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Karen Aitken and Associates

Karen Aitken and Associates

Average rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars50 Reviews
Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
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About Us

Locally owned
15x Best of Houzz winner
40 years in business
South Bay Award Winning Landscape Architecture Firm 11x Best of Houzz
Karen Aitken and Associates is a premier landscape architecture firm serving the unique needs of the extended San Francisco Bay area and Monterey county communities. We specialize in creating environmentally conscious landscapes that are dynamic, thoughtful, and innovative. Our reputation is based, in part, upon listening and responding to our client’s specific needs (whether commercial or residential) and creating delightful environments tailored to your wishes and desires.

Awards

Licensed as a Landscape Architect with the State of California: Reg. #2239

Category

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Projects

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Business Details

Business Name

Karen Aitken and Associates

Phone Number

(408) 842-0245

Website

karenaitkenassociates.com

Address

Gilroy, CA 95020

Typical Job Cost

$50,000 - 1.5 million

Regardless of job cost, we can work together to make sure your landscape vision comes to life.

License Number

CA 2239

Followers

360 Followers

Socials

Find me on FacebookFind me on XFind me on my blog or other site

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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

Greenhouse Design & Construction

Landscape Supplies

Patio Gardens

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Areas Served

San Jose

Sunnyvale

Palo Alto

Santa Cruz

Gilroy

Watsonville

Morgan Hill

Hollister

Menlo Park

Los Gatos

Los Altos

Monterey

Hillsborough

Pebble Beach

Capitola

Los Altos Hills

Interlaken

Atherton

San Martin

Aptos

Woodside

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Pajaro

Aromas

Corralitos

San Juan Bautista

Carmel

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Credentials

15 Houzz Awards
Best of Houzz 2026 - Design
Best of Houzz 2025 - Design
Best of Houzz 2024 - Design
Best of Houzz 2024 - Service
Best of Houzz 2023 - Design
Best of Houzz 2023 - Service
Best of Houzz 2022 - Design
Best of Houzz 2022 - Service
Best of Houzz 2021 - Design
Best of Houzz 2021 - Service
Best of Houzz 2020 - Service
Best of Houzz 2019 - Design
Best of Houzz 2019 - Service
Best of Houzz 2016 - Service
Best of Houzz 2015 - Service
5 Houzz Badges
Houzz Pro Software User
Star Houzzer
Houzz Influencer
Recommended on Houzz
25,000 Ideabook Saves
1 Affiliation
American Society of Landscape Architects
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Write a Review

