---
title: "Derviss Design — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/derviss-design-pfvwus-pf~939614259
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~939614259.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Derviss Design"
category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/cb138bd20c964e8f_8927-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "1408 Park Ave, Novato, California 94945, United States"
latitude: 38.1163
longitude: -122.5714
phone: "(415) 892-3121"
website: http://www.dervissdesign.com
rating: 5
review_count: 5
best_of_houzz_awards: 6
followers: 333
last_updated: 2026-11-07
---

# Derviss Design

Original Houzz profile: [Derviss Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/derviss-design-pfvwus-pf~939614259)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
- **Location:** Novato, CA
- **Serves:** San Rafael, Petaluma, Novato, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Sonoma, Corte Madera, Kentfield, Sausalito, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, Santa Venetia, Sleepy Hollow, Ross, Fairfax, Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, Black Point-Green Point, Woodacre, San Geronimo, Nicasio, Forest Knolls, Lagunitas, San Francisco Bay Area
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (5 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2012–2025), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 100,000 Ideabook Saves

Landscape design that imbues inspiration and excites emotion in the beholder.  We collaborate closely with our clients and craftsmen to design and build environmental experiences that brings value to their lives and properties.
From concept  through construction we partner with our clients to ensure our creative vision becomes a reality.

### Services Provided

- Landscape Design
- Garden Design
- Hardscaping
- Site Planning
- Drought Tolerant Landscaping
- Custom Fire Pits
- Custom Water Features
- Swimming Pool Design
- Gazebo Design & Construction
- 3D Rendering
- Drafting
- Shed Design & Construction
- Deck Building
- Masonry
- Trellis Construction

### Areas Served

- San Rafael
- Petaluma
- Novato
- Mill Valley
- Larkspur
- San Anselmo
- Sonoma
- Corte Madera
- Kentfield
- Sausalito
- Lucas Valley-Marinwood
- Santa Venetia
- Sleepy Hollow
- Ross
- Fairfax
- Lagunitas-Forest Knolls
- Black Point-Green Point
- Woodacre
- San Geronimo
- Nicasio
- Forest Knolls
- Lagunitas
- San Francisco Bay Area

### Typical Job Cost

$30,000.00 - 1,000,000.00

The cost of a project is unimportant to us.  It is the open perspective  of the landowner combined with the inspiration of the site that excites us.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Derviss Design |
| Address | 1408 Park Ave, Novato, California 94945, United States |
| Phone | (415) 892-3121 |
| Website | http://www.dervissdesign.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 333 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Derviss Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/derviss-design-pfvwus-pf~939614259)
- **Website:** http://www.dervissdesign.com
- **Phone:** (415) 892-3121

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Best in Show S.F. Garden show 2008
- SF Garden Show horticultural awards in 89. 90. 92. 94
- Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University Horticultural intern 86
- GSD of Harvard class 76 in LandArch, Career Discovery
- Golden Trowel Award 03.

- **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2012–2025), for Design, Service.

## Reviews

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

### All 5 reviews

**★★★★★ — GLI NorCal Landscape Construction, May 2015**

> Michelle Derviss is much more than a landscape designer; she is truly an artist. We always enjoy our work, but when looking over one of Michelle's designs there is a great spark of excitement to take part in a a project that is destined to be beautiful, functional, and environmentally friendly. She has an exceptional eye for color, space, and style while being ever mindful of her clients needs and budget. Always quick to respond to questions and emails, Michelle is very easy to work with for clients and contractors alike.

**★★★★★ — jdholt44, May 2013**

> Michelle Derviss is a talented landscape architect who works on both small and large projects.  She has been featured in Sunset Magazine, among others, and yet her pricing is fair and reasonable.  Do not hesitate to contact her, as I did, even if you think your project is too small.
>
> Michelle created several alternative landscape drawings and plant suggestions in a timely fashion.  She listened to my concerns, explained her reasoning, and readily made plant changes when asked to do so.  She asked for a plant budget which she easily met.  I'm sure she would have suggested a plant budget had I asked that she do so.
>
> My project is gorgeous.  I got everything I wanted and more.  Highly recommended.  The project, not including labor that I had to hire, soil amendments, and stone, was about $1200.  All told, less than $3000.

