---
title: "Charles McClure -  Professional Site Planning — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/charles-mcclure-professional-site-planning-pfvwus-pf~914444392
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~914444392.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Charles McClure -  Professional Site Planning"
category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/1a634f6e0d3c4110_6362-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "5454 Berkeley Road, Santa Barbara 93111, United States"
latitude: 34.4453
longitude: -119.8025
phone: "(805) 729-1179"
website: http://
rating: 5
review_count: 11
best_of_houzz_awards: 8
followers: 194
last_updated: 2026-08-17
---

# Charles McClure -  Professional Site Planning

Original Houzz profile: [Charles McClure -  Professional Site Planning](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/charles-mcclure-professional-site-planning-pfvwus-pf~914444392)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
- **Location:** Santa Barbara
- **Serves:** Ventura, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito, Buellton, Santa Ynez, Mission Canyon
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (11 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2012–2025), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 50,000 Ideabook Saves

Charles McClure grew up in Southern California in the 60s and 70s. When he was young, his family hired a landscape architect to design their residential grounds that included indoor/outdoor patio living and swimming. He spent many hours at the famous Descanso and Huntington Gardens. 

His mother introduced him to the concept that some outdoor spaces are actually designed by people and that often makes them much more enjoyable live in and look at. McClure went on to study at Cal Poly SLO, receiving a BS in Landscape Architecture and he was the first in his class to obtain licensure in 1989. He has worked in Beverly Hills, Palm Springs, Westlake Village and Santa Barbara.

When we refer to landscape, we are referring to outdoor space and all of the elements contained in it, not just plantings.

The landscape architect is responsible for the well being of everyone who enters his designed spaces. Elements are selected with this in mind. Vertical elements can excite, horizontals calm. Color draws attention. 

Ever consider why the Japanese garden is associated with calm and relaxation? It's because these gardens are filled with horizontal lines, some cut into the tree canopies, and color is limited or non existent. Interest is gained by contrasting shades of green together as well as varying textures. 

Water is used in a very natural way. Contrast that with a Las Vegas-style fountain. It is fascinating to consider that design has the power to effect people’s lives so profoundly.When we refer to landscape, we are referring to outdoor space and all of the elements contained in it, not just plantings.

### Services Provided

- Garden Design
- Hardscaping
- Drought Tolerant Landscaping
- Site Planning
- Custom Fire Pits
- Swimming Pool Design
- Custom Water Features
- Gazebo Design & Construction
- Drafting
- Shed Design & Construction
- Construction Drawings
- Deck Building
- Fence Design
- Fence Installation
- Hardscape
- Irrigation Design
- Landscape Consulting
- Lighting
- Masonry
- Municipal Approval
- Outdoor Kitchen Design
- Permits
- Trellis Construction

### Areas Served

- Ventura
- Santa Barbara
- Goleta
- Montecito
- Buellton
- Santa Ynez
- Mission Canyon

### Typical Job Cost

$6,000 - 350,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Charles McClure -  Professional Site Planning |
| Address | 5454 Berkeley Road, Santa Barbara 93111, United States |
| Phone | (805) 729-1179 |
| Website | http:// |
| License Number | L.A. 3114, C-27 Cont. 667997 |
| Followers on Houzz | 194 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Charles McClure -  Professional Site Planning](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/charles-mcclure-professional-site-planning-pfvwus-pf~914444392)
- **Website:** http://
- **Phone:** (805) 729-1179

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- National Design Competition sponsored by BLM, ASLA and American Recreation Coalition.....Kiosk, installed on Federal Land Trailheads.
- Many Santa Barbara Beautiful Awards

- **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2012–2025), for Design, Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 11 reviews**

### All 11 reviews

**★★★★★ — HU-736130293, May 2020**

> I worked with Chuck on a project where the city was giving us a very hard time. Chuck was exceedingly professional and got the problems resolved.
>
> I have known Chuck for a longtime and know he is honest and takes pride in his work.

