SHORELINE RESIDENCE | BEFORE & AFTER


This Santa Barbara seaside renovation is in an exquisite location with breathtaking views of the ocean and islands. The recent architectural improvements executed by Allen Construction significantly enhanced the home’s Spanish-style character and gave it a new vibrancy. CJM::LA’s master plan for the site included a blend of formal and informal plantings, new small play lawn, permeable paving, ocean view deck and trellis, and thoughtfully integrated hardscape elements. The overall goal was to implement our client’s vision for a relaxing and safe getaway retreat.

Structural solutions for building near a bluff edge, as well as civil engineering expertise were provided by Ashley & Vance Engineering.  The landscape was installed by Quality Tree Care.

BEFORE + AFTER

BEFORE – existing impermeable concrete entry drive

AFTER – new entry drive lined with young ornamental plantings

AFTER – hydro-flo permeable paver entry drive

BEFORE – backyard

AFTER – finished installation of Cherokee creek flagstone and slope-stabilizing plants

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS

CMU blocks being stacked to form the base of the BBQ

BBQ completed by Quality Tree Care

Quality Tree Care installing slope plantings to strengthen soil structure and prevent erosion. Deck post  helical pile footings (required due to their proximity to the bluff edge) also installed by Quality Tree Care!

wavy drift of Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oat Grass) is reminiscent of the ocean shoreline

installation of ‘play’ lawn by Quality Tree Care


A First Look at our SOMOfunk Project

Read Full Article:
First Look at the Blockbuster Development Proposed for the Funk Zone
April 27, 2020
SITELINE

We are excited to share some initial drawings for the SOMOfunk project via this recently published article.  The SOMOfunk project will bring a new energy to the Funk Zone on Santa Barbara’s waterfront.  Following is an excerpt from our landscape narrative:

FUN[KY]
THE LANDSCAPE DESIGN IS INSPIRED BY ITS NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT.  WHAT IS TODAY KNOWN AS THE FUNK ZONE, HAS PREVIOUSLY EXISTED AS AN INDUSTRIAL AREA, A WORKING CLASS NEIGHBORHOOD, PART OF THE EL ESTERO SWAMPY MARSH AND A VIBRANT TRADE HUB.  REMNANTS OF THESE USES REMAIN IN THE BUILDINGS, THE LAND, THE HARDSCAPE, THE PLANT MATERIAL AND THE SOUL OF THIS PLACE.  THESE REMNANTS WILL BE RE-PURPOSED FOR USE AS HARDSCAPE, FURNISHINGS AND SCULPTURAL ELEMENTS THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT SITE.  WHAT MAKES THE FUNK ZONE FUNKY IS ITS ABILITY TO SHAPE-SHIFT AND ADAPT, WHILE MAINTAINING ITS OWN IDENTITY SEPARATE FROM, BUT IN CONVERSATION WITH, THE LARGER SANTA BARBARA COMMUNITY.  THE EXTERIOR SPACES AT THE PROJECT FIT SEAMLESSLY INTO THE FABRIC OF THE FUNK ZONE BY IMPLEMENTING FUN, COLORFUL AND QUIRKY ELEMENTS INTO THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT.

Click here to read the full article.


Courtyard and TownePlace Suites, Agoura Hills | IN-PROGRESS

The new Courtyard and TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Agoura Hills is almost complete. Architect: Awbrey Cook Rogers McGill, construction by DavisReed and landscape installation by LSCO.

This dual-brand hotel features a large courtyard with multiple “outdoor living” features: fire pits, BBQs for guests, shady gathering areas and a large pool. The new building is surrounded with native California shrubs and grasses and roughly 25 new oak trees, all irrigated with recycled water.

motorcourt with decorative pedestrian handrail (primer coat!) and ramp to Agoura Rd.

permeable pavers by Belgard

aloes with the Santa Monica mountains (beyond) & purple valve cover indicating recycled irrigation water

glass pool enclosure and pool deck underway

custom steel pool enclosure designed to complement the Craftsman-style architecture

baby dragon trees & porcelain “Sundeck” pavers by Belgard

custom steel pergola with Octopus Agave below

”Twist” bike rack from Forms + Surfaces

concrete fire bowl with built-in radial concrete bench, fire bowl by Concrete Creations

“Filterra” proprietary biofiltration planters by Contech, with native Juncus patens

“Palazzo” concrete detectable warning pavers by Ackerstone. The craftsman-style trellis is part of a pedestrian network linking adjacent commercial properties to improve walkability in the City of Agoura Hills


WLAM | Landscape Architecture Myth Busting – Part 2

Part 2: More myth-busting as we continue to address common misconceptions about landscape architecture.

