--- title: "DesignIntent — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/designintent-pfvwus-pf~939899043 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~939899043.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: DesignIntent category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/dcc3e19e0105eff6_6734-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "1736 Stockton St., Suite 4, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, California 94133, United States" latitude: 37.8002 longitude: -122.4091 phone: "(415) 475-9231" website: https://www.idesignland.com rating: 5 review_count: 15 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 66 last_updated: 2026-09-04 --- # DesignIntent Original Houzz profile: [DesignIntent](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/designintent-pfvwus-pf~939899043) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** San Francisco, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Palo Alto, South San Francisco, Campbell, Menlo Park, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Burlingame, Mill Valley, Hillsborough, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Los Altos Hills, Sausalito, Belvedere - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (15 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2014–2025), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 250 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Published locally - 11 years in business Licensed Landscape Architect \| Estate Landscape Architecture \| Atherton, Palo Alto, Hillsborough, San Francisco DesignIntent is a landscape architecture studio specializing in estate and residential landscape design in Atherton, Palo Alto, Hillsborough, and San Francisco. Led by Licensed Landscape Architect Ruhina Surendran, LEED AP, and SITES AP, the firm creates landscapes that integrate architecture, planting, and site to produce refined outdoor environments suited to California’s climate and residential estates. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - Gazebo Design & Construction - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Drafting - Organic Gardens - Edible Gardens - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Living Walls - Natural Swimming Pools - Green Roofing - LEED documentation - Landscape & Irrigation Design - Landscape Architecture ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Oakland - Berkeley - Palo Alto - South San Francisco - Campbell - Menlo Park - Los Gatos - Saratoga - Burlingame - Mill Valley - Hillsborough - Corte Madera - Tiburon - Los Altos Hills - Sausalito - Belvedere ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 1 million Costs include planting, hardscape, sculptures, water features and project management for installation. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | DesignIntent | | Address | 1736 Stockton St., Suite 4, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, California 94133, United States | | Phone | (415) 475-9231 | | Website | https://www.idesignland.com | | License Number | \#6499 | | Followers on Houzz | 66 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/DESIGNINTENT/?ref=hl - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/ruhina - Blog — http://www.designintent.net ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [DesignIntent](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/designintent-pfvwus-pf~939899043) - **Website:** https://www.idesignland.com - **Phone:** (415) 475-9231 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT \#6499 2019 - LEED AP 2009 - 5-YEAR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (BECKMAN COULTER, IN-HOUSE ARCHITECT) 2008 - AMERICAN NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD 1999 - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2014–2025), for Service. **Affiliations** - [American Institute of Architects, San Francisco](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-institute-of-architects-san-francisco-pfvwus-pf~788533068) - [ASID California Peninsula Chapter](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/asid-california-peninsula-chapter-pfvwus-pf~403471035) - [California Landscape Contractors Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/california-landscape-contractors-association-pfvwus-pf~127371204) - [U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/u-s-green-building-council-usgbc-pfvwus-pf~1797160658) - [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 15 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — houseir, Aug. 2024** > We hired Ruhina for our landscaping project. She was diligent in her approach, visiting the site multiple times to ensure precise measurements, which we appreciated. Her commitment to getting the job done correctly was evident. The overall building experience was smooth, she delivered on the work, and the project was completed satisfactorily. If you're looking for someone who is detail-oriented and dedicated to accuracy, Ruhina is a solid choice. **★★★★★ — Joyful Chapter, Feb. 2021** > I am so glad that I found Ruhina to design my backyard. She is excellent and responsive. Because o am so happy with her, I hired her to do the landscape for my business too. **Comment from DesignIntent:** > Thanks Sharon, it's been a pleasure working with you and Robert! **★★★★★ — HU-114280717, Feb. 2021** > Ruhina was very accommodating, flexible and creative with her ideas. We enjoyed