Business Details
Award-Winning Landscape Design in Santa Barbara
Grace Design Associates is a premier landscape design-build firm with over three decades of experience creating world-class gardens in Santa Barbara and beyond. Founded by renowned designer Margie Grace, our collaborative approach integrates design and construction under one team to deliver cohesive, site-specific landscapes. We specialize in crafting environments that harmonize with local ecosystems, emphasizing sustainability through water-efficient practices, soil conservation, and fire-smart techniques. Our portfolio spans over 350 projects globally, from historic estates to modern coastal retreats, each reflecting our clients' lifestyles and the natural character of the land.Recognized with multiple awards, including the International Landscape Designer of the Year, we combine artistic vision with technical expertise to transform outdoor spaces into functional, enduring works of art. Our in-house team oversees every detail, from concept to completion, ensuring precision in materials, plantings, and craftsmanship. With deep roots in Santa Barbara's unique climate and ecology, we are trusted advisors in creating landscapes that celebrate California's natural beauty while meeting the evolving needs of our clients.
Services
Landscape Design
Garden Construction
Hardscape Installation
Plant Selection
Outdoor Lighting
Water Features
Eco-Friendly Landscaping
Custom Garden Art
Site Analysis
Maintenance Planning
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of award-winning landscape design expertise.
- Our integrated design-build process ensures seamless project execution.
- We specialize in environmentally sensitive landscapes tailored to local ecosystems.
- Our team collaborates directly with top regional and international suppliers.
- We maintain old-world craftsmanship standards in every project detail.
What people say
Beautiful landscape
Exceeded expectations
Flawless diamond
Imaginative work
Masterful execution
Services
Landscape Design
Our landscape design service creates custom outdoor environments tailored to your property's architecture and natural surroundings. We combine artistic vision with ecological principles to develop functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces. Clients receive detailed plans that guide construction while ensuring long-term sustainability and beauty.
Garden Construction
From concept to completion, our skilled team executes designs with precision, focusing on craftsmanship and material quality. We handle terrain sculpting, hardscaping, and planting to transform designs into tangible, enduring landscapes that reflect our clients' visions.
Eco-Friendly Landscaping
We specialize in creating environmentally responsible gardens that conserve water, support biodiversity, and utilize fire-smart techniques. Our approach balances aesthetic appeal with ecological health, ensuring landscapes thrive within Santa Barbara's unique climate and ecosystems.
Plant Selection
Our experts hand-select plants from local and international sources to enhance each garden's character. We prioritize species suited to the site's conditions while incorporating exotic varieties to create dynamic, seasonally evolving landscapes that support local wildlife.
Water Features
We design and install custom water elements that add tranquility and visual interest to outdoor spaces. From cascading fountains to naturalistic ponds, our features integrate seamlessly with surrounding landscapes while enhancing the sensory experience of each garden.
People
Margie Grace
Lead Designer
With over 30 years of experience, Margie Grace is an internationally acclaimed landscape designer known for creating award-winning gardens that harmonize with nature and client lifestyles.
Dawn Close
Principal
As co-founding partner and Chief of Operations, Dawn Close manages business strategy and daily operations, bringing expertise in leadership development and women's entrepreneurship to the firm.
John Oberholtzer
Superintendent
With over 25 years in landscape construction, John oversees project execution, combining technical skill with client relationship management to deliver award-winning results.
Cesar Sanchez
Construction Specialist
A skilled craftsman with 20+ years of experience, Cesar brings creative problem-solving and precision to complex construction challenges, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
Eric Oberholtzer
Crew Leader
Eric combines a keen aesthetic eye with equipment expertise to lead construction teams, delivering detailed, beautiful landscapes from start to finish.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Santa Barbara, Montecito, Ojai, and surrounding regions in California.
What services do you offer?
We provide full-service landscape design, garden construction, hardscaping, plant selection, and eco-friendly landscaping solutions.
How long has your firm been in business?
Our founder has over 30 years of experience, and the firm has completed 350+ global projects since its inception.
Do you handle both design and construction?
Yes, we are a design-build firm, managing every project phase from concept to completion.
What makes your approach unique?
We integrate environmental stewardship with artistic design, tailoring each project to the client's lifestyle and local ecosystems.
Are your landscapes sustainable?
Yes, we prioritize water efficiency, soil conservation, and fire-smart practices in all our projects.
Reviews (4)
Julia Lowell
Jan 03, 2019
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Margie and her team completely redid our landscaping, which consists of just over 1/4 acre. The existing landscape was mostly lawn dominated by two very large old trees--one in front, one in back. It was formal, geometric, water-intensive--and boring. Margie reimagined our front and back yards, taking out the lawn and replacing it with winding gravel paths, fountains, and colorful but drought-tolerant flowers, shrubs and grasses.
Throughout the process she provided lots of ideas but was always attentive to what we wanted, even when we weren't sure ourselves. She was also sensitive to cost considerations. Now, we sit on our back patio and feel like we're at a resort. Really. Thank you, Margie.
Throughout the process she provided lots of ideas but was always attentive to what we wanted, even when we weren't sure ourselves. She was also sensitive to cost considerations. Now, we sit on our back patio and feel like we're at a resort. Really. Thank you, Margie.
Elaine LeVasseur
Mar 20, 2018
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As a former Santa Barbara Beautiful Garden Award recipient, local contractor and avid gardener, I've seen dozens of Grace Design's projects begin and thrive over many years. They are beautiful, distinctive, enhance the home and remain lovely over the years- all with low water and easy maintenance.
Claudia Arnett
Mar 19, 2017
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Grace Design Associates did an awesome job with our landscaping project. From start to finish Margie was with us. She understood our budget and helped us stay within it. Our garden is beautiful while being low maintenance. I would recommend Grace Design without hesitation.
Henry Rosas
Nov 06, 2016
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An amazing eye for beauty and design with exceptional execution. Margie is talented beyond belief. She listened and understood the challenge of landscaping my hillside home and was able to come back with a plan that not only made sense, but took into account how my family uses the outdoor space. Communication and professionalism is very important to me and everyone at Grace Design Associates not only met but exceeded my expectations. I am thrilled with the end results and very happy that I choose to go with Grace Design Associates. I highly recommend Margie and her team.