**★★★★★ — bengmann, May 2013**

> I have worked with Michelle on two occasions- one was a complete makeover of a long neglected property and the second was the addition of a new pool,  patio and outdoor barbeque area.  In both instances she was a very knowledgeable, creative designer and patiently worked with us to make our vision of the space a reality.  The property has two distinct microclimates and her knowledge of plants was critical to a viable outcome.  She also was very good at keeping the plans within our budget and offering possible alternatives and cost saving options.   She continues to be available as a resource and to supply any additional hard to find plants during our annual planting.  I look forward to working with her again in the future and recommend her without reservation.

**★★★★★ — vera1010, April 2013**

> We have worked with Derviss Design for over 20 years on a wide variety of projects from personal to commercial.  The aesthetics are always pleasing and the attention to detail and installation thorough. Highly recommended.

**★★★★★ — awakening1, April 2013**

> Michelle created an inspired Landscape Plan for me, with a gorgeous sinuous stone path layout that fully delighted.  She then empowered me in exercising my own creativity in executing the plan, as I had requested, guiding, providing resources, and educating patiently as needed.
>
> Her design sense is well-honed, her plant knowledge extensive.  I particularly appreciate her knowledge of the fascinating plants of Australia and South Africa, so appropriate for our climate and need to be water-wise.  Her services are well-priced, she's timely, and accessible for questions.  She comes from a line of artisans, which is reflected in her quality of work.  I've engaged a number of landscape professionals over many years and found the collaboration with Michelle to be bring happiness to me and my garden.

## Selected projects

- [Stinson Beach, Marin County CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stinson-beach-marin-county-ca-pj-vj~259557)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: With its back nestled into the Golden Gate National Seashore parklands and its front looking out over the Pacific ocean, this Stinson Beach home treads lightly on the land yet has a demanding strength of personality.
- [Napa Valley vineyard overlook home and garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/napa-valley-vineyard-overlook-home-and-garden-pj-vj~5362094)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 23
- [Bayside Bocce](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bayside-bocce-pj-vj~4510346)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Apres Ski at Lake Tahoe](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/apres-ski-at-lake-tahoe-pj-vj~132447)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Modern Red](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-red-pj-vj~5729)
  - Location: Mill Valley, CA
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: Marin county landscape designer Michelle Derviss redesigned a plain concrete motorcourt into a modern patterned entry way using colored concrete, pebble mosaics and a red stucco'ed water feature that divides the motor court from the side yard sculpture garden.
- [Outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, patio spaces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-kitchens-and-fireplaces-patio-spaces-pj-vj~5728)
  - Location: Marin , Sonoma and Napa counties, CA
  - Photos: 19
  - Description: Outdoor patios and dining alfresco in Northern California
- [Ornamental Grass Hillside](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ornamental-grass-hillside-pj-vj~43042)
  - Location: Mill Valley, CA
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: Marin Landscape Design, Ornamental grasses, Steep hillside development,
- [Marin Front Yard Bocce and Edible Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marin-front-yard-bocce-and-edible-garden-pj-vj~1988817)
  - Location: San Rafael, CA
  - Photos: 6
- [Color in Marin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/color-in-marin-pj-vj~4510913)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: Colorful stucco wall and fountain surround a lap pool . Planted with succulents . Corten planter and firebowl.
- [Patios](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/patios-pj-vj~124432)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 11
- [Mill Valley house and garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-house-and-garden-pj-vj~73452)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Drought adaptive plantscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/drought-adaptive-plantscape-pj-vj~2842721)
  - Location: Novato, CA
  - Photos: 5
- [Mill Valley -Gabby's Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-gabby-s-garden-pj-vj~1731715)
  - Location: Marshall, CA
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: Outdoor dining and entertaining space with cast inplace fountain, corten panels and stucco walls . Surrounding planting includes drought adaptive plants , succulents and a raised vegetable garden. Mill Valley California.
- [Carmel by the Sea](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carmel-by-the-sea-pj-vj~4227170)
  - Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
  - Photos: 2
- [Napa Valley Outdoor Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/napa-valley-outdoor-living-pj-vj~312471)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 17
  - Description: A comfortable traditional swimming pool, patio and outdoor cooking area enhances outdoor living in the heart of Napa Valley.
- [Pina Colada Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pina-colada-garden-pj-vj~233231)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Garden Paths and Landscape Steps](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-paths-and-landscape-steps-pj-vj~124440)
  - Location: Marin County, CA
  - Photos: 20
  - Description: Marin County Landscape Design. Stone paths, Mosaic paths, Flagstone paths, Stone steps, concrete stepping stone,
- [Marin hilltop Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marin-hilltop-pool-pj-vj~5727)
  - Location: Mill Valley, CA
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: A pool built into a steep hillside overlooking the San Francisco skyline
- [Marin Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marin-modern-pj-vj~5730)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1
- [S.F. Garden Show 2008](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/s-f-garden-show-2008-pj-vj~5732)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2

