Business Details
45 Years
experience
Trusted Landscape Architects in Ben Lomond, CA
Design Focus has been shaping transformative outdoor environments since 1981, combining ecological stewardship with artistic vision to create spaces that enhance human connection to nature. Our firm specializes in landscape architecture and construction, delivering projects ranging from large-scale residential developments to habitat restoration initiatives. With over 40 years of combined experience, founders Rebecca Dye and Hank Helbush lead a team that excels in sustainable design, permaculture systems, and bioswale implementation. We have earned national recognition through multiple Golden Nugget Awards for innovative site planning and landscape architecture. Our expertise extends to historical garden renovations, including the internationally acclaimed Hakone Gardens project, which became the first garden in the National Trust.We maintain LEED AP certification and actively collaborate with specialty contractors to ensure seamless execution from concept to completion. Our work with corporate clients and private estates demonstrates our ability to integrate functional beauty with environmental responsibility. Through children's gardens and retreat centers, we create spaces that foster creativity, education, and spiritual renewal. Our commitment to water conservation, native habitat restoration, and local material utilization has established us as industry leaders in ecological design. This proven track record of delivering award-winning projects that enhance property value and community wellbeing defines our professional approach.
Services
Landscape Architecture
Habitat Restoration
Permaculture Design
Bioswale Implementation
Estate Garden Development
Historical Renovation
Water Management
Children's Gardens
Retreat Center Design
Site Planning
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in landscape architecture and construction
- Our team includes award-winning designers recognized nationally for innovative work
- We implement sustainable permaculture systems in all large-scale developments
- Our expertise in bioswale design has been acknowledged by leading horticulturalists
- We maintain LEED AP certification and collaborate with specialty contractors
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
- California Landscape Architect Registration
What people say
Award-winning
Sustainable practices
Transformative designs
Client satisfaction
Ecological expertise
Services
Landscape Architecture
Our landscape architecture services create functional, aesthetically pleasing outdoor environments that integrate with natural ecosystems. We specialize in large-scale residential developments, commercial properties, and public spaces. Our approach combines artistic vision with technical expertise to deliver spaces that enhance property value while promoting environmental sustainability through native plant selection and water conservation strategies.
Habitat Restoration
We restore natural habitats through scientifically informed design that supports biodiversity and ecological balance. Our team implements native vegetation, improves water quality, and creates wildlife corridors in urban and rural settings. This service benefits developers seeking environmental compliance, municipalities restoring public lands, and private landowners committed to conservation while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Permaculture Design
Our permaculture designs create self-sustaining ecosystems that produce food while regenerating soil and supporting biodiversity. We implement edible landscapes, water harvesting systems, and nutrient recycling solutions for residential estates and community developments. This service helps clients achieve food security, reduce maintenance costs, and create educational opportunities through functional, productive landscapes.
Bioswale Implementation
We design and construct bioswales that manage stormwater runoff while creating habitat for native species. Our systems use natural filtration processes to improve water quality and reduce erosion. This service addresses municipal regulations, prevents water damage to properties, and enhances landscape aesthetics through integrated, functional design solutions.
Estate Garden Development
We create bespoke estate gardens that combine luxury with ecological responsibility across properties up to 50 acres. Our designs incorporate recreational features, edible landscapes, and artistic elements tailored to client preferences. This service enhances property value, provides unique outdoor living spaces, and ensures long-term sustainability through careful material selection and maintenance planning.
People
Rebecca Dye
Landscape Architect
Award-winning landscape architect with 40+ years experience creating sustainable environments that connect people to nature. Recognized nationally for bioswale design and permaculture implementation. Holds California Landscape Architect License #3763 and LEED AP certification.
William Henry Helbush
Landscape Architect
Habitat restoration specialist with 40+ years in landscape architecture. California Licensed Landscape Architect #4081 and contractor #433018. Focuses on ecological systems integration and team management for complex projects.
Questions
What services does Design Focus International offer?
We provide landscape architecture, habitat restoration, permaculture design, bioswale implementation, estate garden development, and historical garden renovation services.
Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we handle projects ranging from luxury estates to commercial developments and public spaces across California.
What makes your firm's approach unique?
We combine artistic vision with ecological principles, creating spaces that are both beautiful and environmentally regenerative through sustainable material use and water conservation strategies.
Which areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the San Francisco Bay Area including Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.
How do you ensure project quality?
Our design/build approach maintains quality control from concept through construction, with experienced professionals managing every project phase.
Can you handle international projects?
Yes, we have experience with international projects like the Hakone Gardens renovation in Japan, working with master gardeners across borders.
