Last week our team celebrated the groundbreaking of our latest project with the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) – Jacaranda Court!

This project will provide 63 apartments, addressing the housing needs of the “missing-middle” (Moderate Income level, AMI 80-120, and Middle Income level, AMI 120-160) income group.  We are thrilled to be collaborating with the Cearnal Collective on another project that helps address the ever-present need of affordable housing in Santa Barbara, and with a client that never gives up!

Our Via Tranquila Residence was recently honored by the Southern California Chapter of ASLA at the bi-annual Quality of Life Awards!  This stunning property was recognized with one of the few Merit awards in the residential garden design category.  Winning projects are awarded for ‘outstanding works of landscape architecture and environmental planning that promote an enhanced quality of life in Southern California and beyond,’ and are judged on the following criteria: quality of design; functionalism and artistic merit; relationship to context; overall relevance to the profession, the public and the environment; promotion of environmental responsibility and sustainability; demonstration of new technologies and approaches; and social function and benefits to the local community.

Led by Nicole Greer, the landscape design conveys simplicity and restraint through a limited palette of warm hues and breezy textures.  She began by designing around the existing mature trees, including a row of magnificent deodar cedars that line the entry drive as well as a single stately canary palm located off the primary bedroom.  Mature oak trees and native species were planted along the front slope, emulating native California oak grasslands.  Around the main house, a series of smaller gardens and courtyards extend seamlessly into the surrounding views – introducing visual continuity and an overall sense of expansiveness.  Using borrowed views and inspiration from our natural regional landscape, the end result is a quiet, subtle series of gardens that celebrate the beauty of the natural landscape.

This month our team had a blast celebrating the work of our incredible client, Santa Barbara Humane, at their annual gala.  This year’s theme, Glitter Paw Disco, resulted in some incredible costumes and dance floor shenanigans!

The event raised over $300,000 to provide shelter, veterinary care, training, and resources for animals—and the people who love them—across Santa Barbara County.