About Us
"I couldn't be happier with having chosen SCJ Studio for my landscape design." Our clients love working with us, you will too. We are a small group of thoughtful designers led by landscape architect Mark S. Garff.
SCJ Studio specializes in residential gardens and site planning, as well as public and urban spaces, parks, ecological restoration, and navigating tough permitting requirements. We are strategic thinkers and enjoy challenging work. We are team players, and understand the complex environment in which we do our work, as our experience in Washington runs deep.
Our landscape architecture-focused office is in Seattle, but is part of a larger group of talented engineers, planners, biologists and designers at SCJ Alliance. With locations in Wenatchee, Lacey, Centralia, and Vancouver, we are community-focused - listening to our clients, taking their vision to bring to life design solutions that exceed expectations, are site-sensitive and appropriate, and match the project constraints.
Services Provided
3D Rendering, Artificial Living Walls, Barn Design & Construction, Custom Bocce Ball Courts, Custom Fire Pits, Custom Water Features, Deck Design, Drafting, Drought Tolerant Landscaping, Edible Gardens, Garden Design, Gazebo Design & Construction, Green Roofing, Greenhouse Design & Construction, Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Landscape Plans, Living Walls, Natural Swimming Pools, Organic Gardens, Outdoor Lighting Design, Patio Design, Pond Construction, Pool Landscaping, Project Management, Rooftop Deck Installation, Shed Design & Construction, Site Planning, Swimming Pool Design, Construction Drawings, Landscape Architecture, Outdoor Design, Container Design, container gardens, Outdoor lighting, Lighting design
Areas Served
Bainbridge Island, Ballard, Bellevue, Clyde Hill, Edmonds, Hunts Point, Indianola, Inglewood-Finn Hill, Kenmore, Kingsgate, Kingston, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Medina, Mercer Island, Mountlake Terrace, North Beacon Hill, Port Orchard, Rainier Valley, Redmond, Rollingbay, Seattle, Shoreline, Sunnyslope, Woodinville, Woodway, Yarrow Point, Leavenworth, Butte, Bozeman, Big Sky, Missoula, Helena, Wenatchee
Awards
WASLA Honor Award; AIA What Makes It Green? Award; Futurewise Sustainable Communities; Licensed Landscape Architect State of Washington
Credentials
6 Houzz Awards
4 Houzz Badges
2 Affiliations
Write a Review
18 Reviews for SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture
Ellen Hawkins
Relationship
Client
SCJ Landscape Architecture is an impressive, diverse company that exceeded my expectations. Mark Garff's extensive knowledge and experience in the industry was immediately evident. He was friendly, open, and listened carefully to our needs. Mark is based in the Seattle area, but he designed our landscaping in Utah which is a completely different climate. He knew immediately what drought-tolerant plants would work best. All the neighbors said they had never seen such a unique design!
March 24, 2020Last modified:March 24, 2020
Angela Bruders
Relationship
Client
I am still very impressed with their designs even months after the work was completed. They planned out a winding stone pathway from the front yard to the garden. Looks mesmerizing, thank you for such a great quote.
January 27, 2020
Wilson ZMina
Relationship
Client
The team from SCJ worked with us to make sure we were happy with the results to my landscape renovation. They designed and created a great birdbath with a masonry setting for the out door fireplace. We could not be happier with the quality service and their pricing.
January 27, 2020Last modified:March 5, 2020
Roger Wilson
Relationship
Client
Mark and his team were excellent listeners, consistently came up with creative solutions, exceeded our expectations with the quality of their work and overall professionality. During our comprehensive landscape renovation the installation process was enjoyable, and the project came in on time and on budget, thanks to excellent and consistent communication between Mark, the contractors (referred by SCJ), and me. On occasion, I've been told that I'm a hard person to please, so believe me when I say SCJ is the real deal, and for anyone looking for an exceptional landscape these are the ones to call.
