~ Frequently Asked Questions — Landscape Architecture & Garden Design ~
At LASD Studio, we approach every project as a living system — blending art, ecology, and technology to design landscapes that evolve with time. Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our philosophy, process, and what it’s like to work with our international studio.
General Questions
What makes LASD Studio different?
We don’t see landscapes as static designs, but as soulful, intelligent organisms. Each project blends art epochs + ecological science + advanced digital workflows, resulting in a landscape that is as meaningful as it is functional.
What makes LASD Studio one of the top landscape architecture firms in San Diego?
LASD Studio unites art, ecology, and technology to create living landscapes that evolve through time. Our work blends design excellence with scientific precision and sustainable performance. Check out LASD Studio Mission.
What is the difference between landscape architecture and garden design?
Landscape architecture covers large-scale planning, technical details, and integration with architecture and ecology, while garden design often focuses on private residences. At LASD Studio we blend both, offering artful yet precise solutions for any scale.
What services does LASD Studio provide?
We design private gardens, luxury estates, HOAs, resorts, parks, and cultural landscapes — offering full planning, 3D visualization, planting design, irrigation, and permitting documentation.
Do you collaborate with licensed landscape architects in California, US?
Yes. We work with licensed professionals to ensure all technical drawings and permitting meet California state standards.
Do you only design luxury projects?
While many of our clients own high-end estates, we also work on meaningful public and ecological projects that contribute to community and biodiversity.
What areas do you serve?
We design throughout San Diego County (La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad) and across Spain (Asturias, Mallorca, Málaga).
How do meetings usually take place?
Most client meetings are on Zoom for convenience and flexibility. Site visits are scheduled during key design or construction phases.
How is a landscape architect different from a landscape designer?
Landscape architects integrate artistic, technical, and ecological systems — while designers focus mainly on aesthetics. LASD Studio bridges both worlds.
Do you work on both private and public projects?
Yes, we design private gardens, estates, HOAs, cultural institutions, and large-scale ecological restorations.
Where does LASD Studio work?
We are based in San Diego, California and Asturias, Spain, and we take on projects worldwide.
Do you meet in person or online?
We usually meet with clients via Zoom. It’s simple, efficient, and convenient — especially since many of our clients (and our team) travel frequently. Virtual meetings allow us to connect across time zones and locations without delay, while still providing the same personal attention as an in-person meeting. Site visits are arranged as the project advances, when they are most valuable.
Do you only design luxury projects?
While many of our projects are high-end estates and cultural spaces, we also work on meaningful ecological and community-based projects.
Design Preferences & Style Discovery
How do you adapt your designs to each client?
Every client has a unique vision. To ensure we translate it into living form, we start by asking key questions about design preferences:
Which epochs or art styles resonate most with you?
(Renaissance gardens, Baroque, Romantic/Picturesque, Modernist, Contemporary, or a mix.)Do you prefer visible geometry, axes, and symmetry in the layout — or more fluid, organic paths and transitions?
Do you enjoy sculptural elements, water features, and symbolic ornamentation — or prefer the garden to “speak” through plants, textures, and space alone?
How “wild” or “cultivated” do you imagine your landscape?
(e.g. meadow-like ecology vs structured lawns and defined garden rooms.)Do you seek surprise and drama — framed vistas, focal points, theatrical transitions — or gentle, calm, immersive flows?
Which colors and textures speak to you?
(Moody and muted, bright and joyful, monochrome restraint, or rich palettes.)Do you prefer expansive, open views — or intimate, hidden garden rooms?
By clarifying these dimensions, we create a design that is both deeply personal and aligned with the art-historical and ecological legacy that defines LASD Studio.
What defines a Spanish Revival landscape in California?
Spanish Revival gardens mix Mediterranean and Moorish influences — courtyards, tilework, stucco, and drought-tolerant plants — designed for warmth, color, and balance. Check our project - Spanish Colonial Revival Landscape Design in San Diego, Southern California.
How does Mid-Century Modern landscape design differ from contemporary gardens?
Mid-Century Modern emphasizes clean geometry, low lines, and sculptural plants; Contemporary design often merges organic flow with modern materials and sustainable detail. Check out project - Mid-Century Modern Landscape Design in San Diego.
What is Bohemian Minimalism?
LASD Studio’s signature style — minimal structure, expressive texture, and a soulful balance of calmness and artistic freedom. Check our project - Bohemian Minimalism Landscape Architectural Design in San Diego.
What defines an Ecological Garden?
A self-sustaining plant community that regenerates soil, water, and habitat — designed for resilience, biodiversity, and beauty.
Do you design classical styles such as Neo-Georgian or Renaissance gardens?
Yes. Our work often reinterprets historical compositions using modern sustainability and precise detailing.
Can you combine modern and traditional garden styles?
Every project begins with evaluation of given architectural values, client wishes and generating ideas. We specialize in hybrid compositions where history and innovation coexist harmoniously.
What defines a Spanish Revival garden design style?
Spanish Revival blends Mediterranean and Moorish influences—tilework, arches, courtyards, stucco/stone, carved shade, and water as a cooling centerpiece—paired with drought-wise plants like citrus, olive, rosemary, lavender, bougainvillea. Check out our Spanish Colonial Revival Property Design in Coronado.
How is a Mid-Century Modern landscape different?
It extends architecture outdoors: clean geometry, low horizontal lines, honest materials, framed views, and indoor–outdoor living. Planting is sculptural and restrained; lighting and hardscape do the heavy lifting.
What is Bohemian Minimalism in landscape design?
LASD Studio’s signature: calm structure + poetic texture. Minimal forms, warm natural materials, layered grasses/perennials, and a relaxed, soulful mood—never cluttered, always livable.
What is an Ecological Garden?
