If you are looking for a really great landscape design, AJ is the one to go to…read more I have know him for a long time and had the pleasure to see his work and it is amazing. I highly recommend

The reviews speak for themselves. AJ is friendly, knowledgable and professional. He makes an…read moreeffort to explain all aspects of the project and present multiple solutions for the client. The website is a good resource for additional information and photos. I recommend AJ to anyone looking for a good landscape architect.

We worked with Steve at Seed Studio on a full redesign of our property, including front, back, and…read moreside yard landscaping, a new driveway, fencing and gates, multiple decks, a patio, an outdoor kitchen, and a built-in hot tub. We do like the final layout and appreciate how efficiently he used the space on our narrow lot. However, there were several significant issues with the process that would keep us from working with him again or recommending him to others. Design Process & Deliverables The final plans were clear and professionally drafted from a contractor's perspective, but they were essentially blueprint-style drawings. We understood going into the project that we would not be receiving full 3-D renderings. However, Seed Studio's website features conceptual sketches and visual representations of designs, which led us to expect that we would receive something similar to help visualize the finished project. Instead, we received only technical plans. For the fees charged, we expected more client-friendly presentation materials and drawings. We also found Steve somewhat unreceptive to feedback once he had settled on a design direction. While he listened to our input, it often felt as though he already had a vision for the project and was not particularly interested in incorporating significant client preferences that differed from that vision. One surprise was the budget. The materials and design choices ultimately specified in the plans ended up costing nearly double the budget range we had initially discussed. We understand that pricing can evolve during a project, but the final design moved so far beyond our stated budget that we would have appreciated more proactive guidance and discussion along the way. Additionally, many of the materials Steve specified were expensive specialty products with long lead times. While they may have been attractive design choices, they added significant cost and complexity to the project. Both contractors we worked with struggled to install certain materials without damage, which created additional delays, expense, and frustration. Contractor Recommendations Steve strongly encouraged us to use a particular contractor from Redwood City, explaining that he wanted to use them more frequently on his South Bay projects. Based in part on his recommendation, we moved forward with them despite some reservations. Unfortunately, that relationship did not work out and we ultimately had to terminate them from the project. While the contractor's performance was certainly their responsibility, we were disappointed that Steve was largely unwilling to become involved when serious issues arose, despite having advocated for them so strongly. Afterward, Steve recommended another contractor whom he regularly works with. They were more familiar with his designs and initially things progressed more smoothly but then we also experienced damage and delays with them. Construction Oversight & Client Support What ultimately disappointed us most was not just the contractors themselves, but Steve's lack of involvement once construction began. The project that was initially expected to take roughly a few months stretched into over 1 year. During that time there were significant delays, damaged materials, scheduling issues, and long stretches where progress slowed dramatically. We were not expecting Steve to manage construction or solve every problem. However, given the size of the project, the substantial design fees, and the fact that both contractors had come through his recommendations, we expected at least occasional check-ins or some level of interest in how the project was progressing. Instead, it felt as though once the design work was completed and final payment was received, his involvement effectively ended. He never checked in, asked how construction was going, or showed interest in seeing how his design was being executed. While ongoing support may not have been formally included in his scope of work, we found the lack of engagement surprising. Most homeowners would reasonably expect their designer to have some interest in the success of a project that represents their work and reputation. Overall We are happy with the overall design concept and how our narrow lot was ultimately utilized. However, the experience getting there was far more stressful, expensive, and time-consuming than we expected. If you decide to work with Seed Studio, our advice would be: * Be very clear and firm about your budget and monitor design decisions closely. * expect only blueprint-style plans without additional visualization materials. * Do not expect ongoing involvement or support once construction begins. - independently vet contractors regardless of his recommendations

Steve was a pleasure to work with and we couldn't be happier with this major design upgrade for our…read moreyard. Highly recommended.

