Portfolio

Poolside Retreat

This poolside retreat is set against a peaceful backdrop of old oaks in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  We refinished this tired pool and hot tub with all new surfacing, coping and concrete surround.  The old brick walls were resurfaced with a beautiful, contemporary ledgerstone veneer.  The new outdoor kitchen is strategically built into the retaining wall to maximize foreground space for the large couch and gas firetable.  Drought-tolerant plants in subdued white, grey, straw and purple complement the neutral color palette of the hardscape.  

Victorian Boho Cottage Garden

This 1906 Victorian downtown San Jose has been lovingly restored and needed a beautiful garden to match.  This project represented a perfect match of designer/ client collaboration and creative exchange.  My client desired functional, distinct garden rooms with significant character and boho artistic aesthetic.  Our collaboration was fun and iterative, and the end result was spectacular.  We went with a bright color palette in purples, pinks and whites to complement the deep blue-violet body of the home.  All plants are long-blooming, super drought-tolerant and big pollinator magnets.  We splurged on some features like the gas fire pit, while strategically saving money on other items.  The outdoor bathtub (used *every* day) is plumbed for hot baths under the stars and strategically positioned for privacy.  The ancient fecund grandmother of all grapefruit trees generously provides freshly squeezed juice as a mixer while guests relax in the afternoon heat of the Silicon Valley.

Year-round Color in Soquel

Country Entertaining At Its Finest

Clients love to entertain!  And why wouldn't they, when they have a space like this?  When I arrived, this huge space was nothing but bare soil.  What a transformation! Project goals primarily focused on the creation of a beautiful space to enjoy with multiple outdoor rooms, space to grow food and space to play outside with guests.  We created a regulation-size bocce ball court, large fountain and pond, and used an incredible and diverse selection of drought-tolerant plants including California native selections as well as plants from South Africa, Australia and beyond.  Textures and colors form a buzzing, living tapestry which is framed by magnificent views of the fields and distant mountains.  All garden elements are connected by winding decomposed granite pathways so the frequent guests, children and grandchildren can roam freely.  Raised veggie beds provide a bountiful harvest of veggies and tomatoes.  The sound of flowing water and the tranquil garden make it impossible to go inside; this is outdoor living at its finest!    

Relaxing in the Sun

My clients wanted a new front and back garden which matched their lifestyle.  Their main objectives were growing their own food and space for two enormous dogs to roam and play without destroying the rest of the garden.  To this end, we used large and extra tall redwood beds (save your back!) in multiple sizes and shapes, plants that aren't easily broken by the occasional 130-lb dog romp, and a "grass" patch (walkable lawn alternative).  All of the design elements are connected by decomposed granite pathways for a natural flow.  Lastly, we added a fire pit and flagstone patio connected to the existing deck.  The eating and living spaces capture the perfect South-facing sunlight most of the day.  Now, all of the family members, including the furry ones, can relax and enjoy this peaceful spot.

Beachfront Bliss

This enviable property sits perched on the bluff directly across from the ocean in the La Selva Beach neighborhood of Aptos.  Project goals included overall beautification via plants with year-round color and showy blooms, more privacy on the patio and deck, and a way to deter frequent dog-walkers from cutting through the garden.  We accomplished this last goal by building up soil mounds behind retaining walls and using taller plants at the apex.  Privacy for the deck was achieved by the addition of sleek stucco walls.  Project features a large swath of a walkable, drought-tolerant grass alternative.  Special care was devoted to selecting plants that can withstand the wind, fog and salt-spray that occur near the ocean.  South African and Australian plants figure prominently into the plant palette and create a vibrant complimentary color scheme against the ocean backdrop.  Who wouldn't want to spend time in this ocean-view garden?

Asian-inspired Shade Garden

This thoughtful husband gave his wife an Asian-inspired shade garden with deep cedar soaking tub for her 50th birthday - what a guy!  They also wanted to encourage their teenagers and friends to congregate at home by including a fire pit and hang-out area outside - smart thinking! The hot tub and deck had to be designed around large existing conifers.  The addition of the overhead structure provides visual interest as well as protecting the hot tub from sap and falling debris.  This project illustrates skilled woodworking and a minimalist, textural plant palette.  We created two separate patios - one for outdoor dining and one with a gas fire table, perfect for enticing teenagers and their friends!  Lighting from FX Luminaire highlights the Japanese Maple and illuminates the stamped concrete pathways, creating a magical nighttime effect.  

Peaceful Pleasure Point

This cute beach house in the iconic Pleasure Point neighborhood needed an overhaul after years of salt spray and neglect.  My client wanted low-maintenance plants, year-round color and succulents. He also wanted a peaceful, zen-like environment.  We chose neutral pavers in greys and tans in a simple pattern for the driveway and flagstone for the patio that matched the new colors of the home.  The plant palette is simple yet striking and about as low-maintenance as you can get.  A beautiful waterfall cascades over stone and percolates gradually into the drycreek.  A perfect spot for unwinding with a glass of wine after a long day.

