So proud of my collaboration with Doug Levine (interior design & furniture) & Thomas Stallman (interior architecture) on a challenging renovation of an existing spec house in Benedict Canyon.

Because of the steep terrain, the house had virtually no usable outdoor space so we added an expansive deck to the front of the house and renovated an existing “roof” space above the kitchen. In the rear, the existing bridge dead ended into a large retaining wall so we built a firepit with a Corten steel panel behind to reflect the heat forward and added built-in bench seating in pockets on either side. The perfect place to nestle. The front of the house had dreadful, perpendicular, steep stair off the street or off the driveway where you weren’t sure where the front door was. The solution was constructing low walls and staggered stairs that brought you to the front door in a more graceful way with lighting to accentuate the experience.

For those that wonder what a landscape architect does, elements of my design include: entry stairs, wood deck, remodeled pool/spa, paving/walks, fire pit, built-in seating, pots, wall veneers, all plantings, and lighting.

Art by Owner

Thanks to:

Realtor – Tina Stern
Wish Sotheby’s International Realty
www.2701ellison.com
(Sold in Fall 2019)
Photos – Paul Barnaby at Total Agent
Edited video clips – Rudy Reyes of Neue Argot, James Geiger of Geiger Digital