From start to finish, Liaison Landscapes exceeded my expectations. I had a vague concept of what I…read morewanted in a backyard, but I needed profession help! I had a list of must haves, wants, and aspirational items. Elliott was able to help design a project that we could work on in stages. I gave them a budget and we were able to get the majority of the things I wanted within the budget! The team was professional, courteous, and efficient! I can't believe how quickly they were able to finish the project, and they left the space neat and clean. I appreciate the flexibility when I wanted things moved or changed (even while the project was happening). I appreciate Markus' availability to review the work and his desire to make sure I was happy with the final results. If you are looking for a landscaping company to help you design your outdoor living space, and then bring it to life, Liaison Landscapes is your place!

Ive had Liaison landscapes do both my back and side yard. In both instances they exceeding my…read moreexpectations and delivered on outstanding quality and a beautiful design. Markus, Brent and Chrissy were prompt, professional and helped guide us to achieve a great result with budget as an important consideration. The execution teams on both projects we punctual, polite, efficient and very hard working. Transparent and thoughtful, you will have a great project experience with Liason landscapes.

Tsering and his team recently transformed our backyard from an overgrown garden to one that…read morebalanced nature with utility for our entire family to enjoy. When I reached out, I was eager and ready to act on a long overdue project. Out of a handful of landscapers I met with, Tsering was not only the fastest from design to quote to contract but more importantly he was the only one who gave me accurate timelines for expectations of next steps. There was trust building right away. Throughout the project, he was communicative, genuine, and gave honest feedback/advice to my questions. When surprises came up, he always presented it with options, recommendation, and cost so we can quickly come to a good decision. He and his team went above and beyond on multiple parts of the project to maximize success, utility, and safety for our family. It was thrilling to see our backyard changing day by day over two weeks to something completely different and beautiful. We've been enjoying our new backyard, thanks to Tsering and his team. I highly recommend Shambhala Landscapes!

We had the complete pleasure of working with Tsering and his team at Shambhala Landscapes!…read more To say I'm completely satisfied with their work, professionalism, creativity and kindness would be an understatement. Being a control freak I was hesitant to accept ideas from Tsering, however, once I saw his suggestions on paper I understood his goal was to compliment my vision. He was patient, provided options and the end result was wonderful. He and his team redesigned our front and backyard into gardens. Tsering is a General Contractor and if he can't do it he has someone who will. Every from, landscaping, lighting, irrigation, construction etc. the total package. Regrettably, I did not take before pictures of the backyard as it was so ugly but I've attached pictures of what I have. Unfortunately, Yelp doesn't allow me to put them in any order, (Before vs After). I could not be happier and would highly recommend them to anyone!

Will and the team did a fantastic job on our back garden. it included levelling, circular stone…read morework, step, patio. His understanding of what we wanted and workmanship was excellent. Lovely team, reliable and trustworth. Better result than I could've imagined have imagined, would highly recommend

Pleasure to work with and really excellent at their craft. Worked with me for all my needs and…read morewants. Well worth the time and money.

My review of Brian Ott and Zenscape is LONG OVERDUE. The short version: Brian is simply…read morewonderful--kind, patient, thoughtful, creative, honest, and hardworking. From the beginning, Brian listened carefully to our goals and transformed our ideas into a beautiful vision of serenity. He hand-drew his design, explained his ideas, and brought everything to life with a respectful, prompt, and clean crew. He transformed our backyard into a true Zenscape, exactly what we hoped for, and created gorgeous front and back gardens complete with irrigation and lighting. We have now worked with Brian and his team for five years, and what stands out most is that the relationship didn't end when the project did. He continues to respond to our calls and messages, offer advice, and help us care for and preserve his work. During a recent construction project, he even coordinated with our contractor and plumber to protect the garden and ensure the irrigation was properly connected. Our front garden now features beautiful plants, rocks, stones, and a Maple tree Brian planted and helped preserve during construction. The backyard has become a true sanctuary, with fire and water features, a birdbath, Japanese lantern, lighting, and a lemon tree--a perfectly balanced retreat for birds, butterflies, and humans alike. Brian and Noe are now helping us refresh a few overgrown areas (our fault!), and we couldn't be happier with their quality, patience, and follow-through. Brian didn't just transform our yard--he transformed our quality of life. Everyone stops to admire the front of our house, and it brings us so much joy. We are incredibly grateful. Thank you, Zenscape!

