Collaborators

Landscape Contractors: Nussbaum Group

Architects: Olson Kundig

Photography: Miranda Estes

Scope: Complete Landscape Remodel

This landscape design transforms a property within Seattle’s Capitol Hill Historic District, establishing a seamless dialogue between the landscape and a 1939 renovated brick house and contemporary addition by Olson Kundig. The project balances historic preservation guidelines with a contemporary material selection.

To resolve the site spatial constraints, the driveway footprint was expanded to accommodate vehicle parking, a concealed electric vehicle charging station, and a discrete utility enclosure. This infrastructure is capped with a living green roof, ensuring an uninterupted green space on the upper garden level. Reclaiming this vital square footage required the design of large architectural concrete and black steel retaining walls that echo the crispness of the renovated brick residence. These steel walls received unanimous approval from the Capitol Hill Historic District review board, marking the very first installation of steel retaining walls within the neighborhood’s historic boundaries. The heavily utilized side entry was reimagined as a dramatic, floating staircase suspended over an under-stair planting bed.

We separated the more utilitarian and private driveway entry with a more formal entrance to the front door by moving the front door entry steps to the south.

Textured, highly structured Pacific Northwest native plantings beautifully anchor the home's bold new architectural forms, creating a unified and timeless urban sanctuary.

Collaborators:

Lorraine Guthrie, Architect

Pete Wilson, Landscape Contractor

Flat Mountain Builders, Joel Shimmen

Bo Lassiter Stoneworks

Photography: Ryan Flood

Scope: Complete Landscape Remodel

A couple with grown children approached us to reimagine the landscape of their historic home in Irvington. With their children now out of the house, they were ready for an outdoor space tailored to their own lifestyle and needs.

A mature cedar tree anchored the back of the property—beautiful, but messy and challenging for planting beneath its dense canopy. Given its age and good health, we chose to preserve the tree and design around its constraints.

Our master plan introduced a new door from the kitchen that opens onto a deck, activating a previously underutilized area at the back of the house that had been cluttered with multiple sheds and heavy shade. Because the home is located in a historic district, the architect designed the deck railing to match the original front porch rails, ensuring historical continuity.

The deck connects to a steel-and-cedar covered structure that shelters an outdoor living and dining space from the debris of the cedar tree above. Within this structure, we incorporated an outdoor kitchen with a built-in BBQ and a long countertop for food preparation and serving.

Beyond the covered area, an open-air living space extends into the yard, framed by two large crape myrtles. These trees provide a sense of privacy from the street while maintaining an open, welcoming atmosphere.

A hand-crafted stone wall creates a striking base for the large home, elevating its presence from the street. We redesigned all of the front yard’s hardscape and planting to enhance the entry experience and provide shade for the front porch, making it both welcoming and functional.

The side yard was transformed into a productive garden space, featuring steel planters for growing vegetables and a shed that balances utility with refined, thoughtful design.

Collaborators: Linden Brown Architects (Now Observation Studio), PGM Construction, Raven Construction

Photography: Jeremy Bitterman

Scope: Complete Landscape Remodel for a family in the Southwest Hills in Portland.

Materials: Steel, Repurposed Redwood Beams, lighting, gravel, cedar fencing (stained and raw), antique black paving, sand finish concrete paving, board form concrete walls

Project Description

Our clients, a family of 5 in Southwest Portland, aimed to undertake a comprehensive remodel of their house and landscape, including the addition of a new studio in the backyard. The site had extensive ad-hoc planting and a steep slope, requiring steps and rails from the existing deck, which was not ideal for a young family.

The landscape design focused on preserving significant existing trees while removing numerous ornamental trees and plants to create a functional and attractive space for the entire family. We selected low-impact materials such as repurposed urban redwood for steps, retaining walls, and a play structure near the studio. The redwood is complemented by steel retaining walls, cedar fencing (both stained and weathered), and board form retaining walls, which are featured throughout the site, including the front courtyard at the entry, the back terraced area, and the foundation of the studio.

Collaborating with the clients and architects, we strategically located the studio and utilized the fill from the excavation to level the topography near the deck, creating a single level area for play. An expansive deck was designed to extend this flat area and integrate with the house and landscape.