Myth #3. Density means eliminating urban green space

FALSE: We can have both density & greener, healthier cities

Larger, denser cities are cleaner and more energy efficient than smaller, suburban towns. Suburban and rural towns may have immediate access to open space and wildlands outside city limits because of their more dispersed organization, but large cities can emulate natural ecologies.

Street trees, courtyards, green roofs and living walls, along with botanic gardens and parks provide a network of outdoor spaces that enhance the biological diversity of our cities and help provide essential infrastructure. This framework of planted spaces is able to capture and treat urban run-off, lower temperatures, improve air quality and provide resilience against climate change. Gardens and community farms also provide food and improve human health.

At CJM::LA, we help make our cities healthier and greener by advocating for more planting and functional outdoor space, especially in our densest multi-family housing projects; designing public parks, paseos, and green roofs; and improving city streetscapes.

transplanted Mexican fan palms line the stairs at Bella Riviera workforce homes in Santa Barbara, CA

plant pockets and climbing vines beautify the drive aisles at the East Beach Collection in Santa Barbara, CA  | architect: WHA

live roof at the Hilton Garden Inn in Goleta, CA

textural plantings line the sidewalk at the Arlington Village apartments in downtown Santa Barbara, CA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

entry plantings at homes designed for Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County in downtown Santa Barbara, CA

citrus trees within over-structure planters create a beautiful courtyard at Bella Riviera workforce homes

mediterranean plantings within raised planters help create opportunities for outdoor seating

neighborly gifts grown in downtown Santa Barbara, CA

Myth #4. Planting shouldn’t be done in a drought because plants use water

FALSE: Drought resilience is improved by planting smarter & better managing water resources

During a prolonged drought, there is less available water in the natural ecosystem, which negatively impacts human food and water security. Less water available in aquifers and other natural water bodies means less water for the agricultural industry and for our cities.

Landscape architects provide drought resilience by designing systems to comprehensively and efficiently manage water resources. By implementing bioretention basins, rainwater cisterns, efficient irrigation, greywater recycling and use of climate-adapted and native plants, we optimize our water resources and reallocate the potable water supply for drinking use.

It might seem counter-intuitive, but plants improve our ability to resist the impacts of drought by improving soil health, allowing soils to better capture and store water. Plants also sequester carbon, lower air temperatures, and if used in applications like green roofs, reduce building energy use and reduce the urban heat island effect. We shouldn’t eliminate plants because they use water. Instead, we should be smarter about how we supply plants with water and which plants we elect to use.

Want more info? See these additional links about drought resilience and using green infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of other hazards, like wildfires and climate change.

bioretention plants treat stormwater runoff at the Direct Relief headquarters in Santa Barbara, CA.

 


WLAM | Landscape Architecture Myth Busting – Part 1

We encounter the work of landscape architects every day, although that work is often overlooked and experienced only in passing. Landscapes are the natural setting, the backdrop of our lives. However, the truth is that our cities and neighborhoods are carefully and deliberately constructed. Landscape architecture is the practice of fusing the natural, built and social environments to create a more engaging and dynamic world.

CJM::LA is excited to share the breadth of our profession by addressing some common misconceptions about landscape architecture in a two-part post.

Myth #1. Landscape architects design gardens and backyards

FALSE: We design all types of living spaces, not just your backyard!

This video by the ASLA shows how public parks can revitalize under-served communities. At CJM::LA, we provide a wide-range of design services for a variety of clients. A sampling of this diversity includes the following project types (as shown below): public park, hospitality, native creek restoration and non-profit.

Santa Barbara locals exercise at the oceanfront Cabrillo Ball Park

drought tolerant plantings frame lounge seating at The Everly hotel in West Hollywood, CA

raised planters create intimate spaces on the rooftop deck at The Everly hotel in West Hollywood, CA

entry plantings welcome you the Inn at the Pier in Pismo, CA

board-form concrete planters at Inn at the Pier in Pismo, CA

native creek restoration plan for Los Olivos, CA

permeable concrete pavers under construction at Unity of Santa Barbara

 

 

 

 

Myth #2. Landscape architecture = “decorative planting”

FALSE:  Landscape architecture is also essential infrastructure

Every project we design at CJM::LA is beautiful and functional. Landscape architects contribute to the essential infrastructure of our cities and communities through design and construction of storm water management systems. We improve air quality and reduce energy use when we plant trees. We support healthier living and reduce vehicle emissions by providing recreation opportunities, bike racks and designing safer streets.

