Ian Moore Design

We had an exceptional experience working with Ian Moore Design on the landscape design for our outdoor space. The things we think stand out about the team are: (+) Clear communication: From start to finish, they clearly communicated the process and what to expect at each stage, from the initial design concepts through to the final implementation. (+) Design-forward: The design concepts they presented were fresh and interesting while also being very well-suited to the specific characteristics of our house and outdoor area. They took into account our day-to-day needs and how we realistically plan to use the space, coming up with clever ideas we hadn't thought of ourselves. (+) Navigated constraints well, without sacrificing the final product: As with any project, we had some constraints to work within (local code requirements, budget, etc.). The team came up with inspired designs that looked amazing and unconstrained despite having to work within some limitations. (+) When it came time for the installation, we (and our neighbors) were impressed by how professional, friendly, and respectful the crew was. They were conscientious not only of our property but also of minimizing any disruption to our neighbors, which we greatly appreciated. We would highly recommend them to anyone!

Ian and his team helped us transform our backyard and we were thrilled with the process. With their expertise and a collaborative, iterative process, we were able to finalize a design that achieved our goals for function and design within our budget. The project included a custom fence with gates, patio, deck, stone walkway, plantings and irritation system. The project finished exactly on time and they matched the budget exactly, with the only over spending from changes we asked for during the construction phase.

Ian and his crew were wonderful throughout the process of redesigning our front yard. We had several of unexpected issues come up (on our property - not any fault of the crew) and Ian was always on top of it. The crew were meticulous with their work and with the clean up at the end of each day. (Keeping our neighbors happy!) We get compliments all the time on the finished project. And the native garden that Jack designed for both our front and back yards has been delightful. Full of happy pollinators and it requires a lot less water than our previous design. We highly recommend Ian Moore Design.

Ian and Jack were talented, thoughtful and collaborative partners designing and implementing our new garden. The design was beautiful, they brainstormed on cost-saving measures, and they implemented it as stated and with high quality. Jack even went above and beyond to ensure our irrigation system worked well. We are very happy with the outcome.

We retained Ian Moore Design for a major revision of our front and side yards based on his website and Houzz reviews, and we're really glad we did. Ian fully understood our vision, respected the key plantings and design elements we wanted to retain, and developed several very attractive approaches that met our needs. When we chose one, he worked with us to select design elements and materials that were harmonious with our home and with one another, including plantings, pavers, concrete steps and driveway, electrical work including lighting and an EV charger, steel railing and a handcrafted Torii gate. In the build phase, his crew were extremely skillful, professional, friendly and quite hard working. They maintained excellent relationships with our neighbors during the course of construction. When completed on time, we loved the new environment and we received numerous unsolicited compliments from our neighbors. We highly recommend Ian Moore Design.

Overall we have found Ian Moore Design incredibly difficult to work with and completely unresponsive. Scope of work: Exterior BBQ area Initial Consult: The initial consult was well done. Ian was able to see our space and gave us some great feedback and advice on our project potential. From the meeting, we moved forward with a "paid design" contract. Paid Design: We contracted with Ian Moore Design to provide landscape design, architecture diagrams, and a cost estimate. After some initial delay (due to Ian's injury) Ian had an associate out to formally measure our project. Weeks following, with some prodding on our part, Ian gave us some preliminary designs and scheduled a zoom call for feedback. After that meeting, Ian promised an updated design with cost estimates within a week. That was over 11 weeks ago. And now we can't get any response back from him. For the first few weeks, Ian would respond saying "he was working on next steps and will get something next week" but as these

We found Ian through Houzz and we couldn't have had a better experience. Ian helped us completely renovate our upper an lower decks - to be congruent with a complete home redesign. Ian is amazing with the hardscape and the softscape. He had creative solutions and ideas to help us hide our kayaks, locate and install a spa, and create an incredible shade area for our upper deck. We feel we expanded our view while increasing our privacy. I enjoyed working with Ian and his team - they are each thoughtful, meticulous, and tidy. Great experience overall.

