Montgomery Robbins is a licensed residential landscape architecture firm specializing in custom, design-only outdoor environments for high-end homes in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. For more than 50 years, we have specialized exclusively in custom residential landscapes—combining artistic vision with technical expertise to create outdoor environments that are beautiful, functional, and built to last.

Because we focus solely on residential landscape architecture, every plan we create is fully custom, site-specific, and thoughtfully aligned with your home’s architecture and your lifestyle. Unlike design-build firms, our work is guided by pure design excellence and a concierge-level process—allowing us to advocate entirely for the quality, integrity, and longevity of the design, whether through in-person collaboration or our refined remote design platform.

We are honored that our clients have recognized our professionalism, creativity, and transparent communication through more than 100 five-star reviews, verified by TrustIndex. Their feedback reflects the throughline of our philosophy: every Montgomery Robbins landscape is designed to enhance daily life, elevate long-term property value, and stand the test of time—making it easy to love your leisure.

Montgomery Robbins brings your vision to life through a thoughtful, collaborative design process that blends artistic creativity with technical expertise. We begin by understanding your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals for your property, then translate those insights into a one-of-a-kind landscape designed to function beautifully and feel effortless to live in.

As a design-only residential landscape architecture firm, our focus is on creating exceptional plans and guiding each project with clarity and precision. Our process typically unfolds across three phases: Conceptual Design, Construction Documents, and Design Oversight.

The Conceptual Design phase can be commissioned independently and serves as a comprehensive master plan. It defines outdoor living spaces, circulation, materials, and overall flow, while providing early budget guidance to align vision and investment. For clients seeking a seamless transition from design to construction, Construction Documents and Design Oversight can be discussed as follow-up phases, ensuring every detail is technically sound, permit-ready, and executed to design intent.

Throughout every stage, we prioritize transparent communication, thoughtful problem-solving, and attention to detail. The result is a landscape that reflects your vision, supports your lifestyle, and stands the test of time - a place where it is easy to love your leisure.

Yes. While Montgomery Robbins is based in Alamo, California, we regularly work with residential clients throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Over the past decade, we’ve refined a hybrid design process that allows us to create highly detailed, site-responsive landscapes through a combination of remote collaboration and strategic on-site involvement.

Our process begins much like an in-person engagement, with an in-depth consultation to understand your property, lifestyle, and goals. We use a combination of digital mapping, photo and video documentation, and virtual meetings to gain a comprehensive understanding of the site. From there, we develop detailed design packages that are both technically precise and highly personalized.

For many clients—particularly those in the Bay Area or participating in Design Oversight—our team conducts on-site visits at key milestones. These visits allow us to verify conditions, coordinate with contractors, and ensure the design intent is being implemented accurately. Whether collaborating remotely or in person, our focus remains the same: clear communication, thoughtful problem-solving, and exceptional design execution.

This hybrid approach allows clients to access top-tier residential landscape architecture expertise regardless of location, without compromising quality, creativity, or attention to detail.

Design fees at Montgomery Robbins are structured by phase and tailored to the scope, complexity, and investment level of each project. To provide clarity from the outset, we offer transparent starting ranges for each stage of the design process.

Conceptual Design — starting at $6,800
This phase establishes the foundation for your entire landscape. It includes a comprehensive master plan that defines outdoor living areas, circulation, materials, and overall flow, along with early guidance to help align vision and investment tolerance. Conceptual Design can be commissioned independently or serve as the basis for subsequent design phases.

Construction Documents — starting at $5,300
This phase translates the approved Conceptual Design into detailed, permit- and contractor-ready drawings. These technical plans ensure accuracy, coordination, and clarity throughout the construction process.

Design Oversight — starting at $4,500
If you wish, we can also stay involved during construction in a design oversight role. Construction almost always brings up new questions and, at times, tougher conversations. When we stay involved, we act as your liaison and design advocate, helping interpret the plans, respond to questions, and weigh options so you do not have to manage every detail yourself and the built result stays aligned with the Master Plan.

Every project begins with a consultation to understand your goals, evaluate scope, provide an exact quote based on your specifications, and determine the most appropriate design path forward.

Montgomery Robbins designs fully custom, high-end residential landscapes tailored to the architecture, site conditions, and lifestyle of each client. Our work ranges from comprehensive property master plans to highly detailed outdoor living environments, all approached with the same level of care, technical rigor, and design intent.

We specialize in projects that require thoughtful planning and integration, including outdoor kitchens and dining areas, pools and spas, guesthouses, sports courts, gardens, and entertainment-focused outdoor living spaces. As licensed landscape architects, we design at every scale—from grading and drainage systems to planting design, lighting, and material selection—ensuring each element works cohesively within the larger landscape.

