---
title: "Martin Hoffmann — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/martin-hoffmann-pfvwus-pf~939613155
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~939613155.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Martin Hoffmann"
category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5d033dfb0d642df3_8800-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Pleasanton, California 94566, United States"
latitude: 37.6658
longitude: -121.8755
phone: "(925) 462-2190"
website: http://mhla.info
rating: 5
review_count: 8
best_of_houzz_awards: 4
followers: 130
last_updated: 2026-08-18
---

# Martin Hoffmann

Original Houzz profile: [Martin Hoffmann](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/martin-hoffmann-pfvwus-pf~939613155)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
- **Location:** Pleasanton, CA
- **Serves:** Fremont, Livermore, San Ramon, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Dublin, Danville, Lafayette, Orinda, Alamo, Diablo
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2015–2023), for Service, Design.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 10,000 Ideabook Saves

Landscape Architect in the San Francisco Bay Area specializing in custom residential design.  Marty works collaboratively with homeowners, architects, builders and engineers to achieve a landscape design that compliments a wide variety of home styles.  Emphasis on material choices that influence a unique look.  Outdoor rooms, cabanas, planting design, lighting, masonry design, romantic gardens and pools.  My goal is to create outdoor spaces that are carefully planned to create unity between the home and the landscape.

### Services Provided

- Site Planning
- Swimming Pool Design
- Shed Design & Construction
- Landscape Architecture

### Areas Served

- Fremont
- Livermore
- San Ramon
- Pleasanton
- Walnut Creek
- Dublin
- Danville
- Lafayette
- Orinda
- Alamo
- Diablo

### Typical Job Cost

$150,000 - $500,000

Projects vary in cost based upon requirements.  Complimentary first consultation and quote for services is available.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Martin Hoffmann |
| Address | Pleasanton, California 94566, United States |
| Phone | (925) 462-2190 |
| Website | http://mhla.info |
| License Number | L.A. \#4717 |
| Followers on Houzz | 130 |

**Social profiles:**
- Blog — mhla.info

## Offers

(DEMO) OFFERS _(DEMO) DISCLAIMER_

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Martin Hoffmann](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/martin-hoffmann-pfvwus-pf~939613155)
- **Website:** http://mhla.info
- **Phone:** (925) 462-2190

## Credentials

- **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2015–2023), for Service, Design.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### All 8 reviews

**★★★★★ — Dan Grosh, May 2022**

> Marty did a great job.   Easy to work with.  Knowledgeable and highly competent.  He was also timely in his work and super thorough.  Lots of great ideas

**★★★★★ — Design Discoveries, April 2020**

> Marty is one of the most talented Landscape Architects that I have worked with in this business.  He has done numerous projects of mine, making my projects stand out even better  by his incredible work.  He is not just another fly bye Design company, he puts his pride into every project and even more importantly without an Ego, as so many have in this business do.  Martin's Designs are from the mind of a visionary incorporating New ideas, Large boulders and timeless beauty.  I don't just say this as he is a colleague, but even more importantly he is an Artist.  If you are looking for grass and some plants to dress up your front yard you can get anybody for that, but if you are looking to outclass your neighbor with something new and fresh, look to Marty.

**★★★★★ — Richard Del Monte, March 2019**

> Martin Hoffmann is just a brilliant landscape architect. First off, he is highly respected by all the contractors that know him. He is extremely patient with his clients. We have a major "view" back yard on top of a hillside with views extending for many miles, however our 35 year old landscaping just did not serve the site. The first time Marty saw the space, he instantly understood that he needed to put our yard out "into" the view, instead of being cloistered from it by fences and hedges.
>
>  My wife and I had several "second thoughts," as he was guiding us through our project, and he was so calm and patient with us. After his great design was finished, the contractor we'd hired quit the day before we were to break ground. That gave us a chance to revisit our plans and we we decided that even though the cost was going to be much higher, the site really demanded an infinity pool instead of just a deck, so Marty went right back to work and with lightning speed came up with another absolutely brilliant design that made our hearts leap out of our chests. We are hoping to break ground in a couple of months on this and really cannot wait to see it completed.
>
> Marty is the real deal and I cannot recommend him highly enough. We consulted with several other landscape architects on this project, and while they were all great, Marty was always head and shoulders above them with his vision, patience, calm demeanor, and delivering gorgeous designs on time and within our desired budget.
>
> Don't waste your time on anyone else if you are in the Tri-Valley Area in California. Marty is the guy you want.