The planting scheme includes a variety of flowering plants, perennials, edibles, and grasses, contributing to a dynamic and welcoming environment surrounding the house.

Collaborators:

Architects: Saga Design Build

Landscape Construction: Politi Landscape Construction

Photographer: Ryan Flood

Our clients acquired a 10-acre agricultural property for the purpose of developing and constructing their residence in Pine Grove, a community between Hood River and Parkdale. The site is positioned at the base of several buttes and hills, serving as the catchment area for runoff originating from these higher elevations. Because of saturated soil and a high-water table, the land supported only hay production, whereas adjacent properties grow fruit trees and berries due to their fertile soil and favorable growing conditions.

The masterplan included a number of buildings-main house, guest house, renovated original barn, and a utility barn-that take their language from the surrounding agricultural landscape. We were tasked to design outdoor living spaces for the family while providing a rich tapestry of habitat focused planting.

Our design included siting the pool and hot tub and creating a generous stair and hardscape from the house. On the east side of the guest house, a living space and covered dining area sits in a pollinator garden, followed by an orchard, vegetable garden, and a greenhouse for family food production. The barn's landscape is designed in a vernacular style, with random bluestone slabs bordered by perennials and shrubs, as well as an at grade black locust deck.

Living areas and plantings were intentionally confined to a limited area surrounding the house to maintain the integrity of the agricultural landscape. The selection of plant species was guided by their water and drought tolerance, and their ability to offer diverse habitat, aesthetic value, and effective screening. Through our careful collaboration with the clients and the design team, we designed a range of habitats for the site, creating an inviting environment

Collaborators: Mary Valeant, Architect, Ostmo Construction, PGM Construction

Photography: Ian Whitmore

Scope: Front Entry, Side entry to back yard, complete backyard remodel

Materials: Porcelain pavers, Concrete, Cedar Pavillions, blackened steel, quartz, decks/docks, planters, lights

Our clients acquired a residence on the southern shore of Lake Oswego due to its exceptional location—a peninsula extending into the lake—and sought to establish an outdoor environment conducive to family gatherings and recreation. Their aim was to maximize their time spent outdoors and on the water.

We developed a comprehensive site plan that featured two covered structures: one designated for the hot tub and another dedicated to outdoor entertainment. The landscape design incorporates a lawn suitable for games, a living area equipped with a substantial fire table, and expanses of ornamental grasses and perennials that enhance the natural movement of air and water across the lake.

To anchor the site, we included two docks projecting into the lake, thus expanding usable outdoor space and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, we elevated the existing seawall to ensure that the grade of the landscape aligned with the water's edge.

The entertainment pavilion features an outdoor kitchen with seating oriented towards the water, as well as a built-in fireplace, integrated heaters, fans, lighting, and an electric screen on three sides designed to withstand strong lake winds. A slatted wood wall serves as a partition between the public area to the east of the pavilion, while still allowing airflow and natural light to permeate the space.

Collaborators:

Mahsa Emami, Murj Design

Ben Capri, Capri Construction

Photography: Ryan Flood

Scope: Complete site remodel for property in St. Johns. Includes front yard and porch, new bluestone paving, planting, covered structure and deck at back of house, new shed, shade structure, fountain and green wall.

Collaborators:

General Contractor: Bequillard Design Build, Simon Bequillard

Carpenter: Cory Lindsey , Carpentry (Decks, Entry)

Metal fabricator: Jordan Hufnagel, Metal (Fencing at upper level, Shed, Green Roof)

Photography: Josh Partee

Scope: Complete Landscape Remodel

This site in Portland’s West Hills was a cautionary tale of topography. Perched directly above the Highway 26 tunnel, the lot was defined by a steep, vertical slope. However,our clients saw an opportunity to create something extraordinary. They enlisted us to transform the inaccessible hillside into a deeply experiential, multi-phase residential sanctuary completed in 2025.

The property is peppered with large, mature Douglas firs, giving the immersive experience of living in a modern treehouse. A primary goal of the design was the strict preservation of every single one of these trees. The studio successfully protected the canopy while establishing a lush, lovely understory planting that thrives in their shadow, anchoring the home into its forested context.

