Field + Studio: Summer 2025
big nature garden in altadena, ca
Have you ever felt how a landscape can shift your relationship with nature? At CRAFT, that’s the core of what we do—designing spaces that restore, connect, and inspire. Recently, we expanded our practice from California to New York, bridging ecosystems and deepening our commitment to building ecologically healthy, soul-nourishing environments.
In this piece, we’ll share what this transformation means for us, how our process blends art with ecology, and how landscape architecture can be a vessel for connection—both with the land and with ourselves.
Why Landscape Architecture Matters
Landscape architecture is more than design—it’s a way of restoring balance in an increasingly built world. As urban sprawl grows, green space becomes essential to our collective health. Time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, boost well-being, and foster a deeper sense of place.
At CRAFT, we approach each project with this in mind—spaces that invite calm, beauty, and biodiversity. We believe a landscape should not only look good, but do good.
Our Philosophy: Ecological & Narrative Driven Design
Every garden has a narrative. Whether nestled on a hillside or in a quiet courtyard, each space holds potential for story and connection. We design with a philosophy rooted in ecological awareness and personal resonance—landscapes that feel as alive as they look.
Our goal? Create environments that don’t just function, but speak.
How We Work: A Collaborative Process
Designing a landscape is a journey. Here’s how we walk through it:
Site Discovery – We start by listening to the land—its contours, climate, history, and existing life. This informs everything that follows.
Collaborative Design – With the client as co-creator, we shape a vision that’s meaningful, personal, and place-specific.
Implementation – We guide the build process to stay true to the ecological integrity and creative vision.
Stewardship – Our commitment continues after the last plant is in the ground, offering guidance for long-term care and growth.
Connecting People to Big Nature
With the expansion into New York and the ongoing love for California projects, our mission remains focused on connecting people to "Big Nature" gardens that provide solace, beauty, and a venue for experiences. These gardens embrace biodiversity and ecological health while inspiring those who experience them. Nature has inherent restorative properties, and we aim to amplify these through every garden we create.
From California to New York: Expanding Our Roots
In fall 2024, I began splitting time between California and Rochester, NY—a move driven by life shifts and a desire to work in the diverse, textured landscapes of the Northeast. The Finger Lakes region, with its lakes, forests, and rolling terrain, has opened up new creative and ecological possibilities.
Where some might see challenge, we saw evolution.
left: the high line, ny | right: big nature southern california garden
Regional Rhythms: Two Climates, A Singular Vision
California Inspired Projects
In California, our designs center on garden friendly natives like buckwheat, sage, ceanothus, and manzanita, resilient and expressive in a Mediterranean climate.
Recently planted big nature garden celebrating our connection with the surrounding environment
New York Flavors
In New York, we’re embracing seasonality—gardens that bloom in spring, blaze in fall, and endure through winter with structure and grace (and yes, there is a native Ceanothus!)
Different materials. Different rhythms. The same design values.
a recent trip, and my first, to the High line
Community as Core
As we take root in New York, we’re eager to connect with those who value sustainability, artistry, and a deeper relationship with their surroundings.
Know someone in the Finger Lakes—or beyond—who’d resonate with our work? Reach out. We’re always looking to collaborate with like-minded people, artisans, and local businesses.
big nature friend, brad, and stephen at tpf
What’s Ahead for CRAFT
This coast-to-coast chapter is just beginning. As we design within vastly different ecosystems, we’re learning, adapting, and evolving—just like the landscapes we love.
Expect more stories from the field, reflections on sustainability, and glimpses into the process that shapes each project. No matter where we are, our mission stays rooted: soulful, sustainable design that reconnects us to what matters.
Let’s Grow Together
We’d love to hear from you—whether you’re dreaming up a new garden, curious about our work, or just want to say hello.
Drop us a line. Let’s keep shaping this journey, one landscape at a time.