The “Gibson House” residence by Gerard Colcord (circa 1927) is an English Tudor Revival which blends old-world craftsmanship with elegant contemporary styling in historic Hancock Park. The front yard was completely renovated to provide access to the house from the street while providing privacy. The old brick planters along the sidewalk was opened up to make formal entry with pedestrian access to the house. Two large native sycamores were planted to scale down the house and provide privacy and shade in tone with the neighborhood and the an elegant stone paver path loosely meanders through the yard all the while allowing an expansive feeling to a somewhat small entry yard. To the side, outside the main living area, sits a casual gravel garden with water feature provides a bath for birds and a gentle sound of flowing water.
In the back yard, our planting and pool update also mixes contemporary and traditional design languages to create a relaxing garden with a resort-like feel in the middle of Los Angeles.
Exterior color consulting and furniture selection by Jake Arnold (Architectural Digest) , Previous Designer for back yard not known
Photos by Caitlin Atkinson
Seeking to limit water consumption, break up an underutilized concrete driveway, and and attract wildlife like hummingbirds, butterflies and bees - native plants, cactus, yuccas and water features were carefully selected for color, texture, and wildlife value. A large patio cover was also designed over an existing concrete patio to link the home interior to the garden and to provide afternoon relief from summer sun. Collaborating with the client, a collection of found objects and branches decorate the space and add additional places for birds to perch, insects to hide, and lizards to sunbathe. The result is a back yard that’s as easy on the eyes and well as environmentally friendly to our Southern California climate.
Photography by Kurt Simonson
Installed by Coffman-Morris Landscape Design
A new creek water feature creates an eye catching visual anchor for the main meadow area and resembles the springs and streams that feed Clearlake
Main lawn on the lakeshore
Existing tree canopy. Lovely!
Concept sketch for the creek bridge
Concept Sketch for the Spa
New White Oak (Quercus alba) for the lawn near the lake shore.
New redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens)
Boulders from the site
Creek before water and plants
Existing Conditions
Existing Conditions - Boring!
Let’s go to Clearlake
This residential project in Highland Park is one of our favorites. Completed in 2019, the design is inspired by Palm Springs where the couple got married and their eternal happy place. The design included an update to the front yard where we enclosed a small terrace with fence and improved access to the space with a new deck and stairs. The back yard was a complete renovation that included a plunge pool with hot tub, a fire pit area for entertaining, breeze block pool fountain wall, and creating a "clubhouse" out of an underused room off the garage that is only accessible through the garden. Yay team!
Photos by Caitlin Atkinson
Installation by Coffman-MorrisLandscaping
Pool by Aquaman Pools (No social media)
Image by client
Image by client
Image by client
Picture by RWD
Image by RWD
Image by RWD
Image by RWD
Image by RWD
Clean lines and a restrained color palette with a few striking bursts of reds, and yellows were inspired by the work of the artist homeowner.
Photograph by Jhovany Quiroz
Photograph by Jhovany Quiroz
Photograph by Jhovany Quiroz
Photograph by Jhovany Quiroz
Photograph by Jhovany Quiroz
Photograph by Jhovany Quiroz
The farm comes to Los Angeles! This hillside home in the heart of Silverlake blends sustainable urban farming and garden design with food foraging and community into a comfortable contemporary aesthetic. This project is in collaboration with designer Brooks Atwood of Berries Design, Office42 Architecture, and Russell Wightman Design. The fantastic family who lives here are featured in the LA Times Lifestyle section.
Photos by Struktr Studio unless otherwise noted
Photo by RWD
Photo by RWD
Photo by RWD
Photo by RWD
Photo by RWD
Photo by RWD
With its roots in the natural and the romantic, “A Place for Reflection” is intended as a place of peace and rest.
Check out past and present Showcase homes and the organization's mission here
Photography by Roman Sebek
Bench and fountain are custom designs by Russell for the event
Lush, green and colorful are not typically words to describe a low water landscape but this landscape in the San Gabriel Valley stands up to the California heat. Concrete from an existing path is repurposed to create a new and more accessible entry to the home. Seasonal native plants and a generous patio under the existing Jacaranda link the connection between the interior of the home with the exterior for a very comfortable and casual “California” garden.