French Country Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montecito-french-country-garden-pj-vj~254236) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: 2 Acre French Country garden in Beautiful Montecito California. Classic Outdoor Santa Barbara Living. - [Padaro Lane](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/padaro-lane-pj-vj~2629684) - Location: Carpinteria, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: Beachy backyard paradise on Padaro Lane Carpinteria. We imported about 5 truckloads of sand in order to raise the sand level to allow views of the beach - before, it felt like there was a barricade between you and the ocean. It was an unlovely and unusable space. We created a great gathering area with a custom built flagstone bench and several large flagstone slabs for the fire pit. We found the perfect contemporary furniture and placed it around the fire pit. The furniture is custom made with I… - [Whimsical Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whimsical-retreat-pj-vj~2962352) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 12 - [International Landscaper Designer The Year](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/international-landscaper-designer-the-year-pj-vj~41207) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: Uber Green Earthy Contemporary Santa Barbara Home \*Winner of the Gold Medal and the International Landscaper Designer of The Year 2009 for APLD (Association of Professional Landscape Designers) \*Sunset Magazine's Dream Gardens Award, Sustainable Landscaping \*Winner of Santa Barbara Beautiful Award, Large Family Residence - [Surfer's Paradise, Hollister Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/surfer-s-paradise-hollister-ranch-pj-vj~637033) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: Heaven on earth! All Margie could think of while on this site was, "All I need is a tent out here with this view and I'd be happy." The small weekend home on the flank of the rolling grassy coastal plain in Hollister Ranch (near Gaviota, CA) faces breath-taking panoramic views of ocean, islands, coastal plain, foothills and mountains. This place is all about a great outdoor space with just enough house for in case it rains! The pocket sized garden makes a titanic impact bringing a little intimat… - [Sycamore Canyon Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sycamore-canyon-interiors-pj-vj~2629695) - Location: Montecito, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: MidCentury Modern/Country Farm House Remodel located in Montecito Ca. Inspiration the lovely San Ysidro Ranch - [Hidden Valley, Montecito](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hidden-valley-montecito-pj-vj~41210) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Beautiful Montecito foothills compound (main house, guest house, office - staggered down a slope). We built a new stucco wall to separate what we now call the "garden motor court" from the entry garden. We added a fabulous set of antique doors that call out the way to the front door. At the front door, beneath a vine-draped pergola which is furnished with a beautiful old chinoiserie cupboard, pots, sculpted-looking Japanese maple and great statuary. We draped the motor court walls with vines and… - [San Roque Get-a-Way](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-roque-get-a-way-pj-vj~670625) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: The family wanted their garden to entertain of their soon-to-be teenage children, while providing a relaxing respite for the busy parents. A campfire style fire pit, a cedar hot tub and outdoor dining were just the ticket among naturalistic plantings were just the ticket! Rustic stone steps around and over the retaining walls allow access to every inch of the compact lot. The garden terraces and natural stonework tie the garden back together with the Mediterranean-style home. - [Santa Barbara: Cottage Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-barbara-cottage-garden-pj-vj~41212) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 19 - Description: Cottage garden, curb apeal, edible garden, front yard, kitchen garden, picking garden, vegetable pots, veggie garden, veggie pots, - [Retro Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/retro-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~637046) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: We decided on a "Retro Look" for our new kitchen with lots of display shelving, happy colors, laminate counters (no cracking!), a chubby old stove, period details and “linoleum” flooring. The Before shots are fun!! - [Zen Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zen-garden-pj-vj~41215) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: The clients had built a magnificent Italianate 'villa' with spectacular views of the Santa Barbara coastline. They had assembled an impressive array of garden objects from around the world which were to be incorporated into the gardens. But the challenges were numerous. Object scale had to carefully managed in this 40 foot by 80 foot space -- The statuary, hardscape elements, and fountains were carefully separated throughout the landscape, in order to de-emphasize the disparate sizes. Objects in… - [Santa Barbara - Ocean Bluff Property](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-barbara-ocean-bluff-property-pj-vj~286835) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: A Contemporary Landscape with an Amazing View of the Santa Barbara Channel. Garden features include a pool, turtle pond , Bocce court and a private beach. This beautiful house and garden \*\*\* WINNER of The Santa Barbara Beautiful Award and 2 of The Santa Barbara Contractor Award: Builder of the Year Awards. \* \* Interior and exterior furnishings by Cabana Home Stores. - [Victoria Garden Mews \*\*Sustainable Sites Gold Rated Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/victoria-garden-mews-sustainable-sites-gold-rated-project-pj-vj~254325) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: This downtown Santa Barbara infill project brings together a dense, sustainable urban living without sacrificing luxury, comfort and a strong connection to the environment. Three couples, with the dream of "aging in place" together, formed a team of passionate green building professionals to design and build four units that share a habitat-friendly open space providing food production, beauty and a place to gather as friends. We joined the team to provide both landscape design and construction.