50 Reviews for Karen Aitken and Associates

Average rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars4.9|50 reviews
Work Quality
4.8
Communication
4.8
Value
5.0
MyPrefabHomes
MyPrefabHomes
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
We had the pleasure of collaborating with Karen and the team at KAA on a build project several years ago. Seeing how they worked on the initial consultation to the final walk-through, their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to client satisfaction were evident every step of the way.
H5
HU-518095301
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Karen drew a plan for my yard earlier this year, and I could not be happier with the results. She listened to what I wanted and was very responsive. She had extremely good ideas and adjustments to make the final product exactly what I wanted. She is very creative and easy to work with. Her follow up and listening skills are first class. It was a complete pleasure to work with her, and she worked extremely well with the landscape installer that did my yard.
LN
lncheskin
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Karen was our designer for a very large, full redesign of our Los Gatos, California garden. She carefully listened to our wishes and designed them into her detailed plan. One example is that in her plant choices, she created a beautiful butterfly/hummingbird area right down to selecting the specific color schemes we requested. She did all of this while at the same time creating an open and sunlit but private sanctuary. In addition, Karen was always available to come to the job site when we asked to answer questions and make in-the-field modifications. Most importantly, Karen is a lovely, polite, and calm person and is extremely easy to work with.
NS
New Technology Specialists
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I've been working with Karen for over 10 years now! And I have to say every project has been an extreme pleasure to work with her and her team! We are a general contracting company that does various projects from schools, to churches to private residences. Karen has always been my go to landscape designer and I could not recommend anyone better than her! She is able to meet with the client, understand their needs and produce a design that meets or exceeds their expectations. I can tell you that the plans she produces are very detailed, easy to read and understand. Karen and her team are extremely responsive when changes come up, is able to problem solve and has a lot of valuable resources. I've done over 10 projects with her now and have been thoroughly impressed with the results. I think her versatility to work with both general contractors at a fast pace, and take the time and effort to work with the end client on a much slower and through pace makes her different than most architects that I've worked with in the past. I really don't think you'll be able to find a better team that Karen Aitken and Associates.
JM
JMS
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Karen designed a beautiful landscape for my home in Hollister. My house is a newish build on a small lot. There was builder-installed landscaping in the front yard and nothing in the back. I had some ideas about what I wanted and asked Karen to design something for the entire lot (front, back, and side yards). On her site visit she walked around the lot, looked at the cartoon I'd drawn and my magazine clippings, and (most importantly) listened to what I said about my background and what I wanted to see in the garden. She came up with a plan that wasn't exactly what I expected but incorporated everything I'd asked for. I could tell that it would be beautiful when implemented. We made a few adjustments and additions. She had some recommendations for a landscape contractor and I went with one of them. The project was completed recently and is absolutely beautiful. My family, friends, and I will enjoy the yard for years to come.
MJ
Marjorie Johnson
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
We forgot to write a review a while back on the landscape design that Karen did for us. We truly love how the yard is filling in giving it that cozy European respite feeling we wanted. She has a wonderful eye for design for sure! Looking forward to working with her on future projects!
SG
Sereno Group
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
As a real estate professional, it's crucial for me to work with reliable, knowledgeable and customer-friendly partners. Karen and her team has worked with my clients, as well as my own home, and across all types of wants and needs - from specific, small projects, to full scale landscape construction. From Palo Alto yards to acre properties, from plantings, hardscape, pools, etc. I've been very happy with Karen's diverse knowledge and can-do attitude! You're welcome to reach out if you'd like additional information
Karen Aitken and Associates
Comment from Karen Aitken and Associates:
Thank you very much for your recommendation. You offer your clients such a unique service, in helping a new home buyer get connected with all of the design and construction consultants needed for their home projects.
I am always thrilled to hear from you with a new garden 'assignment' :)
H4
HU-433111385
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Karen was involved with me on a few High end Custom Home projects in Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto and Los Altos area. She is simply the BEST. She has the vision as soon as she walks the Project and Spot-on. I truly believe homes sell more because of Karen's design and creativity. Dan A. Los Altos, CA
Karen Aitken and Associates
Comment from Karen Aitken and Associates:
Thank you Dan. It has been such a pleasure to be called upon to work on plans with you over the years.
The beautiful homes that you build are the Gems of the Bay Area.
LU
luckygirl24
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I feel grateful to have had Karen serve as the landscape architect for our new build. Karen and team were well versed in dealing with the city and were able to help us get our plans approved smoothly. Although I came into the process unable to articulate what I wanted from our front and back yards, Karen was able to create a design that was much better than what I would ever have envisioned. Her deep experience and expertise is so evident when working with her, and she is truly talented in the vision she is able to create over a blank slate. I was impressed to see her consider things like what the focal point from our family room window would be, or that we might enjoy a sitting area that overlooked the pretty back view of our house. Karen was also very helpful with questions and things that popped up during the actual implementation of our landscaping.
Karen Aitken and Associates
Comment from Karen Aitken and Associates:
Thank you for your recommendation E. :) It has been such a pleasure to plan your new gardens with you. I hope that your family will enjoy watching your trees grow over the years>
Ken Orr
Ken Orr
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Karen is a fantastic designer! She and her team iterated with us to turn our blank slate of a back yard into a classic, elegant escape. Karen was a joy to work with, and really listened to what we were after. She turned those thoughts and ideas into a design that utilized the space well, both functionally and aesthetically. Karen also has a deep knowledge of plants, and was easily able to translate the colors and look we were going for into plants that would thrive in our climate. We liked Karen's work for our backyard so much, that we just used her again to redo our front yard. Karen is an absolute top notch landscape architect and designer, and I couldn't recommend her more highly!
Karen Aitken and Associates
Comment from Karen Aitken and Associates:
Thank you for your kind recommendation Ken. A few months ago, as I knocked at your front door, I heard the splashing and laughing of children in your new pool. I was grinning from ear to ear, knowing that your family was now truly enjoying your garden.
NO
Norm
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I have been working with Karen for at least 25 years. My main hobby is gardening, so I think I know a few things about plants, BUT as to design I'm pathetic. Karen has a lot of great design ideas, in addition to plants that may have not occurred to me. Also, infrastructure: should I use a path of pavers? Flagstone? Gravel? The list goes on and on. My most recent project with Karen was redoing a portion of my yard as a result of a major remodel, with a lot of contractors driving over everything and digging lines everywhere. Karen helped with some specific problem areas: what plant can be used to soften a "rude" house corner right by the driveway entry? Is there a way to fit in a bigger deck? How can I use hardscape to direct visitors to the entry door, instead of the kitchen? I'd add some photos, but it's winter now and the little plants don't look that impressive...yet.
Karen Aitken and Associates
Comment from Karen Aitken and Associates:
It has been such a joy to be called upon by you over the years, to meet at your piece of Heaven in the redwoods. You know more about plants than just about anyone. Debating perfect choices has been just one of the many fond memories I have, in creating your garden with you over the years. Thank you Norm!
GM
gmilt007
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Karen is great to work with. She walked the 1/2 acre property with me to best understand what I was looking for in a landscape plan. Karen provided great suggestions based on experience and whats best based on the layout of my property. This included plant positioning based on sunlight for a vegetable and floral garden, grapevines and fruit trees. The architecture turned out amazing! Highly recommend Karen Aitken and Associates. Warm Regards. Greg
Karen Aitken and Associates
Comment from Karen Aitken and Associates:
Thank you Greg. It's been such a pleasure working with you on your garden, becoming friends in the process:))
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Frequently Asked Questions