A plant-community approach that regenerates soil and water cycles, supports pollinators and wildlife, reduces irrigation, and still delivers beauty through seasonal rhythm and biodiversity. Check out a theory behind LASD Studio projects - Designing Landscape as Evolutionary System.
How do you choose the right style for a property?
We start with your architecture, micro-climate, water budget, and how you live. Then we tune style (Spanish Revival, Mid-Century, Neo-Georgian, Contemporary, etc.) to place—often blending heritage with ecological performance.
Design Process & Timeline
What are the stages of your design process?
We begin with site analysis and evaluation, Conceptual hand sketches with main concept, followed by technical drawings, 3D presentation, and construction documents. If project requires Permitting we will take care of it. Each step ensures precision and creativity.
How long does a landscape design project take?
Small private gardens may take 4–6 weeks for design, while large estates or public projects can take several months, depending on complexity and extra time for permitting the garden design.
Do you provide 3D renderings before construction?
Yes, we use advanced 3D software so clients can experience the project virtually before construction.
Can you phase the project if we are not ready for full construction?
Absolutely. We often plan phased implementation so clients can build step by step.
How do you ensure construction matches the design?
We provide detailed documentation, contractor coordination, and on-site reviews to maintain design integrity.
Do you help with project budgeting and bidding?
Yes. We prepare itemized cost estimates and assist in selecting qualified contractors.
Costs & Contracts
How much does landscape design cost?
Each project is unique. Our design fees reflect the scope, complexity, and level of detail required. Private gardens, large estates, HOAs, and public projects each have different needs, and we prepare clear, tailored proposals so you know exactly what to expect before we begin.
What is your deposit and hourly rate?
To begin work, we request a deposit that secures your place in our studio schedule. We also offer consulting and additional services on an hourly basis, with rates aligned to the standards of boutique international landscape architecture practices.
Do you charge hourly or fixed fees?
We prefer fixed-scope contracts based on exact project size and complexity. This ensures transparency and avoids surprises.
Do you offer consulting-only services?
Yes. We provide hourly consulting for concept reviews, HOA guidance, and sustainability analysis.
Do you calculate ROI for HOA or commercial projects?
Yes. For HOAs and commercial projects, we calculate return on investment (including water savings, rebates, and long-term maintenance costs).
Do you manage contractors and budgets?
Yes, we provide construction oversight, bid analysis, and ensure the project is built as designed.
What is your deposit policy?
A deposit secures your place in our studio calendar and initiates the design phase.
Technical & Permits
Do you handle permits and HOA submittals?
Yes, we prepare plans for HOAs, municipalities, and fire departments, including grading, irrigation, and fuel modification plans.
Do you work with licensed engineers?
Yes. We collaborate with civil and structural engineers when projects require technical coordination.
What about local codes and fire regulations?
Our drawings include compliance with California Fire Code, RSF Fire Protection District standards, and international equivalents where applicable.
Can you provide stamped plans?
Yes. We collaborate with licensed California landscape architects for signed and sealed documents when required.
Do you work with historical designation properties & landscape design?
Yes, we design for historically designated estates, balancing preservation with modern ecological needs.
Do your plans meet California Fire Code and RSF standards?
Yes. We include fire-resistant planting, fuel zones, and compliance notes for safety.
Plants, Ecology & Sustainability
Do you design drought-tolerant or xeriscape gardens?
Yes, all of our work considers water efficiency. We calculate exact annual usage in gallons and integrate rebates where possible.
What is rewilding in landscape design?
Rewilding restores ecological systems by planting species that support pollinators, predators, and wildlife. We apply this approach to estates and parks.
What is regenerative landscape architecture?
It restores ecosystem functions — improving soil, water cycles, and biodiversity through design.
Can you integrate organic gardens or edible landscapes?
Yes, we often include edible gardens, vineyards, or orchards as part of our projects.
Do you use native plants?
A: Whenever possible. Native plants support biodiversity, pollinators, and long-term resilience.
How do you calculate irrigation water use?
We use digital systems that automatically compute MAWA/ETWU — estimating annual gallons used for sustainability metrics.
Can you integrate edible or productive gardens?
Yes. We often include orchards, vineyards, and organic vegetable gardens within larger designs.
International & Locations
Do you work outside the U.S. and Spain?
Yes, we have designed projects in Europe, North America, and beyond. Our systems adapt to both metric and imperial standards.
Can you design remotely?
Yes. We start from digital surveys and satellite data, collaborating virtually until on-site phases begin. Every project designed on 3D model, in this way we collect way more critical information than just seeing landscape on the site.
How do you adapt to different climates?
We use climate zone research and local nursery knowledge to select plants and materials suited to each environment.
Do you collaborate with local contractors and nurseries?
Always. We ensure regional plant availability and quality construction execution.
Working With LASD Studio
What makes LASD Studio different?
We combine advanced technology, ecological intelligence, and artistic vision. Our work is both technically precise and emotionally powerful.
Can I see examples of your past projects?
Yes. Our online portfolio showcases private estates, HOAs, and cultural landscapes in California, Spain, Denmark and beyond. Please have a look at our Interactive LASD Studio project map worldwide.
Do you offer on-site consultations?
Yes. For selected projects, we visit the property after the initial review to assess opportunities directly.
How do we begin working together?
The first step is to submit our consultation form - CLICK HERE
Once we receive your information, we’ll schedule a complimentary 30-minute Zoom call. This initial conversation allows us to understand your vision, explain our process, and outline possible next steps before any formal commitment.
Do you stay involved after construction?
Yes, we provide post-installation guidance, seasonal updates, and long-term ecological management if desired.
Can you work with my existing gardener or contractor?
Yes, we often collaborate with client-selected teams while ensuring the design vision is respected.