The Pearl of the Sea — A Nautical Garden in San Diego
A coastal-inspired front yard transformation in San Diego — The Pearl of the Sea blends art, ecology, and mid-century modern craftsmanship. Designed by LASD Studio, the garden mimics coral life through sculptural concrete, breeze blocks, lava stone, and drought-tolerant planting — a living work of art born from a freediver’s love for the ocean.
“A coastal-inspired garden that captures the beauty of underwater life through coral-like planting, sculptural concrete, and sustainable San Diego elegance.”
The Pearl of the Sea - video presentation of Mid-Century Modern Landscape Architectural Design
Concept & Vision
The clients dreamed of a garden that would let them feel the ocean every day — its colors, textures, and rhythms — right outside their front door. Inspired by their love for the sea, LASD Studio designed The Pearl of the Sea, a coastal-themed landscape that mimics the beauty and harmony of underwater life. This garden blends artistic composition, ecological sensitivity, and innovative hardscape detailing to create one of the most distinctive front-yard landscapes in San Diego. As a freediver deeply in love with the ocean, LASD Studio’s principal Yura Lotonenko immediately envisioned how this garden could embody the serene, living world beneath the waves — transforming that vision into an expressive and sustainable landscape experience.
~ Where breath of the Ocean meets free Spirit ~
Design Narrative
This garden is conceived as a living coral reef emerging from land — a poetic transition from ocean depth to coastal terrain. Each element, from planting to material texture, was carefully chosen to echo the forms and rhythms of marine ecosystems, creating a place that is both sculptural and sustainable.
Concept: Coral reef landscape — a terrestrial expression of the ocean’s life forms
Theme: Regenerative coastal minimalism with sculptural hardscape detailing
Location: San Diego, California
~ It’s all begun with a dream ~
Conceptual Sketch — Coral Planting: The Dream Behind The Pearl of the Sea
Hardscape & Materials - State of Art
The hardscape serves as the structural backbone of the garden, reflecting both craftsmanship and imagination:
Concrete deck & paths — smooth, coastal-inspired surfaces with aggregated glass inlays, creating a shimmering “sea glass” effect reminiscent of the ocean floor.
Nautical rope railings — handcrafted wooden posts with heavy natural rope add marine authenticity and safety without blocking the view.
Custom breeze block wall (“Breath Wall”) — a white sculptural feature of circular cement blocks arranged to evoke bubbles rising through water, casting dynamic shadows through the day.
Lava rock formations — used as “reef ridges” and “underwater caves,” introducing natural texture, habitat spaces, and strong visual contrast.
Decorative shells, driftwood, and coral fragments — artfully embedded within sand and gravel to complete the illusion of an exposed coral reef at low tide.
Planting Design
The planting palette was composed to mimic aquatic organisms through color, texture, and form — a living sculpture inspired by coral ecosystems by John Beaudry.
Succulents & agaves simulate coral colonies and anemones, thriving in the dry coastal microclimate.
Sedums, echeverias, and mangaves provide fine textures and pastel tones, creating a vibrant undersea color gradient.
Tropical palms and cycads anchor the composition, representing the “surface canopy” and adding vertical drama.
CA native and low-water species ensure sustainability and resilience while maintaining the coastal theme.
Lighting & Night Ambience
Beyond its visual poetry, The Pearl of the Sea is a sustainable and regenerative landscape:
Drought-tolerant planting reduces irrigation demand.
Permeable surfaces allow stormwater infiltration.
Recycled glass and natural materials minimize environmental footprint.
The Pearl of the Sea stands as a unique fusion of landscape architecture, art, and ecology — a front yard transformed into a coastal sculpture garden, celebrating San Diego’s maritime spirit. It reflects LASD Studio’s philosophy of designing landscapes as evolving, living systems that tell stories, heal land, and connect people with nature’s deeper rhythms.
This garden is more than a landscape—it is a therapeutic retreat designed to restore balance, spark joy, and create lasting memories. Every element is thoughtfully composed to provide a sense of refuge, rejuvenation, and inspiration.
Landscape Design Project Process & Realization
Creating The Pearl of the Sea was an immersive, six-month journey from concept to completion.
The project began with over three months of dedicated design work — from on-site measurements and client meetings to concept sketches, planting studies, and full technical documentation. Every detail was refined with precision and artistry to ensure that the final result would feel alive — like a coral reef breathing on land.
Construction spanned another three months, involving a team of exceptional craftsmen, artisans, and landscape specialists — people who share LASD Studio’s passion for design, precision, and care for both the vision and the client experience. Every material, texture, and planting placement was handled with deep attention to the project’s soul.
Value & Impact
The Pearl of the Sea transformed the property at 2372 Plum Street, San Diego, into a work of living art — a landscape that redefines curb appeal and architectural identity. Designed and built with a total construction value of approximately $200,000, the project seamlessly merges craftsmanship, ecology, and mid-century modern artistry. Beyond its beauty, the design significantly enhances the property’s market and cultural value, positioning it as one of the most distinctive front yards in the area. It stands as proof that visionary landscape architecture not only enriches daily life, but also becomes a long-term investment in both art and property.
Private Family Landscape Retreat in Mallorca — A Sanctuary of Mediterranean Elegance
A private family retreat in Mallorca blending Bohemian Minimalism with Mediterranean elegance. This sanctuary features orchards, spa, healing gardens, and panoramic sea views — a landscape where art, ecology, and timeless beauty evolve together.
“An exclusive private estate garden blending Bohemian Minimalism with Mediterranean heritage, designed as an evolutionary landscape system for well-being, art, and nature.”
This confidential landscape design in Mallorca transforms a private family estate into a living sanctuary. Inspired by Mediterranean ecology, timeless artistry, and evolutionary systems, the garden supports both biodiversity and the refined lifestyle of its owners. Spaces unfold as curated experiences — from shaded patios and healing gardens to orchards, dining terraces, and infinity-like water features. Every element speaks to balance: luxury intertwined with ecological intelligence.
This short film presents the Private Family Landscape Retreat in Mallorca, designed by LASD Studio. The project transforms a secluded estate into a Mediterranean sanctuary — a garden that is at once private, ecological, and artistic.
Every space reflects our philosophy of evolutionary intelligent landscapes — places where people, art, and biodiversity come together in harmony.
~ A Sanctuary for Mind, Body & Soul ~
Garden Features
Welcoming Allée — A Journey into Serenity
A lush, unstructured jungle that instantly transports you away from the demands of daily business life. As you step into this immersive green corridor, the mind unwinds, welcoming you into a sanctuary of freedom, serenity, and security.
Parking Area
Spacious accommodations for five outdoor parking spaces and two indoor garage spots, ensuring seamless arrivals and departures.
Grand Entrance & Arrival Experience
An elegant, expansive porch—perfect for receiving guests, welcoming loved ones, and bidding them farewell in a space that reflects warmth and hospitality.
The Bionic Garden — A Living Work of Art
A masterfully curated experience of lush botanical diversity:
Shaded Garden Patio – Relax beneath a tree canopy, surrounded by vibrant plantings, while gazing at a serene koi pond.
Mediterranean Healing Garden – A poetic composition of succulents, desert flora, and water-wise plants, evoking the raw beauty of wilderness while offering balance to structured modern life.
Fruit & Olive Grove – A classic Mediterranean orchard, designed for moments of spontaneous fruit-picking, while ancient olive trees impart a sense of stability and grounding.
Side Yard Patio
A secluded retreat with calming views of the olive grove, perfect for quiet reflection and intimate gatherings.
Dining & Social Spaces — Where Family Life Evolves Outdoors
A shaded pergola extends seamlessly from the house, cooling the interiors while offering a refined outdoor dining space. A handcrafted wooden table with elegant seating invites moments of leisure—whether enjoying a book, sipping fine wine, or indulging in conversation.
Contemporary English Garden
Flowing naturally from the dining patio, this space features a soft lawn and stepping stones leading to the lounge, spa, and pool area. A planted slope of Pennisetum and Agapanthus enhances the lush greenery, bridging nature into the living space.
Spa, Pool & Fire Lounge — Luxury Rooted in Nature
A 12m x 4.5m pool provides a cooling escape during Mallorca’s warm summers, while an adjoining 4m x 4m jacuzzi offers the perfect spot for evening relaxation with family, accompanied by a glass of fine wine. Positioned at one of the highest points in the garden, this area boasts breathtaking views of the bay. A cozy pergola shelters three Baja sun loungers, where one can breathe in the fresh sea air, enhanced by the scent of aromatic herbs planted nearby.
