Business Details
33 Years
experience
Custom Landscape Design Services in San Ramon, CA
Since 1993, Susan Friedman Landscape has specialized in creating personalized outdoor spaces that harmonize natural beauty with modern luxury. Our collaborative design process prioritizes client vision, sustainability, and functional aesthetics, serving residential and commercial clients across the San Francisco Bay Area. With decades of combined experience, our team of licensed professionals delivers award-winning designs that incorporate native plants, drought-tolerant solutions, and innovative hardscape elements.We maintain rigorous attention to detail throughout every project phase, from initial consultation to construction oversight, ensuring lasting client satisfaction. Our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement has earned recognition in local garden tours and industry associations like ASLA and APLD.
Services
Landscape Design
Hardscape Design
Native Plant Integration
Outdoor Lighting
Project Oversight
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in Bay Area landscape architecture
- Our team includes licensed professionals with specialized expertise in sustainable design
- We provide full-service project management from concept to completion
- Our designs prioritize water-efficient California native plants and materials
- We maintain direct communication with clients throughout every project phase
Associations and certifications
- California Licensed Landscape Architect #3893
- American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
- Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD)
What people say
Knowledgeable professionals
Excellent communication
Creative solutions
Timely execution
Sustainable designs
Services
Landscape Design
Our landscape design service creates customized outdoor environments that blend aesthetic appeal with functional living spaces. We develop comprehensive plans incorporating plant selection, hardscape elements, and water-efficient solutions tailored to each client's lifestyle. Our designs prioritize sustainability while ensuring year-round visual interest through strategic plant placement and material choices.
Hardscape Design
Hardscape design focuses on non-plant elements like patios, walkways, and retaining walls. We create durable, visually appealing structures using natural stone, concrete, and other premium materials. Our designs integrate seating areas, fire features, and outdoor kitchens that complement architectural styles while enhancing property functionality.
Native Plant Integration
Native plant integration specializes in drought-tolerant California flora that requires minimal maintenance. We select regionally appropriate species that support local ecosystems while creating vibrant, seasonally changing landscapes. This service reduces water consumption by up to 60% compared to traditional turf-based designs.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting design enhances safety, security, and nighttime aesthetics. We install energy-efficient LED systems that highlight architectural features, pathways, and specimen plants. Our solutions create inviting ambiance while extending usable hours for outdoor entertaining spaces.
Project Oversight
Project oversight ensures design integrity throughout construction phases. Our team coordinates with contractors, conducts site visits, and manages material selections to maintain design specifications. We provide quality control checks and problem-solving support to guarantee final installations match approved plans.
People
Susan Friedman
Principal, California Licensed Landscape Architect #3893
With over 30 years of experience, Susan founded SFLA in 1993 after graduating from University of Wisconsin-Madison. She specializes in residential and commercial landscape architecture, holding memberships in ASLA and APLD. Susan combines artistic vision with technical expertise to create award-winning designs that enhance clients' lifestyles.
Audrey Fentanes
Senior Landscape Designer
Audrey brings 15+ years of Bay Area design experience to SFLA. A UC Berkeley graduate, she focuses on sustainable practices that integrate ecosystems with human needs. Her expertise includes native plant selection and creating multi-functional outdoor spaces that adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Quinn Peck
Landscape Designer QWEL Certified
Quinn holds two master's degrees in psychology and photography before transitioning to landscape design. He graduated from Merritt College in 2020, specializing in regenerative landscapes that support biodiversity. His artistic background informs creative solutions balancing aesthetics with ecological responsibility.
Jessica Loyd
Landscape Designer
Jessica contributes 12 years of residential design experience, graduating from Cal Poly SLO in 2010. She specializes in modern designs featuring clean lines and natural materials. Jessica excels at transforming challenging spaces into functional outdoor living areas that reflect contemporary California lifestyles.
Lorraine Kalich
Communications Coordinator
Lorraine manages client communications with 20+ years of organizational experience. A University of Wisconsin-Madison philosophy graduate, she previously worked in international manufacturing before transitioning to landscape architecture. Her background in community volunteer work enhances SFLA's client engagement and outreach efforts.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the San Francisco Bay Area including San Ramon, Pleasanton, Livermore, Danville, Alamo, Dublin, and Orinda.
Do you handle both design and installation?
We specialize in design services and provide comprehensive construction documents. We can coordinate with preferred contractors for installation oversight.
How long does a typical project take?
Project timelines vary by scope but average 9-12 months from initial consultation to completion, including design and construction phases.
Do you work with residential and commercial clients?
Yes, we serve both residential homeowners and commercial property managers with customized landscape solutions.
What sustainability practices do you use?
We prioritize California native plants, drought-tolerant landscaping, permeable hardscapes, and energy-efficient outdoor lighting systems.
Can you redesign existing landscapes?
Yes, we specialize in transforming outdated or problematic landscapes into functional, beautiful outdoor living spaces.