**★★★★★ — r\_valenz, Feb. 2016**

> Martin helped us design our dream backyard. We had a lot of ideas and things we wanted to incorporate but no idea of how to do it. He came to the house for meetings, and helped us through the process until we had a finished product of plans we were happy with. Now we are ready for the bidding process with contractors.

**★★★★★ — Tina Mayer, Sept. 2014**

> I've been a client of Marty's for 14 years now ad have done several projects with him. He is easy to work with very talented (like designer eye plus technically ability). I would say over the years we've had hundreds of people in our backyard, side yard, front yard space and we always get comments of how we have one of the nicest backyards in the bay area. My pictures wont do it justice but the feeling is very zen, expensive resort feeling, elegant yet was able to make it a paradise for kids over the years. His design is timeless and we have had very little issues with what was implemented.
>
> He is very responsive and pours his heart into his projects. We are currently scoping out a new project with him. I highly recommend him. Honest, thoughtful, creative, hard working, stylish designs and works extremely well with people. We love him and both my husband and I are extremely picky.

**★★★★★ — foothilldental, June 2014**

> Landscaping is all about proportions!  You can have the greatest installer in the area.  But if you don’t get the proportions in your design right, it really doesn’t matter what materials you use, or how well they were installed, it just doesn’t look right.  Marty designed a patio and landscaping plans for me.  The design, and hence outcome was spectacular.  He got the proportions for my size house and yard perfect.  He is easy to work with, and your ideas are utilized in perfect balance with your house and yard.

**★★★★★ — Creative Environments, Oct. 2013**

> Martin and I have worked on several projects together over the past 15 years. In all situations it has been when the clients needed a very creative architect with hands on experience. Martin is a highly gifted and creative person that brings so much more to a project. His practical experience, valued engineering and one of a kind creativity stand head and shoulders amongst other Landscape Architects in his market area. My construction company has hired his services and I have been recommended by his company several times. Together he and I have created some wonderful backyards throughout the Bay Area. I highly recommend his services for anyone that is wanting a one of a kind designer with a very person approach on each and ever project that he is involved in.

**★★★★★ — jenhansen4, Jan. 2013**

> Marty helped us draw up a beautiful plan for our yard.  He listened to all of our desires and incorperated each element.  We are thrilled.  He was prompt and quick to answer our emails.

## Selected projects

- [Morgan Hill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/morgan-hill-pj-vj~7153726)
  - Location: Morgan Hill, CA
  - Photos: 40
  - Description: Casual but modern meadow planting and pool environment in Morgan Hill Project features a custom steel cabana, vanishing edge pool, and an extra large jacuzzi. Planting is drought tolerant with a healthy blend of grass varieties mixed with other botanicals
- [Sonora avenue contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sonora-avenue-contemporary-pj-vj~6434887)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 11
- [Danville hillside](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/danville-hillside-pj-vj~5833387)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
- [alamo outdoor room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alamo-outdoor-room-pj-vj~3266829)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Diablo backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/diablo-backyard-pj-vj~360276)
  - Location: Diablo, CA
  - Photos: 20
  - Description: Situated on a former horse property complete with a rustic barn and mature oaks, this backyard renovation features a pool and cabana along with a putting green, vegetable garden and sports field. The casual style is highlighted by rock formations that soften grade transitions and disguise a lagoon style spa. A massive dive rock fits the scale of the lap pool, and a "hidden" driveway leads from the front yard to the wooden barn in the back corner. Paving and planting choices help to create a casu…
- [danville front yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/danville-front-yard-pj-vj~3267392)
  - Location: Danville, CA
  - Photos: 7
- [danville garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/danville-garden-pj-vj~3268113)
  - Location: Danville, CA
  - Photos: 7
- [shady canyon residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shady-canyon-residence-pj-vj~10688)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [sunken bar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunken-bar-pj-vj~1218608)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 23
- [Country French Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/country-french-pool-pj-vj~360309)
  - Location: Danville, CA
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: This project features a pool and pool house on the edge of a hillside overlooking rolling hills and oak studded pastureland. The backyard had very little useable space, and any design strategy needed to consider the grades very carefully. Although a vanishing edge pool is commonly opted for in such a situation, the client opted for a less modern emphasis. Instead, a single large retaining wall with a cable railing was utilized to create an entertainment patio centered around a pool house and bar…
- [Los Gatos pool house](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-gatos-pool-house-pj-vj~360342)
  - Location: Los Gatos, CA
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: A project that required a re-organizing of the property, as the traditional "back yard" did not have room for such a large spread. The oak studded property was sub-devided with planting to create an entry to the house and a separate guest house and pool area. Precast concrete from Architectural Facades was used in combination with sandstone paving to create a classic mediterranean look.
- [Alamo backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alamo-backyard-pj-vj~360326)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 21
  - Description: A large backyard featuring a covered pool, bocce court, pergola, raised spa and outdoor room. The primary outdoor lounge area overlooks the pool on one side and a wall fountain and koi pond on the other. Stone and precast finishes along with carved limestone pots complete a classic mediterranean look.
- [Richard & Ingrid in Alamo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/richard-and-ingrid-in-alamo-pj-vj~5959129)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [livermore outdoor room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/livermore-outdoor-room-pj-vj~3267101)
  - Location: Livermore, CA
  - Photos: 6