Fire Pit Lounge
A circular stone patio with a sculptural fire pit, surrounded by comfortable seating. A hidden pathway leads to this secluded space—offering an ideal vantage point for watching the sunset, reflecting on the day, and cherishing time with loved ones.
This garden is more than a landscape—it is a therapeutic retreat designed to restore balance, spark joy, and create lasting memories. Every element is thoughtfully composed to provide a sense of refuge, rejuvenation, and inspiration.
HOA Landscape Design in San Diego — Sustainable Community Transformation
A comprehensive HOA landscape design in San Diego that balances aesthetics, sustainability, and long-term value. Featuring drought-tolerant planting, community gathering spaces, and ecological water-smart systems, the project enhances livability while reducing costs.
Reimagining St. Malo Heights as a living system: a landscape that reduces costs, restores ecology, and enriches community life.
A short film presenting LASD Studio’s transformation of St. Malo Heights HOA in San Diego — from water-intensive turf to a sustainable community landscape. The design combines native planting, ecological systems, and artful outdoor spaces, reducing costs while enhancing beauty, biodiversity, and quality of life for residents.
This HOA landscape renovation in San Diego redefines community living. Designed by LASD Studio, the project blends California native plants, water-smart strategies, and artful design to create a resilient, low-maintenance, and inspiring environment for all residents.
By cutting water use by up to 50% and maintenance costs by 70%, the design not only saves resources but also adds long-term value to every property. Beyond numbers, the project restores ecological balance, enhances social interaction, and transforms St. Malo Heights into a model of sustainable community design.
Economic Benefits — Smarter, Lower-Cost Landscaping
The design incorporates drought-tolerant native species and efficient irrigation systems to reduce water consumption by 50% and maintenance costs by 70%, ensuring long-term economic
savings for the community.
By enhancing the visual appeal with carefully selected plants that thrive throughout the seasons, the project aims to elevate the market attractiveness of St. Malo Heights, benefiting property
values.
Social Benefits — Spaces that Bring People Together
Zone A (Main Island) is envisioned as a vibrant community hub, featuring inviting paths, shaded seating areas, and fragrant plantings to foster social interaction and leisure.
The project targets a reduction in the Heat Island Effect by 2-3 degrees, creating a more comfortable outdoor environment for residents.
A focus on non-allergenic, non-toxic plant selections ensures a safe and inclusive landscape for all community members, from children to seniors.
Environmental Benefits — Restoring Ecology & Biodiversity
The introduction of diverse California native plants will create a lush, natural environment that flourishes year-round, offering seasonal color and texture while requiring minimal water. These
native species will support local wildlife, enhance biodiversity, and promote a thriving ecosystem.
The planting strategy emphasizes a balanced ecological microsystem that evolves organically over time, fostering resilience, self-sufficiency, and a dynamic landscape that continues to
beautify and enrich the community.
Project Zones — A Design for Every Corner of the Community
The renovation project is thoughtfully divided into zones to maximize usability, sustainability, and aesthetic value, ensuring each area contributes to the overall vision of a
flourishing, green, and welcoming St. Malo Heights.
The project consists of three main zones:
Zone A: Main Island, serving as a community space.
Zone B: Front Yard Landscape.
Zone C: Streetscape along Grandview St. and Couch St.
Zone D: Slope
General Design Intent — From Turf to Thriving Landscape
The primary goal of the design is to transform the existing space, which includes turf, some invasive trees, and an outdated irrigation system into a beautiful sanctuary that has a high level of
efficiency and performance. The new landscape will feature California native plants with low water requirements, bioswales to capture rainwater, and a drip irrigation system.
Maintenance costs are projected to be reduced in designing area (Zone A, B) by 70%.
Water consumption is projected to be reduced by 50%.
Existing Condition Drone Images
Existing Condition Analysis
Overall Current Landscape Performance
St. Malo Heights HOA is currently facing high maintenance, repair, and water consumption bills each year. The existing Landscape Architectural Plan, developed in 1985, no longer meets
today's needs. The current landscape includes numerous topiary-shaped bushes requiring extensive maintenance. Additionally, many trees have invasive root systems that damage concrete
driveways, pedestrian walkways, and potentially building foundations. This issue needs urgent attention. (reference to Appendix 3, 4)
Moreover, the existing irrigation system is outdated, characterized by very high water consumption, frequent repair needs, and insufficient coverage.
Projected Financial Impacts of Maintaining the Current Landscape Design
Given the current environmental and economic conditions, it is essential to consider the financial implications of maintaining our existing landscape. In Southern California, rising inflation and
escalating water costs are expected to significantly increase the expenses associated with landscape maintenance and water usage.
As of today, the annual cost for maintenance, water bills, and necessary repairs amounts to $74,255. However, this figure is projected to rise each year due to the compounding effects of inflation and the increasing costs of water resources. Without changes to the landscape, these financial burdens will continue to grow, placing an even greater strain on our budget over time.
HOA Challenges
Given the current state of the landscape and associated liabilities, we can anticipate that the annual budget for maintenance, repairs, and water bills will continue to rise. Considering
inflation and the increasing costs in construction, it is reasonable to assume that any future landscape adjustments at St. Malo Heights HOA will be more expensive compared to today's
prices.
Proactive landscape improvements now could help mitigate these rising costs, ensuring a more sustainable and cost‐effective approach for the community moving forward.
3D Visuals
Planting Plan selection
The new design introduces California native species, including native lawns, to the main common area (Zone A). Initially, these plants will require regular watering during their establishment
phase, but after two years from installation, we plan to significantly reduce water consumption.
By selecting plants with very low to low water requirements, we ensure that we avoid significant financial liabilities. It's also important to note that the chosen plant varieties require minimal
maintenance. For the first two years after installation, maintenance will be limited to occasional leaf collection and routine checks. After the second year, maintenance will involve trimming
some plants once or twice a year, which represents a significant cost reduction compared to the current landscape maintenance requirements.
Additionally, by utilizing a variety of plant heights, the new landscape will provide more shade, help cool the environment, and refresh the air.
Based on our estimates, we project that by 2030 (2031 with Asphalt sealing), the cost of implementing and maintaining a new landscape design will be comparable to the current
expenses of maintaining the existing landscape.
Are you looking for Landscape Architect firm that would help to convert your HOA into a Sustainable Beauty incl. economical, environmental and social aspects? Then you are in a right place.
Japanese Garden Design in San Diego — The Art of Simplicity
A traditional Japanese garden in San Diego, designed with timeless elegance and ecological intelligence. Stone, water, and plants are arranged to create balance, harmony, and a meditative retreat within the Southern California landscape.
“Where traditional Japanese garden philosophy meets modern Southern California living.”
This project reimagines a San Diego residence as a traditional Japanese garden — a tranquil retreat where art, ecology, and simplicity converge. Inspired by the timeless work of Japanese masters, the garden blends stone, water, and plants into a living composition that evolves with the seasons. From koi ponds and bamboo screens to moss-covered stones and sculptural prunings, every element is designed to balance harmony and contemplation.
A short film of LASD Studio’s Japanese Garden in San Diego — a tranquil retreat blending koi pond, rock garden, bamboo, and seasonal planting. The design reflects the timeless philosophy of Japanese gardens while adapting to the Southern California climate, creating a living sanctuary of harmony, simplicity, and contemplation.
Welcome to our Traditional Japanese Garden, a serene oasis inspired by the renowned Japanese garden designer, Moso Sosoki. As you step into this tranquil space, you embark on a journey where nature seamlessly blends with meticulously crafted architectural forms, creating a harmonious retreat for the senses.
Our garden's centerpiece is a cozy sitting area, where a table and traditional Japanese chairs invite you to relax and immerse yourself in the surroundings. This heart of the garden is enveloped by various captivating elements that embody the essence of Japanese design.
Enchi Water Pond & Koi Habitat
First, let's stroll over to the water pond, known as Enchi. Here, the gentle ripples of the water are graced by the elegant presence of koi carp, their vibrant colors shimmering beneath the surface. Water lilies float gracefully, adding a touch of tranquility and beauty to this serene aquatic haven.