[See all 36 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/derviss-design-pfvwus-pf~939614259)

## Ideabooks

- [Dip Sea Trail project Marin County](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65590649/list/dip-sea-trail-project-marin-county) — 12 ideas
- [BATH](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32896822/list/bath) — 14 ideas
- [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/153954662/list/wish-list) — 4 ideas
- [decking](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32961094/list/decking) — 24 ideas
- [stinson beach house](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83588008/list/stinson-beach-house) — 11 ideas
- [bench](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80503538/list/bench) — 1 idea
- [pool and spa](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63853014/list/pool-and-spa) — 7 ideas
- [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32896491/list/kitchens) — 14 ideas
- [solarium](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64649120/list/solarium) — 6 ideas
- [Paths](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32896936/list/paths) — 2 ideas

[See all 10 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/dervissdesign)

## Community Q&A

**Q: need help redoing front of house** *(in Landscape Design)*

Interested in redoing front of house with new paint color, stamped concrete floor, new front door. 
Roof is a red Spanish tile so thinking of painting house white but not sure what to do with landscaping leading up to house. 
Any ideas welcome

A: I view your house as a Southern California fusion design that is quite prevalent in tract homes in our west coast area  . These can be challenging but also rewarding when renovating to pull it all together into a cohesive design.    You can take your design intent  towards the  spanish spectrum or completely modernize it by chosing a garage door and front door that share a narrative .  The paint color will also aid in unification as will the landscape. 
From a landscape architectural perspective my eye is drawn to 3 main elements that constrast with one another in disharmony   : The japanese pine that is cloud pruned,  the tiered topiary and the rigid boxwood like shurbs that emphasize the rectilinear brick edged pathway. 
I would retain the Japanese stylized black pine and the understory of undulating zoysia grass and use that as your guiding principle ,   From there I would removed the tiered topary and the boxed hedged shrubs.  
Replace them with a soft  mass plantings of Agave attenuatas, sencio and cycads and a pop of color with Anigozanthos .    
This planting scheme speaks to the pan pacific fusion style of Southern California while giving a nod to your climate.

**Q: Patio concrete slab advice** *(in Landscape Design)*

Hello! Looking for advice related to this small awkward concrete slab. I am getting the rest of the patio sealed and can get the slab painted/sealed as well - which I think would at least help it blend better.  I was thinking a shade of white. Also generally not sure how to use this space. I have other spaces for outdoor dining and an outdoor sectional. Thank you!

A: Those one step down set ups are bonafide tripping hazards.  Creating a contrasting but integrated look is going to be your best bet .
You can achieve this by introducing a modern look by covering  the concrete with a hardwood like deck landing ( ipe wood or the like) .
Or you could use a hybrid of materials such as using the same stone on the field of the landing  and a strong constrasting accent at the edge of the one step riser.
I believe that simply painting the full area an analogous color, such as the white or creme color,  is not going to provide you with a enough contrast to allow the eye to pick up that there is single step downward.   A banding of contrasting material or color is needed at the edge to alert the brain into registering the grade change.
A tricky challenge for sure.   Best of luck.

