Business Details
40 Years
experience
Award-Winning Custom Landscape Design in Berkeley, CA
Founded in 1986, Goodman Landscape Design has dedicated nearly four decades to crafting timeless, sustainable gardens that harmonize with architectural surroundings. Our founders, Lisa and Tim Goodman, transitioned from fine art photography careers to pursue landscape design, leveraging their artistic expertise in composition, color, and form. We specialize in full-service design/build projects ranging from $150,000 to $600,000, maintaining meticulous attention to detail through our small, highly skilled crew with 15+ years average tenure.Our approach prioritizes site-specific solutions, integrating hardscape and softscape elements while avoiding transient trends in favor of enduring design principles. Recognized with multiple CLCA awards and featured in prominent publications, we've collaborated with architects and homeowners to create over 35 years of award-winning gardens. Though retiring in 2025, our legacy of artistry and craftsmanship remains evident in every project we've completed.
Services
Landscape Design
Stonework
Woodwork
Garden Maintenance
Lighting Design
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- 40 years of landscape design expertise with award-winning results
- Integrated design/build approach ensures project continuity and quality
- Sustainable practices using time-tested design principles
- Multiple CLCA and regional design award recipient
- Experienced 10-person crew with 15+ year average tenure
What people say
Artistry and craftsmanship
Enriched our lives
Gorgeous gardens
Seasonal changes appreciated
Lasting value
Services
Landscape Design
Our landscape design service creates custom outdoor spaces that harmonize with architectural surroundings. We combine artistic vision with functional requirements to develop timeless gardens emphasizing balance, scale, and sustainable plant selection. Each design considers site-specific constraints while maintaining our commitment to enduring aesthetics.
Stonework
Specialized stonework enhances garden aesthetics and functionality. Our skilled artisans create durable, beautiful features including patios, retaining walls, and water elements using premium materials. Every installation combines technical precision with artistic composition to create lasting value for residential properties.
Woodwork
Custom woodwork adds warmth and character to outdoor spaces. We craft high-quality wooden structures like pergolas, decks, and garden accents using sustainably sourced materials. Our carpenters ensure precise execution of design elements that complement both natural surroundings and architectural styles.
Garden Maintenance
Ongoing garden maintenance preserves investment value and aesthetic appeal. Our comprehensive service includes seasonal pruning, irrigation management, and plant health monitoring. We maintain the integrity of original designs while adapting to evolving environmental conditions and plant growth patterns.
Lighting Design
Strategic lighting design extends garden enjoyment into evening hours while highlighting architectural features. We install energy-efficient systems that enhance safety and security without compromising aesthetic goals. Each solution balances functionality with artistic illumination of landscape elements.
People
Lisa Goodman
Co-Founder
Co-founder with fine art photography background from CCAC. Transitioned to landscape design in 1986, bringing artistic sensibilities in color and composition. Directed award-winning projects while maintaining active photography career with gallery exhibitions and collections.
Tim Goodman
Co-Founder
Co-founder and UC Berkeley art history graduate with early gardening experience in England. Directed design philosophy emphasizing timeless beauty and site sensitivity. Maintained parallel photography career with museum collections and published works while leading landscape projects.
Questions
What services does Goodman Landscape Design offer?
We provide full-service landscape design and installation including hardscaping, stonework, woodwork, irrigation, lighting, and plant selection for residential properties.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the San Francisco Bay Area including Berkeley, Kensington, and San Rafael.
What project sizes do you handle?
Our typical projects range from $150,000 to $600,000 with occasional exceptions for unique requirements.
How long does a typical project take?
Due to our small team approach, projects usually take several months to over a year from initial design to completion.
Are you currently accepting new projects?
We retired from active operations as of February 2025 after 40 years of service to the Bay Area community.
