Custom built-in and fireplace mantel. Cabinet doors feature mesh panels to reduce vibration from sound equipment and to provide ventilation for electronics. Granite on fireplace is Bordeaux River. Photography by David Ciolfi

A "succulent shadow" of heat loving drought tolerant sedums
This is an example of a large modern drought-tolerant and full sun front yard landscaping in Vancouver.

Pennisetum Hameln, Berberis Concorde, Euphorbia Glacier Blue
This is an example of a large modern drought-tolerant and full sun front yard landscaping in Vancouver.

Design ideas for a transitional drought-tolerant front yard stone and wood fence garden path in San Francisco.

Custom built-in and fireplace mantel. Cabinet doors feature mesh panels to reduce vibration from sound equipment and to provide ventilation for electronics. Granite on fireplace is Bordeaux River. Photography by David Ciolfi

Custom built-in and fireplace mantel. Cabinet doors feature mesh panels to reduce vibration from sound equipment and to provide ventilation for electronics. Granite on fireplace is Bordeaux River. Photography by David Ciolfi

This corner was wasted space before we reduced the window to create eight more linear feet in the kitchen for this lovely drop zone and matching display cabinet. Francis Michael Skinkle likes this. Comments

A new dry stack wall using fantasy river flat stones created the feeling of an old-world estate wall shaped by the natural forces of time.
Inspiration for a huge traditional full sun front yard landscaping in San Francisco.

Custom built-in and fireplace mantel. Cabinet doors feature mesh panels to reduce vibration from sound equipment and to provide ventilation for electronics. Granite on fireplace is Bordeaux River. Photography by David Ciolfi

Architect: Elizabeth Herrmann Photos: Susan Teare This 1100 sf 3-bedroom cottage in the Mad River valley was designed by architect Elizabeth Herrmann for a family of four who dreamed of downsizing and reducing energy consumption. Sited on an east-facing slope with view over the Mad River, the little black house features a standing seam roof, triple-glazed windows from Alpen, and a high-performing insulation package. A small Morso woodstove provides heat in the winter. A single Mitsubishi heat pump provides cooling in the summer and backup heat in the winter. Water is heat by an electric heat pump water heater.

Beautiful Landscaping Doesn't Have to Mean High Maintenance Who says a beautiful landscape has to require constant upkeep? For this Houston home, we created a clean, modern xeriscape that delivers year-round curb appeal with minimal maintenance. By combining drought-tolerant plants, decorative river rock, artificial turf accents, and contemporary concrete stepping stones, we transformed the entry into a landscape that's both functional and visually striking. Project Highlights: • Blue agave and prickly pear cactus • Drought-tolerant plant selection • Decorative river rock • Concrete stepping stone pathway • Artificial turf joints • Low-maintenance landscape design • Modern curb appeal Whether you're looking to reduce water usage, eliminate mulch maintenance, or create a more contemporary landscape, xeriscaping is a smart long-term investment. Ready to transform your property? ? Call or Text: 832-230-7277 ? https://landscapedesignhouston.com/contact/ Pro Tip: Using drought-tolerant plants with decorative rock instead of traditional mulch helps reduce maintenance while creating a clean, modern appearance that lasts for years.

Beautiful Landscaping Doesn't Have to Mean High Maintenance Who says a beautiful landscape has to require constant upkeep? For this Houston home, we created a clean, modern xeriscape that delivers year-round curb appeal with minimal maintenance. By combining drought-tolerant plants, decorative river rock, artificial turf accents, and contemporary concrete stepping stones, we transformed the entry into a landscape that's both functional and visually striking. Project Highlights: • Blue agave and prickly pear cactus • Drought-tolerant plant selection • Decorative river rock • Concrete stepping stone pathway • Artificial turf joints • Low-maintenance landscape design • Modern curb appeal Whether you're looking to reduce water usage, eliminate mulch maintenance, or create a more contemporary landscape, xeriscaping is a smart long-term investment. Ready to transform your property? ? Call or Text: 832-230-7277 ? https://landscapedesignhouston.com/contact/ Pro Tip: Using drought-tolerant plants with decorative rock instead of traditional mulch helps reduce maintenance while creating a clean, modern appearance that lasts for years.

Beautiful Landscaping Doesn't Have to Mean High Maintenance Who says a beautiful landscape has to require constant upkeep? For this Houston home, we created a clean, modern xeriscape that delivers year-round curb appeal with minimal maintenance. By combining drought-tolerant plants, decorative river rock, artificial turf accents, and contemporary concrete stepping stones, we transformed the entry into a landscape that's both functional and visually striking. Project Highlights: • Blue agave and prickly pear cactus • Drought-tolerant plant selection • Decorative river rock • Concrete stepping stone pathway • Artificial turf joints • Low-maintenance landscape design • Modern curb appeal Whether you're looking to reduce water usage, eliminate mulch maintenance, or create a more contemporary landscape, xeriscaping is a smart long-term investment. Ready to transform your property? ? Call or Text: 832-230-7277 ? https://landscapedesignhouston.com/contact/ Pro Tip: Using drought-tolerant plants with decorative rock instead of traditional mulch helps reduce maintenance while creating a clean, modern appearance that lasts for years.

This project was an entry to the Water Wise Landscape Recognition Program in Brantford. Features include: Spillway from downspout directed to supply water to drip-line of young Red Maple. This replaced a lawn that was in constant battle with invasive weeds and crabgrass. The grade of the yard was changed to retain as much rain water as possible to significantly reduce run-off. All plants used require little to no water need outside of what Mother Nature provides.

After retiring from a successful career as a Washington DC lawyer, our client dreamed of returning to a place along the Santiam River about 100 yards from her childhood home. Today, every room looks out at the river as it flows through the verdant landscape of the Willamette Valley. Modest in design and use of materials, this new home reflects the simplicity, sensibility, and integrity of the many agricultural structures found in the area. The ultra energy efficient design results in both enhanced thermal comfort and low energy bills year round. Triple pane windows enable extensive views and natural light with minimal energy loss. The modest floor plan reduced construction costs while the durable building materials will protect the investment well into the future.

Sunroom with wood ceiling detail.
Mid-sized beach style screened-in and metal railing back porch photo in Minneapolis

This is an example of a southwestern landscaping in San Diego.

The client wanted a unique metal planter with low water use plants. In the yard we reduced water use by removing the grass and adding a paver patio extension with artificial turf. It was really exciting to create this unique piece for her! Deana M. Chiavola

This project was an entry to the Water Wise Landscape Recognition Program in Brantford. Features include: Spillway from downspout directed to supply water to drip-line of young Red Maple. This replaced a lawn that was in constant battle with invasive weeds and crabgrass. The grade of the yard was changed to retain as much rain water as possible to significantly reduce run-off. All plants used require little to no water need outside of what Mother Nature provides.