Louise Leff Landscape Architecture Company Profile

t's true that Louise Leff always knew she wanted to work outdoors close to nature. Her early search for a fresh-air calling ranged from tree trimming to billboard painting, but it was a class in horticulture that led her to the work that captured her heart: creating gardens. As she developed her skills, she sought more design training, eventually enrolling at Rutgers College to earn her degree in landscape architecture.

Louise's guiding passion has always been her commitment to ecologically sound landscapes. In 1995, she was able to fulfill this passion by starting her own business in Sonoma County: Louise Leff Landscape Architecture.

Beautiful and Ecologically Sound Landscapes
"My company's goal is design in harmony with nature. I always say, 'First, do no harm.'" To that end, Louise Leff is a member of Architects, Designers and Planners for Social Responsibility (ADPSR). She has discovered a unique ability to marry ecological goals with her clients' needs.

"I excel at listening to clients and understanding what they want," she said. "I look at the land they have and make it work for them in an ecologically sound way."

Louise is also an expert in native California oak tree communities and can help clients understand the best way to add them or landscape around them to keep the trees healthy. "It's possible to garden under and around oaks, but you have to do it right," says Louise.

Matching the Right Landscape Contractor to the Project
From her previous work with larger developers, Louise noticed that those companies would tend to nudge their clients in the direction of the skills or supplies they just happened to have on hand. If the contractor had lots of lavender plants, for example, they would recommend lavender to the client. If they didn't have a skilled stone worker on staff, they would recommend a wooden deck, even though a stone patio might work better.

"When I started my company, I wanted to be able to go in whatever direction the client wanted," said Louise. "Because Louise Leff Landscape Architecture is a design office rather than a design-and-build company, I have a lot more flexibility."

Over the years, Louise has developed working relationships with several trusted local contractors that she can count on for the installations she designs. This allows her to tailor each job by choosing the contractor that best suits the design, whether you need stone or wood, lavender or rhododendrons.

"I get bids from my contractors for each job," explained Louise. "We each know how the other works; there's certain fluidity in our communication. I always visit the site to ensure the drawings and design intent is being interpreted in the right way by the contractors."

Giving People What They Want
Similarly, Louise Leff is adept at navigating multiple opinions in the design and consulting phase. With over 20 years of experience in landscape design, Louise is uniquely qualified to help homeowners understand how to realize their vision for their garden or yard.

"When I'm talking to a couple with conflicting ideas, I can find the common thread and give them a garden that will satisfy them both," she says. "It turns out that frequently they want the same thing--they just imagine it differently. I chose this niche because I enjoy working directly with clients who will be using what I create for them, as opposed to working with developers on commercial landscaping projects."

Louise cites "giving people what they want" as the aspect of her work that brings her the greatest satisfaction, no matter how large or small the job. She told a story of the garden she created for an elderly woman who was dying of cancer. The woman's doctor asked her, "What would make you happy?" The woman replied simply, "I would like a pretty garden." Louise created a small, beautiful and serene garden for that woman.

"I got so much satisfaction from that," says Louise with a smile. "For years she sent me cards and told me how much she loved it."

Published in Notable Landscaping Books

Many of Louise Leff's installations have been featured in two books: Secret Gardens, published by Sunset Books, and Landscape Makeovers, by Meredith Books. She recently completed plans for the new landscaping at the Petaluma City Hall.

Louise Leff Landscape Architecture can help you create beautiful landscapes large and small, with a wide variety of plants. Her projects include:

• yard renovations
• front entryways
• decks and patios
• ponds and water features
• swimming pool and spa surrounds
• walkways
• paving patterns
• retaining walls
• water systems
• special lighting systems

Giving Back
In support of her community, Louise volunteers her design skills for the local community group, "Rebuilding Petaluma," and mentors a nine-year-old girl each week. "I love mentoring. It's a chance to let kids know that they're valuable." Laughing, Louise added, "And I get to play; I get to go upside down on the monkey bars!"

To speak to Louise Leff is to share her passion for the planet, her life and her chosen profession. "I love going to work. Each day is exciting and brings a different challenge."


---Jim Brumm
Staff Writer
The Prime Buyer's Report