Grace Design Associates

We used Grace Designs to landscape our garden. The property came with several major challenges:
1. It is a new construction tract home.
2. The soil is solid clay with abysmal drainage.
3. It is next to a protected preserve and therefore has strict guidelines and landscape review committee limitations.
4. Between our narrow backyard and the beautiful preserve is an unappealing black metal fence with jailhouse slats that stop the eye.
So understandably, I expected that a designer of Grace Design’s calibre would quickly turn and run from such a project, but Margie and her team embraced the challenge. The result is a breathtaking and seamless meld of the preserve with our dreamy garden. Everyone who sees it, asks who did it. I love our garden. I love everything about it. It is peaceful, dramatic, extremely drought tolerant and native plant friendly. I wouldn’t change a thing. While some of my neighbors have seen their expensive plantings die in the poor drainage, every plant Margie chose has thrived. Yes, I could have hired a less expensive designer, but my investment has paid for itself many times over in the joy it has brought our friends and family and the value it has added to our home.
And when I look out at my back yard, I don’t even see the jailhouse fence. That is magic.

My wife and I contacted Grace Design Associates to interview for our landscape design needs. Based on our research, Grace Design is the premier landscape design company in Santa Barbara. After discussing our budget constraints, we were informed that our budget did not meet their design and landscape minimum. This was somewhat expected given our small budget. At that point, it would have been perfectly acceptable for them to thank us for contacting them and wish us well. However, they referred us to another landscape design company who would fit our needs. I was very impressed that they would take the time to refer us to another reputable company rather than dismiss us, which would have been completely understandable. Thank you, Grace Design.