Collaborators: Linden Brown Architects, 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

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.

Collaborators: PGM

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

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: Mary Valeant, Architect, Ostmo Construction, PGM Construction

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 client bought a home on the south shore of Lake Oswego because of the extraordinary property, and wanted to create an outdoor oasis for family and friends.

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

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.

Location: Portland, Oregon

Scope: Design for a 1 acre property in South Portland

Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon

Collaborators: Fieldwork Studio