[See all 14 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/martin-hoffmann-pfvwus-pf~939613155)

## Ideabooks

- [tropical pool](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183573109/list/tropical-pool) — 116 ideas
- [lowder](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/173251934/list/lowder) — 42 ideas
- [malani](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/172744379/list/malani) — 15 ideas
- [jenny kim](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/168315054/list/jenny-kim) — 16 ideas
- [kem](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165425919/list/kem) — 20 ideas
- [40](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162446281/list/40) — 30 ideas
- [copperopolis pool](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162168253/list/copperopolis-pool) — 10 ideas
- [blacjac's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/270770/list/blacjac-s-ideas) — 2281 ideas
- [fratarcangeli](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/161523446/list/fratarcangeli) — 16 ideas
- [Old backyard pics](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/128433994/list/old-backyard-pics) — 22 ideas
- [tsai](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/144617846/list/tsai) — 13 ideas
- [gautam](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/153058983/list/gautam) — 15 ideas
- [gill sona](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/151043988/list/gill-sona) — 8 ideas
- [shingleton](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/149512514/list/shingleton) — 9 ideas
- [field](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/150333969/list/field) — 18 ideas
- [unar](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141171296/list/unar) — 6 ideas
- [tudor style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/79936647/list/tudor-style) — 7 ideas
- [cabana](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93799114/list/cabana) — 29 ideas
- [large modern traditional](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/73679051/list/large-modern-traditional) — 88 ideas
- [small pool environment](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/35176477/list/small-pool-environment) — 83 ideas

[See all 80 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/blacjac)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Do you know what type of stone was used?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Hi! What type of stone would you use for this project? We are thinking about something similar in New Jersey.

A: The stone was called 'Frontier Tan', as I recall....  not sure if it would be available to you in New Jersey or not.

**Q: How did you get the lawn to grow on top of the concrete footing?** *(in Photo Questions)*

You mentioned that there is a continuous footing under the stone. How did you get the lawn to grow on top of the footing?

A: Hi Chris,
We used a continuous concrete footing for both of the tread-ways but it was very deep.  We used a fairly thick stone for the paving, and mortared them up so that there would be at least 3"-4" gap between the finish grade and the top of the footing.  Therefore we have enough soil depth for rooting the sod in between the stones.  
It also was helpful to have an existing tree present to provide partial shade for most of the day.

**Q: Who built this spa for you?** *(in Photo Questions)*

I have a client who wants to have a natural stone spa installed in Portola Valley. I know you designed this lovely spa, but who actually built it?

A: Howdy Pete.
Rick from Hacienda Pools was the pool contractor.  Ismael Gonzales was the mason.   I picked out the stone from a quarry site. Ismael and I worked together on site to place each stone.

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

Pond or spa?

A: it's a gunite spa, complete with seating...

**Q: Is this stamped concrete, overlay or stone?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Thanks.... I tried to make sure that the grout color was not too dark or too light... makes a big difference.

**Q: What kind of stone was used in the bond beam for the pool and bbq?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: the stone was Fon Du Lac 'Stone Ridge' thin veneer by Rademann with an overgrout

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-18.*