We found Ian through Houzz and feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to partner with him. We worked with Ian to redesign our upper and lower decks, install a spa, create a discrete place to hold our kayaks, and install a creative shade solution. Ian is exceptional when it comes to the engineering, and found creative and cost effective solutions. Our yard feels bigger and we have more privacy. Ian's crew is amazing and I will miss having them around the house. They are exacting, friendly, and tidy. I cannot give enough praise to this team.

We partnered with Ian Moore Design on an extensive project to replace and store an existing hardscape left unfinished by the previous homeowners. Ian commissioned us to assist with the refurbishment of a custom steel pergola, which required retractable shade. Ian and his team were a pleasure to work alongside - very professional, studious and responsive throughout the project. He asked great questions, was open to feedback and together we delivered an end product that left the new homeowners ecstatic. We thoroughly enjoyed teaming up with Ian and are thrilled with the end result. We look forward to future collaborations.

Scope of Project: Demo existing deck (over 30 yrs. old) and redesign the backyard landscape and living space. Design Process: Ian had a clear understanding of what we wished for in our outdoor lifestyle. He was able to provide the vision and articulate it on paper and came up with a beautiful design. He was knowledgeable about his craft and other resources available to bring our wishes to life. Installation Process: Ian and his crew provided a seamless and painless transition from design to installation. He was clear in his communication and he provided updates often with any changes in the budget. As it often does, the scope of our project expanded and Ian accommodated us professionally and without any complaints. Now the crew: They were wonderful. They were professional. And they were all interesting people. They showed up on time and at the end of the day always cleaned up their mess. Their workmanship was impeccable. My wife and I joke that when the big one hits, the safest place in the house will be out on the new deck. I recommend Ian and his crew without any reservation for all of your outdoor lifestyle needs.

Ian Moore Landscape design did a fabulous job building just what I wanted. My built-in bench is now a gorgeous centerpiece to what I hope will be a relaxing space in my backyard. Ian took my crude drawing and some dimensions via email and created a design that was affordable and beautiful. His team built the supports in their shop during a rainy spell and came and installed the bench in one day, just before the next rain shower. Because they made only one trip here they saved me time and money. His contractors were friendly and professional, unobtrusive and neat. I am so pleased I found Ian on Houzz!

Ian is a talented designer who provided ideas and approaches tailored to our budget. He was creative, respectful, and responsive!

We hired Ian to design a destination for us in our backyard, which had been an unpleasant mess for years. Ian and his crew worked really hard to bring the project in close to budget and the finished space is not only enjoyable, but incredibly easy to take care of. We have a lounge area, a dining area with an outdoor chandelier, and a clean and modern outdoor kitchen that even has a sink for cleaning up. Because the area is somewhat far from our house, making it a self-contained destination solved the problem of making sure that we use it. And it has been so nice to eat outside again, and to have people over to enjoy it with us. We were even able to host some wedding-related festivities recently.

Ian designed, planned and built our new outdoor living space. We wanted an outdoor space that was an extension of our kitchen/family room and Ian delivered on that wish. What was previously a concrete bunker (with a very large concrete retaining wall), now feels like you are walking into a high end spa or hotel. He uesd ipe wood / ipe tiles to transform the space from something cold and unwelcoming to an oasis. Added bonuses were a modern high end built-in kitchen and an outdoor wall heater so that it can be enjoyed year round. We couldn't be happier!!!

This is not a rating for the quality of work, but instead the exchange (or lack thereof) I've had with Ian over the last 4 months to try and just get a proposal for an outdoor project. I reached out back in May and Ian was fairly responsive in scheduling an onsite walk-through to talk about the project. He required a fee for the proposal that I paid up front via check that he cashed immediately. In the subsequent months from May up until now (September), I've heard nothing from Ian. The last exchange I received (back in June) was an email saying that their backlog of work was full until September. That's been it. I have never received a proposal and I have sent multiple emails and made several phone calls with zero response. I'm now taking to social and other channels to get a refund for the up-front fee I paid. I would recommend looking to other landscapers who are more communicative and reliable.