The architectural transformation begins right at the street, reimagining the driveway as a welcoming garden foyer:

A cedar utility structure discreetly houses bikes and bins while serving as an architectural privacy fence.

A deliberate mix of black slate, porcelain pavers, and decomposed granite makes the entry feel like a standalone destination.

The Entry Bridge: Steel and cedar spans the gap to the front door, leading to a custom floating deck.

To address a neighboring house looming on stilts to the north, the designers crafted a tactical descent down the hillside. Steel steps wind through a tall cedar fence, weaving through ferns and woodland plantings. Nestled beneath an aluminum-grated staircase, a custom stone fountain trickles through the wooded grade before spilling into a basin by the main patio. The continuous sound of moving water creates a vital sensory boundary, effectively masking the hum of the city below.

In the backyard, the team opted for thoughtful restoration over replacement, the contractors revived a historic stone wall discovered beneath a rotten deck to anchor a new black slate patio. From this hearth-like center, the yard opens into a meadow, framed by ornamental woodland plants. Refined paths navigate the rest of the descent, leading past an edible garden of fruit trees and vegetables, ultimately ending at a woodland swing.

Collaborators: PGM

Scope: Entry, deck, porch and stair design for a mid-century ranch on a sloped site

Materials: Sand Finish Concrete walls and paving, bluestone, gravel, steel walls, cedar screens, planting and lighting

A family of 3 wanted to expand their useable area on a very sloped property. The property sits in a wooded landscape in a busy area of Southwest Portland, with a stunning view. The house, built in the 60s, is a cross shape, and to respect the architecture and the site, we opened up the view and raised the courtyard at the house entry, and extended an expansive new deck that brings the visitor towards the view.

A new bluestone porch entailed a large excavation project to create a level area for flexible use, and to make an space behind the garage accessible for storage and garbage containers. The circulation created is an open flow through the large open spaces, creating an immersive experience in the existing landscape, and, at the same time, strong connections to the house.

Collaborators: Christie Architecture, Manuel Ramirez

Photography: Kuda Photography

Scope: Landscape and planting plan

Materials: Steel, juniper wood, copper lighting, gravel

This one-acre property in Southwest Portland comprises a remodeled mid-century house and a new studio designed by Christie Architecture. Steel steps and juniper terraces connect the buildings and provide comprehensive circulation throughout the property. The property abuts a forested park; rows of plants with striking seasonal qualities tuck into the surrounding landscape, providing structure while creating a sensitive transition between the buildings and the forest.

Collaborators: Arciform, Capri Construction, Bo Lassiter Stonemason

Photography: Pete Eckert

Scope: Front porch, stone walls and steps, complete front and side garden redesign, fountain redesign, fire table.

Materials: Basalt, Montana slate, steel, bollard lights, decomposed granite

Our client wanted to respect the architecture of her Northeast Portland modernist home while opening up the south-facing front of house. Arciform added a veranda and French doors, creating an area for sitting and taking in the view. We added stone walls and steps to negotiate the steeply sloped hill in front of the veranda, creating a space on the upper level with an in-ground steel fireplace.

We also updated the house’s front porch and steps with Montana slate and enhanced the entry with a rich plant palette. The hardscape material palette provides a richness to complement the thoughtful qualities of the mid- 20th century architecture. The planting design responds to the client’s preference to create privacy from the street with a wild, colorful and immersive landscape. A large new southern magnolia provides structure, and a new boxwood hedge next to the sidewalk is being trained to create a whimsical wave shape when viewed from the street.

Collaborators: EmZed Architects, Capri Construction, Akos Construction, Steve Zaglen Stonemason

Photography: Pete Eckert

Scope: Landscape remodel for entire property, including renovation of front porch of historic house

Materials: Sand finish concrete, basalt, cedar, gravel, steel, lighting, dasso fused bamboo deck and front porch, plants

On a sloping lot in Southeast Portland, our clients renovated a home from 1910, converting it from a two-family house to a single family residence. To meet their needs – they have a young daughter – they wanted to create a contemporary interior and landscape without sacrificing the spirit of the place. The landscape integrate screening of neighboring buildings to create a private lower level garden, as well as creating a multi-use space accessed by the art studio.

