Client & Research Inspired Designs

Many of the projects I build are client inspired. We often start with something that has caught your eye and work on finding the right combination of functionality, architectural style and beauty. Anything can provide a starting point -- magazine clippings, vacation photos, napkin sketches, or inspiring neighborhood themes and designs.

At the other end of the spectrum, I can also work with clients who want to leave the design entirely in my hands. Usually I can draw inspiration from the architecture of your home and the words you choose to describe the final look. Some clients just leave it at -- "I love your work. Surprise me."

Really, the range of what I can build is limited only by your budget and imagination. So if you have always dreamed of dining by lantern light in a medieval garden arbor or want to create a historical play fort for the kids -- I would be happy to realize your vision.

I can help with ...

• site selection and material recommendations
• feedback on functionality and "buildability" for an existing design
• design tips for ensuring a long life
• suggestions for how to realize or enhance a garden theme
• practical ideas for how to achieve a specific style (see my architectural style guide for more details)
• a ballpark quote or a detailed written estimate

Additional Resources and Related Links

In addition to the related links in my design guides, you might be interested in these resources for inspiration and ideas for garden architecture and theme gardens:

• Backyard Idea Book by Lee Anne White / Tauton Home
  Great book with lots of color photos of decks, arbors, fences, outdoor kitchens and garden retreats.  LA Public Library book
  
  
• Taunton's Deck & Patio Idea Book
  This book has lots of ideas and photos of decks, arbors, pergolas and patio covers.  LA Public Library book
  
  
• Yards & Gardens: Inspiration & Ideas by Nancy Baldrica
  This book provides inspiration and hundreds of ideas for creating an attractive and practical garden. It includes over 100 photos and specific pages on patios, decks, porches, garden retreats, arbors and pergolas, hot tubs and more.    LA Public Library book
  
  
• Theme Gardens (Sunset Series) by Hazel White, Janet Sanchez and the editors of Sunset Books
  A great guide for finding inspiration and ideas for creating specific garden styles, including Mediterranean, Japanese, Formal, Tropical, Cottage, and eclectic.    LA Public Library book
  
  
• Pure Style Outdoors by Jane Cumberbatch
  A great guide for exploring color, texture and mood in the garden. Features hundreds of photos for inspiration and finding out what delights you.    LA Public Library book
  
  
• Gardens of The Spirit by Roni Jay
  This book provides inspiration and ideas for creating Taoist, Zen, Islamic, Medieval, Italian Renaissance, English Knot and Healing gardens.   LA Public Library book
  
  
• Outer Spaces by Diarmuid Gavin
  This book offers insight into how the inspiration for 25 gardens were transformed into plans and planting guides and then realized in physical form.   LA Public Library book
  
  
• Hardscaping: High Style, Low Maintenance Outdoor Spaces by Haig Seferian
  This book provides inspiration, ideas and hundreds of photos of beautiful gardens and garden architecture.     LA Public Library book
  
  
• The Complete Guide to Creative Landscapes by Black & Decker
  This comprehensive books contains a chapter on design concepts (purpose, simplicity, unity, balance, movement, interest, and harmony) as well as an overview of traditional styles.  LA Public Library book
  
  
• On Garden Style by Bunny Williams
  This book has chapters on finding your personal style and putting your dream to work -- along with over 150 photos and sketches of gardens, courtyards, garden architecture and accents.    LA Public Library book
    

Examples of Garden Architecture Inspired By Clients & Research

Architectural Wood Trellis This trellis system was designed from a rough client sketch and a magazine photo of the oval accents . More information Enlarge photo Detail photo

Finding Inspiration Touring The Gamble House This client wanted something special for a Craftsman bungalow. So I took a tour of The Gamble House in Pasadena for inspiration. I took this photograph of their "cloud lift" motif screen door and used it as a starting point to design an updated and improved version. And yes, that is my tape measure on the right side of the photograph.
Greene & Greene Inspired Screen Door More Information