--- title: "Metamorphic Design — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/metamorphic-design-pfvwus-pf~973881794 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~973881794.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Metamorphic Design" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/3663d55d033da0eb_8485-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Port Coquitlam, British Columbia V3C, Canada" phone: "(604) 787-2062" website: http://www.metamorphicdesign.ca rating: 5 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 15 followers: 46 last_updated: 2026-08-10 --- # Metamorphic Design Original Houzz profile: [Metamorphic Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/metamorphic-design-pfvwus-pf~973881794) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Port Coquitlam, BC - **Serves:** Abbotsford, Anmore, Belcarra, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Davis Bay, Delta, Fort Langley, Gibsons, Halfmoon Bay, Ladner, Langley, Madeira Park, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, North Surrey, North Vancouver, Pender Harbour, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Sechelt, Sunshine Coast, Township of Langley, West Vancouver, White Rock - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 15 awards (2015–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - Offers Custom Work Providing exceptional creative design & professional installation of outdoor spaces, including: Patios/decks, retaining walls, pathways & steps, water and fire features, outdoor kitchen, bespoke structures, 2D & 3D construction-ready drawings, specialty plant sourcing and more. Experienced project management. "Earnestly shaping Mother Nature" ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Pool Landscaping - Custom Fire Pits - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - Gazebo Design & Construction - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Organic Gardens - Drafting - Pond Construction - Shed Design & Construction - Edible Gardens - Greenhouse Design & Construction - Build services - Construction Drawings - Install services - Masonry - Stone design - Trellis Construction - Xeriscaping - dry riverbed design ### Areas Served - Abbotsford - Anmore - Belcarra - Burnaby - Chilliwack - Coquitlam - Davis Bay - Delta - Fort Langley - Gibsons - Halfmoon Bay - Ladner - Langley - Madeira Park - Maple Ridge - New Westminster - North Surrey - North Vancouver - Pender Harbour - Pitt Meadows - Port Coquitlam - Port Moody - Sechelt - Sunshine Coast - Township of Langley - West Vancouver - White Rock ### Typical Job Cost CAD 100,000 - CAD 300,000 CAD 100,000 - CAD 300,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Metamorphic Design | | Address | Port Coquitlam, British Columbia V3C, Canada | | Phone | (604) 787-2062 | | Website | http://www.metamorphicdesign.ca | | Followers on Houzz | 46 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/MetamorphicGardenDesign - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-shaw-metamorphicdesign/ - Blog — www.metamorphicdesign.ca ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Metamorphic Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/metamorphic-design-pfvwus-pf~973881794) - **Website:** http://www.metamorphicdesign.ca - **Phone:** (604) 787-2062 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Certificate in Landscape Design, UBC in Vancouver. Diploma in Graphic Design, George Brown College, Toronto. - **Best of Houzz:** 15 awards (2015–2026), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 11 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 46.0 ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — BM Smith, April 2023** > Linda surrounds herself with professional contractors and suppliers. She has extensive plant knowledge and a good eye for coordination. She loves what she does and it shows in the final product! **★★★★★ — HU-60739562, Sept. 2022** > Linda is a skilled and experienced landscaping designer. We worked with her for two projects between 2019 and 2022. Linda was attentive to our needs but also provided tons of great ideas of her own to make the projects a success. So many neighbours asking how we managed to pull this beautiful, complete transformation of the front yard! She worked within our budget, giving us a range of options for every decision. We appreciated having the option of hiring her services for the design portion only (second project in 2022), or also for overseeing the whole project as contractor (first project in 2019). She has a warm personality and is energetic - a joy to work with. **★★★★★ — J. Carlyle Removal of grass in front, Aug. 2021** > Linda was amazing!! From the design phase to the finished project all went smoothly and I am beyond thrilled with the results! > Her design really captured my personality, I wasn't sure what I wanted and she created a work of art in my front yard. Without exception, all the workers she hired were top notch, very hard working even in the intense heat. Very respectful of my property and always cleaned up at the end of the day. The plants she chose were very healthy, and any that died were replaced quickly. She put a lot of thought and effort in finding just the perfect plants