**★★★★★ — Ray Ames, May 2020**

> Chuck's attention to all design details and his great responsiveness to project completion have always been the greatest aspects of his service.  We've come to rely on this high standard and strive to partner with him whenever possible.
>
> Ray Ames
> Project Manager
> Tom Ochsner, AIA

**★★★★★ — Dawn Sherry, May 2020**

> I've known and worked with Charles for many years in Santa Barbara. He has always been a very detail-oriented, conscientious, responsive and professional Consultant. We never hesitate to call him for landscape design!

**★★★★★ — Krista Vorse, May 2020**

> Having witnessed and interacted with Charles in nearly every area that a strong, classically trained, creative and experienced Landscape Architect needs to excel in, I can enthusiastically recommend him to deliver. Site planning is such a crucial investment and one that needs the wherewithal to shephard a project through challenges with collaboration and people skills. From working with budgets, city planners, true artistry and down to earth cost-effective solutions (from his contracting work background as well), it all comes together in Charles' fine work. He's timely, responsive and honest. It's a pleasure to recommend him for any and all projects in the Santa Barbara area.

**★★★★★ — HU-335864841, May 2020**

> I hired Chuck to design lighting for my exterior landscape in Santa Barbara in December . I am really pleased with how it enhanced my property and added to my home . It also gives me a sense of security when I’m away . I highly recommend using him in any of your landscaping projects .
> He was easy to work with and will use him in any future design to upgrade my living space .

**★★★★★ — Studio G, Sept. 2016**

> I am a local architect in Santa Barbara and have had the privilege of collaborating with Chuck on projects for over 20 years now.  Chuck has worked on projects with me ranging from small commercial projects to large estate homes for executives.  It is always a pleasure to introduce Chuck to a new client.  He has an unassuming demeanor, is a great listener, and always seems to be able to focus in on what a client is truly looking for.  In the end, his site  planning and plant selections provide beautiful landscapes and settings which compliment the architecture to which they relate.

**★★★★★ — Joseph Hansberry, Aug. 2016**

> Our Home Owner's Association hired Chuck to design our common areas and oversee the bid process and the project management to its completion.  Chuck did an excellent, professional and complete job,

**★★★★★ — HU-785166, Aug. 2016**

> Charles McClure Professional Site Planning was SIMPLY FABULOUS for our front and back yard landscaping!
> He is professional, creative, budget conscious, listens to the clients needs, meets deadlines and does not quit until the job is done.
>
> Simply put: We never thought we would live in a house this nice.
> Had a VERY pleasant experience, trust his judgement implicitly
> and recommend him without reservation.

**★★★★★ — stevencasey, July 2016**

> Charles McClure's designs are a unique blend of artistry, skill, talent, vision, and experience. He listens carefully to clients' needs and interests, and delivers a product that exceeds expectations in all respects. I have only the highest regard for CMLA's work.

**★★★★★ — Randy Thwing, May 2016**

> Chuck McClure has been associated with the Santa Barbara Cemetery for over 20 years helping us with our projects and constant demands on landscaping.  Great person to work with!

**★★★★★ — Stgeorge&associates, Nov. 2013**

> I have had the pleasure to work with Charles for over 15 years now and I can truly testify that he not only has a tremendous talent for landscape archectecture but also understands what a construction budget is . I have contracted Charles to design projects from simple and durable rental properties to custom beach homes . It does no real service if an Archetect design's a master piece if the budget does not permit the projects completion , Charles is not only extremely talented but also understands a budget and will design a project around all the criteria that he has been tasked to perform . Currently we are working on my personal residence and he has been fantastic to work with , his details for our stone/fountain  contractor were clear and concise ( which rarely happens )  and has coordinated all our hard scape needs with all the other contractors  . On a side note Chuck is a great father and record setting runner , Bravo Charles !!