We specialize in a wide range of landscape design projects, including residential, civic, and commercial spaces throughout Northern and Central California. Our focus is on creating thoughtful, innovative, and environmentally conscious landscapes, particularly drought-tolerant California native designs that attract pollinators. We aim to bring your dream garden to life, tailored to your unique needs and style, from timeless to contemporary.

We offer comprehensive landscape architecture services, including both design-only solutions and full project coordination. Our expertise covers everything from initial design consultation and detailed landscape plans to complete project management. This ensures a seamless process from concept to completion, whether you need just the design or full oversight for your residential, civic, or commercial project.

Absolutely, creating detailed planting and layout plans is a core part of our landscape architecture services. We provide comprehensive landscape plans and drafting services to ensure every element of your garden, from plant selection for drought tolerance to the overall layout, is meticulously designed and documented. This ensures a beautiful, functional, and environmentally conscious outdoor space.

Yes, we specialize in designing inviting outdoor living spaces. Our services include expert patio design and the creation of custom fire pits, which are essential elements for comfortable and functional outdoor areas. We focus on integrating these features seamlessly into your overall landscape design to enhance your enjoyment and extend your living space into the beautiful California outdoors.

Absolutely, designing drought-tolerant and sustainable landscapes is a key specialization for us. We are passionate about creating environmentally conscious landscapes, particularly using California native plants, to conserve water and attract local wildlife like birds, bees, and butterflies. Our goal is to design beautiful, resilient gardens that thrive in our climate and contribute positively to the environment.

FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.

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64 Ideabooks

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36 Comments

Commented: what is the path made of?This path is made of gold fines decomposed granite). Sometimes a stabilizer is sprayed on over it to make it less crumbly.
June 10, 2020
Commented: Great house! Wall & Window Colors?Thanks for your good question. This home was constructed almost 25 years ago. I'm sorry to say that I don't know the paint colors that were used.
March 8, 2020
Commented: Where did you source the Saltillo tile?This saltillo tile is the original, from the house construction of the 1920's. Though, I had good luck using fireclaytile.com to reproduce some tiles for another project. They came close to matching...
February 5, 2020
Commented: Where did you purchase these wood benches?I bought those benches from Gardenside Teak Furniture. Thanks for your good question.
February 5, 2020
Commented: what is the pool deck material?Thanks for your question. This pool patio is Arizona Flagtone 'Buckskin'.
July 26, 2018
Commented: what are the color and sizes of the blue tiles you used? prettyHi Susan, Those five rows of tile along the pool spillway edge are a glass tile, approx. 3/4" square. I don't know exactly which deep blue color we had selected. Thank you for your question.
March 3, 2017
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Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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