Amber Hildebrand Landscape Architecture

My intro into the world of landscape architecture started when my parents used a landscape architect to redesign our backyard when I was 12. I had no idea this was a profession, but the transformation in the backyard of their corner lot home was unbelievable. After an intro course into Landscape Architecture at UC Davis, my love for the redesign of outdoor spaces was renewed. I enjoy spending time outdoors; I love nature and the feeling of the earth beneath my feet. It became clear to me that this field was the perfect blend of both design and nature. I worked at landscape architecture firms in both the Sacramento and Napa areas designing parks, playgrounds, elementary, middle school and high school landscapes, high end residential, winery landscapes, small scale commercial and public plazas. After about 6 years of working in firms I started my family, studied and passed the licensing tests to become a landscape architect and then set off on my own in 2011 designing mostly residential front, back and side yards for medium and high end residential. I moved to Colorado in 2021 with my children to be married to and live with the love of my life. I currently still design for northern California clients in Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Sacramento and some of the foothill counties. I am able to do this by enlisting the help of a long time colleague and fellow landscape architect who meets my clients at the site and creates a base plan from which I do my work. My favorite part of this profession and my loose philosophy is that what I do is a fine balance between function, aesthetics and place-making. It also incorporates communication, good listening skills, and the ability to visualize spaces in 3D. What I find most satisfying is listening to a client's needs and wants and sitting down and playing mad scientist as I brainstorm and sketch out ideas. People ask me what style I design and my answer is that I think a good designer designs for their clients needs, not towards a particular re-occurring style.