The following images demonstrate how CJM::LA has incorporated some of these essential infrastructure elements: bioretention and filtration basins, exercise equipment, bike racks and plans for future shared, multi-modal streets.

“Filterra” proprietary biofiltration planters by Contech, with native Juncus patens

Direct Relief bioretention basin after a rain event: roof run-off captured and treated! 

we design spaces for people to get out, breathe, and decompress

we improve air quality with the addition of carbon-sequestering trees and plants

we support alternative modes of transportation: the ”Twist” bike rack from Forms + Surfaces

preliminary landscape plan with a shared street, proposed in Goleta, CA

preliminary landscape plan and shared street for a residential development in Ventura, CA


WLAM | Why Landscape Architecture?

As a part of our ongoing stewardship of the profession, this month we’re showcasing landscape architecture to the world and inviting the public to learn about what we do.  This is the second post in our WLAM series, stay tuned for more each week during the month of April.

This week we are taking time to appreciate and share what we do and why it is important to us.

Landscape architecture is essential to nurturing our public health, safety and welfare. This practice is important to us because of its profound effect on the communities and people around us. The spaces we design cultivate the evolution of our lives, relationships, communities and much more.

At CJM::LA 

Every day is different!  We love the diverse nature of our profession and the variety of ways we apply our collective knowledge and skillsets to our daily workflow.

We oversee projects from site analysis through design development, construction and post occupancy

as part of an initial site visit, Courtney and Cameron study the site plan of a residential property in order to analyze the existing trees and topography, views and opportunities for screening.

typical site analysis notes

Mari collects soil to send to the lab for analysis

as part of the schematic design process, Cameron does a quick sketch of a hotel pool renovation.

Nicole reviews schematic options for a residential backyard with our clients

hand drawings are converted into an illustrative plan using software such as Adobe Photoshop

 

Henri delivers plans

 

 

 

 

 

Courtney and Ryan from DMHA present construction documents at the Central Coast Board of Architectural Review as part of the discretionary review process

as part of the construction observation phase, Nicole oversees the installation of the permeable pavers at our Habitat for Humanity Sawyer Condos project in Carpinteria, CA.

We work closely with our suppliers, manufacturers and collaborators

vertical storage at Santa Barbara Forge

reviewing gravel samples from Decorative Stone Solutions

 

 

harvesting inspiration at San Marcos Growers

sourcing plant material at San Marcos Growers

We work on a variety of projects

We celebrate together too!

Beer festival at the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens

Virtual drawing game at staff meeting

Hatchet building, team building

It is both this dynamic design process, dedicated team and the impact our work has on our community that keeps us dedicated to our practice.

 

 


WLAM | World Landscape Architecture Month

April is World Landscape Architecture Month (WLAM), a worldwide celebration of the impact this profession has on our daily lives.

As a part of our ongoing stewardship of the profession, this month we’re showcasing landscape architecture to the world and inviting the public to learn about what we do!  People hold profound connections to the spaces where they live, work and play.  This year we are celebrating the relationship between us and our environment.  We look forward to demonstrating the impact that thoughtful design solutions have on our collective quality of life.  Each week we’ll be posting something new, stay tuned!

 

 

We encourage you to join us in celebrating the landscape architectural profession by posting pictures from your neighborhood that highlight landscape architectural design with the hashtags #WLAM2020 and #LifeGrowsHere.
Be sure to tag @NationalASLA

 

TO LEARN MORE

Find out more about Landscape Architecture educational opportunities here.

Are you a K-12 educator interested in sharing landscape architecture with your students?
Learn more about Landscape Architecture education for teachers here

Are you hosting a virtual story time for your child?  Check this out:
Green Trees and Sam by Shannon Gapp, ASLA/Bolton & Menk.


7 Years In Business

On April 1, 2020 we celebrated 7 years in business!  What started as a sole proprietorship in 2013 has quickly grown to become a thriving team of creatives.  Today CJM::LA is a dynamic group of individuals who collaborate to produce design solutions that prioritize the environmental, economic and social sustainability of our communities.  In addition to our contributions to the built environment, we also support our local communities via board positions, mentorship programs, internship/shadowship opportunities, volunteerism and contributions to the educational and professional institutions that support the landscape architecture profession.  As we look toward the future, we are excited to expand our creative reach into new markets and develop new methods of executing our shared vision.

