Ground Work: The Foundation of Residential Landscape Architecture in the Bay Area Landscape architecture is the design of space on every level—at eye level, above, and on the ground plane beneath our feet. The ground is often an overlooked aspect of design, yet it plays a critical role in how a space is [...]
Fire Features in Bay Area Landscape Architecture Fire features are among the most transformative components in luxury outdoor living design — especially in the Bay Area’s mild Northern California climate. At Montgomery Robbins, Inc., we integrate fire features not just as functional elements, but as design-driven focal points that extend seasonal living and [...]
High-End Drainage for Residential Landscapes When designing a high-end luxury drainage system for residential landscape architecture, the goal is to balance performance, durability, and aesthetics so the system feels like a refined design element rather than a utilitarian necessity. The most sophisticated solutions are subtle, often disappearing seamlessly into the [...]
Feng Shui for the Landscape Feng Shui is often discussed in relation to Interior Design, and whether or not you believe in the life-enhancing powers of orienting elements, there are many Feng Shui principles that may surprise you with their ability to enhance your landscape as well as your interior. It’s [...]
HOW TO HIRE A LANDSCAPE DESIGN PRO You’ve decided you want to hire a professional to design your landscape, but how do you decide who to call? If it’s your first time hiring a design pro of any sort, it can be an especially daunting idea. There are many services available to help [...]
With pleasure, we announce that J. Montgomery Designs is rebranding to Montgomery Robbins. Why, you ask? Our amazing Teresa Robbins (who has been with us for 20 years) has become a partner in our firm! If you have worked with our firm anytime from 2004 through today, Teresa has played a major role in [...]
Structures in the Landscape In nearly every garden style, constructed elements play a role in defining space for an inviting outdoor experience. Gates and trellises, pergolas, and cabanas—landscape structures have the power to transform a garden. The variety of styles gives infinite possibility to these elements, allowing a landscape’s unique character [...]
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 [...]