Karesansui Rock Garden — A Meditative Space
Next, we move to the Karesansui, or rock garden, a masterful composition where the entire space merges into a unified, meditative whole. Larger moss-covered boulders stand as garden sculptures, complemented by a carefully arranged tapestry of flat pebbles, flagstone materials, and varied gravels. These elements intermingle with lush plants, creating a dynamic yet peaceful landscape that invites contemplation.
Japanese Veranda (En) — Transition Between Worlds
A unique addition to the house is the Japanese veranda, or 'En.' This elegant space serves as a vital transition, gracefully bridging the interior and exterior worlds. From the veranda, you can experience the garden's beauty while remaining sheltered, making it a perfect spot for quiet reflection or enjoying the changing seasons. Enhancing the garden's aesthetic, our wall decorations feature traditional Japanese bamboo fencing and garden trellises with intricate square slots. These elements not only provide structure but also add a touch of timeless elegance to the surroundings.
Evening Illumination — A Garden Alive at Night
As night falls, the garden comes alive with a thoughtfully designed lighting scheme, transforming it into an enchanting evening retreat. Soft, ambient lights highlight the garden's features, creating a magical atmosphere that invites you to linger and enjoy the tranquility of the night.
Planting Philosophy — Elegance in Every Branch
The plantings throughout the garden have been meticulously selected for their branch structures, leaf shapes, growth patterns, and simple natural aesthetics. Each plant contributes to the garden's overall harmony, ensuring a seamless blend with the architectural elements. We invite you to explore and experience the peaceful beauty of our Traditional Japanese Garden, where every detail has been crafted to offer a serene and harmonious escape from the everyday world.
Step into a world where time-honored Japanese garden philosophy meets the elegance of modern design. In this tranquil space, the boundaries between indoor and outdoor blur, allowing nature to flow seamlessly into everyday life.
The wooden lattice screens, with their intricate patterns, invite dappled sunlight to dance across the floors, creating a serene interplay of light and shadow. Outside, a meticulously crafted garden awaits—a sanctuary of stone pathways, gently flowing water, and blossoming trees that whisper the essence of tranquility.
This is more than a garden; it is a harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication. Here, the ancient art of Japanese landscaping finds new life in contemporary forms, offering a space where you can pause, breathe, and reconnect with the natural world. The presence of modern furniture within this traditional setting is not a clash, but a conversation—a dialogue between the past and present, inviting you to experience the beauty of both.
Every element, from the carefully placed rocks to the thoughtfully designed seating, is an invitation to linger, reflect, and appreciate the delicate balance between nature and human artistry. In this space, the hustle of the outside world fades away, leaving you with a profound sense of peace and a deeper connection to the art of simplicity.
EXISTING CONDITION
PROJECT DESIGN DRAWINGS
LASD Studio taking project from beginning, through permitting process and construction, whether it is new construction of historical designation or landscape renovation private and comercial properties.
Bohemian Minimalism — Spanish Revival Garden in Mission Hills
A unique landscape design blending Bohemian Minimalism with the timeless character of Spanish Revival architecture. This project celebrates simplicity, texture, and ecological intelligence, creating a garden that feels both artistic and enduring.
Honoring historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with a modern, minimalist landscape design.
This Mission Hills project reimagines a historic Spanish Colonial Revival estate through the lens of Bohemian Minimalism. The garden celebrates the architecture’s heritage while introducing fresh, contemporary rhythms that connect indoor and outdoor life. Drought-tolerant Mediterranean plants, sculptural hardscape, and layered textures create a space that is both timeless and forward-looking — a living work of art that evolves with the family and the land.
A short film presenting LASD Studio’s transformation of a Spanish Colonial Revival estate in Mission Hills. The design blends Bohemian Minimalism with Mediterranean resilience — drought-tolerant planting, sculptural hardscape, and timeless architectural dialogue. The result is a garden that honors history while embracing contemporary outdoor living, creating a sanctuary where heritage and modernity coexist in harmony.
The Spirit of Spanish Revival — Architecture and Landscape in Dialogue
At the heart of our work is the art of listening—listening to our clients, to the architecture, and to the natural surroundings. We were entrusted with a remarkable project: a historic Spanish Colonial Revival property in Mission Hills, originally built in the early 20th century.
Minimalist Geometry Meets Bohemian Flow
Our design challenge was to create a landscape that not only harmonizes with the architectural style of this Spanish Revival home but also establishes its own distinctive voice. Clean lines and minimalist geometry provide structure, while layered textures and bohemian flow bring warmth and movement. The balance of order and spontaneity allows the garden to feel curated yet alive — a setting where history and contemporary living evolve together.
Planting Palette — Mediterranean Resilience and Elegance
The planting palette draws inspiration from Mediterranean resilience: drought-tolerant shrubs, sculptural succulents, flowering perennials, and aromatic herbs create a garden that thrives in San Diego’s climate. Manzanitas, sages, rosemary, and grasses combine with modern groundcovers to soften architectural edges while respecting the spirit of Spanish Revival heritage. Seasonal shifts bring fragrance, color, and texture, making the garden a living, evolving artwork. This project has become one of our favorites, embodying how thoughtful design can both preserve tradition and spark renewal.
Outdoor Living — Spaces for Contemplation and Gathering
Beyond planting and form, this landscape was envisioned as a framework for life. Shaded terraces and intimate alcoves invite quiet moments of reflection, while open courtyards and garden rooms welcome family gatherings, celebrations, and artful living. The garden flows with the rhythms of daily life — equally suited for private contemplation and social connection. By blending historic elegance with modern comfort, the outdoor spaces extend the home’s architecture into a sanctuary where people, art, and nature coexist.
Existing Condition — From Heritage to Renewal
PROJECT DESIGN DRAWINGS
LASD Studio taking project from beginning, through permitting process untill full realization. whether it is new construction of historical designation or landscape renovation private and comercial properties.
PROJECT EXPLANATION
Sanctuary of YUM: Exotic Orchards & Wellness Programs. Bonsall, California.
The Sanctuary of YUM in Bonsall, San Diego, is a landscape of exotic orchards, healing gardens, and wellness programs. Designed as a retreat, it integrates ecological intelligence with community, art, and regenerative farming practices.
A private estate reimagined as a sanctuary of wellness, exotic orchards, and ritual spaces.
The Sanctuary of YUM in Bonsall, California is a landscape designed to nourish both body and spirit. Blending exotic orchards with native California systems, the garden creates a place where food, art, and wellness come together. At its heart lies a ritual labyrinth — a space for walking meditation and reflection. Every element is designed as part of an evolutionary intelligent system, supporting ecological cycles while providing spaces for contemplation, community, and healing.
A short film of the Sanctuary of YUM in Bonsall, a four-acre retreat blending exotic orchards, a meditation labyrinth, wellness spaces, and farm-to-table gardens. Designed by LASD Studio, it is a living sanctuary for restoration, community, and ecological beauty.
Concept Vision — Landscape as Healing Sanctuary
The Sanctuary of YUM was imagined as more than a garden — it is a living sanctuary where every element contributes to restoration, wellness, and beauty. The design draws inspiration from both ancient ritual landscapes and contemporary ecological science, creating a place where visitors feel grounded in nature while connected to something larger than themselves. Pathways, water, and planting flow as one continuous system, offering an experience of balance, serenity, and renewal.
Exotic Orchards & Edible Gardens
At the heart of the design lies an orchard of exotic and Mediterranean fruit trees, weaving productivity with artistry. Citrus, figs, olives, pomegranates, and subtropical species form a lush edible landscape, supporting both culinary delight and ecological resilience. Interplanted herbs and pollinator-friendly groundcovers attract bees and butterflies, ensuring that the garden is as alive with biodiversity as it is with flavor. The orchard becomes a daily ritual of nourishment — a reminder of the cycles of growth and harvest.
Ritual Labyrinth — Path of Reflection
The labyrinth is conceived as a sacred journey — a place for meditation, mindfulness, and personal reflection. Inspired by traditional forms yet adapted for this site, its spiraling path encourages slow movement and inner focus. Surrounded by aromatic planting and shaded by native trees, the labyrinth serves as the spiritual core of the sanctuary, a space where landscape, body, and spirit come into alignment.
Outdoor Living & Wellness Programs
The estate is structured around a series of outdoor rooms designed for wellness, family life, and celebration. Shaded terraces, yoga decks, water features, and contemplative seating areas invite both activity and stillness. Every gathering space is framed by views of orchards and hills, reinforcing the connection between healthy living and ecological abundance. The garden becomes not only a place to inhabit, but a lifestyle rooted in nature’s rhythms.