## Selected projects

- [Recent project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/recent-project-pj-vj~243731)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 30
- [Luxury Zen Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/luxury-zen-landscape-pj-vj~2379253)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 7
- [Water Features](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/water-features-pj-vj~2379257)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 12
- [Patio Designs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/patio-designs-pj-vj~2379255)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 19
- [Various Recent Projects by CM+LA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/various-recent-projects-by-cm-la-pj-vj~278395)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 40
- [Newest project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newest-project-pj-vj~306748)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 30
- [Gates](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gates-pj-vj~2379261)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 12
- [Santa Barbara Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-barbara-beach-house-pj-vj~1979974)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 7
- [Lawn Removal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lawn-removal-pj-vj~1099302)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 5
- [Glass Mulch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glass-mulch-pj-vj~26562)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 3
- [The use of gravels](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-use-of-gravels-pj-vj~26563)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 4
- [Historic Home in Santa Barbara](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-home-in-santa-barbara-pj-vj~1813755)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 17
- [Conceptual Patio Planning - Modern House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/conceptual-patio-planning-modern-house-pj-vj~1813742)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 1
- [Misc. drawings, samples, prelims.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/misc-drawings-samples-prelims-pj-vj~755659)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 14
- [Santa Barbara Cemetery](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-barbara-cemetery-pj-vj~1367778)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 2
  - Description: This shows the in progress grading taking place for the installation of double depth concrete crypts. On steeper slopes, digging each grave by backhoe is difficult and compacts the soil. Excavating the whole hillside, then installing 500 concrete boxes, with subterranean drainage is more efficient. Then access to the boxes can take place by hand tools (shovel). Saves energy in the long run.
- [Santa Barbara Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-barbara-residence-pj-vj~7748024)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
- [Various Santa Barbara Projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/various-santa-barbara-projects-pj-vj~7270628)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 28
- [Entry Walk](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/entry-walk-pj-vj~6820132)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/adu-pj-vj~6436705)
  - Location: Montecito, CA
  - Photos: 1
- [Site and Landscape Planning by CM+LA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/site-and-landscape-planning-by-cm-la-pj-vj~2427350)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12

[See all 26 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/charles-mcclure-professional-site-planning-pfvwus-pf~914444392)

## Ideabooks

- [charlesmcclure's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/215013/list/charlesmcclure-s-ideas) — 1 idea

[See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/charlesmcclure)

## Community Q&A

**Q: do you recall the name of this phorium? thank you!** *(in Photo Questions)*

Love your design

A: Phormium 'Dark Delight'.  The brown flax right?

**Q: Beautiful fence design and color! Can you please** *(in Photo Questions)*

share the color and product?  I have a new cedar fence and this color would be great - I don't want to do white.  Is it a Ben Moore Arborcoat solid or semi-solid by chance? Or a paint?   Thank you!!

A: Hi Deborah, I am sorry but I do not know.  We used the flagstone color and home color as a guide.  The contractor presented colors and we all selected, but I do not have the company and number.  Maybe get a few samples?  I know it's a solid stain.  Stains can weather, paints can not so much. 
Thanks for asking.  Sorry I can be more helpful.

**Q: DRIVEWAY** *(in Photo Questions)*

What kind of gravel it is? Is there anything on top of it to prevent it from moving?

A: Its 3/8” angular gravel, Palm Springs is a name for it here.  Tan. 

its on Class II road base, then asphalt, then liquid asphalt is sprayed and more gravel poured on top.  Then another coat of liquid asphalt and a final gravel layer.  It‘s fire truck rated at that point. 80,000 pound truck can drive on it worhout deflection. 

its called double chipseal.  Look that term up for more.

**Q: Custom Water Feature?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Hello! Fantastic water feature! Is this a custom design or might I be able to purchase somewhere? Thank you! 
Kristina

A: Hi Kristina.  You are right, it's custom.  A pool contractor built it from plans I drew.

**Q: what is the name of the fountain? what kind of tile work is on it?** *(in Photo Questions)*

It is the center of attention in the picture, very beautifully constructed.

A: Hi.  I am not sure what you would call this.  It's a pool really.  The shell is gunnite.  Glass tile.  The fountain risers were supposed to be cut off right below the surface....can control everything!!!!

The pool equipment (pump and filter) is remote.  It's a pool really.  I mean not intended to swim in, but the structure and equipment and finishes defines it as a pool.  A pool contractor built if from my design and specs.  

Hope that helps.  
CM

**Q: How was this formed?** *(in Photo Questions)*

How was the concrete formed prior to pouring?

A: Hi.  A bunch of 3" wood.  The concrete contractor has this material oiled and is re-useable.

---

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