January 25, 2020Last modified:January 25, 2020
Nicole J
Relationship
Client
Decided to hire SCJ for their expertise in landscape aesthetics. When I researched plantings and projects done from different companies it was nowhere as nice and affordable The architect was carefully listening to what I envisioned and came up with beautiful plans, including a stunning handscape. This was carried out in a timely fashion. I am excited to see what blooms.
January 18, 2020
Studio Zerbey Architecture + Design
Relationship
Client
We worked with Mark Garff on the landscape design for our 1910 house in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. The house has undergone an extensive remodel and it was time to finish the outside! Mark listened to our needs and ideas and came up with a thoughtful design that took into account not only our must-haves but also how the landscaping would evolve and mature over the years and in different seasons. If a certain plant was unavailable at the time of installation, Mark was quick to provide us with several alternative options that didn't slow down the install job. For a long time we thought that the landscape design was something we could figure out on our own, but after going through the process we realized how valuable it was to work with Mark and how we will probably actually save money now that we no longer have to go with the "trial and error" planting method!
November 13, 2019
Phil
Relationship
Client
Keith and his team (Mark and Alyse) are really good at what they do. They listened a lot and asked questions to understand what we were looking for, and efficiently and beautifully translated into a couple of designs for us to evaluate. From them we were able to quickly lock down on the final design. They also recommended a great landscape contractor that did a great job turning the design into reality. We love the end result and are looking forward to start the 2nd phase of the project next year with SCJ. The whole process felt effortless and the end result was fantastic.
October 3, 2019
Comment from SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture:
Thank you Phi! We enjoyed working with you and can't wait for Phase 2 to start.
Lily LaM
Relationship
Client
Keith at SCJ Studio was excellent to work with and we are so pleased with the results. He redesigned our entire yard--front, back, and side. He listened to our vision for the feel of the new landscaping and he more than delivered on that. He took what had been a scrappy yard and made it not only beautiful but also practical. I wish I had done this years ago.
September 26, 2019
Comment from SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture:
Thanks you Lily! We very much enjoyed working with you and can't wait to see the garden grow in.
Michele Kellett
Relationship
Client
The plan was to tear down our old house and build one we could age into, and we knew the existing yard would not survive the ordeal. We also didn't want to move into a new house surrounded by mud and weeds! We engaged SCJ as soon as the building plans were finalized so that the house and the garden could be developed in tandem. Mark and Alyse listened closely and designed a yard and parking strip that compliment the house, provide privacy and feature botanical treats all year long. In particular, we needed an accessible at-grade patio, a low-maintenance garden (I'm not much of a gardener), a water run-off plan that would comply with City requirements for new construction, and new trees. The plan they came up with was comprehensive, do-able and within our budget. On top of that, it's a full-on garden after less than ten months! (see pix). Mark and Alyse were invaluable in helping us navigate the City's many arcane requirements (involving SDOT, Building and Construction, and the City Arborist). They also helped us find someone to install the garden. And, not be smug, while our neighbors are out mowing their lawns every single weekend, I'm occasionally out pulling a few weeds from our lawn-free garden as it evolves through the seasons. Important note: they have remained responsive and helpful 10 months after the project was completed.
August 12, 2019Last modified:August 12, 2019
Comment from SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture:
Thank you Michele! Your project was a joy to work on and we're so happy you're enjoying the garden.
Ian & Cohen
Relationship
Client
We would not recommend SCJ. We recently engaged SCJ to redesign our entire backyard. Their reviews online were all positive and our first meetings were great. We really liked them and felt a genuine connection. But over the course of the project we consistently felt let down. From the first design presentation, where they showed only two (very similar) designs and were well-over our highest-end budget (without other lower-priced options), there were many times we were left just shaking our heads. In the end, the designs themselves were adequate, but consistently we found it very hard to visualize what exactly the finished product would look like and never felt fully confident in what things would ultimately look like. Overages appeared frequently in the build out phase as they did not spec for retaining walls and other incidentals you would have expected to be identified in the planning phases. The only thing that seemed to be very clear and precise were the invoices, which came promptly. We were surprised to see charges for driving to our house and almost any discussion we had. It felt very lawyerly and we felt very nickel and dimed. We wanted to love this process, but the entire design phase and working with SCJ left a bitter taste in our mouths and has put a damper on our excitement for our new, incredibly expensive backyard. With all of that said, we realize that all projects are different and you might have a totally different experience. Have fun!
