David Thorne Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers

About Us

We are a full-service landscape architecture firm, established by David Thorne in 1983, specializing in custom residential design. Our design philosophy is grounded in the idea of an integrated site plan. We use the architecture of the home and natural elements of the site to inspire the design of the outside space. We aim to create a landscape that is seamlessly integrated with the style of home and our client's lifestyles. We work skillfully in many styles, spanning from traditional to contemporary and from native plantings to the exotic. We prioritize the microclimate and topography of the site in our design process as we strive for our landscapes to honor our locale and to be ecologically sustainable in our northern California climate. We envision each of our projects through a lens of Environmental Stewardship, and work with our clients to embrace sustainable design practices that meet their goals and investment parameters. We work closely with each client and their greater design team to translate their goals and vision into a landscape plan that transcends the form and function of the design elements to inspire and enhance each client's experience of their outdoor space.

Services Provided

3D Rendering, Barn Design & Construction, Custom Bocce Ball Courts, Custom Fire Pits, Custom Water Features, Deck Design, Design Consultation, Dog Run Construction, Drafting, Drought Tolerant Landscaping, Edible Gardens, Garden Design, Gazebo Design & Construction, Greenhouse Design & Construction, Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Landscape Plans, Landscape Supplies, Living Walls, Organic Gardens, Outdoor Lighting Design, Patio Design, Pond Construction, Pool Landscaping, Project Management, Shed Design & Construction, Site Planning, Swimming Pool Design

Areas Served

Alameda, Albany, Ashland, Berkeley, Brisbane, Canyon, Castro Valley, Cherryland, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Lafayette, Moraga, Oakland, Orinda, Piedmont, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Francisco, Saranap, Walnut Creek, Atherton, Redwood City, Menlo Park, Sausalito, Tiburon, Marin, Sacramento, Roseville, Davis, El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Rocklin, Elk Grove, Lake Tahoe, Novato, Mill Valley, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Burlingame, Los Gatos

Awards

2021 & 2024 Luxe Interiors + Design Gold List 2024 Best of Houzz, US – San Francisco (Pool) 2019-2023 Best of Houzz, Design 2015, 2018 & 2022 APLD Residential Design, Gold Award 2001, 2009, 2013, 2018 Piedmont Design Award

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37 Projects

Westside Diablo

This is an example of a landscaping in San Francisco.

Mid Century Mod

Inspiration for a modern landscaping in San Francisco.

Creekside Gathering

Inspiration for a mediterranean pool remodel in San Francisco

Andalusian Retreat

Inspiration for an exterior home remodel in San Francisco

Rustic Serenity

Hot tub - huge contemporary backyard stone and rectangular lap hot tub idea in San Francisco

Contemporary Retreat

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Business Details

Business Name

David Thorne Landscape Architect

Phone Number

(510) 451-6161

Website

www.thornela.com

Address

3315 Grand Avenue
Oakland, CA 94610

Typical Job Cost

$250,000 - 1 million

This range represents construction costs, not design fees

License Number

CLA 2274

Followers

430 Followers

Socials

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Credentials

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Write a Review

16 Reviews for David Thorne Landscape Architect

Newest first

mytopntots

We loved our experience with the David Thorne Team. They are very talented, professional and amazing to work with. They made our visions come to life and we were beyond pleased with the outcome! They took our ideas and made it spectacular. We enjoyed working with everyone at DTLA and look forward to referring the David Thorne group to anyone inquiring.

December 11, 2021

CK Landscape

Not only does the DTLA team have some of the best designs in the business, they are absolutley a dream to work with. From conception to completion there attention to detail and client focus approach is impeccable and as close to perfect as you can get. Everyone in the DTLA office is truly a joy to work with and as a landscape professional firim with over 40 yrs exeperience we highly, highly recomment DTLA

December 2, 2019

Diamond Construction Inc.

David Thorne, and his entire team, are the most creative, professional and organized landscape architects we have had the pleasure to work with. We have worked on multiple projects with David's team. David's experienced approach, combined with his artistic vision, produces an aesthetic/function balance unparalleled in our industry. Skilled in both contract build and development, their team has the ability to value-engineer, but by not compromising quality. Diamond Construction always looks forward to projects with David Thorne and their team.

June 7, 2017

Allwood Construction Inc

David Thorne Landscape fulfilled my client's vision during a complete landscape project in Burlingame in 2016. The meetings with the client were well thought out, which led to detailed and accurate drawings. The project included a bocci ball court, small vineyard, firepit, bbq center, bistro lights, and vegetable garden; among general landscaping and patios. We look forward to working with you again!

May 26, 2017

lbrowman

We cannot praise David Thorne & his team highly enough for the design and execution of our landscape. They listened, considered our family, our lifestyle, our likes & dislikes as well as what the city likes too. It was very collaborative. He pushed us when it was right to and improved the plan over and over again. We are beyond happy with the whole team's work ethic and skill.

