David Reed Landscape Architects

The owners purchased a new custom home on a large property, a completely blank slate.

The design program included a large swimming pool with water sprays and a spa, a large, shaded outdoor kitchen and pergola structure with barbecue and lots of counter space for gathering and dining, incorporation of the existing cabana into the rear yard design, a large play set, fruit tree and veggie garden areas, a large storage and trash enclosure, and central fountain. We also created a raised sitting area with banquette to expand the rear yard.

The property was large enough we felt it was essential to have storm water detention on site. So with a large front yard, we incorporated a dry stream bed, which serves as a bio-filtration basin during rain events.

It was important to create a welcome feeling from the street. To accommodate the change in elevation we added a few steps up, to a mini bridge that “fords” the dry stream, further incorporating bio-retention into the design.

The owners, recent transplants from the Northeast, knew to ask for “eco-friendly” plants and succulents.

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This getaway cabin is a refuge away from busy city life and surrounded by 1000 acres of cattle ranch, and has stunning views to Mt. Palomar. The owners asked that the landscape be a “non-landscape”; that it not look like a designed garden, but simply be part of the majestic surroundings.  Functional improvements were treated in rural fashion; like driveway in gravel, walkways in  decomposed granite. Steps and patio are in stone. A fireplace was nestled into existing boulders. Planting is native and naturalizing. Around the cabin, it is low and shrubby. The outer forty is a wildflower meadow, of native species. Several mature oaks were added into the scene.

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A curved flagstone path and Mediterranean planting welcome visitors to this lovely home. Complete landscape development on this 2.2-acre estate included a pool, spa, cabana, tennis court, outdoor cooking area, orchard, herb and vegetable garden, lawns, landscape and a large gated driveway.

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In the rear, hillside yard of this Mission Cliffs Estate, we utilized a simple arrangement of garden elements, following the lay of the land, preserving and framing views to the West, North and Northeast. A spa, as water element, commands the center of the garden. The paths are mostly gravel with small walls making up transitions in grade.  A Bocce court becomes the final destination. Edibles were an important component as the garden plantings are reminiscent of the country villas of Umbria and Chianti.

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Work included site planning and design of a 24-Acre custom estate subdivision along El Camino Real in Rancho Santa Fe. Seven custom home sites were involved. Phase one work included a large scale linear berm almost 1000 lineal feet long, comprised of over 5000 cubic yards of earth, with drought tolerant plantings. This berm created real sound attenuation for road noise from El Camino Real.

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Landscape planting for this 3 acre site included a long driveway, guardhouse, berms, redwood forest, custom zen water feature, and vineyard plantings.

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Design work included landscape renovation for the site at large as well as new rear patio, infinity edge pool, water features, patios and paving. 

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Complete landscape design for this 10 acre villa included site planning, driveways, pool and spa, solarium, conservatory (pool house), barn, corral, tennis courts, extensive plantings, brush management and stewardship of sensitive lands.

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Work included landscape design around a modern style home, designed by Wallace Cunningham. Screening from the road and neighbors was important, as well as the individual patio gardens outside each room.

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Design work included driveway, landscape and pool improvements for this 2+ acre property.

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Early in David’s career, he assisted his former employer in site planning and design for a large 8-1/2 acre villa and landscape. Work included design of a large Mediterranean courtyard, large, descending patios swimming pool and spa, herb and kitchen garden, tennis court, outdoor pavilion, orchard, and dense perimeter landscaping.

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Landscape design work included a long stream emanating from the house, pool, spa and water features, large meadow planting, orchard, guesthouse, driveways and perimeter plantings.

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