On Decks A Montgomery Robbins, Inc. deck on the cover of Sunset's 'Complete Deck Book' For a moment here in California, it seemed like decks were going out of style. Wood was being replaced with stone and concrete terraces, as homeowners began to work with the contours of their land and [...]
Landscape Topography Topography is the science of mapping land formations - determining the depth of valleys, steepness of hills, and where the flattest areas of ground lie. As Landscape Architects, the first step to any design is understanding the site, which includes the way the land is naturally shaped. Therefore, topography [...]
Making An Entrance The holidays are here, and what better way to start thinking about the new year than by updating the entry to your home? While there are many ways to enhance “curb appeal,” the keys to a successful entrance are actually quite simple. Feng Shui teaches the importance of the entry [...]
Ground Work Landscape Architecture is the design of space on every level—at our eye level, above our heads, and on the ground plane beneath our feet. The ground is an often-overlooked aspect of design, but it has the ability to define space and create interest within the landscape. Here we focus on a [...]
Pathways In The Landscape photography by: Sarah Cosca In a landscape of any scale, the experience of moving through it is as important as the experience of resting within it. Imagine a destination point—a tranquil gathering space surrounded by a garden some distance from the house—and imagine if the path [...]
Backyard Stay-Cations Over the past couple of years, we’ve been thinking more about the art of the staycation and how we can bring rest and relaxation home to our own backyards. The concept of the “staycation” isn’t new (though the pun might be), but its meaning as it pertains to the home [...]
Dining "Out" Staying home has become something we love, but it's nice to have the elevated feel of our favorite haunts—our local cafes and restaurants with their outdoor seating and casual vibes. Our favorite spots have both food and ambiance down to a science. So, we have been experimenting in the [...]
Contemporary Elements We are always excited about new things, especially when they relate to Landscape Architecture, so contemporary landscaping has truly stolen our hearts. Here are a few of our favorite contemporary elements we use in designing landscapes that stun with their simple and innovative modern style. Contemporary Aesthetic [...]
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Architecture & Landscape Design In the Bay Area’s mild Northern California climate, outdoor living naturally extends the home and invites relaxation throughout much of the year. At Montgomery Robbins, Inc., indoor-outdoor living spaces have become an essential element in our East Bay residential landscape architecture projects. These transitional spaces [...]
'Screen Alternative' Landscapes The digital age has so much to offer us these days in terms of connection, but when it comes to reconnecting with ourselves, we find that nature is really what we need. Which got us thinking – Isn’t that what Outdoor Living is kind of about? We create [...]