Ian and his team were great to work with! From the beginning stages of coming up with a solution for our yard that we both liked and could afford Ian was very helpful. The execution of the actual work was efficient and met our expectations. Ian and all who work with him were professional, kind and masterful at their jobs. I highly recommend Ian Moore Design.

Ian Moore worked with BAY TREE DESIGN on a garden in the Elmwood neighborhood of Berkeley. Picking up on our conceptual design developed with the client Ian was responsible, personal and timely. We collaborated with him and the client on aesthetic details quickly transforming the yard for a wedding and making it functional and beautiful for years to come. His crew was pleasant, technically capable, professional and efficient.

After purchasing our place in Rockridge in August 2015 and renovating our kitchen and bath, it was time to tackle the backyard. It literally hadn't been touched in years and was a mess - not to mention that it just wasn't functional. We reached out to Ian for assistance. From the very beginning he and his team were great partners - from design all the way through construction and clean up. We were quite pleased throughout the entire project and we absolutely love our backyard. Ian did an awesome job translating our vision into reality. We couldn't be happier, and I'd recommend him in a heartbeat.

We hired Ian to remove, redesign and install the landscaping for our entire lot. Because our yard was significantly overgrown and unpleasant, and a landscaping project seemed overwhelming, we decided to use a design/build firm that would handle the entire project. Working with Ian was easy. With a list of our family’s needs and few images of our preferred style, Ian and his design assistant planned a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant yard that adults, kids and pets can enjoy. Ian coordinated all of work, including the construction of a detached office. It was a large project and Ian’s crew was on-site for a few months. They were polite and professional, and it is obvious that they take pride in their work. Now that the project is complete, the landscaping is beautiful and the backyard is our favorite space to spend time. Should we need landscaping design/build services in the future, we will contact Ian.

I had my back yard "age-proofed" to make it safer and more usable as I get older. I knew exactly what I wanted and Ian was very helpful in fine-tuning my ideas. Four raised beds look very handsome and make it easy for me to work without bending. Hazardous stepping stones were replaced with tinted concrete paths. The crew expertly built bamboo handrails such as I had seen in Japan, as well replacing an aging wooden arbor. In all, I am very pleased and happy with this garden make-over, and with the work crew who were fine craftsmen and always courteous and helpful. This project did not require any planting or planting advice as I am a long-time gardener.

We worked with Ian on an extensive remodel of our backyard. The yard has good mid-century bones but needed a modern update creating greater functionality, defined planting areas, a new fence and a palette consistent with the climate conditions as well as establishing privacy. Ian fully understood the project objectives and created a scheme that resulted in a beautiful backyard. He was very thorough on the design and planning phase, walking us through the details and costs. The crew was very efficient, friendly and tidy and completed the job within the schedule window. I have recommended Ian to friends and will continue to recommend his services.

Ian Moore and his wonderful crew remodeled my backyard for an upcoming wedding. They did an exceptional job under the pressure of a small time frame. I am very happy with the stonework and I appreciated the many skills of the crew. . When they were finished I was sad to see them go. In my experience, that is rare!

Ian Moore and his crew transformed an old, mishmash, chopped up space in our back yard into a bright, open, clean, inviting bluestone patio that has transformed our backyard. Ian met with us numerous times before we began the project to discuss ideas, check out the landscape, take careful measurements, and to suggest many good ideas based on his personal observations. Ian worked with us to incorporate new, drought-tolerant plantings, solve drainage issues, and to lay the groundwork for a future pergola. He is a very professional, pleasant, knowledgeable and thorough landscape designer. We are thrilled with the result and found working with him and his courteous crew to be easy. We highly recommend Ian Moore Design!

Ian was a pleasure to work with on the design of our front and back yard areas. He listened openly and attentively to our hopes and concerns while bringing his knowledge, experience and unique aesthetic to bear on a remarkably collaborative process. His crew is absolutely wonderful. We enjoyed having them around and missed them when they were done. We love, love, love our new outdoor spaces. They are easy to care for, beautiful to look at, and wonderful to spend time in.