for the location. The irrigation company installed their product quickly and followed up on timing and amount of moisture needed for the plants. > It's very evident that Linda loves what she does and that's why she is so good at it! Professional and friendly and always kept me advised on what was happening with the project. > Linda was recommended to me by friends who had her do a project for them and I would have no hesitation in recommending her to anyone!!!! **★★★★★ — Sara, May 2020** > Working with Linda has been the most amazing experience for us. She designed us the most beautiful garden. She listened to what we had in mind and gave us exactly that. Everything was done so fast and hassle free. She even replaced a few plants for us right away as needed after the project was completed. I can not recommend her any more. Neighbors stop to watch. Thank you Linda. **★★★★★ — Bruce Jamer, Sept. 2019** > We initially engaged Linda Shaw to assess our backyard and develop a landscape design and planting plan. We wanted something something that would be low maintenance and appropriate to the type of house and lifestyle that we have. Our backyard was relatively poorly maintained and badly needed a refresh! There was the additional challenge of a fairly unsightly railroad tie retaining wall on our neighbour's property but facing our house. > Linda listened very well initially and developed a really good understanding of our needs, wants and budget while providing us with lots of information about possible approaches and options. Over the course of finalizing the plan she took feedback from us and made several design changes and was extremely easy and pleasant to work with. The final design was fully costed and to leap ahead to project completion, the costs were within 1 or 2 percent of the initial costing. Our work included tearing out roughly 100 linear feet of creosoted wood retaining walls (rotten), a number of tree trunks from an earlier cedar hedge and regrading areas of the backyard. > The new hardscape installation included about 120 linear feet of beautiful Allen block wall ranging in height from 2 to 3 1/2 feet in height, a 500 square foot paver patio, a simulated dry streambed as an interest feature and about 90 feet of red cedar fencing. All were of very good quality and the elements all worked together to enhance the existing trees and topography of our yard. The plantings included a large number of shubs and other plants as well as a few trees where appropriate. > > Once we had accepted the final design and planting plan, we engaged Linda to manage the project. She shined at this, sourcing high quality materials and very talented tradespeople. We felt very comfortable that she was taking care of keeping things on track and the entire project was very nearly stress free. She was very professional and responsive throughout the project and always open to questions and minor changes where needed. Once the project was completed, she provided us with a comprehensive set of aftercare instructions and recommendations on pruning etc. > In our experience she is both a talented landscape designer and competent project manager with a real passion for her work and for providing her clients with a positive project experience and a beautiful, fully completed yard. I would not hesitate to recommend her highly. **★★★★★ — Ninglan L, April 2019** > I found Linda on Houzz. After reviewing her previous projects, I decided to hire her as our garden designer. > > She is very easy to talk to. She listened carefully and thoughtfully to what we wanted to do, and helped us fulfill our vision for our backyard. > She is artistic, thoughtful and has great vision. From our initial conversion, first time met, rough sketch to the final design deliveries, Linda has accurately designed a beautiful garden and helped us fulfill our vision for our backyard. > > After the design phase is finished, we continued inviting her to be our project manager. She managed all the details during the implementation phase. She dealt with purchasing supplies. She managed and coordinated with different contractors working on site. She ensured and directed all the contractors to deliver the work with best qualities. > > We are very pleased with the quality, and beauty of her work. Since the day the garden was built, first thing I wake up/get home is to walk into the garden, enjoy the beauty of nature. She created this million dollar personal view which we love so much and many years to enjoy. We highly recommend working with Metamorphic Design. **★★★★★ — s6367, March 2018** > Linda was absolutely fabulous to work with. Her passion for our project showed in the work she produced and her vision gave us more ideas to work with. The outcome is something more than what we could imagine and we are excited to work with her again in the second phase of our project! **★★★★★ — Eva Yu, Jan. 2018** > We luckily found Linda who beautifully converted what we thought into a feasible construction plan with all details (material choices, measurement, 2-D vision plan, plant selections). She is very easy to communicate, a good listener who is good at helping the customer to hear their own inside voice. She has done many marvelous projects but never presses us