Ecological Foundations — Water, Soil, and Biodiversity
Beneath its beauty, the Sanctuary of YUM is built on strong ecological foundations. Advanced irrigation systems optimize water use, while soil restoration techniques improve fertility and resilience. Native California species are interwoven with exotic plantings to support biodiversity and ensure long-term sustainability. By aligning horticultural practices with ecological intelligence, the landscape thrives as a self-sustaining system that evolves gracefully over time.
EXISTING CONDITION
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This four-acre estate in Bonsall has been transformed into a sanctuary of exotic orchards and wellness programs, designed to host both private and group retreats. Our collaboration began in 2020, when owners Laurence and Yulia reached out with a dream of creating a retreat center but were unsure how to bring it to life.
Together, we developed a holistic vision for the landscape. Over the course of two years and many thoughtful refinements, that vision evolved into the sanctuary you see today. What impressed us most was the passion of Laurence and Yulia — not only did they understand the design intentions, they became deeply engaged in shaping every step of the process.
Originally, the land held fifty-year-old avocado and pomegranate orchards in decline. Through careful pruning, planting of cover crops, and natural methods to attract pollinators, the owners lovingly restored these orchards. We complemented their work with new design layers:
A temple garden for meditation and spiritual practice
The Dragon’s Den, a multipurpose retreat space with hot/cold tubs, dining and dance areas, and a Balinese entryway
An eighty-foot pergola farm table for farm-to-table events
Over 3,000 square feet of vegetable and flower terraces
A new waterfall and pond adding movement and reflection to the landscape
Today, the Sanctuary of YUM is a true oasis — a place where people come to restore energy, celebrate life, and connect with nature through food, art, and community.
Please check Sanctuary of YUM - https://sanctuaryofyum.com/
Chula Vista Modernist Garden — A Contemporary Coastal Retreat
A modernist garden design in Chula Vista, San Diego, where clean lines, coastal light, and ecological planting shape a contemporary retreat. Featuring a pool, fire pit, and seamless indoor–outdoor transitions, this project redefines Southern California living.
“Transforming a backyard into a seamless extension of modern coastal living.”
Transforming a backyard into a contemporary coastal retreat is more than an upgrade — it is the creation of a lifestyle. This project brings together a refined pool terrace, custom fencing, curated planting areas, and a fire pit lounge, all designed to capture the essence of coastal living while reflecting modern architectural clarity. The result is an outdoor environment that balances relaxation, entertainment, and seamless connection to the surrounding landscape.
By embracing contemporary principles of minimalism, functionality, and harmony with nature, the design ensures that the garden does more than complement the beach house — it becomes its extension. Every detail is crafted for comfort and beauty, from morning swims to evening gatherings around the fire. The backyard emerges as a true sanctuary of modern luxury, where the calm spirit of the coast meets the precision of design, offering an experience that is both timeless and restorative.
The Contemporary Beach House Concept
This garden was designed as an extension of a modern coastal lifestyle — blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Inspired by the rhythm of the Pacific, the layout balances architectural precision with natural textures. Concrete, wood, and stone are combined with glass and water to create a space that feels expansive, light-filled, and timeless. The garden becomes not just an exterior, but an integral part of the home’s identity, reflecting both luxury and simplicity.
Simplicity as a Key Element
Minimalism in this project is not about absence, but about clarity and intent. The open pool terrace, fire pit lounge, and structured planting zones are designed with geometric precision, yet softened by the play of sunlight, movement of grasses, and reflections of water. This simplicity creates a canvas where residents can truly experience ease — a garden free of clutter, designed for living beautifully and sustainably.
Pool & Water Features
At the heart of the garden lies the pool, conceived as a mirror to the sky and a central axis for the entire composition. Its clean edges echo the architecture of the home, while surrounding decks create spaces for sunbathing, dining, and quiet reflection. Subtle lighting transforms the water into an evening feature, extending the experience into the night and adding a sense of calm luxury.
Fire Pit & Social Spaces
The fire pit lounge is the modern hearth of this design — a gathering space where warmth, conversation, and connection unfold. Nestled within the geometry of the garden, it provides intimacy against the openness of the pool terrace. By day, it serves as a sculptural element; by night, it becomes the glowing center of social life, uniting family and guests under the coastal sky.
Planting Palette
The planting design balances Mediterranean resilience with contemporary aesthetics. Drought-tolerant grasses sway with the breeze, succulents add sculptural accents, and evergreen shrubs frame the architecture with year-round structure. Seasonal color appears in subtle waves, ensuring visual interest while keeping maintenance minimal. The palette is not only sustainable but also curated to enhance the modernist clarity of the design — every plant selected for form, texture, and ecological value.
EXISTING CONDITION
Urban Intervention — San Diego Theater Plaza Transformation. San Diego, California
An urban intervention where landscape architecture meets art. This project transforms public space into a living canvas — merging ecology, culture, and community engagement into a meaningful urban experience.
Merging abstract art and landscape design to reimagine public space in the heart of San Diego.
Welcome to LASD Studio, where we redefine spaces through the innovative practice of Urban Intervention. Our passion lies in breathing new life into urban environments, and one of our standout projects is the transformation of San Diego theatre space into a dynamic and vibrant area.
What is Urban Intervention? Urban Intervention is an artful and purposeful approach to reimagining public spaces. It involves injecting creativity and energy into the existing urban fabric, turning mundane spaces into dynamic and engaging environments. At LASD Studio, we believe in the power of design to positively impact communities and enrich the human experience. Through Urban Intervention, we create spaces that captivate, inspire, and foster a sense of connection.
Concept Vision — Urban Intervention as Living Art
Urban Intervention is more than renovation; it is the infusion of creativity and ecology into the city’s fabric. For San Diego Theater Plaza, we envisioned a dynamic landscape canvas — where pathways, planting, and art invite interaction and celebration.
Dynamic Geometry
Angular and curvilinear pathways converge like brushstrokes on a canvas, turning movement itself into an artistic experience. The geometry frames plazas, gardens, and gathering spaces, encouraging exploration and surprise.
Vibrant Color Palette
Seasonal plantings and abstract art introduce bold colors year-round — fiery autumn tones, serene winter whites, vibrant spring blossoms, and lush summer greens. This evolving palette reflects the energy and diversity of San Diego’s community.
Interactive Sculptures & Lighting
Abstract sculptures and artistic lighting transform the plaza into a cultural stage. By day, the sculptures invite tactile interaction; by night, illuminated trees and pathways create a magical atmosphere of urban art in motion.
Community & Cultural Impact
The plaza becomes more than a public square — it becomes a destination. Designed to uplift well-being, celebrate diversity, and spark creativity, the project transforms San Diego Theater Plaza into a hub of connection, performance, and pride.
Construction Work in Progress Landscape Design Installation
Positive Effects on the Urban Environment
Cultural Hub
The redesigned San Diego Theater Plaza will become a true cultural landmark. By embracing abstract art and landscape design, it will attract not only local residents but also art lovers and visitors from across the region, positioning the Plaza as an artistic destination.
Green Oasis
The new abstract garden introduces much-needed greenery into the city center. Native and adaptive planting will improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, and create a healthier, more sustainable urban environment — offering both beauty and ecological function.
Community Gathering
Dynamic pathways, interactive sculptures, and seasonal planting will make the Plaza a magnet for social life, performances, and public events. It will become a space where people come together, fostering unity, creativity, and civic pride.
Economic Revitalization
With higher foot traffic and cultural prominence, the surrounding neighborhood will also thrive. Local cafés, restaurants, and shops will benefit from the influx of visitors, helping to revitalize the local economy and enrich the city’s cultural fabric.
The San Diego Theater Plaza transformation is more than a design — it is a vision for the future of urban life. By weaving together art, nature, and community, the project creates a living masterpiece: a plaza that inspires, heals, and connects. It stands as a testament to the power of design in shaping vibrant cities, reminding us that public spaces can be both functional and profoundly meaningful.
A short film of LASD Studio’s Urban Intervention at San Diego Theater Plaza, reimagining the city center as a cultural hub with abstract art, dynamic geometry, interactive sculptures, and lush planting. The design transforms the plaza into a living work of art — a place for community, ecology, and urban vitality.