August 18, 2016

Bella Ironworks

David and his entire team are a pleasure to work with! I have collaborated with them on numerous projects over the last 8 years and they are always knowledgable, professional and fun to work with. I have built everything from custom plant stakes to large scale railings and gates for DTLA projects, and I can honestly say that David and his team have been beautifully attentive to every detail - no matter what the size of the job. I am always happy to recommend David Thorne to my friends and customers! -Jill Turman Owner, Bella Ironworks

July 15, 2016

thomaslbloxham

We retained David Thorne and company to design a driveway renovation and entrance gate at our residence in Lafayette, California. What a lovely result. Mr. Thorne and his company assisted us throughout the entire process, through the design, through the city design review, shepherding us through the contractor selection process and arriving at the right contractor for us and for the job. Mr. Thorne and his firm faithfully monitored the construction process making sure the project was built faithfully to the design and to the highest level of construction quality. Changes were made along the way to enhance the project. We feel that we were very lucky to have Mr. Thorne and his firm assist us with our project. The result is stunning. We and our friends love what Mr. Thorne and his firm did to make our home even more beautiful. We must also note what a pleasure it was to work with Mr. Thorne and everyone in his firm. The words courtesy, professionalism, and talent come to mind. Thank you David Thorne Landscape Architect. Tom and Di

December 22, 2014

James D. Rogers, Builder

I have been involved with David and his group on several significant projects and find them a pleasure to work with. My confidence in their work and procedures encouraged me to recommend them to additional clients as well as some family members. I recommend David Thorne Landscape Architect without reservation.

August 31, 2014

AG DESIGN STUDIO

We contact DTLA for Landscape Architecture services -- they were terrific to work with and the garden space turned out beautifully. We love our new outdoor patio, fireplace, built-in BBQ, hot tub and especially all the wonderful trees, bushes and flowers. DTLA really transformed our boring backyard into a wonderful resort-like setting!

March 24, 2013

j9evans

We scraped our entire lot, and David Thorne provided everything from drainage plans to hardscape and planting plans. The outcome is better than we could have imagined and the process was extremely smooth. Not being from the area, they helped us choose landscaping that would thrive as well as bring a touch of our past to the project. After 5 years, our garden is flourishing! David helped us along with our project architect to design an outdoor patio and fireplace, that looks out onto all aspects of the yard and is used year round.

March 18, 2013Last modified:March 18, 2013

scottyscott44

David Throne was creative and precise when he made our plans. He helped with their execution and the result was even better than the plans foretold.

March 13, 2013Last modified:March 18, 2013

cjfreeman

David Thorne and his team are incredibly thoughtful and creative in their landscape design. The entire team is a pleasure to work with. We would recommend them very highly!

March 13, 2013Last modified:March 18, 2013

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22 Ideabooks

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72 Comments

Commented: what's the location of this house?Hello Satyajit- thank you for your interest, but we do not share location information out of respect for our client's privacy.

September 21, 2022

Commented: chairs by the fire pitHello! Those chairs were sourced by the interior designer on the project. They are teak chairs from Sutherland Furniture www.sutherlandfurniture.com Thank you-

September 13, 2022

Commented: Where is the pergola from?Hi Katherine- StruXure Pergolas!

July 26, 2022

Commented: What are the steps made of?Hello! They are concrete with a sand glass finish.

October 29, 2021

Commented: what are the names of the three different plant layers on the right siHello, thank you for your inquiry! This is a mix of low and moderate plants, Sunset Climate Zone 17, and USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 10a (30-35 degrees F). We hope this helps! Good luck on your project...

September 19, 2019

Commented: pool dimensionsHello, Thank you for your inquiry. The dimensions of the pool are roughly 36'x16'. The spa is measured around 8'x7'-6". We wish you the best of luck on your project! David Thorne Landscape Ar...

September 5, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

How is David Thorne Landscape Architect rated?

David Thorne Landscape Architect is currently rated 5 overall out of 5

What services does David Thorne Landscape Architect provide?

David Thorne Landscape Architect provides the following services: 3D Rendering, Barn Design & Construction, Custom Bocce Ball Courts, Custom Fire Pits, Custom Water Features, Deck Design, Design Consultation, Dog Run Construction, Drafting, Drought Tolerant Landscaping, Edible Gardens, Garden Design, Gazebo Design & Construction, Greenhouse Design & Construction, Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Landscape Plans, Landscape Supplies, Living Walls, Organic Gardens, Outdoor Lighting Design, Patio Design, Pond Construction, Pool Landscaping, Project Management, Shed Design & Construction, Site Planning, Swimming Pool Design

Where does David Thorne Landscape Architect provide services?

David Thorne Landscape Architect provides services in the following areas: Alameda, Albany, Ashland, Berkeley, Brisbane, Canyon, Castro Valley, Cherryland, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Lafayette, Moraga, Oakland, Orinda, Piedmont, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Francisco, Saranap, Walnut Creek, Atherton, Redwood City, Menlo Park, Sausalito, Tiburon, Marin, Sacramento, Roseville, Davis, El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Rocklin, Elk Grove, Lake Tahoe, Novato, Mill Valley, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Burlingame, Los Gatos

David Thorne Landscape Architect