Elemental Design Group

Woodland Retreat – Accessible Design for Family Life

This Boulder Creek project was created for a mom who uses a wheelchair, with small kids in mind. Every transition and surface was designed to make the outdoors functional, safe, and welcoming.

A new Ipe deck provides warmth and durability, while a Cormelli Bluestone patio anchors the space for gathering, play, and everyday moments. Thoughtful design ensures the garden supports life, not just looks beautiful.

Function, family, and refinement all in one space.

The Future of Landscaping

Technology is quietly reshaping how coastal landscapes are designed and maintained. Smart irrigation, climate sensors, and app-controlled lighting allow gardens to respond to changing conditions while conserving water and reducing maintenance.

For homes in Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, these systems help landscapes remain resilient in the face of salt air, wind, and shifting microclimates.

When thoughtfully integrated, smart technology supports the landscape rather than competing with it. The result is a garden that feels effortless, adaptable, and built for the future.

Read more on our website.

A Study in Space

This Eichler was reimagined to dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. Clean lines, open planes, and carefully measured transitions allow the landscape to feel inseparable from the architecture.

La Cantina bifold doors open fully to the garden, extending daily living beyond the glass. A recessed whirlpool bath creates a quiet point of retreat within the courtyard.

The result is continuity. Space that flows, rather than divides.

Working again in Los Gatos. We renovated this Tuscan beauty several years ago. The morning light just breathtaking…

Beautiful gated entry adds a level of security with the latest technologies.

Elegant garden appeal in Los Gatos, I had the honor of working with the incredibly talented artist and mason, Carol Braham on her personal residence almost 20 years ago. It was great to see her yesterday. Her gardens continue to shine and improve over time.

String lights and lighting for nighttime bocce.

BEFORE and AFTER …..

One of the columns was removed to open up the entry way to the garden. We also veneered the brick with natural stone. The lawn is Kurapia.

Pizza oven and outdoor kitchen with leathered Absolute Granite counters.

Palo Alto California Bungalow transformed…

Low wall with stucco and custom tile is a beautiful foreground element to the Cercis Forest Pansy tree. We ditched the lawn an md opted for grasses, succulents and shrubs.

Andrea Doonan horticulture + design, we love Carex too! Thanks for sharing!

You all know I'm a fan of carex. A restoration ecologist friend Jon Green shared this photo with me of a carex oak understory at Grayson preserve outside of Modesto, along the San Joaquin River. According to his sources it has been curated in this location by the Mewuk people for basket weaving materials. So gorgeous!