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Business Details
44 Years
experience
Expert Landscape Architecture Services in Southern California
Phil May Landscape Architect has been delivering tailored outdoor design solutions since 1982, combining over 37 years of professional expertise with a meticulous attention to detail. Our process begins with comprehensive site evaluation and client consultation, followed by budget planning, customized design development, and oversight of high-standard construction implementation. Specializing in commercial, residential, and municipal projects across Southern California, we integrate functional flows, safety, aesthetics, and climate considerations into every landscape solution.

Our team of degreed professionals brings specialized knowledge in site analysis, water management, and construction documentation to ensure client goals are met with precision. With a legacy of handling diverse projects from industrial complexes to custom homes, we maintain a client-centric approach that prioritizes transparency, budget adherence, and long-term satisfaction through enduring outdoor spaces.
Services
Landscape Design Construction Pools Fire Features Patio Covers Outdoor Kitchens Hardscapes Site Analysis Water Management Construction Documents
Details
  • Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
  • We provide 37+ years of landscape architecture experience since 1982.
  • Our process includes detailed site evaluation and client goal analysis.
  • We handle diverse projects from industrial complexes to custom homes.
  • Our team holds degrees in landscape architecture from accredited institutions.
  • We maintain construction quality through approved contractor partnerships.
Services
Landscape Design
Our landscape design service creates customized outdoor environments that integrate aesthetic appeal with functional requirements. We analyze site conditions, client needs, and budget parameters to develop comprehensive plans addressing flows, accessibility, safety, and microclimate factors. With 37 years of expertise, we deliver designs that enhance property value while maintaining environmental harmony through strategic plant selection and hardscape integration.
Construction
We oversee construction projects from start to finish using approved contractor partnerships to ensure quality execution. Our team provides detailed construction documentation, material specifications, and on-site supervision to maintain design integrity. This service guarantees adherence to approved plans while addressing real-time challenges through our 34+ years of practical implementation experience across diverse project types in Southern California.
Site Analysis
Our site analysis service examines topography, soil conditions, drainage patterns, and existing vegetation to inform design decisions. We assess environmental factors like sun exposure and wind patterns while considering regulatory constraints. This foundational step ensures optimal space utilization and identifies potential challenges early in the process, creating cost-effective solutions tailored to each property's unique characteristics.
Water Management
We develop customized water management systems that address irrigation needs and stormwater control. Our approach combines functional drainage infrastructure with sustainable practices like permeable paving and rain gardens. This service prevents water damage while promoting efficient resource use through expert-designed irrigation systems tailored to Southern California's climate conditions and specific project requirements.
Construction Documents
We produce detailed technical drawings and specifications required for construction execution. These documents include grading plans, planting schedules, and material specifications that communicate design intent to contractors. Our documentation process incorporates digital tools like Photoshop and Illustrator for clear visual representation, ensuring accurate implementation of both residential and commercial projects with precise attention to regulatory compliance.
People
Phil May
Owner/Founder
Graduated from Oregon State University in 1982 with a landscape architecture degree. Oversees all design and documentation aspects with 34+ years of project experience across industrial, commercial, and residential sectors.
Rosalio Serna
Office Manager/Landscape Designer
Cal Poly Pomona graduate (2005) specializing in site design and water management. Handles construction documents and client management for diverse projects including industrial, commercial, and custom home landscapes since joining the team.
Francisco J. Fernandez
Landscape Designer
Dual-degree professional with a 2006 Cal Poly Pomona landscape architecture degree and 2002 architecture associate degree. Brings interdisciplinary expertise to design implementation and construction detail preparation through innovative problem-solving approaches.
Shams Khoram
Landscape Designer
Joined in 2016 with a Cal Poly Pomona landscape architecture degree and irrigation minor. Specializes in site analysis through construction documentation, utilizing Photoshop and Illustrator for commercial/residential renderings with technical precision.
Questions
What services does Phil May Landscape Architect offer?
We provide comprehensive landscape architecture services including site analysis, design development, construction documentation, and project oversight for commercial, residential, and municipal projects across Southern California.
How long has Phil May Landscape Architect been in business?
Phil May founded the firm in 1982 after graduating from Oregon State University, making us a 40+ year established practice with continuous landscape architecture expertise.
What project types do you handle?
Our experience spans industrial complexes, commercial developments, mixed-use properties, municipal projects, and custom residential landscapes throughout Southern California since 1982.
How does your design process work?
Our four-phase process includes site evaluation and client consultation, budget estimation, detailed design development considering all environmental factors, and construction oversight using approved contractors for quality implementation.
What makes your firm different from other landscape architects?
We combine 37+ years of local experience with a team of degreed professionals who maintain hands-on involvement from initial analysis through final construction, ensuring design integrity throughout the project lifecycle.