working with her and would work with her again. **★★★★★ — vicki panagotacos, Aug. 2019** > I highly recommend Ruhina. She has extensive knowledge of hardscape as well as landscape which was a real bonus. We want a natural maintenance free project and we got it! **Comment from DesignIntent:** > Thanks for your feedback Vicki, its been great working with you! **★★★★★ — anjalimanohar, May 2016** > Great portfolio, and lovely website. Fantastic company, would love to follow their work, and get involved in future projects! DesignIntent is a company that has a keen eye on details! **Comment from DesignIntent:** > That's awesome Anjali, thanks so much for your wonderful review! **★★★★★ — HrH Architecture, May 2016** > As an architect I have had the pleasure of working with Ruhina on many residential projects. She understands the dynamics of the design process. and does what it takes to accommodates the client's wishes. She listens and responds in a calm and professional manner. I look forward to working with her on our future projects. **★★★★★ — Kim Gebron, May 2016** > Super, super pleased with the landscape design and personal attention we received when using DesignIntent. We had many emails back and forth as well as several phone calls. Modifications were always made when requested and most important, Ruhina checked out each tree, plant, and shrub to ensure it was not toxic for dogs. Highly recommend her services! **Comment from DesignIntent:** > Enjoyed working with you Kim!!! Look forward to hearing how the garden is doing... **★★★★★ — Von Younger Landscaping, Inc., Feb. 2016** > Mrs. Ruhina > > She is a very highly skilled Landscape Architect, here design techniques are impeccable, she focus on the Architectural details of your property and use her design techniques, such Trees, flowering evergreens, native plants to enhance the curb appeal of your property. > > She a master designer in create outdoor living spaces: waterfall, small ponds, arbors, small patios etc. If, you are looking for that "Wow....Wow...Effect to your landscape, I highly recommend her. **Comment from DesignIntent:** > Wonderful feedback Harold, I am waiting on your proposal for Underwood :) **★★★★★ — apike\_global, Feb. 2016** > I referred the professionals at DesignIntent for a client's garden redo. Ruhina was timely and responsive to their questions and requests, which was important to me. Of primary concern to the homeowners was removing the many Sago Palms as they can be hazardous to pets. Ruhina researched many varietals to ensure every plant would be safe. She then created a plan, incorporating the existing garden elements, and adding new ones so they have a plan far into the future to use as a guide as not every part was to be built before move-in. > > The installation phase wasn't one day due to the scope of the project and timing of the order. We appreciated the extra leg work done to find taller plants for privacy which have turned out to be very robust and healthy. All of the transplants in the orchard have taken root nicely and continue to produce fruit as do the roses that bloomed almost immediately. > > My clients quickly went from "not outside people" to envisioning an expanded patio with an arbor so they can spend more time in their new garden. Mission accomplished! **Comment from DesignIntent:** > Thanks so much for the referral Amanda, long time no see :) **★★★★★ — Baukunst, Dec. 2015** > ruhina is a "keeper". she follows through on each and every aspect > of a given project. i look forward to working with her into the future. **★★★★★ — nanatseng, Dec. 2015** > Ruhina is highly recommended! She helped us to design our backyard into a much more usable, eco-friendly "space" for my entire family to enjoy (2 young kids). At first, I hesitated about spending money to hire an architect/ designer for what I consider should be a simple project. But, we are so glad that we decided to hire a professional, and I am so glad I found Ruhina. She is very professional, always return calls timely, punctual, patient, and best of all, she really has very good design concept that is both functional, aesthetic, low maintenance and budget conscious. Her fees are very reasonable, and she went through several iterations of designs with us until we are fully satisfied, and tried to work with the existing architecture and plants. I would highly recommend her. **★★★★★ — Tracy Dieterich, Dec. 2013** > Ruhina was outstanding to work with, we found her online and were very pleased with her professionalism and high-quality work. We have already referred her to a close friend who also hired her for an even larger project--and they were equally pleased. She did more work than promised and was very reasonable on her fee. ## Selected projects - [Los Altos - Contemporary Minimalist](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-altos-contemporary-minimalist-pj-vj~2801709) - Location: Los Altos, CA - Photos: 40 - Description: The thought process behind this gorgeous hilly site, was to provide a native plant haven with bees and butterflies and birds thriving on the plants. In 2016, we had just started combining drought-tolerant with 90% native plants so that the natural beauty of California shows up even in a formal, linear garden. - [Hillsborough - Mediterranean Villa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillsborough-mediterranean-villa-pj-vj~2801743) - Location: Hillsborough, CA - Photos: 27 - Description: Several interesting features, but the most important being that the lot is already nestled in green and surrounded by a forest of trees. New construction involved removing and replacing all the paving (asphalt) and building a new unit on the lot. Planting included shade-loving Mahonia, Giant Treefern, Huecheras and Plumbago with plenty of color from Lantana and Daisies. - [Hillsborough - Traditional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillsborough-traditional-pj-vj~5824471) - Location: Hillsborough, CA - Photos: 27 - Description: When the clients approached me, they had a clear vision of the look and feel of their garden. They wanted a low-maintenance, drought tolerant garden with plenty of color and lots of flowering plants. Although the artificial grass was added on in place of natural no-mow lawn, it does add color and patches of green amidst the otherwise floral edges. A few taller trellises and vines covering the patios add a special touch to the spanish architecture. - [Burlingame Playhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/burlingame-playhouse-pj-vj~6134499) - Location: Burlingame, CA - Photos: 24 - Description: This project came with many challenges. The owners wanted a playhouse built around a mature tree, steps connecting both the patio level and the bermed sideyard to the backyard and planty of ground level interest for the kids. We created a multi-level play area with the lowest level being a vegetable (raised) garden that the kids could play around. The garden is sprinkled with fruit trees, herbs and edible plants. - [California's Great America - Maggie Brown Restaurant](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-s-great-america-maggie-brown-restaurant-pj-vj~2976002) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - Description: For this sprawling 90 acre project, we designed five distinct spaces, three of which were eating and entertaining areas. The fourth was a central paved area, called the Midway, which was vast and curvacious. The fifth was a New Ride whose edges needed landscaping and has a proposed Green Roof that will be retrofitted at a later stage. - [Burlingame Spanish Delight](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/burlingame-spanish-delight-pj-vj~5109648) - Location: Burlingame, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: A beautiful Spanish style home with an additional dwelling unit in the backyard, the owners of which had many ideas on their wish-list. A vegetable garden, one of my favorite ways to add value to the planting, along with a fruit-tree orchard and a doggy patch of lawn made for an interesting combination. - [University Place - Classic New Orleans](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/university-place-classic-new-orleans-pj-vj~1548060) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 16 - [River Oaks - French Eclectic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/river-oaks-french-eclectic-pj-vj~222370) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 15 - Description: The original landscape architect for this historic home was known for his use of brick curbs and water features. I was hired to redo and update the landscape with a slightly more modern feel to match the updated interior of the home. In order to match the black and white sunroom, the clients preferred dark foliage, and plants that did not flower. Only Roses and Crape Myrtle with mass plantings of mondo grass and boxwood borders were used. The raised brick edging formed a classic, linearbackdrop… - [Foster City - California Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/foster-city-california-modern-pj-vj~1200894) - Location: Foster City, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: The heart wants what it wants and it wants great firepits. This bungalow features yes, a firepit, bocci ball court, hop-scotch pad and eggplant hues in the pergola! A great corner lot, this home enjoys full sun and plenty of breeze during the summer. Opening up the space and allowing for more drought tolerant plantings were part of the client brief. This required a complete re-do of the front and backyards. The layout included seating, a raised planter or firepit, a sports area and plenty of roo… - [Campbell Spec Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/campbell-spec-home-pj-vj~6134517) - Location: Campbell, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: A very unusual spec home, in that the developer wanted more trees than the city called for! Since Outdoor living is a selling point, they wanted to make the landscape, the garden, and the number of fruit trees, and regular trees a salient feature of the property. While this was different, it proved to be a challenge when the irrigation plan required several zones around the home. - [California's Great America - Funnel Cakes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-s-great-america-funnel-cakes-pj-vj~2975802) - Location: Santa Clara, CA - Photos: 12 - [Bellaire - Hill Country Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bellaire-hill-country-contemporary-pj-vj~399737) - Location: Bellaire, TX - Photos: 12 - Description: A large lot, with several trees to be retained and some existing hardscape, this job was fun and interesting! The client's ideabooks and brief spoke of a contemporary, yet very local palette of material. The limestone gravel and corten steel planters combine to provide just