EXISTING CONDITION
“ We love everything you guys created!
This is a very unique and modern concept that we would like to see in our future!
What you come up with we could not imagine, but we love it!”
- San Diego Theatres boards.
Simplicity as Sophistication - Modern Garden Design in Chula Vista, San Diego
A modernist garden design in Chula Vista, San Diego, inspired by simplicity and clean lines. Featuring poolside living, patios, and asymmetrical spaces, this project reflects the timeless influence of modernist landscape architecture.
“A contemporary backyard retreat inspired by modernist principles of clarity, functionality, and elegance.”
The Origins of Modernist Landscape Architecture
Modernist garden design emerged in the early 20th century alongside modernist art and architecture. Pioneers such as Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright championed simplicity, functionality, and a rejection of ornamentation. In landscape design, this translated into clean geometry, minimal material palettes, and functional outdoor rooms — spaces shaped for living, not decoration.
Simplicity as a Key Element
The heart of modern garden design lies in removing excess and allowing essential elements to define the experience. Straight lines, uncluttered patios, and geometric pools create a calm, structured setting. This simplicity highlights the beauty of materials, planting textures, and architectural form, resulting in spaces that are both efficient and deeply inviting.
Patios: A Modernist Oasis
In this project, the patio becomes the seamless extension of indoor living. Paved with stone and concrete in clean lines, and framed with minimalist built-in seating, it flows effortlessly from house to garden. Designed for relaxation and gatherings, the patio represents modern garden design at its core — simple, open, and functional.
Spaces in Simple Architecture
The garden extends beyond the pool and patio into a network of functional outdoor rooms: a fire pit lounge for evenings, a space for outdoor cooking, and contemplative corners inspired by zen gardens. Each area is carefully proportioned, balancing comfort with modernist clarity.
EXISTING CONDITION
Existing Condition
When LASD Studio began, the site was defined by underused lawn and disorganized planting. By reshaping the layout with strong geometry, drought-tolerant planting, and refined hardscape, the property has been transformed into a modernist retreat that reflects both the client’s lifestyle and San Diego’s climate.
The Influence of Modernist Garden Design on LASD Studio
Modernist principles strongly influence LASD Studio’s philosophy. Every project is a dialogue between architecture, ecology, and human life. In Chula Vista, these principles guided the creation of a garden that feels timeless and functional, contemporary and ecological — proving once more that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Chula Vista Mid-Century Garden Design — Timeless Modern Living Outdoors. San Diego, California
A Mid-Century Modern garden in Chula Vista that celebrates simplicity, geometry, and Southern California light. Designed as a private retreat, it blends architecture, planting, and outdoor living into a timeless modernist landscape.
Reviving the spirit of mid-century modern design with clean lines, functional outdoor rooms, and California-native planting.
LASD Studio works across garden design, landscape architecture, urban design, and regional planning — rooted in San Diego and active internationally.
This project is an interpretation of Mid-Century Modernism, expressed through a balance of simple curved and straight lines, bold color contrasts, and decorative details such as retaining walls painted in sapphire blue. The design embodies the philosophical essence of the style: structured order for functionality, paired with simplicity and unpretentious arrangements.
Key elements include a large enclosed front lawn framed by planting, a spacious deck accommodating up to 20 guests, a fire pit lounge, vegetable garden, and BBQ area. Each space has its own clear function, yet they are unified in a coherent design language — tied together by the sapphire blue accents, a playful round window cut into the hedge, and a planting palette of shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers that complete the composition.
CONCEPTUAL 3D WALK-THROUGH, MID-CENTURY MODERN GARDEN
A short film of LASD Studio’s Mid-Century Modern garden in Chula Vista, featuring structured lawns, a sapphire-blue retaining wall, fire pit lounge, vegetable garden, and outdoor deck — a timeless blend of order, simplicity, and modern living.
Design Concept
The project embraces the mid-century modern ethos — simplicity, openness, and harmony with the environment. Structured geometry frames the garden while allowing for fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor living.
Patio & Pool Terrace
Concrete, stone, and minimalist detailing create an elegant pool terrace and patio that extend the home’s modernist architecture into the landscape.
Planting Palette
A mix of California natives and Mediterranean species delivers structure, seasonal variety, and drought-resilience. Textural grasses, succulents, and accent trees evoke the timeless look of modern California gardens.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Gathering areas — from a fire pit lounge to dining terraces — were designed to be versatile, serving both intimate family moments and lively social occasions.
DEFINITION OF THE DESIGN
The movement spanned from about 1933 to 1965 and included architecture as well as industrial, interior, and graphic design. Sleek, cool, clean, sophisticated, functional, colorful, mod, and curvy-those are apt words to describe mid-century modern design. This term encompasses the trends that influenced architecture and interior design in prosperous, post-war America. Elements of mid-century modern Exterior design include clean lines, muted tones, a combination of natural and manmade materials, graphic shapes, vibrant colors, and integrating indoor and outdoor motifs. Well-known landscape architects like Garrett Eckbo, Dan Kiley, and James Rose rebelled against the neo-classical design, conventions and theories of the time (20'-30s). They were influenced by modernist architectural ideals of simplicity, function, scale, and unity.
EXISTING CONDITION
PROJECT DESIGN DRAWINGS
Wedding Garden Design — Red Hawk Ridge, Alpine, San Diego County
A wedding ceremony garden in Alpine, San Diego, blending contemporary design with Craftsman traditions. Designed as a living sanctuary for celebration, it combines timeless architecture, native planting, and open views at Red Hawk Ridge.
“A private estate transformed into a ceremonial landscape, blending California’s rugged beauty with timeless elegance for weddings and gatherings.”
3D VIDEO CONCEPTUAL PRESENTATION
A short 3D film of LASD Studio’s landscape architectural design: Wedding Garden at Red Hawk Ridge in Alpine, a private estate transformed into a ceremonial and reception landscape. Featuring a wide ceremonial lawn, reception terraces, Mediterranean planting, and evening lighting, the garden offers a timeless setting for weddings and celebrations against the backdrop of San Diego’s mountains.
3D VISUALIZATION OF PROPOSED VENUE DESIGN
Design Concept
The garden was envisioned as a celebratory landscape — a place where architecture, planting, and open space frame life’s most important moments.
Ceremonial Lawn
A wide, enclosed green framed with shrubs and trees creates a stage for weddings and events, offering views of the surrounding mountains.
Reception Terraces
Generous terraces provide flexible areas for dining, dancing, and gathering, designed to accommodate both intimate and large celebrations.
Planting Palette
Native California plants mix with Mediterranean perennials and roses, ensuring year-round beauty, fragrance, and resilience.
Evening Ambience
Subtle lighting transforms the garden into a romantic night setting, with illuminated pathways, trees, and terraces creating a magical experience.
EXISTING LANDSCAPE CONDITION
PROJECT DESIGN DRAWINGS
INSTALLATION, LANDSCAPE DESIGN WORK IN PROGRESS
Please check Red Hawk Ridge - https://www.redhawkridgeevents.com/
Mission Hills Sanctuary Garden — Spanish Colonial Revival Reimagined
A Sanctuary Garden in Mission Hills, San Diego, designed in the spirit of Spanish Colonial Revival. This project unites front and backyard into a coherent vision, blending architecture, ecology, and cultural heritage.
“A garden sanctuary in Mission Hills, San Diego, designed as an evolutionary landscape system rooted in Spanish Colonial Revival heritage.”
A short film of LASD Studio’s Mission Hills Sanctuary Garden, reinterpreting the Spanish Colonial Revival style in San Diego. The design unites front and backyards into a coherent vision, blending historic architecture with Mediterranean planting and the studio’s philosophy of Designing Landscapes as Evolutionary Systems.
LASD Studio works across garden design, landscape architecture, urban design, and regional planning — rooted in San Diego and working internationally.
This Garden Sanctuary in Mission Hills, San Diego reinterprets the Spanish Colonial Revival style, connecting architecture and landscape into a unified vision.
From the earliest design discussions, we emphasized the importance of architectural gravity: the garden must feel as though it belongs to the style of the property. This approach establishes a coherent identity rooted in Spanish Colonial Revival, while leaving space for new elements to emerge over time.
The philosophy behind the project reflects our broader vision of Designing Landscapes as Evolutionary Systems — landscapes that honor tradition, embrace the present, and remain open to future growth and transformation.