August 7, 2019
Comment from SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture:
We're disappointed to miss out on a positive review. What's difficult to understand about this review is that the project turned out wonderfully and the client has told others they love the new garden that we carefully designed. In the face of a tight owner budget and a hyper-inflated Seattle construction market, we were still able to give them all of the amenities they desired - two decks, one with a full outdoor kitchen and dining the other with a gas fire pit and custom bench. We also provided lighting, fun planting, raised planters, a stone patio and new fencing and found a way to make it work with their budget. Our designs are based on the client's program and we design multiple compositions for those owner-required elements, so our design options share similarities. The client's 2nd complaint that we failed to specify certain aspects of the project is very surprising, as they told us in writing to stop work on the final construction drawings in favor of letting the contractor finish the design. Our billing practices are industry-standard - we send invoices every 30 days like everyone else. Our fees, billing schedule and billable activities we're clearly spelled out in the contract they reviewed and signed. And we completed their project well under our contracted design budget. We strive to make every project unique and memorable, and make sure every client is treated fairly and professionally. We attempted several times to come to a place of understanding with this client and we're truly sorry they're still unhappy with us - but also so glad they love the awesome garden we designed!
Duoc Nguyen
Relationship
Client
Mark and team helped us overhaul our backyard last spring. We originally went with a full-service design+build firm, but weren't happy with the design progression. It felt like we were getting a template shoved into our backyard.
We then reached out to Mark and a couple of other designers to see what they could come up with. When I sat down with Mark to review his concept, I was really pleased to see how much he incorporated not just the design of the property, but understood very well our personal sensibilities, and what we were looking for in a backyard remodel.
He helped us select a builder and guided us through the entire project. We're very happy with the results and look forward to spending more time outside with the family!
April 29, 2018
Comment from SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture:
Thank you Duoc! We're so very happy you're enjoying the yard again.
SCJ Studio
SCJ Studio
Mike D
Relationship
Client
Miranda and Mark were fantastic with our project the whole way through. Personality-wise, they were super easy and fun to work with, and they also helped us procure the least expensive (by far) bid to redo our entire landscaping. The total job including landscaping labor ended up being about $100k, so it was quite an extensive project, but it could have ended up more in the $150k+ range without the stewardship of SCJ. Would highly recommend talking to these guys if your style is modern and you want to get something done at a reasonable price.
November 2, 2017
Comment from SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture:
Thanks Mike! We had a great time working with you guys, we are so glad you're happy with the results.
1 Ideabook
15 Comments
Commented: Is the firepit color nougat or ash?Nougat, thanks.
September 23, 2020
Commented: Groundcover?Hi, it's Herinaria glabra,
Common name Rupturewort or Green Carpet Thanks!
September 13, 2020
Commented: Where do you get rectangular pavers like these?Mutual Materials, Stepstone Inc, Tectura, Abbotsford, there are several vendors. You'll want one that is local to your area. Thanks for the question.
April 21, 2020
Commented: square pavers brand?They are natural stone pavers, Pennisylvania Bluestone.
April 17, 2020
Commented: Pavers of custom cementHi, those are actually stone slabs. They are Pennsylvania Bluestone, about 3" thick and some of them are 10 feet long. They have a thermal finish which evens out the color. Yes, they were impo...
January 17, 2020
Commented: What stain was used on fenceHi, it's Penofin, clear.
Thanks!
December 5, 2019
Contact SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture
1148 NW Leary Way
Seattle, WA 98107
Seattle, WA 98107
Typical Job Cost $5,000 - 250,000
Design: $5,000 - $50,000 Construction: $50,000 - 1 million
Design: $5,000 - $50,000 Construction: $50,000 - 1 million
License Number WA888
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