We completely remodeled the front porch, updating the post, rails and steps to create a graceful, entry that integrates historic references. The planting juxtaposes structure with a measure of wildness, softening the edge of a path with a grassy meadow. A curving gravel path around the house winds through planting, creating a discovery walk for a child.

Contractors: PGM Landscape Services

Photographer: Ben Lucke

Scope: Complete redesign for 1 acre property in Southwest Portland

Materials: Sand Finish Concrete walls and paving, Porcelain pavers, decomposed granite, steel walls, stained cedar shed, garbage enclosure and chicken coop, steel pergola, planting and lighting

Project Description

Our clients in Southwest Portland had remodeled their colonial house with a contemporary design. The landscape needed cohesion, facing issues like a steep, bare slope to the street, an oversized backyard with large boulders, and an overplanted slope with columnar red maples.

We delivered comprehensive design services for the entire property, including the creation of an elegant new front walk and the planting of a substantial magnolia tree in a gravel area. This area is bordered by a horizontal wood screen that offers night-time illumination on this dimly lit street. The front yard slope was planted with various drought-tolerant pollinators, creating a charming garden for the community while enhancing slope stability.

For the backyard, we removed the existing maple trees to create an accessible garden with views of the sequoia trees. The slope was planted with drought-tolerant grasses and perennials and includes a path for walking through the garden. The boulder terraces were retained, while a concrete seat wall was designed to raise the grade and allow for planting in front of the lower boulder wall, thus creating both a soft buffer and a defined edge.

Additionally, we designed a steel and cedar structure to provide shade and cover, incorporating a heater to offer warmth during the shoulder seasons. Porcelain pavers and steel walls were used to achieve a contemporary aesthetic.

Firm: Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architect

Role: Lead Designer (Dorothy)

Location: Healdsburg, California

Collaborators:
Wick Design, San Francisco California & Wade Design
Earthtone Construction

Awards:
New York ASLA Honor Award National ASLA Honor Award Mid-Atlantic States AIA Merit Award

Photography: Marion Brenner

Collaborators: Flinchbaugh Construction, Alpenglow Landscape, Manuel Ramirez, Coulee Concrete, Dominek Architecture (shed)

Photography: Doug Meyer

Scope: Total landscape remodel including front porch remodel, driveway, fencing, patio, shed

Materials: Steel, precast concrete, bluestone, reclaimed cedar fence boards from site, gravel, powdercoated steel fence, sand finish concrete

The project entailed a complete remodel of the outdoor space, including the front porch and driveway. The client’s property had an awkward backyard with angle separating the yard from the garage, which we resolved by adding a low steel fence to create separation but provide the feeling of an expanded space. We removed the lawn in front and created a meadow feel with a meandering path, keeping a small amount of lawn in back for the kids.

A large stone patio in back provided a dining area with a custom steel and concrete barbecue / wood storage unit as well as lounge seating with a steel firepit. A bluestone path leads from the living area to a new shed. We built a new fence at the property line with cedar repurposed from the existing fence, and large trees were installed throughout the property to create privacy and shade.

Collaborators: Capri Construction

Scope: Complete redesign for 1 acre property in Southwest Portland

Materials: Sand Finish Concrete walls and paving, bluestone patio, gravel, steel walls, stained cedar porches, cedar hot tub, cedar and powder coated steel fencing, basalt stone steps, planting and lighting

A family of 4 wanted to replace and modernize their decaying landscape in a natural wooded area. Their large mid-century house had currently been remodeled. We redesigned their landscape, while keeping the spirit of the original landscape. We gave them a more organized front yard, by separating the front yard space from the driveway and parking area and by eliminating the existing circular driveway. A new entry walkway, and a courtyard that is traversed before entering the crafted stained cedar porch and front door provide a welcoming entry while creating privacy at the house. A large, sliding gate with a patio for a table opens to the sunny front yard.