Coastal Mediterranean Deer-Resistant Garden

This stunning home in the gated Aptos community of the Seascape Uplands needed landscaping to match its style and beauty.  The main objective in plant selection was deer-resistance as the Aptos hills are known for their voracious herds of deer.  Plant selection also needed to consider the windy and foggy conditions on this ridge right above the ocean.  The project accomplished these goals and more, offering stunning year-round color, drought-resistance and very little maintenance. 

1930's Historic Home

Large, historic home from the 1930's overlooking downtown Santa Cruz.  My clients are self-described "plantaholics" and tend to buy many plants, only to have them die.  They have an extensive gardening area and low water budget.  Our main goal was to make the overall design cohesive between various areas of the garden while utilizing interesting and unusual plant selections - a very fun project for me!  We removed over 3,000 square feet of traditional grass and replaced it with several lawn alternatives.  The first is a walkable groundcover that uses a fraction of the water of regular grass (and can be seen here in several seasons, one of which has tiny flowers); The second is a California native grass that grows long (or can be kept short) and can tolerate some shade.  Both of these are excellent choices for clients with children or dogs who want a green patch without using excessive water.  My clients love plants from Australia and South Africa so plants from the Proteacea and other Southern Hemisphere beauties are used predominantly throughout the project.  Clean, flowing water is so important for wildlife and the beautiful stone fountain is a constant gathering spot for birds and other animals.  My clients are beyond thrilled with their gorgeous, nature-filled garden and ever-expanding plant knowledge.

Westside Beach Cottage

The beautiful Westside of Santa Cruz is known for surfing, beaches and homes with small lots. Our main project goal was to maximize outdoor space and create additional rooms that would enlarge the overall living space in this cottage just steps from the beach.  Large family gatherings, lots of grandkids and a few dogs inspired a walkable groundcover "lawn".  We chose a light colored flagstone for the patio to contrast with the blue home.  A long wall serves the dual purpose of additional seating and containing tall, thin plants that create privacy and a sense of enclosure.  Plantings provide year-round color in primarily blues and yellows, and require very little water.  With our perfect climate, nobody wants to stay indoors, and now this family is utilizing their space to the fullest extent!

Aptos Hills Deer-Resistant and Drought-Tolerant

This active family needed to overhaul this large property but didn't know where to start.  "It's like three acres of boring dirt and weeds", said my client.  The steeply sloped property did indeed present unique challenges with ever-present voracious deer, the need for erosion control and bank stabilization, large areas that required planting while still considering water conservation, and the need for beautification and modernization to tie into the aesthetic of the newly renovated home.  Concurrently, safety and access to all parts of the property were a consideration.  Landscaping goals were accomplished through careful plant selection and judicious use of retaining walls in various styles throughout the property.  Generous railroad tie steps were used on sloping side yards.  The landscaped portions converge gracefully with the existing oak woodland.  Children can play and hide in many fun spots, while my client's elderly grandmother can safely walk around.

Super Sunny Multi-Use Backyard

This client had a large square backyard that wasn't particularly interesting and was way too hot most of the afternoon.  She wanted to be able to enjoy the space, grow food, and was also very concerned with groundwater recharge.  The downspouts from the roof were directed into a large dry creek for onsite water harvesting which also serves as a main visual feature as it curves through the garden.  Meandering pathways of decomposed granite lead you wherever you might want to go - whether that's out to the patio to get some shade under the arbor in the hot afternoon sun, or to the elongated raised vegetable beds. Party guests can sit at one of two patios or even sit on the generous benches around the sides of the raised bed.  Curving shapes allow all of the garden features to flow together.  Plants were installed on large soil mounds which allow for excellent drainage as well as topographic interest.  Client's existing heirloom roses were replanted throughout garden. This overgrown weedy space was transformed into a beautiful, multi-functional garden for entertaining, relaxing, growing food, and recharging groundwater.  Click through the gallery to see photos of installation, then four years post-installation.

South County Beauty

Similar to many of my projects, the main criteria for this Royal Oaks project included low-water and low-maintenance plant selections.  This farming family is busy and wanted a beautiful garden to match their beautiful home.  The result was a particularly stunning complementary color scheme with multiple shades of purple and lilac, along with orange, rust and yellow.  Low-growing, mounding ground covers prevent weeds from recurring and are interspersed with fountain-like grasses, architectural cordylines, leucadendrons, and boulders.  The back garden frames a view of the Watsonville farmlands and distant Santa Cruz Mountains.  Couldn't be prettier! 

Backyard Kid and Pet-Friendly

Is it possible to have a space for entertaining, relaxing, hot-tubbing and growing food?  A space where dogs can play and kids can have water balloon fights, all within a low-maintenance and low-water framework on an averaged-sized Soquel lot?  These clients wanted it to be possible and I believed that it was.  This garden embodies all of the above with areas for growing veggies and fruit, a trampoline for kids and a playable low-water grass alternative that never needs mowing!  The variety of bright flowers provide year-round color and lots of food for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.  On the southwest side of the home, a large arbor and vine create an inviting shady spot to dine alfresco on warm evenings. Another arbor covers the hot tub that has adequate privacy due to a flowering vine that hangs generously down.  In the front of the home, tall plants provide a nook for the stamped concrete patio that is not visible from the street. A perfect spot for morning coffee while watching the hummingbirds.  