… - [Outdoor Fountains and Water Elements](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-fountains-and-water-elements-pj-vj~41222) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 21 - Description: We build a wide variety of outdoor fountains and water features for our clients and their gardens. - [Montecito Italianate Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montecito-italianate-estate-pj-vj~41217) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: A Lovely, Montecito, Italian Estate. An extensive renovation of the entire property was undertaken plus we added a Classic Bocce Ball Court, Veggie Garden, Rose Garden and a Brick Patio. - [A Rosarian's Dream Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-rosarian-s-dream-garden-pj-vj~41219) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: Our Design Challenge This client's back yard was dominated by a moth gopher eaten lawn, some unloved foundation plantings and a few valiant, care-worn roses. In answer to her plea for a gopher- and rabbit-free garden with sufficient paths for "clean shoe" planting and sufficient bed-space for lots of roses, we set about creating her super-floriferous dream garden. Our Design Solution The sloping rear yard was terraced. The patio was enlarged, shaded with an arbor and embraced by a perimeter seat… - [George Washington Smith's Design Studio in Montecito Ca.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/george-washington-smith-s-design-studio-in-montecito-ca-pj-vj~606047) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: Esteemed Architect George Washington Smith Design Studio. The now Great Room of this home was once the Design Studio of GWS. The one-time Studio retains all of GWS’s rich detailing and comprises the heart and soul of the house, looking out onto the surrounding gardens. Formal, yet whimsical, this garden delights the viewer with surprises around each corner. Central lawn and garden, beautiful mosaics and fountains, koi pond, historical statuary all beautifully restored. Visit the website at http:… [See all 35 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/margie-grace-grace-design-associates-pfvwus-pf~754992949) ## Ideabooks - [Scenic](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/167958076/list/scenic) — 17 ideas - [TerraNova](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/98462352/list/terranova) — 1 idea - [Sycamore Canyon](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/60211327/list/sycamore-canyon) — 229 ideas - [pomar garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69901805/list/pomar-garden) — 29 ideas - [Michele](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69902484/list/michele) — 2 ideas - [Bluff Top 2016](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/61934221/list/bluff-top-2016) — 3 ideas - [Discarded Rotating shots](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104552335/list/discarded-rotating-shots) — 5 ideas - [Junipero](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56678722/list/junipero) — 9 ideas - [Mission Canyon](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5285689/list/mission-canyon) — 29 ideas - [Karen c](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57388726/list/karen-c) — 8 ideas - [Zelop](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52672122/list/zelop) — 3 ideas - [Living Roofs Crown Green Design](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1708780/list/living-roofs-crown-green-design) — 11 ideas - [Sierra Madre](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50054537/list/sierra-madre) — 5 ideas - [Misc...good stuff](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29294829/list/misc-good-stuff) — 41 ideas - [Duncan - Ranch syles bldgs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49758737/list/duncan-ranch-syles-bldgs) — 6 ideas - [Fantastical Landscape Lighting to Kindle a Fanciful Air](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4163182/list/fantastical-landscape-lighting-to-kindle-a-fanciful-air) — 13 ideas - [Southern California Gardener's September Checklist](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2758250/list/southern-california-gardener-s-september-checklist) — 13 ideas - [Vegetables and Flowers Mix in Beautiful Edible Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2758184/list/vegetables-and-flowers-mix-in-beautiful-edible-gardens) — 13 ideas - [Hardscaping Shows Its Soft Side](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1708973/list/hardscaping-shows-its-soft-side) — 15 ideas - [California Gardener: What to Do in July](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2806925/list/california-gardener-what-to-do-in-july) — 12 ideas [See all 41 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/margie-grace) ## Community Q&A **Q: This is a beautiful garden.** *(in Photo Questions)* Are the plants growing with a gravel mulch and if so what kind of gravel and size are you using? Thanks Diane A: Planted areas are mulched with locally available recycled mulch. Gravel walk is 3/8” “CA Gold” gravel supplied by SantaBarbara Stone. **Q: The chairs are perfect** *(in Photo Questions)* These chairs look to be cast from forms. Can you share the source of the forms please. A: The chairs are concrete + teak. Well's Concrete Works. Give Matt my best if when you reach out to him. LOVE his work! Link: https://wellsconcreteworks.com/collections/chairs **Q: Window treatment** *(in Photo Questions)* What window treatment is used in the living room? A: Matchstick blinds **Q: what is grown cover and installation** *(in Photo Questions)* Ground cover installation A: 3/8" gravel (a gold/gray mix of crushed granite called "Handley Gold", purchased at Santa Barbara Stone). Placed directly on raked and compacted (clay) soil. **Q: I love the water feature, where is it from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Is this water feature hand made on site? Or an it be purchased online? A: The coping is pre-fab (purchased at a clearance sale at a now-defunct pottery/fountain store). The basin was poured on site concrete. The "standpipe" is simple copper pipe. Good luck! **Q: Can you tell me the type and size of pea gravel used?** *(in Photo Questions)* avrilburch@me.com A: 3/8 inch pea gravel. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-18.*