Studio Landscape

Bottom line is that Studio Landscape is a professional firm with the experience to accommodate our needs as architects for both commercial and residential projects. Kathy brings to the table a high degree of service and a quality attitude. This combination of skills and personal integrity provides for a smooth job flow and ultimately, a creative project. Steven Foster, AIA - Cornerstone Architects

In the past 15 years, I've twice engaged Kathy Nolan of Studio Landscape to design a landscape for a home of mine. The first time, it was just the front yard; the second time, it was the entire surrounds of the house, including quite a large back yard. It should go without saying that I was happy with Ms. Nolan's work the first time, as this was what prompted me to hire her a second time. And I was equally pleased the second time. Since only one project is requested below, I'm giving the details for the second one. The stated month of July is an approximation, as the work went on for more than one month.

Studio Landscape's Kathy Nolan was fabulous!! She is extremely professional & knowledge- able! She was timely. She would let me know if there was going to be a delay. If a something unexpected came up she was not ratted but would discuss it with me bringing in other professionals if necessary. Her crew(s) were so great...friendly, knowledgeable & good workers. We were right on budget. When I would decide to add something she would have a cost analysis to me within a day or two &, if approved, she stuck to it. Her knowledge of plants is extensive with resource nurseries to provide what we would want. All of what I have just said is important in deciding on an landscape architect but the design sense if what makes it fabulous & unusual or just some nice plants. Kathy has a keen sense of design. She totally listens to you so the project reflects you & not just her. After she has listened her exceptional designing jumps in producing results that will please. And, to top it off, Kathy is a delightful person.

Kathy has an ability to grasp the clients needs, wants and desires and turn them into a personally, customized landscape. She understands not only all the appropriate plants and trees but has a strong grasp of the "hardscape" pieces of the project as well. Kathy works in our changing environment, being sensitive to water issues while still achieving beautiful landscapes. Additionally, Kathy has donated lots of her time as a member of the planning commission in Ojai - no simple task.

I am pleased to recommend Kathy Nolan and Studio Landscape. We hired Kathy last fall to help us transform the front yard of our 50s ranch house in Ojai, California. This was the first home either of us had ever owned, and when we bought it the year before, it was clear that the doing something about the front was a major priority. What had once been a lovely garden had become an out-of-date mess with a water guzzling lawn, funky hedges, a hard scape with tree roots bursting through it, and absolutely no lighting. This was a large space needing a complete do-over and we had a limited budget. My husband and I have a strong design sense, but as new homeowners, we had never done anything like this before. Kathy was the perfect partner for us. Kathy was a terrific collaborator -- from developing the over-all landscape concept and then right down to the smallest details. Her considerable expertise and creativity were absolutely invaluable. She listens extremely well and not only completely understood our sensibility, but also had great ideas and resources to contribute. Plus, Katy was always sensitive to our budget and VERY patient! We also elected to use Kathy as our contractor and were extremely pleased. She is a true professional and all of the sub-contractors she used on our job were absolutely first-rate. Now that phase I is complete, we look forward to working with Kathy and Studio Landscape on phase II and beyond. I have included some before and after photos to illustrate the story.