to accept her idea. She is very thoughtful and capable landscaping designer! **★★★★★ — HU-2627471, June 2016** > A few years ago I bought a house. Unfortunately the previous owner’s aesthetic can only be described as hillbilly. I wanted to erase everything that was there and create a completely different look and feel for the front yard that reflected my taste. > Linda was instrumental in taking my initial concept and working with me to develop it to a professional level. She brought a level of knowledge and technical expertise to the project re: materials, finishes and construction processes that I simply hadn’t considered. > But perhaps most importantly, Linda listened to what I wanted to achieve. I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed the process of working with her. I found Linda to be professional, easy to work with and open to collaborating with me to ensure that the end result was what I wanted. > The final design and implementation of the project are even better than I had originally hoped for and I am thrilled with the final result. **★★★★★ — sdeveber, Nov. 2014** > Linda is a very talented creative professional with a great sense of design and an extensive knowledge of plants & trees. She really listened carefully to what we wanted to do, and helped us fulfill our vision for our property in the country. > > The process she engaged us in really helped us understand what it would look like before we moved ahead with construction, and put us at ease. From rough sketch to the finished product, Linda was with us every step of the way and made the process most enjoyable. She also managed all the details and dealt with purchasing supplies and managing the people working on site, so it was a stress free project for us. > > It turned out even better than we expected, and we love it. We highly recommend working with Metamorphic Design! **★★★★★ — rayhavey, Nov. 2014** > Linda has great vision and was able to accurately build what I could only vaguely describe. She is professional in her conduct, and completed my project on time and on budget. Her personality worked well with other contractors on site, and there were no problems working with tradespeople on site.I was happy to recommend her to friends needing her services, and they too were very pleased with the quality, and beauty, of her work. The mind of an artist, and the actions of a businesswoman! ## Selected projects - [Port Moody Makeover, BACK](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/port-moody-makeover-back-pj-vj~1829877) - Location: Port Moody, BC - Photos: 56 - Description: Leveling this back yard - stepped into the mountainside - to optimize usable land & create elegant outdoor living spaces was challenging but ultimately successful and rewarding. Behind-the-scenes retaining walls created the structural backbone to support a new stone paver patio & lawn space for kids & pets, with views from the hot tub under cover from the upper deck. Divided by a custom central pergola, a raised cedar planter box-style vegetable garden "grow zone" with greenhouse leads to a pott… - [Port Moody Makeover, FRONT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/port-moody-makeover-front-pj-vj~2476356) - Location: Port Moody, BC - Photos: 36 - Description: Total transformation involving everything from excavation to retaining walls, installation of drainage, irrigation & lighting, new driveway and finally, natural stone pavers & clear cedar fencing. The planting scheme is a Pacific/Japanese fusion composition using mostly non-flowering evergreen shrubs & small trees, flowing with the natural slope & working with color tones, heights, texture & shapes. - [Asymmetrical Balance](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/asymmetrical-balance-pj-vj~5876906) - Location: Coquitlam, BC - Photos: 50 - Description: This steeply sloped back yard had dramatic grade changes on all sides. With one upslope neighbor, one downslope neighbor, and backing onto several other properties also connecting significantly higher than the house grade - the task of unifying the backyard and maximizing functionality in a pleasing form and flow, was an interesting and engaging challenge. - [Hot Tub Happiness](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hot-tub-happiness-pj-vj~6766134) - Location: Coquitlam, BC - Photos: 48 - Description: To achieve the client's desire for greater privacy & less maintenance, the width of the builder's grade landscape tie wall was excavated and reduced, adding valuable square footage to the backyard. This additional space created room for a hot tub under a covered pergola, and adjacent seating area with a fire feature. Landscape lighting in the pergola and strategically placed spotlights under several trees for evening atmosphere & enjoyment all contribute to a functional and beautiful outdoor spa… - [Parterre Paradise With French Formal Style & Fountains](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/parterre-paradise-with-french-formal-style-and-fountains-pj-vj~7770382) - Location: Coquitlam, BC - Photos: 39 - Description: With old landscape tie retaining walls decaying on this steeply sloped back yard and with the lower half of the yard essentially unusable due to the very steep