The back yard includes an expanded bluestone patio under the roof of the house, and with an area pushing into the natural area and providing views to the greater property. The patio steps down to a flexible gravel area: A base for a cedar hot tub, shower, and fire pit. We worked around a large douglas fir which is centrally located in the gravel area. This tree was pivotal in maintaining the feel of the natural area.

Basalt steps lead to the lower area of the property, where we designed another patio, casually tucked into the woods, and a large lower lawn provides a flexible space for the family.

Collaborators:

EmZed Architects https://em-zed.com/, Capri Construction, Bo Lassiter - Stonemason

Scope: Landscape plan for new construction on two acres within a larger size.

Materials: basalt stone, Corten steel, gravel, bluestone, sand finish concrete. Meadows in front.

On a site that was formerly a 50+ acre Christmas tree farm, we worked with the architect, EmZed, to site a new house and set the finish floor elevation. The property fronted a busy road, so we created an artfully designed earthwork berm as backdrop for entry to house. This project strives to maintain some of the site’s farm-like qualities, such as the stone walls, as well as respond to the clients’ interest in planting, creating a vegetable garden and planting shed. The planting design locates a traditional landscape within a wild meadow. Custom deer-proof yet transparent fencing encloses the inner garden.

Collaborators: Politi Landscape Construction, Flinchbaugh Construction, Schuepbachbuilders

Scope: Complete remodel of landscape surrounding house on 26 acre property. Masterplan included pool, to be built at a later date.

Materials: Sand finish concrete, ipe, steel, lights, gravel, plants

Collaborators: Jack Barnes Architect, Callum Clark, Craig Design Group, Manuel Ramirez

Scope: Hardscape, deck, shed, fences, gates, lighting, planting, pavilion (designed by Jack Barnes Architect) with built-in fireplace, seatwall and screen between neighbors’ garage and property. Backyard driveway to existing garage (1910).

Materials: Variegated bluestone, cedar, river rock, powdercoated steel, sand finish concrete, precast concrete (fireplace), dasso deck, planting.

Photography: Doug Meyer

The clients, a family of four, wanted to expand their dilapidated backyard to the alley, eliminating the existing drive beyond the back fence. Their historic Portland neighborhood would not allow the removal of the existing undersized garage, so the project required careful and complicated orchestration to get the shed, garbage pickup on the alley, and the fence and gate location to work.

The pavilion location and roof mimics the rooflines of the alley, creating a connection between the backyard and the alley. Within that pavilion, a custom precast firepit and bench create a warm and inviting space for a three-season hangout.

A small deck just outside the double French doors functions as a multi-purpose transition space.

Collaborators: PGM

Scope: Hardscape, deck, fences, gates, lighting, planting, pavilion with outdoor kitchen, fountain.

Materials: Thermal finish blue bluestone, stained cedar, river rock, precast concrete, precast concrete (fireplace), dasso deck, planting, copper.

The clients’ soggy lawn and small, uneventful concrete pad gave them little to enjoy in their backyard space. Their desire was for a complete entertainment space, with a covered structure, outdoor kitchen, and fire pit. A setback line gave us little space for the covered structure, but we were able to expand the living area out to the property line through carefully designed hardscape spaces. The deck – part raised, part flush with the stone paving – allows for further expansion and a place for a dining area. Two-toned horizontal fencing frames the project and connects to the design of the pavilion.

Collaborators: Capri Construction , General Contractor; Bo Lassiter, Mason

Photography: Pete Eckert

This project called for a complete remodel of an acute-angled front yard at a well-travelled neighborhood intersection where five streets come together at the base of a dramatic escarpment. The clients’ desire was to create privacy yet keep the property open for the walkers and bikers in the neighborhood to be able to see and enjoy.

Our design creates terraces with finely crafted basalt stone walls and sand-finish concrete steps, dividing the yard into an upper, more private level leading down to a park-like lower level. The entire front yard is bounded by a custom sloping, curving wood and welded-wire fence. A jog in the front walk helps to offset the awkward siting of the house. As you enter from the street and turn the corner, an arch formed by dogwood tree branches separate the private and public areas and frame the entry. A refined planting palette of flowering shrubs, evergreens and grasses provide year-round interest. We also updated the existing front porch, designing custom powdercoated steel planters that modernize the entry and create a sense of arrival.