Because we are a design-only firm, our focus remains on creating enduring, well-planned landscapes that perform beautifully over time. When the project is ready for construction, we refer prequalified contractors whose craftsmanship aligns with our standards, helping ensure each design is executed with precision and care.

Whether reimagining a Bay Area hillside property, designing a coastal retreat, or creating a vacation oasis for a busy professional household, every Montgomery Robbins project reflects a balance of artistry, technical expertise, and livable luxury.

Starting a project with Montgomery Robbins begins with an initial consultation designed to understand your property, lifestyle, and goals. This first conversation allows us to confirm fit, discuss scope and investment considerations, and outline the most appropriate path forward.

All projects begin with a Conceptual Design, which serves as the foundation for your entire landscape. This phase establishes a cohesive master plan, defines outdoor spaces and circulation, and provides clear visual direction aligned with your investment range—ensuring every decision is thoughtful, intentional, and grounded in long-term performance.

Once the Conceptual Design is complete, many clients choose to continue with additional phases of our design services,  including Construction Documents and Design Oversight. These phases provide the technical detail and professional guidance needed to carry the design intent through construction with clarity and confidence. Design Oversight is offered on a limited basis to ensure every client receives the focused attention, responsiveness, and level of care that define our work.

Throughout the process, you’ll work directly with our licensed residential landscape architects, ensuring clear communication, thoughtful collaboration, and a design experience that feels both structured and personal.

We welcome the opportunity to explore what’s possible for your property.

In residential landscape architecture, return on investment (ROI) extends well beyond resale value alone. It reflects how a property performs over time—financially, functionally, and emotionally. A professionally designed landscape may increase overall property value, reduce long-term maintenance and replacement costs, improve day-to-day livability, and strengthen how a home is perceived by both occupants and future buyers.

At Montgomery Robbins, this broader definition of ROI is guided by the idea of high-yield relaxation—the belief that how a landscape is used, and the feeling it creates, is just as important, if not more important, than purely financial measures. When outdoor environments are designed to support ease, enjoyment, and daily use, the return is experienced continuously, not just at the time of sale.

True ROI is realized through thoughtful planning that considers durability, usability, functionality, and longevity from the outset. When a landscape is designed as a cohesive system—addressing layout, materials, infrastructure, and future use—it is far more likely to perform well over decades, not just in a single moment.

Yes—but like most meaningful investments in our homes, the return on professional landscape architecture is realized over time. While a homeowner may not recoup every dollar immediately if a property were sold right after construction is completed, a well-designed landscape consistently contributes to increased perceived and actual home value as the property matures.

As time passes, thoughtful landscape design enhances curb appeal, livability, and overall market perception—factors that influence both resale value and buyer demand. In strong residential markets, these benefits often compound, meaning the value added by a professionally designed landscape becomes more apparent the longer it is enjoyed and maintained. In some cases, particularly in high-demand areas, homeowners have even seen the full return on their investment realized at resale.

The value added by a professionally designed landscape depends on factors such as scope, site conditions, material selection, and how the outdoor spaces are used. While financial return varies from property to property, thoughtful landscape architecture often delivers value that extends well beyond the initial design investment.

In addition to potential resale benefits, homeowners experience value through improved daily use, reduced long-term maintenance and replacement costs, and a landscape that performs reliably over time. In many cases, the most meaningful return is realized gradually—through years of enjoyment, ease of use, and confidence that the landscape was designed to last.

Hiring a landscape architect is often one of the most cost-effective decisions a homeowner can make when planning a residential landscape architecture project. A professional design helps prevent costly mistakes, eliminates guesswork, and ensures that materials, systems, functionality, and site flow are appropriate for the site. This level of foresight reduces the likelihood of rework, premature replacements, or design elements that fail to perform over time.

Licensed landscape architects are uniquely qualified to address grading, drainage, accessibility, and other site-specific and regulatory considerations that directly affect long-term performance and approval processes. Understanding the distinction between a landscape architect and a landscape designer is an important part of protecting both the project and the investment, particularly on complex or high-value properties.

For many homeowners, this added level of accountability, compliance, and long-term confidence is a meaningful component of the overall return on investment.

Contractor-led or DIY approaches often focus on individual features rather than the property as a whole. Landscape architects design comprehensively—considering grading, drainage, circulation, planting, structures, and future use as a cohesive system. This holistic approach results in landscapes that age well, function intuitively, and remain adaptable over time, protecting both financial and lifestyle investment.

The strongest long-term returns typically come from landscape features that combine durability with consistent, everyday use. Well-planned outdoor living and entertaining spaces, integrated terraces, pools, and architectural structures perform particularly well because they extend the functional footprint of the home and support a wide range of activities.