Design Philosophy
The project draws on the architectural gravity of Spanish Colonial Revival style. The garden becomes an extension of the house, uniting front and backyard in a coherent vision. While the front yard reflected the historic style, the backyard lacked it — our design bridges the gap, ensuring a seamless identity and space for future evolution.
Concept Vision
The design embraces structured order and fluid openness, inspired by revival-era courtyards and sanctuaries. It leaves space for new elements to emerge organically, aligning with our philosophy of Designing Landscapes as Evolutionary Systems.
Existing Condition
Before the redesign, the backyard was disconnected from the home’s style. The transformation began with unifying elements — walls, planting, and courtyards — into a holistic Spanish Revival sanctuary.
PROJECT DESIGN DRAWINGS
LASD Studio developed the concept with the vision of the garden as the heart and spirit of the property, rooted in the timeless elegance of the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The project is composed of three main zones: the welcoming front yard and entry sequence, a spacious deck for gatherings, and the intimate backyard Sanctuary Garden.
To enhance the gentle yet powerful aesthetic of the space, we introduced design elements characteristic of the style: wavy hedges, trellises, water features, patios, and arbors. Each element carries both functional and symbolic weight — creating rhythm, shade, and a sense of timeless beauty. In the backyard, a curved pathway system was designed to follow an organic flow of energy, guiding movement through the Sanctuary Garden and reinforcing the essence of harmony, reflection, and connection to nature.
La Jolla Cottage Garden Design - La Jolla, California.
An English Cottage Garden in La Jolla, California. Using traditional materials, dense informal planting, and cozy spaces — from edible gardens to a sunset terrace — this design blends warmth, charm, and timeless craftsmanship.
“A Coastal Retreat Full of Charm”
Nestled in the coastal community of La Jolla, this project reimagines a private garden into a cottage-style retreat where architecture, planting, and outdoor living come together as one. The design celebrates informal beauty, layered plantings, and timeless charm, offering both intimacy and openness in a space influenced by the California coast.
Design Philosophy – A Living, Evolving Garden
LASD Studio approached this project with the idea of designing a garden that feels alive, adaptive, and deeply personal. Inspired by the relaxed atmosphere of cottage gardens, the layout blends curved paths, seasonal blooms, and textured greenery, creating spaces that are never static but constantly shifting with time, light, and growth.
Key Design Elements
Front Garden Welcome – Framing the cottage with flowering perennials, vines, and textured groundcovers to create a warm, inviting entry.
Backyard Sanctuary – A layered planting palette of native and Mediterranean species provides habitat for pollinators and year-round interest.
Outdoor Living Corners – Cozy seating areas, small patios, and shaded trellises for relaxation and gatherings.
Pathways & Circulation – Meandering stone paths that guide visitors through the garden, emphasizing discovery and intimate views.
Planting Palette – Informal Elegance
The garden design incorporates California natives, drought-tolerant perennials, and cottage favorites like salvias, lavender, rosemary, and ornamental grasses. Flowering vines climb over trellises, while fragrant herbs add a sensory dimension. This planting strategy reduces water use while enhancing biodiversity.
A Garden for Daily Life
More than just a beautiful space, the La Jolla Cottage Garden is designed as a functional retreat for everyday living. Whether it’s morning coffee under a trellis, evening gatherings with friends, or quiet walks along planted borders, this garden reflects the lifestyle and spirit of its owners.
EXISTING CONDITION
PROJECT DESIGN DRAWINGS
The La Jolla Cottage Garden is more than a design — it’s a living sanctuary. Every curve, trellis, and bloom was chosen to enrich daily life, blending coastal resilience with timeless charm. It is a garden that grows with its owners, evolving season by season, becoming not just a backdrop but a true extension of home and spirit.
Post-Classicism in Transition to Modernism. Omaha, Nebraska
A private garden in Omaha, Nebraska, designed as a dialogue between classical traditions and modernist innovation. Pergolas, pools, sculptural planting, and outdoor rooms create a landscape where history transitions into contemporary living.
“A Modern Garden Design in Omaha”
Philosophy of the Design
The Omaha Modernist Garden is a living dialogue between Post-Classical architecture and contemporary landscape design. Our goal was not to fix the property within a rigid historical style but to allow it to evolve — freeing the Post-Classical home to transition gracefully toward Modernism.
This vision dissolves boundaries, opening space for eclectic combinations of styles that celebrate unpredictability and the richness of future transformations. The result is a landscape that is both a sanctuary for people and a living system for nature.
Elegant rear garden design with rectangular pool on an oval terrace, bold steps, sculptural urns, and outdoor lounge seating, blending post-classical symmetry with modernist garden design principles.
Post-Classicism in transition to Modernism 3D visualization
A cinematic presentation of LASD Studio’s Post-Classicism Modernist Garden in Omaha, where architecture, art, and ecology converge. The film reveals a garden that transitions from classical order to modernist freedom — with pergolas, water features, organic forms, and ecological planting creating a living system that unites people and nature.
Guiding Principles
The design is grounded in global ecological thought and a lineage of visionary designers, architects, and scientists:
Design with Nature — Following Ian McHarg’s groundbreaking philosophy, we place ecological systems at the center of design.
Evolutionary Landscapes — Nature is never static; it evolves. Our design embraces flux, change, and interconnectedness.
Regeneration & Recovery — The garden aids the land’s healing from human impact, restoring ecological processes.
Do No Harm — Materials and methods respect the earth, ensuring resources for future generations.
Integrated Systems — Humans and nature are not separate; this garden functions as a single living organism.
Aesthetic Simplicity — Inspired by natural forms, the design language is bold yet understated, where elegance meets sustainability.
Landscape architecture rendering of a front entry garden featuring a central fountain, formal axis, urn planters, and layered planting beds, expressing the transition from post-classicism to modernism.
Pergolas as Transitional Elements
Pergolas have always played both a functional and aesthetic role in garden design. They act as focal points, create vertical definition above patios and pathways, support climbing vines, and provide shaded areas for seating. Rooted in classical traditions, pergolas are essential features of historical gardens. In this Omaha project, LASD Studio reinterpreted the pergola for contemporary living — framing an outdoor dining space that seamlessly connects the interior and exterior, embodying the modernist principle of fluid transitions between house and garden. Check our special project series - Styles and Epochs of Art that influenced Landscape Architecture and Garden Design.
Water as Sculpture and Experience
Water features have long been central to garden design, from the Renaissance and Neoclassical estates of Italy to modernist landscapes. They provide reflection, movement, and sensory delight. At the Omaha residence, water elements were placed at both the front and rear of the home: a circular pool welcomes guests at the entry, while in the back, a rectangular pool set within an oval platform disrupts rigid geometry, creating a bold sculptural gesture characteristic of modernist garden design.
Modernist Principles — Function and Simplicity
Authentic Modernist gardens are defined by their strong link between house and garden, often structured around pools, terraces, barbecues, and outdoor dining. Ornament is minimal, detail is pared back, and the garden functions as an extension of everyday life. In Omaha, this approach shaped spaces that are not about decoration but about clarity, usability, and experiential flow — landscapes where simplicity itself becomes luxury.
Classical Influences — Kenneth Lynch and Garden Art
The tradition of sculpture and fountains in landscape design is continued here through references to Kenneth Lynch, who in the 1950s brought European garden artistry to the United States. His reproductions of limestone fountains and statues made classical craftsmanship accessible to American landscapes. By integrating such references, the Omaha project situates itself within a continuum of garden history — from European tradition to modern reinterpretation.
Organic Forms and Abstract Geometry
Earlier Modernist designs often combined severe linear grids with organic curves, creating tension between order and freedom. In Omaha, this dialogue is visible in the kidney-shaped pool, abstract sculptural elements, and curved garden margins. Such biomorphic forms, fashionable in mid-20th-century America, were inspired by Surrealist art, Cubist theory, and the idea that space can be perceived simultaneously from multiple viewpoints. Here, geometry becomes a language of modern art expressed in landscape.
Space as the Core of Modernist Landscape Architecture
If architecture defines buildings, modernist garden design defines volumes of space. Trees, shrubs, and structures are used not simply as decoration but as spatial walls — shaping outdoor rooms, linking house and garden, and creating depth and perspective. In this Omaha project, space itself becomes the medium, echoing modern architecture’s focus on volume, openness, and continuity.