HERE’S A LOOK BACK

                                                                                                         
 

 
Thank you to our collaborators, clients, friends and families who helped us reach this milestone.  We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with such powerful minds!

For a closer look at our most recent work:: CJM-LA_Portfolio 2020


Mar Monte Hotel | Waterfront Construction Almost Complete!

Renovations are underway at what will soon be known as the Hyatt Mar Monte. As this project nears the end of the construction phase, the CJM::LA continues to oversee the revitalization of this historic hotel with Young Construction and Steve Hanson Landscaping.  This project combines layered textural plantings with historic Spanish Colonial detailing, ensuring a natural cohesion with the Santa Barbara waterfront.

demolition of the existing parking lot and impermeable brick paving

converting the existing parking lot into a pedestrian promenade and lobby placita

decorative columns taking shape!

framing the fountain

setting the mediterranean fan palm in place at the pool deck

converting the existing pool deck into a lush paradise

careful restoration of the original hotel entry

putting the finishing touches on our lobby placita fountain. tile provided by NS Ceramic.

 


ArchitecTours Wrap-Up

We were out in full force last Saturday, giving tours of our Direct Relief project as part of the Santa Barbara AIA’s ArchitecTours.  After an in-depth presentation by Michael Holliday, architect for the project, Courtney and Nicole led community members on a tour of the exterior of the property.  Our design for the new headquarters includes innovation and reflection gardens, courtyards for events and employees, and stormwater infiltration features such as bioretention basins, bioswales and permeable pavers.  The overall design language for the property features a “reed” pattern which reflects upon the history of this region as part of the Goleta Slough.  Details such as the trellises, gates, and formliner panels which imprint the concrete tilt-up walls reflect this language.  The planting design includes a subdued color palette and focus on form, texture and pattern in the plant material.

We received so many questions about the species of plants used throughout the property, so offered to share our plant palette which you can view below.  Thank you Direct Relief for allowing us to open your doors to the community, and to everyone who came out for the tour.  We love to share the story behind our work!


Nicole Horn Promoted To Associate Principal

We are excited to announce that Nicole Horn has been promoted to Associate Principal at our Santa Barbara design studio!

Nicole joined CJM::LA in 2016. With both Masters of Landscape Architecture and City and Regional Planning degrees, she has brought expertise in urban planning, resource management and landscape architectural design to the CJM::LA team. This interdisciplinary background has enabled her to bring forward not only innovative design solutions, but also strategic planning solutions to help guide our projects through the entitlement, permitting and construction processes.

Over the past three years, Nicole has demonstrated her leadership capabilities through the implementation of a number of contributions to CJM::LA and our extended community. Her role as a board member of the Ventura Botanical Gardens has allowed her to advocate for climate-appropriate design and resilience. Her involvement in our studio has resulted in a collaborative design approach that prioritizes environmental, economic and social sustainability to the benefit of our community and clients. Nicole pushes herself and others to take risks, innovate and surpass conventional design roles and traditions.

In her new role as Associate Principal and Director of Operations, Nicole will lead our design team in the implementation of a series of objectives to help better streamline our workflow and expand our creative output. She and our President, Courtney Jane Miller, will continue to push the boundary of the expected as they lead CJM::LA towards a successful future.


AIA ArchitecTours 2019 | Featuring New Work By CJM::LA

Early bird tickets for ArchitecTours 2019 are now on sale!  Please click here to purchase.

ArchitecTours is an annual celebration of local architecture and cultural identity. Projects on the tour showcase the design and depth of knowledge of AIA architects and affiliated members. The self-guided tour offers a rare opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at exceptional properties. Experience the transformative power of architecture. Come be inspired by these examples of history, sustainability, and creativity that are enriching Santa Barbara’s future!

This year’s tour will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2019 and celebrates the intersection of art and architecture. Art can be found in architecture throughout our community. It bridges both old and new architectural styles and transcends time. It can take the form of artistically designed buildings and landscapes that, in and of themselves, are considered art pieces.

CJM::LA will be showcasing our recently completed Direct Relief Headquarters project on the tour.  We will be on-site all day offering guided tours of the property as well as information about our practice and the history of the Direct Relief organization.  Join us!