Business Details
Your Trusted Landscape Architect in El Cerrito, CA
Sue Oda is a boutique design firm specializing in personalized, environmentally conscious outdoor spaces. With decades of experience, we collaborate closely with clients to create gardens that reflect their unique vision while harmonizing with local architecture. As a certified green business, our expertise includes water-efficient landscaping, Bay-Friendly practices, and integrating native plants to reduce maintenance costs and ecological impact. Our portfolio spans residential, commercial, and public projects across the United States, including community gardens and award-winning private estates.Licensed by the California State Licensing Board and certified by the Council of Landscape Architectural Boards, we combine technical excellence with artistic vision. Our team delivers a seamless process from initial consultation to final design, ensuring every project meets both aesthetic and functional goals. Clients consistently praise our attention to detail, reliability, and ability to transform outdoor spaces into beautiful, sustainable environments that enhance property value and daily living.
Services
Bay-Friendly Landscaping
Landscape Design
Outdoor Living Spaces
Native Garden Installation
Water-Efficient Gardens
Highlights and features
- Certified green business with expertise in water-efficient landscaping
- Award-winning designs recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architecture
- Personalized approach tailored to client goals and site conditions
- Licensed and certified professionals with decades of combined experience
- Proven track record in residential, commercial, and public space projects
Associations and certifications
- Council of Landscape Architectural Boards
- California State Licensing Board
- Bay-Friendly Qualified Professional
What people say
Elegant outdoor spaces
Highly recommend
Transformed our yard
Professional and reliable
Beautify our community
Services
Bay-Friendly Landscaping
Bay-Friendly Landscaping creates sustainable outdoor environments that conserve water and support local ecosystems. This approach reduces maintenance costs by 40% through strategic plant selection and soil health practices. Ideal for environmentally conscious homeowners and businesses seeking to reduce their ecological footprint while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Landscape Design
Our full-service landscape design transforms properties into functional, beautiful environments. We collaborate with clients to develop tailored solutions that integrate architecture with natural elements. Services include site analysis, concept development, and detailed construction documentation to ensure precise implementation of your vision.
Water-Efficient Gardens
Water-efficient garden designs reduce irrigation needs by up to 60% through native plant selection and smart irrigation systems. These gardens maintain visual appeal while complying with California's water conservation regulations. Perfect for homeowners seeking sustainable, low-maintenance outdoor spaces that thrive in dry climates.
Native Garden Installation
Native garden installations feature regionally appropriate plants that require minimal water and maintenance. These ecosystems attract local wildlife while creating authentic, seasonal beauty. Our designs balance ecological benefits with aesthetic appeal, perfect for modern homes seeking natural integration with the landscape.
Outdoor Living Spaces
We design multifunctional outdoor living areas that extend usable space for entertainment and relaxation. Services include patio, deck, and outdoor kitchen design that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor environments. Our solutions maximize property value while creating year-round usable spaces for families and businesses.
People
Sue Oda
Principal Landscape Architect
With over 30 years of experience, Sue Oda is a licensed landscape architect specializing in sustainable design. She founded her firm after working with the City of Oakland on community projects, bringing both technical expertise and artistic vision to every project.
Nathan Rynerson
Draftsman
Nathan Rynerson combines architectural expertise with landscape design, having worked in New York and Oakland before joining Sue Oda in 2018. His background enhances technical precision in project documentation and client deliverables.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including El Cerrito, Oakland, and surrounding communities, with select work across California.
What design styles do you offer?
Our expertise includes Bay-Friendly landscaping, Japanese gardens, native plant installations, and modern outdoor living spaces tailored to client preferences.
Are you licensed for commercial projects?
Yes, our California State License (CLA 3798) covers both residential and commercial landscape architecture projects.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
We prioritize water-efficient plants, recycled materials, and Bay-Friendly practices that reduce maintenance while supporting local ecosystems.
What's your design process like?
We begin with a consultation to understand your goals, followed by schematic design, construction documents, and plant selection guidance for optimal results.
