The Crisp

This client called me after meeting with other firms who were overwhelmed with the drainage issues on this narrow backyard. Having already completed 10 renovations personally, I saw this fun opportunity to create an exquisite space for this family.

After meeting with both clients, I understood what they desired for their outdoor space: proper drainage, grading, retention, a smooth walkway, patio, hot tub, and minimalist plantings all in a design that would match that of the modern townhouse and ADU. With this understanding, I set upon the research phase of the design process. I reviewed the building permit, landscape codes, and met with the civil engineer who constructed the drainage plan to verify that my design would adhere. I also met with all installers (GC, steel fabricator, landscaper) to verify feasibility of installation. When I design it is first function, then form. I simply won’t design something that is impossible to install or out of alignment with the budget. To me, to do so is unproductive waste of time, energy and money.

Putting all these pieces together, I presented the clients first with concept plans, sample products and finishes, and then we put a design program and master plan together. (See sketch). I connected the clients with the general contractor to complete the hardscape and lighting, the landscaper who would be doing the irrigation and softscape, the steel fabricator for the custom fence and screening panel to disguise mechanicals. I met separately with these contractors and facilitated communication and coordination among all of the moving parts of the project. The project began and it is still in process with an expected completion date of September 15, 2025.

There are so many processes involved in a design and these pictures capture part of the process: drainage, boulder selection, delivery, and placement, patio and lawn grading, paver installation, electrical prep for lighting, Mexican Beach Pebble placement, soil preparation, irrigation installation, plant selection then planting, custom fence installation, with the final step of placing the hot tub.

I look forward to sharing final pictures when they are available. Stay tuned!