We found some of Ian Moore Design's on Houzz and based on his style, we consulted with him and hired him for our backyard transformation. Ian and his team are professional and worked with us on delivering an amazing outdoor space. If you are looking for a environmentally friendly landscape professional, I would highly recommend Ian.

Ian Moore Design was able to take our backyard from a shabby mess a wonderful space to share with friends and family. Ian was involved with every step of the design and build to ensure that the project was completed to his specifications. We could not be happier with the outcome and the fact that he was on time and on budget with it.

Ian and his team did a wonderful job fencing and adding additional landscaping to our difficult Oakland hills front yard, connecting the bi-level space with a custom metal stair/planter structure and installing another custom metal planter bed next to our driveway (his metalwork subcontractor is amazing). The cedar/rusted wire mesh fence is both beautiful and functional and the quality and attention to detail is top notch. We were impressed with Ian's knowledge and willingness to work with clients who are very particular about design. He worked with us collaboratively and offered ideas that refined and improved upon our initial concept as well as suggestions that helped keep the budget in check without compromising the final product.

Ian helped us transform our small Oakland backyard into a family-friendly paradise. For the last several years, our postage stamp of a yard went largely unused, the uneven paving stones making it a less than inviting environment. In just the few weeks since Ian and his team completed his work, we've used our backyard more than we had in the prior couple of years. They created an incredible new space for us, one that is beautiful, and more importantly, a delight for our kids. Even though we have a tiny space, he managed to effectively accommodate our long list of requests, including the use of native drought tolerant plants, the building of a vegetable planting box, the retention and relaying of some of the stone for a dining area and the installation of artificial turf for a kids' play area. It all comes together in a beautiful cohesive whole. We now have a yard with more space and better ease of use that we truly enjoy. We could not be happier.

Ian Moore was wonderful to work with. He is responsible and personable; and his team workers displayed the same level of curtesy, friendliness, and cleanliness. Since I am an artist, I had a specific vision and was looking for a contractor who could work with me on a collaborative basis. Ian was happy to address my specific vision, offered thoughtful and aesthetic suggestions, and followed through on everything I asked for in a timely fashion. I am very satisfied with the workmanship and his flexibility in adjusting the project according to my financial limitations. In addition, he was skillful in negotiating a difficult situation with a neighbor. All in all, a very satisfying experience. I highly recommend Ian Moore and his team.

Ian helped us on two projects on our 1940's bungalow in the Richmond Annex. First, he and his crew rebuilt a collapsing retaining wall across the back of our property. This was no small undertaking, as the new structure had to be fifty feet long, three feet high, and contain our rambunctious bamboo, as well as step down a mild slope. We were impressed by the thorough manner in which Ian attacked this particular problem, and the strength and simplicity of the final construction. It has the strength of a CalTrans project but looks simple and clean. Completely satisfying. We next had Ian redo the landscaping in our back yard adjacent to our spiffy new retaining wall. He came up with a design we liked and then proceeded to install it. Out went the lawn, a number of decayed planters, numerous dead plants and other things. In went very nice slate pathways, new irrigation, a set of steps and about 100 new plants. Plus the coolest fountain ever. We're waiting to see how everything grows in to see the final effect, but so far it's looking great! Throughout both projects, Ian proved patient, reliable and creative. He has an impressive (and probably rare) combination of great design skill and a fully professional construction ability. Throughout our projects, Ian and his crew were on time, tidy and always focused on what we wanted for our home. We have only good things to say about the entire experience of working with Ian and would recommend his company to anyone wanting high quality custom landscape design and construction. Dan Schwab and Diann GrimmRichmond, CA

Ian and his crew did a great job repairing my fence with some very solid anchoring of new posts that allowed us to keep alot of the existing fencing and save money. He also did well at negotiating the details with my neighbor. Thanks Ian!!!