that! Seating around 30 guests at dinner get-togethers, the backyard was split into two levels to make for a spacious multi-purpose gathering space. - [Menlo Park - Rustic Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/menlo-park-rustic-modern-pj-vj~1524605) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: This Menlo Park bungalow has everything we'd expect from a power couple's home. Featuring a terracotta tiled courtyard, verandah and a patio garden, their landscape emulates a lived-in feel without being too stuffy. - [Upper Peninsula - Modern Minimalist](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upper-peninsula-modern-minimalist-pj-vj~1200917) - Location: Burlingame, CA - Photos: 11 - [Avana Apartment Clubhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/avana-apartment-clubhouse-pj-vj~2818543) - Location: Pleasanton, CA - Photos: 15 - [Los Altos Country Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-altos-country-cottage-pj-vj~5824724) - Location: Los Altos Hills, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Nestled in a wooded site with two large Oak Trees in the backdrop, this project was a study in plants that do well in shade, and under Oak trees. The plant palette included Heucheras, Dwarf Coyote Bush and Hydrangea. Other features included toning down the outdoor kitchen area with muted colors and adding a well-defined border to make the space seem more compact. Adding more planting also re-scaled the vast concrete structure and soften the edges and add a touch of greenery! - [Atherton - Asian Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/atherton-asian-contemporary-pj-vj~5829039) - Location: Atherton, CA - Photos: 6 - [Burlingame - Low water-use Traditional California](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/burlingame-low-water-use-traditional-california-pj-vj~1200914) - Location: Burlingame, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: Colorful, low-maintenance and natural. This garden comes with a gorgeous Chippendale gate, and plenty of native plants. The clients picked beautiful plants in addition to those on the plant list, along with a textured and permeable paver drive. - [Hillsborough - Mansion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillsborough-mansion-pj-vj~2804034) - Location: Hillsborough, CA - Photos: 10 - [Palo Alto Asian Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palo-alto-asian-modern-pj-vj~5829533) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: A modern home with touches of asian planting and design ideas like the Red Maple and tropical Canna. The builder-developer wanted a low-maintenance landscape with accents like seating, and good drainage throughout. Lots of permeable paving set in pea gravel, and plenty of new plantings made this happen. [See all 101 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/designintent-pfvwus-pf~939899043) ## Ideabooks - [Xeriscape-gravel-seatwall](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/152089828/list/xeriscape-gravel-seatwall) — 52 ideas - [DECOMPOSED GRANITE GRAVEL](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/124711351/list/decomposed-granite-gravel) — 28 ideas - [POOL, PLAY AREA, DINING](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/146914427/list/pool-play-area-dining) — 18 ideas - [Perennial Garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/61032905/list/perennial-garden) — 13 ideas - [decomposed granite](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/91077528/list/decomposed-granite) — 8 ideas - [MODERN-PATIO](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/144950506/list/modern-patio) — 14 ideas - [MULTI-LEVEL DECK](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/143557071/list/multi-level-deck) — 4 ideas - [foundation planting and permeable paving](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/142383971/list/foundation-planting-and-permeable-paving) — 30 ideas - [MODERN-FARMHOUSE](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/137166016/list/modern-farmhouse) — 36 ideas - [RUSTIC-MODERN](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/137792099/list/rustic-modern) — 20 ideas - [round / circular kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/137635005/list/round-circular-kitchens) — 8 ideas - [Gazebo](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/116346797/list/gazebo) — 11 ideas - [grass-crete + porous concrete](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/137634428/list/grass-crete-porous-concrete) — 13 ideas - [Stepped Planters](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/67775358/list/stepped-planters) — 7 ideas - [Backyard ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/136625170/list/backyard-ideas) — 34 ideas - [Outdoor Structures & Hardscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/136311269/list/outdoor-structures-hardscape) — 12 ideas - [sand-box](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/132181746/list/sand-box) — 5 ideas - [GREEN SHED](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/132064568/list/green-shed) — 14 ideas - [LOW WALL](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119327271/list/low-wall) — 4 ideas - [NATIVE PLANTS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125745048/list/native-plants) — 19 ideas [See all 70 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ruhina) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-04.*