Magrane Associates Landscape Design Company Profile

ometimes a person is lucky enough to find the perfect niche for their passion and talents, and, by pursuing that passion with fervor, they enhance the lives of others. Such is the case with Penney Magrane, founder and owner of Magrane Associates Landscape Design.

A Natural Affinity For Landscape Design
Penney, originally from Kokomo, Indiana, left home and worked at various jobs, including hotel work in Yosemite. The journey led her to San Francisco where she studied interior design. Needing a job, she found work under the tutelage of a well-known master landscaper on a large estate. Immediately she felt an affinity for the work and returned to school, eventually earning a Master's degree in Landscape Architecture. She went to work for a landscaping firm for a while, then, in 1986, opened her own firm in San Francisco.

"She needed to be on her own to channel her energy," said Tim Berkley, Director of Operations at Magrane Associates Landscape Design. "Penney is only five foot one, but she has big energy, great leadership skills and a dynamic, infectious personality."

A Great Reputation, A Part of Her Community
At first, the majority of Penney Magrane's work was in San Francisco. While building her business, she served on the city's human rights committee and landmarks preservation board, which brought her lots of exposure. People who knew her in San Francisco began hiring her to do the landscaping for their second homes in the Sonoma County wine county.

Penney moved to Sonoma with her partner and created a breathtaking one-acre landscaped garden which has elements of all the skill sets and creative ideas she offers. Clients often visit the site to garner ideas and inspiration for their own projects.

Rare Expertise in Horticulture
Penney Magrane and Magrane Associates Landscape Design, according to Tim Berkley, offers something that many landscape architects don't: an expertise in horticulture and an eye for the way plants can balance and enhance an environment. "Many landscape architects are great at the architectural part of the work—drawings and plans—but aren't as well versed in the actual plants. Penney specializes in plants and will travel far and wide to secure specific plants and trees. She can create a new landscape design with a mature garden," he said.

With a team of five architects, and offices in Sonoma and San Francisco, Magrane Associates Landscape Design is large enough to handle any design, but small enough to provide hands-on, individual attention to each project that comes their way. Tim Berkley, as Director of Operations, brings "a business and management sense" to the designers. "I'm the left brain," he said, laughing.

Giving Back
An integral part of its community, Magrane Associates Landscape Design donates and participates in several local charities, including parks, museums, schools, breast cancer and AIDS awareness organizations. Their commitment to helping others and passion for bringing their clients' visions to fruition has earned them kudos from the industry and from their completely satisfied and thrilled customers.

According to Tim Berkely, the philosophy of Penny Magrane and her top-notch staff at Magrane Associates Landscape Design is simple: To give whatever service is needed, at the highest level. "We don't try to convince you of anything," he said. "It's your house and your dream. We want to take your vision to the best level it can be. We will never get too big; we'll always be able to offer personal service."


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