Genius Loci — A Garden of Place and Spirit
Every site carries a genius loci — a spirit of place. LASD Studio’s design honors the climate, geography, and vegetation of Omaha, ensuring the garden is not an imported style but an ecological interpretation of its setting. The result is a landscape that encourages a relaxed way of living, integrating new materials, building techniques, and ecological awareness. It is both a modernist sanctuary and an evolutionary system, where architecture, art, and nature form a single living composition.
Back garden perspective with large pergola dining area, central stairway, formal hedging, perennial borders, and pool terrace, designed as part of LASD Studio’s Post-Classicism Modernist Garden in Omaha.
A New Entrance Experience
The entry sequence blends classical formality with modern abstraction. A large water feature and sculptural element anchor the arrival, offering a bold statement that resonates with the architecture while inviting guests into a renewed spatial narrative.
Garden Paths as Experiences
Curved and linear pathways guide visitors through a series of garden experiences, where each transition evokes unity and flow. Walking becomes an act of contemplation, a choreography of space, light, and seasonal change.
Winter Garden & Pottery Retreat
Designed for year-round use, the Winter Garden provides shelter and intimacy. With pottery, seating, and observation points, it becomes a sanctuary during colder months — a place for stillness and reflection.
Outdoor Dining & Social Spaces
The dining terrace and private lounge extend living outdoors, framed by ecological planting and subtle architectural gestures. These are spaces of gathering and sanctuary — equally vibrant in summer’s abundance or winter’s quietude.
Parterre Garden — Classical Meets Contemporary
A reinterpreted parterre garden bridges the classical and the modern. Trees, evergreen plantings, and herbs weave geometric structure with ecological depth, creating a timeless dialogue between order and wildness.
Stairs as Central Axis
A new grand stairway organizes the garden as a central line of movement. Bold, wide steps lead from the home to the landscape, transforming circulation into a ceremonial descent into nature.
Pool and Open Terrace
The pool area forms a luminous open space, a threshold between architecture and ecology. Here, post-classicism transforms into modernist clarity, framed by water, art, and sky.
3D visualization of the front entry courtyard with a circular fountain, formal paving layout, layered perennial planting, and mature trees, designed as part of a Post-Classicism Modernist Garden in Omaha.
EXISITNG CONDITION
A Living System of Art and Ecology
This Omaha garden is not only a design; it is an installation of life itself. Each space is both art and ecology, where sculpture, planting, and architecture converge into one evolutionary whole.
By freeing Post-Classical architecture into the openness of Modernist landscapes, the project becomes more than a garden — it is a cultural statement and an ecological restoration. It embodies the LASD Studio philosophy:
Designing Landscapes as Evolutionary Systems — where people, art, and biodiversity evolve together.
Spiritual Rebirth Sanctuary Garden – Encinitas, California
A Sanctuary Garden in Encinitas, California, designed as a vision of spiritual rebirth. Featuring meadows, meditation gardens, bioretention ponds, and native plantings, this landscape merges ecology, art, and wellness into a living sanctuary.
“An Ecological and Spiritual Landscape Transformation”
At LASD Studio, we believe gardens can become sanctuaries — places where people reconnect with nature, art, and themselves. The Spiritual Rebirth Sanctuary Garden in Encinitas was envisioned as more than a private garden: it is a living landscape of healing, renewal, and ecological balance.
Video presentation of the Spiritual Rebirth Sanctuary Garden in Encinitas, California — a meditative landscape design by LASD Studio featuring flowing pathways, water features, ecological planting for pollinators, and contemplative spaces that unite spirituality, biodiversity, and modern garden design.
Philosophy of the Design
The design draws inspiration from the essence of rebirth and transformation, where the garden evolves as an ecological and spiritual system. Influenced by both Eastern philosophy and the Southern California landscape, the project integrates ecological restoration with contemplative spaces.
The garden is not only a visual composition but a journey through energy, flow, and balance.
Every path, plant, and water element is designed to restore harmony between humans and the living environment.
Key Design Features
Meditation Lawn & Sanctuary Spaces
Open, grounded areas where stillness invites reflection.
Flowing Pathways
Curved circulation inspired by natural energy flows, guiding the visitor through stages of rebirth.
Water & Fire Elements
Balancing opposites, symbolizing purification, clarity, and transformation.
Native & Spiritual Planting Palette
Resilient species combined with symbolic plantings that attract pollinators, restore soil health, and offer seasonal beauty.
Sculptural & Artistic Integration
Bespoke garden elements that connect art, spirit, and ecology.
Ecological and Spiritual Layers
This sanctuary is also an ecological restoration project, rewilding the soil and inviting birds, pollinators, and beneficial wildlife back into the property. The design follows LASD Studio’s principle of Designing Landscapes as Evolutionary Systems, ensuring that the garden is not static, but continually evolves with nature and with the people who inhabit it.
The Experience
Stepping into the Encinitas Sanctuary Garden means entering a space where landscape becomes meditation. It is a contemporary interpretation of sacred gardens, deeply rooted in sustainability, spirituality, and timeless beauty.
Capistrano HOA Urban Scape – San Diego, California
The Capistrano HOA Urban Scape in San Diego transforms streetscapes with bold planting and unified design. A purple Coprosma hedge frames diverse garden rooms, creating elegance, cohesion, and an enhanced neighborhood identity.
The Capistrano HOA Urban Scape is an example of how a single unifying design element can transform a community. By introducing Coprosma repens ‘Pacific Sunset’ hedges, LASD Studio created a bold yet elegant framework that ties the entire site together while leaving room for diversity and layered experiences.
Video presentation of LASD Studio’s Capistrano HOA Urban Scape in San Diego, featuring the bold use of Coprosma repens ‘Pacific Sunset’ hedges, redefined streetscapes, and ecological planting design that enhances community identity and urban biodiversity.
Design Philosophy
Urban landscapes are more than visual settings — they are shared ecosystems. Our approach focused on enhancing daily life for residents while addressing larger ecological needs. The hedge becomes both a design spine and ecological corridor, creating pockets of space where planting diversity can thrive.
Perspective view of the Capistrano HOA urban scape project featuring California native planting, shaded benches, and sustainable pathways integrated into the residential building frontage.
Key Features
Unifying Hedge Design
A continuous purple hedge acts as the backbone, framing the community and creating a recognizable identity.
Diverse Planting Pockets
Spaces within the framework allow for seasonal variation, native planting, and microhabitats that attract pollinators and wildlife.
Streetscape Redefined
Pathways, edges, and circulation are softened, reducing heat island effect and enhancing comfort for residents.
Community Identity
The project creates a shared aesthetic that strengthens pride and connection among residents.
Ecological Impact
Beyond aesthetics, the design supports urban biodiversity, soil restoration, and water efficiency. By reducing hardscape and increasing green mass, the project contributes to cleaner air, cooler streets, and healthier ecosystems in San Diego’s urban fabric.
PROJECT DRAWINGS & DOCUMENTATION
Concept plan for the Capistrano HOA landscape renovation in San Diego showing coherent design elements, waiting areas, service paths, and sustainable plantings for community use.
Detailed planting and hardscape plan for the Capistrano HOA urban scape project with decomposed granite paths, retaining walls, hedge planting areas, and drought-tolerant design.
HOA Landscape Renovation for Vibrant Community - San Diego, California.
Client Reflection
“We never really thought of red hedge. Such a simple and strong element creates a huge difference for the appearance and aesthetic of the building. Thank you for your effort in this design.”
- Capistrano board HOA
The Sanctuary Garden of Tranquility, San Diego
A Sanctuary Garden in San Diego designed for a family home. Terraced orchards, vegetable beds, water features, and lounge areas create a landscape that nurtures biodiversity, celebrates daily life, and connects generations through nature.
“A space where family life, biodiversity, and artful garden design come together in harmony.”
LASD Studio designed this San Diego sanctuary garden as a living tribute to family, memory, and the enduring relationship between people and nature. The project is divided into three main zones — each crafted with intention, functionality, and ecological richness.
Video presentation of the Sanctuary Garden in San Diego designed by LASD Studio. The project showcases terraced fruit gardens, outdoor living spaces with pergola dining and lawn, and a backyard slope with a cascading waterfall that enhances biodiversity and attracts wildlife. A sustainable family garden where nature and people thrive together.