Material selection also plays a critical role in long-term value. Natural stone, concrete, and other time-tested surfaces tend to outperform trend-driven alternatives by aging gracefully, requiring fewer replacements, and maintaining their visual appeal over decades. These materials contribute to both performance and perception—two key components of ROI.

Most importantly, landscapes designed for gathering, relaxation, and year-round use deliver ongoing lifestyle value while reinforcing resale appeal.

Professional landscape design reduces long-term costs by anticipating how a landscape will mature, perform, and interact with site conditions over time. Proper grading, drainage, and underlying infrastructure help prevent common issues such as erosion, water damage, plant failure, and structural deterioration—problems that often lead to expensive repairs or premature replacement.

Equally important, thoughtful material selection and planting design account for longevity, maintenance demands, and seasonal performance. When systems are planned cohesively from the outset, homeowners avoid the cycle of piecemeal fixes and reactive upgrades that can quietly erode both budget and enjoyment.

By addressing these considerations early, professional landscape architecture protects the overall investment while ensuring the landscape remains functional, attractive, and reliable for years to come.

Absolutely. Lifestyle value is often the most immediate return. A well-designed landscape supports how homeowners actually live—hosting friends, spending time with family, relaxing outdoors, or simply enjoying views and seasonal change. When outdoor spaces function effortlessly, they become part of daily life rather than occasional amenities.

This experiential value is often cited by clients as one of the most meaningful outcomes of professional design.

Professional landscape architecture supports longevity by designing outdoor environments that remain usable, comfortable, and adaptable over time. Thoughtful circulation, appropriately scaled pathways, gentle transitions, and well-considered lighting are addressed early in the design process, ensuring outdoor spaces are accessible and intuitive for people of all ages and abilities.

This forward-looking approach often includes planning for future mobility needs—such as accommodating strollers today and potential wheelchair or walker access later—without compromising aesthetics or experience. By integrating these considerations into the original design intent, landscapes can evolve gracefully alongside homeowners’ lives rather than requiring reactive changes.

By anticipating long-term use from the beginning, landscape architecture extends the functional life of outdoor spaces, protects lifestyle value, and reduces the need for disruptive or costly modifications in the future—strengthening both personal enjoyment and overall return on investment.

Homes with cohesive, high-quality landscapes often sell more quickly because they present as complete and move-in ready. Buyers are drawn to properties where the outdoor environment feels intentional, functional, and well cared for. In competitive markets, real estate agents report to us this differentiation can be a decisive factor and something that can push a buy to select one home over another.

No two properties are the same. Site-specific design accounts for topography, soil conditions, sun exposure, views, and existing architecture. This level of customization ensures that design decisions are appropriate and durable, reducing the risk of failure over time. Landscapes designed in response to their specific context consistently perform better and maintain value longer than generic solutions.

Bay Area properties—and residential landscapes throughout Northern California—often present complex site conditions that directly influence long-term landscape performance and value. Hillside terrain, variable microclimates, expansive soils, drainage challenges, and evolving regulations all affect how a landscape functions over time. When these factors are not properly addressed, they can lead to premature wear, costly repairs, or limitations on future use.

Professional landscape architecture accounts for these regional conditions from the outset, ensuring that design decisions support stability, longevity, and adaptability. By anticipating environmental and regulatory constraints early in the process, homeowners protect both their property and their investment—resulting in landscapes that perform reliably and retain value across Northern California’s diverse conditions.

In Northern California, outdoor spaces function as true extensions of the home. Homeowners across Alamo, Danville, Lafayette, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Marin, and the Peninsula increasingly want landscapes that feel intentional, cohesive, and deeply personal. A licensed landscape architect brings both vision and technical expertise to this process — balancing artistry with site planning, climate awareness, and long-term performance.

Rather than approaching the property feature by feature, a landscape architect creates a master plan that ensures every space, grade, and material choice works together. This unifies the landscape into something that feels like a destination, not a collection of parts. That balance of creativity, technical planning, and strategic foresight is what elevates a professionally designed landscape beyond what a contractor or designer typically provides.

Outdoor living in the Bay Area is evolving quickly. Homeowners are no longer looking for a single patio or planting bed — they want full outdoor environments. Dining terraces, outdoor kitchens, resort-style pools and spas, covered entertaining areas, children’s play zones, shaded lounges, and quiet garden retreats all need to feel connected.

Landscape architects design these elements to flow seamlessly with the home’s architecture, microclimates, and everyday lifestyle patterns. Rather than choosing between beauty and function, the goal is to intertwine them so the landscape feels refined, purposeful, and effortless to use year-round.