Collaborators: Simon Bequillard Alpenglow

This technically challenging project created a garden area and parking on a landslide-prone site off a busy road. We added screening, a concrete wall, a juniper seatwall, juniper steps and juniper garden beds as well as lighting. The stained cedar fence on was built on top of an existing pylon retaining wall at the edge of the site.

Collaborators:
Capri Construction

Scope: Total remodel of the back and side of a residential property.

Materials: Dasso decking, porcelain pavers, cedar

The clients wanted to enhance their outdoor living space as well as create screening from the abutting apartment complex. Our design included a dining area, a seating area with a firepit, a heated covered structure, and perimeter screening to create privacy. Two-tone porcelain pavers in a random pattern add interest and variation, while semi-open wood screens in two different stain colors create a balance of separation and openness. We also redesigned the back porch with Dasso decking to match the structure flooring.

Firm: Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects

Role: Senior Project Manager and Lead Designer

Location : New York, New York

Collaborators:
Plant Specialists, New York, New York
Ivory Build, Brooklyn, New York

Awards:
National ASLA Honor Award
Mid-Atlantic States AIA Merit Award
New York State ASLA Honor Award

Collaborators:

Pete Wilson Stoneworks Greg Franz, Carpenter

Photography: Doug Meyer

Collaborators:
Web Wilson, Architect
Callum Clark, Clarkworks Design Build
Manuel Ramirez

Materials: Steel screens to match building, variegated bluestone, raw steel, Mexican beach pebbles, cedar and red batu

Photography: Caitlin Murray, Built Photo (First 2 photos)

The clients added a small studio in the back of a duplex in a busy area of Portland; the goal for the project was to create a private space for the inhabitant of the studio that felt separate yet open. A custom metal powder coated screen provides porous screening, and subtle level changes using steel edging negotiate connections between the spaces.

Lake Oswego

Collaborators: Bequillard Design Build

Photography: Jillian Lancaster

Scope: Front porch and walk, juniper walls, complete front, back and side garden redesign, deck, sauna and cold plunge pool.

Materials: Concrete, Juniper, Cedar, steel, bollard lights, gravel

Our client bought a rather bland ranch in Lake Oswego and remodeled the interiors and exteriors to have a scandanavian feel.

The new entry to the house from the street replaced a small entry walkway from the driveway to the front door. The upgrade included lighting in the steps, and a wide, welcoming walkway coming from the street.

The planting plan represented the vibrant, yet thoughtful design to the new entry to the house. New juniper retaining walls complement the wood interiors.

Stepping down to the backyard, we created a cleaner space by removing rows of azaleas and older, more dated plants. We expanded an existing deck, designed steps down to the yard, and created an enclosed, waterproof wellness area below the deck, including a sauna and a cold plunge pool.

Scope: New modern farmhouse – entire property design.

Materials: Brick, bluestone, field stone walls, port orford cedar

Awards:
Connecticut ASLA Merit Award

This project was for a family with four children. The house was built on a wetland that was filled in 50+ years ago, creating a high water table that required mitigation measures to create a beautiful, useable lawn. We used a farm vernacular for various elements of the planting design; the front wall was reminiscent of a site-sourced field stone wall. We created a koi pond on a raised terrace per the client’s request. The pergola was a nail-free mortise and tenon construction.

Collaborators:

Capri Construction

Awards:
Connecticut ASLA Merit Award 

Collaborators:
Simon Bequilard
Manuel Ramirez
Alpenglow Landscaping

Collaborators:
Fiddlehead
Joel Shimmin, Carpenter

Collaborators

Simon Bequillard Manuel Ramirez Greg Franz

Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon

Collaborators: Fieldwork Studio

Collaborators: Buckenmeyer Architecture

Drawings: Marty Buckenmeyer

Proposed pool, hot tub and entertainment area for a residence in Woodstock.

Our clients wanted to build a modern studio and pool building on their double lot in Portland. We also designed a thoughtful pool and additional outdoor spaces including a fire pit area, dining pavillion, working closely with the architect and the clients.