grades, our design solution was to retain in key areas to level out the lower yard and make maximum use of all the available space Parterre gardens are meant to be viewed from above and the structured french formal style serves as the ideal backdrop from the home's extensive entertainment deck. The water tables overhang and are embedded i… - [Modern Front Entry - Floating Concrete Steps + Slab Driveway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-front-entry-floating-concrete-steps-slab-driveway-pj-vj~7614496) - Location: Port Coquitlam, BC - Photos: 27 - Description: This mid century home had builder basic front steps & a cracked original driveway. Our design transformation in the front yard included custom concrete floating steps with undermount strip lighting, and a large slab driveway featuring flowering Irish moss strips planted in between each slab. The stunning mature Cedar as the central focal point was surrounded by a dry riverbed feature and low maintenance native species plantings. - [2D / 3D Landscape Design Drawings & Plans](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-3d-landscape-design-drawings-and-plans-pj-vj~2708052) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - Description: 2D & 3D Landscape design drawings & plans, elevations and detailed views. Planting plans including the botanical names, sizes, quantities & plant placement locations. Hardscape specifications include sq ft values, quantities, finishes & other specific details. - [Innovative Front Yard Planting](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/innovative-front-yard-planting-pj-vj~6717413) - Location: Coquitlam, BC - Photos: 20 - Description: This client's crow damaged front lawn was removed and replaced with an arrangement better suited to the space and taste of the homeowner. We proposed a composition that would compliment and enhance the natural slope and create a "block planting" scheme featuring ornamental grasses - a client favourite - to be arranged in a way which would highlight texture, colour and movement. During the transformation process an old tree in front of the entry area was removed, the original brick planter was re… - [Curvy Patio With Natural Tones](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/curvy-patio-with-natural-tones-pj-vj~7610929) - Location: Port Coquitlam, BC - Photos: 18 - Description: This client wanted to bring a touch of Tuscany's sunlit charm back home to her own back yard. The variation of warmer tones in the cobblestone pavers provides a softer, more informal feel (and feels great barefoot)! The curves of the patio squared up against the property lines made the best use of the long rectangular space. Low Basalt slabs retained the planter beds alongside the patio curves. - [Healing Grounds: Sweat Lodge Refresh + Covered Contemplation Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/healing-grounds-sweat-lodge-refresh-covered-contemplation-space-pj-vj~7772456) - Location: Surrey, BC - Photos: 44 - Description: The Healing Grounds is a dedicated space for both spiritual and emotional rejuvenation. Located adjacent to a non-profit addiction and recovery facility, the Healing Grounds hosts an active sweat lodge on one side, and a communal gathering space on the other side. After decades of use, the Grounds were in need of physical rejuvenation themselves and we were honoured to bring this transformation to life - [Back Yard Transformation Optimizes Usable Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/back-yard-transformation-optimizes-usable-space-pj-vj~6790893) - Location: Coquitlam, BC - Photos: 58 - Description: This complete back yard rebuild required new retaining walls to replace the crumbling original granite stone walls. The old garden layout was limited, awkward and underutilized so a design plan was developed to reclaim & optimize usable space, and to create pleasing outdoor areas with greater functional and aesthetic values. \*Note: This design/build project was hardscape only. The client selected and installed all softscape plant choices. - [New Septic System Install = Landscape Reset](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-septic-system-install-landscape-reset-pj-vj~7776317) - Location: Sechelt, BC - Photos: 17 - Description: ​The installation of a new septic system in the back yard offered a natural opportunity to reorder the landscape and optimize it to make the best use of the land. By dividing and levelling the formerly sloping back yard into 3 separate tiers, the space becomes far more functional and usable. ​With base gravel in place on two tiers and turf over the field at the bottom, the area is prepped and ready for the next steps install of flagstone pavers on the top tier. The middle tier will host a vegeta… - [Custom Vegetable Garden "Grow Zone".](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-vegetable-garden-grow-zone-pj-vj~2360615) - Location: Port Moody, BC - Photos: 15 - Description: Designed as a dedicated area for growing vegetables for a family of five, each western red cedar raised planter box is piped for drip irrigation, with wireless control. The base material for the grow zone is crushed gravel, and the area includes a small seedling greenhouse, water tub feature and