Louise Leff Landscape Architecture Company Profile

 
Louise Leff always knew she wanted to work outdoors close to nature and it was studying horticulture that led her to the work that captured her heart: creating beautiful gardens. She further honed her skills by enrolling at Rutgers College where she earned her degree in landscape architecture. Louise's guiding passion has always been her commitment to ecologically sound landscapes. In 1995, she fulfilled this passion by founding Louise Leff Landscape Architecture in Petaluma CA.

Beautiful and Ecologically Sound Landscapes
"My company's specialty is being able to design in harmony with nature," says Louise. To that end, Louise Leff is a member of ADPSR (Architects, Designers and Planners for Social Responsibility). She has discovered a unique ability to marry ecological goals with her clients' needs.

"I make sure to really hear clients and understanding what they want," she says. "I look at the land they have and make it work for them in an ecologically sound way."

Louise Leff is also an expert in native California oak tree communities and helps Sonoma County clients understand the best way to add oak trees or to landscape around them to keep them their healthiest. "It's possible to garden under and around oaks, but you have to do it right," shares Louise.

Matching the Right Landscape Contractor to the Project
Consumers tell of some other landscape firms that push the client into specific procedures and supplies simply because they already have them in their inventory. If that landscaper was stuck with lots of lavender plants, for example, they recommend the client use lavender. If they don't have a skilled stone worker on staff, they would recommend a wooden deck, even though a stone patio might work better.

Unlike those companies, Louise Leff makes the clients' needs the priority in the design process. She says, "I'll go in the direction the client wants and needs." Because Louise Leff Landscape Architecture is a design office rather than a design/build company, she has more flexibility to design for the client than others that need to unload specific inventory.

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

"I get bids from my contractors for each job," says Louise Leff. "We each know how the other works; there's certain fluidity in our communication. And I always visit the site to ensure the design is being implemented properly by the contractors."

Giving People What They Want
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.

Louise Leff explains, "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. I specifically chose to focus on helping residential property owners because it's tremendously rewarding to help clients who will be personally enjoying what I create for them."

Louise Leff 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 CA 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 Leff volunteers her garden 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 adds, "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."