**Q: Is redwood timber a good idea for landscape edging?** *(in Landscape Design)*

I've been waiting a really long time to complete my landscaping project. I hired a licensed landscape contractor and we just completed the work 3 days ago. Throughout the project, the communication had much room for improvement. We never really discussed edging options for the part where the grass borders the planter/pea gravel. Its been one week after the sod was installed with a very frequent watering schedule and the wood is chipping off with my bare hands. I've contacted the landscaper and he's accusing me of "tampering" with it since "it shouldn't do that." He also wants to charge me a fee to come replace it. Looking for some advice as to how I should proceed and any professional landscapers out there that can tell me if this sounds right? I really don't think its right to have this happen after spending over 16k on the project. Thank you in advance!

A: https://learn.eartheasy.com/articles/cedar-vs-recycled-plastic-vs-composite-raised-garden-beds/
I'm not a scientist nor a chemical engineer but the landscape industry and product manufacturer states it is a stable material and does not leach . 
I've used this material in modern and traditional gardens.  It is rather benign in looks and holds up well.  It is commonly used in the landscape installation industry .

**Q: Seeking landscaping ideas.** *(in Landscape Design)*

I’m in the process of redoing my front yard (in Los Angeles) and am about to start landscaping and would welcome some ideas.  Pictured is the front where I had some planters made. The area gets a good deal of sun.  I’m into color and am not into succulents. I would like to use at least some plants that stay leafy throughout the year. (I love Hydrangeas but fear this spot would have too much sun for them.)  Suggestions, advice, tips all welcome. (Door color TBD but I’m leaning toward a medium cornflower-ish blue.)

A: Cannas, heliconias, agave attenuatta , bird of paradise, hibiscus, papyrus, tibouchina, bougainvillea, distictus, ,  .... opportunities are endless in your marvelous growing climate.

**Q: reshaping existing flagstone patio** *(in Landscape Design)*

I have a rectangular grey flagstone patio and I am considering redesigning the yard. I would like to change the rectangular shape to a circular shape. Can this be easily done? First photo is existing patio, second photo is a closeup of the edge, and third photo is how I would like it to look.

A: Yes it can be done. Easily, no, but with skill and correct machinery it is attainable. 
If the concrete sub base for the stone patio was done properly there will be a grid of rebar in the body of the concrete.  Two different saw blades will be  required to cut thru the body - one to cut thru the stone and one to cut thru the metal bar.   One could  theoretically use the stone blade for the full body cut  but it is a waste of a good diamond tipped blade and most craftspeople perfer to use the right blade for the right job.  After cutting with with a walk behind or a hand held saw you'll probably want to clean your cuts up with a cup grinder . 
A skilled mason will understand the process.   I would not recommend this as a DIY'er project .

**Q: Building a large hypertufa rock that includes a water fountain** *(in Landscape Design)*

I am making a large rock, (approx. 4ft long,2ft tall, 2ft wide). I am making in stages, as one part cures, I continue adding more hypertufa. I've created a bit of a ravine on one side of rock, and have a hole at the top of the ravine, so when complete, my idea is to dig a hole under that part of rock, add a water basin and pump and have water flow down that side of the rock. I'm doing this so I do not have to dig a whole under the entire rock and the basin will catch the water as it will mostly flow down the ravine. This is going in my backyard, next to the patio. Is this something anyone has ever done before, and if so, is it possible? I've never seen a large bolder made from hypertufa, so hopefully this is doable!

A: I haven't personally done this but have hired artisans to.  You may find it inspiring to research the work of Harland Hand, a designer from El Cerrito CA who sculpted an entire hillside using hand made concrete boulders, including a nice water feature.   LINK \_ https://www.harlandhandgarden.com/pdf/ConcreteGarden.pdf

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*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-07.*