A Serene outdoor retreat where clean lines meet earthy textures. This thoughtfully zoned patio features modular seating, fire pit, and dining accents - perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet reflection. Raised beds, vine trellises, and sculptural fountains soften the layout, while wood, stone, and steel surfaces add rhythm and durability. Every detail connection, comfort, and calm

A Serene outdoor retreat where clean lines meet earthy textures. This thoughtfully zoned patio features modular seating, fire pit, and dining accents - perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet reflection. Raised beds, vine trellises, and sculptural fountains soften the layout, while wood, stone, and steel surfaces add rhythm and durability. Every detail connection, comfort, and calm

A Serene outdoor retreat where clean lines meet earthy textures. This thoughtfully zoned patio features modular seating, fire pit, and dining accents - perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet reflection. Raised beds, vine trellises, and sculptural fountains soften the layout, while wood, stone, and steel surfaces add rhythm and durability. Every detail connection, comfort, and calm

A Serene outdoor retreat where clean lines meet earthy textures. This thoughtfully zoned patio features modular seating, fire pit, and dining accents - perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet reflection. Raised beds, vine trellises, and sculptural fountains soften the layout, while wood, stone, and steel surfaces add rhythm and durability. Every detail connection, comfort, and calm

A Serene outdoor retreat where clean lines meet earthy textures. This thoughtfully zoned patio features modular seating, fire pit, and dining accents - perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet reflection. Raised beds, vine trellises, and sculptural fountains soften the layout, while wood, stone, and steel surfaces add rhythm and durability. Every detail connection, comfort, and calm

A Serene outdoor retreat where clean lines meet earthy textures. This thoughtfully zoned patio features modular seating, fire pit, and dining accents - perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet reflection. Raised beds, vine trellises, and sculptural fountains soften the layout, while wood, stone, and steel surfaces add rhythm and durability. Every detail connection, comfort, and calm

A Serene outdoor retreat where clean lines meet earthy textures. This thoughtfully zoned patio features modular seating, fire pit, and dining accents - perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet reflection. Raised beds, vine trellises, and sculptural fountains soften the layout, while wood, stone, and steel surfaces add rhythm and durability. Every detail connection, comfort, and calm

A Serene outdoor retreat where clean lines meet earthy textures. This thoughtfully zoned patio features modular seating, fire pit, and dining accents - perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet reflection. Raised beds, vine trellises, and sculptural fountains soften the layout, while wood, stone, and steel surfaces add rhythm and durability. Every detail connection, comfort, and calm

A Serene outdoor retreat where clean lines meet earthy textures. This thoughtfully zoned patio features modular seating, fire pit, and dining accents - perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet reflection. Raised beds, vine trellises, and sculptural fountains soften the layout, while wood, stone, and steel surfaces add rhythm and durability. Every detail connection, comfort, and calm

A Serene outdoor retreat where clean lines meet earthy textures. This thoughtfully zoned patio features modular seating, fire pit, and dining accents - perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet reflection. Raised beds, vine trellises, and sculptural fountains soften the layout, while wood, stone, and steel surfaces add rhythm and durability. Every detail connection, comfort, and calm

Equidistant treads create a visual rhythm for the eye. Boulders provide attractive grade control as needed. Crushed blue shale provide an accent color against the warm brown of the pressure treated stairs. Wider midway terrace, provides a view from the internal house hallway window. Includes beautiful and drought tolerant plantings and shade trees.

A reclaimed brick pathway curves through a garden of roses, perennials, and clipped boxwood, guiding the eye toward both a shaded bench and the garden studio beyond. Clematis climbs a sculptural metal support, while seasonal blooms and small pieces of garden art add rhythm, texture, and calm moments of discovery in this shaded retreat.

The design promotes healthy lifestyles by providing primary living on one floor, no materials containing volatile organic compounds, energy recovery ventilation systems, radon elimination systems, extension of interior spaces into the natural environment of the site, strong and direct physical and visual connections to nature, daylighting techniques providing occupants full integration into a natural, endogenous circadian rhythm. Incorporation¬¬¬ of daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior-to-code insulation ensure minimal space-conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All lighting fixtures are LEDs.

This wide-open mountain property features a thoughtfully designed xeriscape landscape that brings structure and seasonal vibrancy to a spacious concrete drive. Golden ornamental grasses and native trees are arranged in gentle curves, softening the edge of the hardscape while echoing the natural rhythms of the surrounding forested hills. Large boulders provide grounding focal points, and pops of color from container plantings in red, blue, and terracotta pots brighten the neutral palette. This design embraces both sustainability and aesthetics—delivering curb appeal, erosion control, and panoramic views with a low-maintenance, water-wise approach.

Photo: © Jude Parkinson-Morgan
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary landscaping in San Francisco.

Overlooking the Puget Sound, this 2,000 sf Pacific Northwest modern home effortlessly opens onto classic water views while optimizing privacy and Southern exposure with a private patio. Our clients sought a poetically minimalist and practical retirement home infused with rhythm and geometry. With dramatic roof lines and a projecting great room that define its form, the architecture’s simplicity frames its dramatic site to incredible effect while the interior playfully loops the spacious traffic patterns of this 3 bedroom 2.5 bath.

This exterior approach blends modern architecture with lush, organic landscaping to create a welcoming and thoughtfully composed entry. Clean-lined concrete steps gently ascend through layered greenery, guiding visitors toward the home while maintaining a soft, natural rhythm. Low-maintenance plantings and sculptural grasses frame the pathway, complemented by natural boulders that introduce texture and grounding contrast. The crisp white façade and dark trim provide a refined architectural backdrop, allowing the landscape to feel intentional and integrated rather than ornamental. Mature trees add scale and dappled shade, enhancing the sense of privacy and calm. The result is a cohesive exterior that balances structure with softness, seamlessly connecting the home to its surrounding environment.

Nick Gingold
Transitional pool photo in Los Angeles