We hired Ian Moore of Ian Moore Design to help us with a side yard remodel of hardscape which entailed various stages of preparing for, measuring, ordering and ultimately installing a stone tile floor, a fire-pit (and all the details involved in that), updating an existing fountain, and ultimately coordinating the proper irrigation of newly redesigned surrounding landscaping. I cannot speak favorably enough about working with Ian and his crew. He was always prompt, friendly and courteous. Ian is one of the most professional people we have ever hired to work on a project in our home. He consistently problem solved as issues arose, which is always the case with remodeling of any sort. Not only would he always be able to solve the issue at hand, he provided us with detailed explanations of the challenges that confronted us, multiple options and the advantages and disadvantages of each. He kept us updated regularly on the status of the present phase of construction, what had been completed and what we could expect to happen next. He is extremely knowledgeable about the work he does. Ian worked side by side with our landscape designer, who had referred him to us. He has even promptly returned a handful of times to adjust irrigation issues and help solve other urgent garden problems, like determining what was wrong with our well and its pump. As mentioned above, I cannot praise Ian enough and would highly recommend him for any outdoor project, no matter how large or small or complex.

I hired Ian Moore Design to work collaboratively with me on the design of my backyard patio and to install the patio. In the bidding process, he value-engineered his proposal to be cost-competitive but indicated some key areas where he thought it was wise to invest in a superior finished product. I took his advice, and have been thrilled. I came up with an initial design concept based on how I wanted to use the yard. Ian helped me refine it to create sizable planting beds factoring in where garden light would be the best, fit the patio with the property grade and achieve a curvy flow in the patio edge. Ian took me to an East Bay stone yard to see options for the patio, and we settled on a large format bluestone. He created a pattern for the stone layout in advance of installation for me to see. He purchased top quality stone. To this day, I'm still impressed when I think of the thickness of the stone (some were 2.5 to 3 inches thick) and how much effort it took to man-handle around the yard into place. Per my request, he used an extra thick layer of base rock to support the stone (probably overkill, but I insisted) and a sand set. Most impressively, he cut a beautiful curve around the entire patio perimeter and edged it with 1/4 inch steel to contain the patio stones in a clean, crisp way. The patio is stunning, solid and highly functional. Ian was very proactive with communication. He started the job when he said he was going to. He and his team worked for a solid week to complete the patio without interruption. He kept my property clean, and was careful about securing the garage door to protect items stored in the garage (since that was how he accessed our yard). Ian is fundamentally a problem-solver. He can sketch out potential solutions to problems in front of your eyes so you understand design trade-offs. He delivers high quality work at an appropriate price. I would hire him to work on any future projects in a heartbeat.

Ian did a great job transforming our small dirt backyard with a large retaining wall into a very useful and beautiful space that our whole family enjoys daily. He was very thoughtful regarding maximizing our little space, adding storage when possible, and making sure everything was functional. He was akso thoughtful regarding ease of maintenance and ensuring minimal water use. We love our backyard and loved working with Ian.

Ian does beautiful work! He is reliable and very easy to work with. The quality of his workmanship is unmatched. I look forward to working with Ian on many future projects!

At our request, Ian consulted on a re-in visioning of our backyard and was able to take in all of our concerns and desires and provide a rough plan that was manageable, economical and made efficient use of the space. We were grateful for his breadth of knowledge of our local tree and plant species and for his forthright opinions. Mostly, we were impressed with his tact in adroitly navigating differences of opinions between my wife and I. We highly recommend Ian!

I am currently working with Ian on a project that he designed. I appreciate his understanding of landscape construction. I also am impressed with his excellent client relationships.

Ian is great! Our backyard needed a lot of help - starting with the deck, which had some funky stairs, and no charm at all. Ian designed and built a great and sturdy deck, a concrete walkway and designed the landscape along our side yard. I love his design sense: simple, sleek, modern - and very cool! He pays great attention to detail and you can tell he really enjoys his work. He is also reliable and very professional, and fun to work with! I look forward to having Ian design our front yard soon and I would recommend him without hesitation.