potting shed with patio & stone bench. Stepped planter boxes along the back property line serve a dual purpose: to camouflage a large boulder retaining wall behind, and to take advantage of a warmer micr… - [Low Stone Walls With Natural Curves](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/low-stone-walls-with-natural-curves-pj-vj~5686367) - Location: Port Moody, BC - Photos: 48 - Description: This quiet sheltered level back yard in a natural setting featured mature trees & dappled shade. Low stacked basalt stone retaining walls with natural curves were added to define planted beds and lawn areas. A large cedar deck & studio was added, and a selection of hand-picked mature Rhododendrons were sourced & installed to surround the perimeter & sunny main planted bed area. A nature lover's true personal private paradise! - [Dry Riverbed With Xeriscaping](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dry-riverbed-with-xeriscaping-pj-vj~5428673) - Location: Anmore, BC - Photos: 39 - Description: What began with a client's desire to reduce their front lawn area & remove the irrigation system... ended with an artfully arranged dry riverbed with strategic xeriscape planting of drought-tolerant shrubs, grasses & cold-hardy succulents. Upgrade mission accomplished, in a beautiful and functional way... - [Small Space Form & Function](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/small-space-form-and-function-pj-vj~5953944) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 21 - Description: A young family with three small kids in their first starter home wanted a more functional space in the front where they could watch their kids play with comfort and style... - [West Vancouver New Build "Plant Palette"](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-vancouver-new-build-plant-palette-pj-vj~5677890) - Location: West Vancouver, BC - Photos: 7 - Description: Detailed planting plan for a luxury West Van new build, front and back yards. - [New Home Construction, Burke Mountain Coquitlam](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-home-construction-burke-mountain-coquitlam-pj-vj~506928) - Location: Coquitlam, BC - Photos: 10 - Description: This builder set himself apart from the competition with a special and unique water feature in the front yard. The usable space was quite limited (approx 12 x 14), plus there was a three foot concrete sump that had to be incorporated, so we embraced the sump and used it as part of the paved area. The 3/4 ton Quartzite stone water feature had to be lowered in by crane! - [Langley New Home Luxury](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/langley-new-home-luxury-pj-vj~4510909) - Location: Langley Township, BC - Photos: 18 - Description: This brand new custom built dream home has many modern influences and simple clean geometric lines both inside and out. To connect the building to the landscape we built out the simple geometric lines further and echoed hardscape elements (such as the stone siding on the house), into the fence & gate posts in the front yard, creating an overall synergy between structure and land - [New Home II Burke Mountain](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-home-ii-burke-mountain-pj-vj~564162) - Location: Coquitlam, BC - Photos: 8 - Description: Working with builders on new home construction projects can be very satisfying - taking a site that begins buried in construction debris... and coaxing out the best use of the space is always a rewarding challenge! [See all 26 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/metamorphic-design-pfvwus-pf~973881794) ## Community Q&A **Q: pergola material** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi what material was used for the covering on the pergola? A: Hi Kerick, thanks for your question. The material used for the covering on the pergola was tempered glass with a light grey tint **Q: Wow! Nice job.** *(in Photo Questions)* How wide apart and how high are the 6x6 posts used for the colonnade? A: Thank you for your feedback and question! The posts are set 4' apart and I believe they are 8' height. PS I like the colonnade description! **Q: Beautiful Fence! What stain was used and what size are the boards?** *(in Photo Questions)* We are looking at doing something similar and would like to get some more information. Thanks! A: Hi Tristan, Thanks for your feedback and question! This beautiful clear cedar fence was sealed using a clear coat with no tint (not sure about the brand). The boards are 4" wide and there is a 1/4" spacing in between each board. Hope that helps and good luck with your project! **Q: where did you get the paver stones** *(in Photo Questions)* Looking for that style A: Hey Dave, thanks for your question. The concrete pavers are called Vancouver Bay series and we used 3 different sizes in a random pattern. **Q: Water Feature** *(in Photo Questions)* This is a beautiful water feature stone! Where is it from? A: Thank you for your question and compliment, yes it is a gorgeous stone! The stone itself is Quartzite - not sure from which Quarry, but i purchased it from NorthWest Landscape Supply, my favorite local stoneyard - full of great and interesting pieces :) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-10.*