Top marks. Professional, friendly, and high quality work. Job completed much faster than…read moreanticipated. My new zenscape is totally boss. Would Zenscape again.

I'm a 30 year pro contractor working the upscale homes on marin and Piedmont and montclair; these…read morepeople provide Amazing Service, negotiated the price, same day plans for a small job done very reasonable and professional!!!!!!! Highly recommended!

I still believe that Shades of Green Landscape Architecture has many satisfied clients…read more Unfortunately, I am not one of them. I hired Shades of Green to help me redesign my landscape which involved planting new plants throughout the property, new hardscape for the house entry way, additional lighting, and new retaining wall. The project potentially could cost approximately $20,000 to $30,000 when complete. I found the company's principal, Ive Haugeland, to be thorough. She provided good client relationship. My dissatisfaction was with her Associate, Jamie Morf, who worked on my project as a designer and a project manager. These were some of the things I found unpleasant about Jamie: 1. One month into the project, she had deliverables which were scheduled to be delivered in three weeks. Three weeks came and passed, I did not hear from her. I was surprised to receive her monthly invoice with only 3 hours spent on the project. I inquired about the deliverables in which she said she had moved the deadline out three more weeks. However, she neglected to mention that to me before the original deadline expired. In addition, there was no apology. Later, I learned that she was very busy with various clients so she did not get to my project. I found this very unprofessional. 2. Throughout the project, I found that Jamie was not very detail-oriented and forgetful. She forgot things we discussed in meetings which resulted in design suggestions that completely contradicted my requests. As a result, it needed rework which required additional hours that she billed me for. 3. Often, she provided large invoices for very little results. I did not receive clear explanations of what she actually did to warrant the hours spent. I did not feel that I was fairly billed for the amount of work I received from her. 4. She had very poor project management skills (e.g. time management, status updates, communication, budgeting). Finally, after three months and with a completed design plant, I terminated our relationship. I am in the process of hiring another landscape architect to carry out the remaining of the project.

I had Christel from Outside Collective help me with a re-vamp of my steep, terraced and very messy…read moreback yard. She's a talented designer, but also listens carefully to the client's ideas and preferences. A perfect blend. I'm so very pleased with the outcome. I highly recommend Christel at Outside Collective for any landscaping project.

Outside Collective is an absolute gem for landscape design and planning. Christel, the owner, has a…read morevery smart and modern design sense and additionally was very open and supportive to my ideas throughout the entire process, checking in frequently to make sure that I was on board with her suggestions and the direction of the project. I wanted a completely new plant design in my front yard as well as some hardscaping changes to create a more functional, aesthetically pleasing yard. My project required total replacement of all plants, changes to some retaining walls, plus the creation of a new planting area that was previously covered with DG. I am absolutely thrilled with the results! The process started off with an hour-long on-site consultation during which Christel got a sense for the scope and overall needs of the project and gave some great recommendations on how to make the yard more useable and pleasing. She then sent me a survey where she supplied some landscape 'looks' for me to select from and gathered information on style, budget, etc. After the survey, she then proposed several design plan options. After some email exchanges, a final design plan was approved and then we moved on to plant palette and selection. Christel is very knowledgeable about plants and nurseries, and I had indicated that I wanted to focus heavily on natives. She obliged me by creating a mostly native palette for me that will provide seasonal interest throughout the year and be low water and low maintenance. Christel also researched landscape crews to do the work and arranged meetings with all of us to help me in the selection process. She reached out to me throughout the installation process and stayed on top of what was happening. She only came during installation to place the new plants in the yard and also give some feedback and direction on some of the hardscaping as well (I had opted to supervise the project). She really took her time and put a lot of thought into every decision. It was very clear to me that she really cared about my yard and my opinion. She is also just the nicest person and very professional. Her rates are reasonable, and she was very sensitive to and careful of my budget. Absolutely a 5-star designer and professional.