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Ecological Landscape Design in Santa Cruz, Monterey and Silicon Valley

DOUGLAS LANDSCAPE DESIGN

I’ve always dreamed of having a clean, modernist home, and I’m happy to say that Alice and her team at Atelier Cohen led the way to making that dream a reality! I couldn’t be more happy with the project, my house looks like it could be featured in a Kinfolk magazine. I expressed my wishes of having a clean, natural interior aesthetic and they truly delivered – the natural light in my newly designed home is to die for. They also helped me turn my dated, drab living room into a spacious and cozy space in which I can’t wait to host a party. I couldn’t recommend Alice more, if you’re looking for easy collaboration and top-notch design, you have to reach out to them!

I’ve worked with Alice on a few renovation projects and am still floored by her dedication to design and space planning. Never have I experienced a hiccup or missed communication with Atelier Cohen, and home projects tend to create those sorts of problems! They are professional, approachable, and innovative in a way that anyone with any level of home renovating or staging experience will feel like they are in good hands.

Alice’s eye, advice, and service is extremely rare in this business. If you get the chance to work with them, don’t think twice about it!

I had the pleasure of working with Alice on redecorating my childhood home that hadn’t been touched up since I was a teen in the 80’s. I knew it needed a huge refresh aesthetically, but I wasn’t sure where to start. I had a consultation with Alice about my hazy ideas and she was able to understand my tastes and needs after just one chat! The whole design process was so streamlined and thorough that my fears of things going awry totally vanished after the first few meetings. She walked me through every step of the process, from sharing sketches and moodboards to purchasing the final pieces of furniture and decoration. Working with Alice at Atelier Cohen has got to be my greatest investment, I highly recommend their services.

I’ve always dreamed of having a clean, modern farmhouse kitchen, and I’m happy to say that Maison Kitchen and Bath led the way to making that dream a reality! I couldn’t be more happy with the project, our kitchen looks like it could be the envy of Pinterest. I expressed my wishes of having a light, airy feel with natural but polished finishes, and they truly delivered – the kitchen in my home is to die for. They also helped me turn my claustrophobic galley kitchen into a beautiful open-space plan that makes me actually want to cook and entertain in the kitchen. I couldn’t recommend Maison K&B more, if you’re looking for easy collaboration and top-notch design, you have to reach out to them!

I’ve worked with Maison Kitchen and Bath on a few renovation projects and am still floored by their dedication to design and construction. Never have I experienced a hiccup or missed communication with them, and home projects tend to create those sorts of problems! They are professional, approachable, and innovative in a way that anyone with any level of home renovating experience will feel like they are in good hands.

Their advice and service through all stages of any project large or small is extremely rare in this business. If you get the chance to work with them, don’t think twice about it!

I had the pleasure of working with Maison Kitchen and Bath on renovating my childhood home that hadn’t been touched up since it was built in the 50’s. I’m quite environmentally minded, so I knew the appliances and electrical elements needed an update. I also knew it needed a bit of a refresh aesthetically, but I wasn’t sure where to start. I had a consultation with them about my hazy ideas and they were able to understand my tastes and needs after just one chat! The whole renovation process was so streamlined and thorough that my fears of things going awry totally vanished after the first few weeks. Working with Maison Kitchen and Bath has got to be my greatest investment, I highly recommend their services.

I’ve always dreamed of having a clean, modernist home, and I’m happy to say that Haus Design + Build led the way to making that dream a reality! I couldn’t be more happy with the project, my house looks like it could be featured on Architecture Digest. I expressed my wishes of having high ceilings and large windows, and they truly delivered – the natural light in my new home is to die for. They also helped me turn my claustrophobic galley kitchen into a beautiful open-space plan that makes me actually want to cook and entertain in the kitchen. I couldn’t recommend Haus DB more, if you’re looking for easy collaboration and top-notch design, you have to reach out to them!

I’ve worked with Haus Design and Build on a few renovation projects and am still floored by their dedication to design and construction. Never have I experienced a hiccup or missed communication with them, and home projects tend to create those sorts of problems! They are professional, approachable, and innovative in a way that anyone with any level of home renovating experience will feel like they are in good hands.

Their advice and service through all stages of any project large or small is extremely rare in this business. If you get the chance to work with them, don’t think twice about it!

I had the pleasure of working with Haus Design + Build on renovating my childhood home that hadn’t been touched up since it was built in the 50’s. I’m quite environmentally minded, so I knew the appliances and electrical elements needed an update. I also knew it needed a bit of a refresh aesthetically, but I wasn’t sure where to start. I had a consultation with them about my hazy ideas and they were able to understand my tastes and needs after just one chat! The whole construction process was so streamlined and thorough that my fears of things going awry totally vanished after the first few weeks. Working with Haus DB has got to be my greatest investment, I highly recommend their services.