Every project starts with a different question.
Sometimes it's how to make better use of a space. Sometimes it's how to solve a difficult site, create a place for family and friends to gather, or simply make a garden feel as though it truly belongs.
The projects below illustrate how those questions are explored through the design process, using plans and illustrative visualisations to develop ideas, refine possibilities, and help clients imagine their future garden before construction begins.
Sister City HMB-Kariwa Anniversary Garden
Before: the existing library planting
After: the Half Moon Bay–Kariwa Sister City 30th Anniversary Friendship Garden
The Challenge
Transform a 15 m² planting area within Half Moon Bay Library’s courtyard into a garden celebrating 30 years of friendship between Half Moon Bay and its sister city, Kariwa Village, Japan.
The Design Response
A ribbon of pebbles represents the Pacific Ocean, with boulders recalling Japan’s mountains and cascading acacia suggesting a waterfall. A bridge connects the two sides, while plants cross over and mingle, expressing the friendship between the communities.
The symbolism of colour is woven throughout the planting: green for enduring friendship, blue for the shared sky and ocean, white for purity and mutual respect, and red for joy and celebration.
At the heart of the garden, the Ginkgo brings autumn gold for abundance and renewal. Its distinctive leaf divides into two lobes that join into a single stem—two different places, each with its own landscape and culture, connected through one enduring friendship.
18th c. private Yorkshire farmhouse, UK
Stone wall separating the garden
Full redesign of garden
The Challenge
The owners loved the character of their historic farmhouse and traditional English gardens, but the property had evolved over time without a clear structure.
An old stone wall divided the house and garden, the barn had fallen into disrepair, and an ageing lean-to greenhouse no longer served its purpose.
The challenge was to create a garden that respected the history of the site while making it more enjoyable for everyday family life and entertaining.
The Design Response
Rather than removing the existing stone wall, it became the organising feature of the design, creating a series of connected garden rooms, each with its own purpose and character.
The deteriorating lean-to greenhouse was replaced with a new morning conservatory, carefully positioned to capture the family's favourite place for morning coffee while reusing the original footprint to satisfy planning requirements.
The restored barn became a welcoming entertaining space with glazed walls opening onto the surrounding landscape. Beyond it, a dry garden and fire pit take advantage of an area naturally shaded by neighbouring trees.
Closer to the house, the formal garden reflects the owner's love of traditional English gardens, while a small terrace outside the home office provides a quiet retreat during the day.
A secret garden offers children a place to explore, and a small orchard, vegetable garden, and generous lawn create spaces for family life.
Shared Café Garden, San Francisco
BEFORE: Two separate parklets serving neighbouring businesses.