Front Yard Terraced Fruit Garden
The front yard has been transformed into a terraced orchard, designed for both beauty and practicality. Fruit trees cascade across gentle levels, allowing for easy harvest while celebrating the seasonal rhythm of nature. This edible landscape provides nourishment and a connection to the land — a reminder that gardens are not only to be seen, but lived with and cared for.
Living Space at the Heart of the Garden
At the core of the design lies the social heart of the garden — a generous lawn area paired with a lounge zone beside the BBQ island, and an outdoor dining terrace sheltered by a pergola. A morning terrace captures the first light of the day, while raised vegetable beds allow for homegrown harvests. This zone balances everyday living with the joy of outdoor gatherings, creating a place where family life unfolds in harmony with nature.
Backyard Slope & Waterfall Sanctuary
The backyard slope is a lush sanctuary anchored by a cascading waterfall. More than a visual centerpiece, the water feature serves as an ecological engine, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators. Layers of native and adapted planting restore biodiversity and give life to the slope, turning a challenging area into a thriving ecosystem.
Rendered view of a lush backyard slope with cascading waterfall, native plantings, and a pergola dining area, designed to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and enhance biodiversity.
Our Philosophy
Water, planting, and thoughtful design weave together a coherent system where humans and nature coexist. This garden embodies LASD Studio’s mission: to create sustainable sanctuaries that nourish people while restoring ecological balance.
Rendering of a shaded pergola dining area framed by wildflowers and ornamental grasses, connecting indoor living to a sustainable outdoor sanctuary.
Rendering of a backyard BBQ island with seating and lounge spaces, blending family living with sustainable planting and contemporary hardscape design.
Black and white site plan of the Sanctuary Garden showing three main zones: terraced fruit garden, central lawn with pergola and BBQ island, and a sloped backyard with a waterfall for biodiversity and water management.
Detailed garden layout drawing showing pergola, BBQ zone, waterfall, terraced planting beds, and slope restoration for sustainable living and biodiversity support.
Join us in shaping landscapes where nature and humanity grow together — sustainable now, and for generations to come.
Heaven Del Mar Sanctuary Garden – A Coastal Landscape of Harmony
“Heaven” is a sanctuary garden in Del Mar, San Diego, inspired by Claude Lorrain’s pastoral visions. With contemporary structures, lush planting, and timeless philosophy, the design creates unity between people and nature.
Blending Sustainable Design, Native Planting, and Coastal Living
The Heaven Del Mar Sanctuary Garden transforms a coastal property into a living sanctuary where architecture, ecology, and lifestyle seamlessly connect. Designed by LASD Studio, this project balances California coastal resilience with a refined garden aesthetic, creating spaces for relaxation, biodiversity, and sustainable living.
A cinematic video tour of the Heaven Del Mar Sanctuary Garden in California, showcasing outdoor living areas, pergolas, water features, and coastal native planting that supports biodiversity and sustainable living.
Project Description
Nestled in the coastal town of Del Mar, this sanctuary garden is designed to embrace both the natural rhythms of the ocean and the refined character of a private residence. The design integrates multiple functional and ecological layers, making the garden both timeless and forward-looking.
The project is divided into interconnected zones:
Entry Garden
A welcoming approach framed by native and drought-tolerant planting, setting a serene tone.
Living Spaces
Outdoor dining under pergolas, a BBQ island, and family lounge areas that extend the indoor lifestyle into the garden.
Water and Biodiversity
Reflecting pools and planted slopes that attract pollinators, birds, and butterflies while managing stormwater.
Coastal Plant Palette
Native California and Mediterranean plants selected for resilience, seasonal color, and ecological function.
PROJECT DESIGN DOCUMENTATION
The plan integrates Mediterranean and California-native species, including olive trees, manzanita, and Ginkgo, designed for resilience, biodiversity, and timeless beauty.
3D Landscape Design Perspectives - Del Mar, San Diego, California.
By weaving together these layers, LASD Studio created a sanctuary where people and wildlife thrive side by side. The garden is not just designed for today—it is a living, evolving system that will continue to mature, adapt, and give back to the land for generations.
Traditional Garden in Kattrup, Denmark
A traditional garden in Kattrup, Denmark, designed with rich Baroque-inspired elements. Featuring walled gardens, pergolas, and an orangery, the project unites classical architecture with contemporary craftsmanship.
“Timeless Heritage and Danish Craftsmanship in Garden Design”
This project reflects the spirit of traditional Danish garden design, created for a historic estate in Kattrup. Rooted in European garden traditions yet adapted to the unique landscape of Denmark, the design emphasizes symmetry, craftsmanship, and lasting ecological value. Every element — from stone details to drainage solutions — was carefully crafted for generations to come.
Designed by two outstanding landscape architects – Gregory Brian Kobett and Yura Lotonenko in 2016, Denmark.
LASD Studio’s Traditional Garden in Kattrup highlights heritage-driven design with precise detailing, timeless planting, and ecological resilience.
Project Description
The Kattrup Traditional Garden celebrates the artistry and precision of classical design while ensuring resilience in Northern Europe’s climate. Inspired by historic precedents, the garden blends structural order with horticultural richness, resulting in a space that feels both timeless and alive.
Symmetry and Structure
Pathways, parterres, and hedges define a sense of permanence and balance, echoing centuries of European tradition.
Craftsmanship
Every detail, from the hand-laid brickwork to millimeter-precise drainage holes, reflects a dedication to durability and heritage-level quality.
Planting Design
Seasonal flowers, fruit trees, and clipped hedges bring rhythm and color, while native plant choices support the Danish ecosystem.
Cultural Continuity
This garden embodies the values of Danish landscape tradition: beauty, function, and respect for nature’s cycles.
The result is not just a garden, but a living cultural landscape designed to endure across generations — a sanctuary where tradition, ecology, and design meet in harmony.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROJECT DOCUMENTATION
Baroque gardens were intended to illustrate the mastery of man power over nature.
Visit our special project series - Styles and Epochs of Art that Influences Landscape Architecture.
EXISTING CONDITION BEFORE LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION
Existing Condition - before landscape installation
This project designed and built to last for generations.
WORK IN PROGRESS & SUPERVISION
ORANGERY, ORCHARD, POLLINATOR GARDEN DESIGN IN DENMARK
French Garden – La Mesa, California
A French-inspired garden in La Mesa, California, blending classical and contemporary design. With soft, drought-tolerant planting, outdoor rooms, and ecological features, the landscape enhances biodiversity and timeless beauty.
“A Contemporary Reimagining of Classical French Garden Traditions”
This private estate in La Mesa transforms the elegance of French garden traditions into a modern living landscape. Clean architectural lines are balanced with lush planting, ecological sensitivity, and carefully composed “garden rooms” inspired by Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary influences. The design enhances biodiversity, supports pollinators, and manages stormwater naturally, while creating refined outdoor spaces for dining, leisure, and family life. By merging history with innovation, this French Garden exemplifies LASD Studio’s vision: landscapes as living works of art that evolve in harmony with nature.
French Garden La Mesa – LASD Studio landscape architecture project video showcasing a modern interpretation of classical French garden design with symmetrical layouts, outdoor rooms, ecological planting, and elegant living spaces in Southern California.
This project reimagines the elegance of classical French gardens for modern California living. Symmetry, geometry, and refined details set the tone, while ecological planting ensures the garden evolves as a living, sustainable system.
While architecture, style and atmosphere of the space are important, we also considering enhancing of wildlife, biodiversity, solving stormwater issues, and reaching a new standards for social, economical and environmental sustainability.
Structured Outdoor Living
The garden is organized into distinct outdoor “rooms,” framed by hedges and pathways. These spaces support family gatherings, dining, and leisure, while maintaining the sense of order that defines French garden design.
Planting for Elegance and Ecology
Formal structure is softened with pollinator-friendly planting, seasonal flowers, and Mediterranean species well-adapted to Southern California’s climate. This ensures year-round beauty, reduced water use, and a thriving habitat for biodiversity.
Water, Shade, and Comfort
Fountains, shaded seating areas, and tree canopies create a comfortable microclimate. These features honor French garden traditions while adapting them to La Mesa’s sun-filled environment.
A Garden That Evolves with Time
More than a static design, this landscape is intended to grow, adapt, and evolve. As plants mature, pathways settle, and wildlife finds refuge, the garden becomes a cultural landscape — blending history, family life, and ecological intelligence.