Northern California landscapes are shaped by steep slopes, heritage trees, clay soils, shifting microclimates, and fire-wise considerations. While these conditions may appear limiting, a skilled landscape architect treats them as opportunities. Thoughtful grading becomes sculptural movement across the site. Drainage integrates discreetly into hardscape patterns. Fire-wise guidelines inspire planting palettes that look intentional and elegant.

The region’s natural drama becomes a design advantage — and when addressed through professional planning, the outdoor environment becomes both more durable and more visually compelling.

Cohesion begins with a clear, site-specific master plan. A landscape architect evaluates architecture, circulation, sun and shade exposure, elevation changes, and lifestyle priorities before placing any outdoor feature.

Rather than scattering amenities throughout the yard, each space is positioned with purpose — ensuring comfortable transitions, aligned materials, appropriate proportions, and intuitive flow. This planning is what prevents landscapes from feeling disjointed and instead creates an environment where every zone supports the overall rhythm and experience of the property.

Northern California properties require specialized design due to dramatic slopes, mature trees, clay soils, and microclimates that shift from block to block. Add in fire-wise considerations and water stewardship, and the landscape becomes a highly technical environment that demands thoughtful planning.

Landscape architects anticipate drainage needs, grade transitions, sun and wind patterns, and long-term resilience from the very beginning. These technical elements form the foundation of a landscape that performs beautifully, ages gracefully, and supports daily living without compromise.

Professional design turns requirements into enhancements. Fire-wise planting guidelines inform palettes that feel refined, intentional, and regionally appropriate. Water stewardship becomes part of the garden’s elegance through efficient irrigation and climate-responsive planning. Drainage is integrated seamlessly into the hardscape. Accessibility features blend into the architecture rather than drawing attention to themselves.

This is where the art–science balance of landscape architecture matters: the technical foundation supports — rather than interrupts — the beauty of the outdoor experience.

The Bay Area’s sloped terrain, clay-heavy soils, and seasonal rain patterns make grading and drainage essential to long-term landscape performance. When planned correctly, grading shapes comfortable movement across the property and creates usable outdoor rooms. Drainage systems protect the home, hardscape, and plantings — often disappearing entirely into the design.

Licensed landscape architects integrate these systems early in the planning process, ensuring stability, longevity, and visual cohesion. What feels effortless at the surface is supported by detailed technical strategy beneath it.

Northern California is known for layered regulations, including water-use restrictions, defensible space requirements, municipal permitting, and HOA guidelines. A licensed landscape architect builds these parameters into the design from the start, aligning the plans with what local agencies expect.

This anticipatory approach minimizes revisions, accelerates approvals, and protects project momentum. With the technical framework resolved early, creativity can unfold with confidence and efficiency.

Technology is reshaping outdoor living throughout Northern California. Homeowners are adopting automated pergolas, intelligent irrigation, climate-responsive water systems, app-controlled lighting, and integrations that tie outdoor systems into whole-home automation platforms.

In a region where sustainability, convenience, remote monitoring, and seamless indoor-outdoor living matter, thoughtful technology integration elevates both everyday enjoyment and long-term landscape performance.

A well-designed landscape anticipates how needs may evolve over time. Whether planning for aging parents, mobility considerations, small children, or simply smoother everyday movement, accessibility can be integrated in a way that feels natural and elevated.

Gentle slopes, smooth transitions, intuitive circulation, adaptive lighting, and discreet support elements preserve comfort and independence without compromising aesthetics. In luxury residential design, thoughtfulness becomes part of the beauty — and part of the ease of living.

A landscape is a meaningful investment — financially, emotionally, and experientially. Landscape architects protect that investment through comprehensive documentation, cohesive planning, material strategy, and long-term visioning rather than isolated, piecemeal decisions.

With a master plan guiding each stage, the resulting landscape is more durable, more harmonious, and more aligned with how you want to live today and in the future. This is what allows professionally designed landscapes to stand the test of time.

Montgomery Robbins, Inc. is a licensed landscape architecture firm based in Alamo, California, serving homeowners throughout the Bay Area and beyond. With more than 50 years of experience designing refined outdoor environments, the firm specializes exclusively in residential landscape architecture — ensuring every plan is site-specific, unique, and meticulously aligned with the home and lifestyle it supports.

Clients consistently recognize the team’s professionalism, creativity, and transparent communication, reflected in more than 100 verified five-star reviews. Montgomery Robbins begins by learning how you live and what inspires you, then crafts a one-of-a-kind retreat where beauty, comfort, and function coexist seamlessly.

The firm welcomes unique requests — including accessibility accommodations and imaginative, one-of-a-kind concepts — provided they align with feasibility, regulations, and your investment framework. Whether through in-person collaboration or Montgomery Robbins’ established remote design platform, the result is an outdoor environment that feels effortless, enduring, and unmistakably yours.