My husband and I were looking for a landscape designer to revive our 1930’s English Tudor garden that was in disrepair due to the drought. Catherine was the answer! She had the aesthetic sense and vision to honor the original bones of the garden, while incorporating hardscape and new plantings to accommodate the need for lower water usage. She created 3 charming functional spaces or garden rooms. The focal area of the garden is a large custom brick courtyard for dining and entertaining purposes. The courtyard has a fountain, large wooden planter, beautiful planted pots and 2 custom hand crafted arbors facing each other with market lights strung between them. The second area is a conversational seating area adjacent to our new low water lawn, which is used for playing corn hole, croquet and other outdoor garden games. Additional, she created a circular cozy fire pit area surrounded by plantings. She separated the 3 areas with custom arbors, custom planters, low water plantings and flagstone paths that lead you into the spaces.

She thought of every detail from matching the architectural details of the house, picking the market lights, adding outdoor electric outlets, to creating beautiful planted pots and choosing plants that use less water but fit the English style of our home. It is truly a magical garden.

Catherine is extremely talented, knowledgeable, organized, reliable, fairly priced and an absolute pleasure to work with. We interviewed many landscape designers and she was the only one that understood the importance of incorporating the architecture of our house and garden as well as the concept of creating outdoor rooms. She was busy at the time, but we waited for her to start the drawings. It was well worth the wait.

Elizabeth

First, I do not write five star reviews often. However, there are only a few instances where the highest review is warranted. Catherine Smith rests in this category. Personally, I have worked in all phases of residential construction for thirty years and rarely have I worked with someone who allows me to freely express my creative energy within the bounds of a clearly communicated vision. All her work is directed toward the fulfillment of her client's pleasure in a completed landscape. Of course, no landscape is 'complete' or for that matter, static, it is a life in continuance, a growing, changing, fulfillment of living space... and in this sense, Catherine's design skill is visionary. To hire her is to join her in this venture. On top of this she has a wonderful sense of humor.

A few words here about what Catherine is not. She does not force an design idea down a client's throat. She does not allow pressure decision-making. Catherine is aware much money is being spent and she does not abuse budgetary privilege. She is not in a hurry to move on to the next thing.

As for me, I am a woodworker who has a doctorate in Classical history (Charles March Construction, CA #655817). I currently build landscape architecture: arbors, pergolas, trellises, wood swings, etc. And Catherine has called me in to work in this capacity. I am selective in the projects I take on; do not accept everything that comes my way. When Catherine calls, I answer immediately. That is perhaps the highest praise I can give.

Charles March Construction

We wanted to work with someone who could pull a project together 100 percent, and we found this person in Catherine Smith of Casa Smith Designs. Catherine came up with pleasing outdoor as well as indoor plans that took into account our goals and reflected who we are. She explained her recommendations, but did not force them on us. She took the time to research and source furniture, outdoor planters, tables and whatever we needed and gave us choices. If a piece was not quite right, Catherine continued looking. One aspect of our project focused on enjoying our backyard more, and Catherine's selection of outdoor furniture and fabrics was outstanding. The planters and pots she found are beautiful, and the plants and flowers she chose to put in them make attractive and interesting arrangements. We have received many compliments on the "new" backyard. Catherine has an eye for detail and color -- in the yard as well as in the home -- and all the pieces have come together pleasingly. Our family room and living room have been transformed through Catherine's recommendations on fabrics, sofas, tables and lamps. By changing the location of a couch, she gave the family room a feeling of openness it previously lacked. She also has shown us how to enjoy pieces of furniture and art we already had, and she has helped "de-clutter" by removing furniture and too many items on shelves. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with designer Catherine Smith.

Andrea

Catherine is a real pro. Her attention to detail and her personal interest in every aspect of our project made the outcome a joy. She is personally invested in every aspect of the final product....working as though it was HER home...not our's. It was much appreciated. I'd highly recommend her.

Catherine is responsible for the car-stopping landscape at our home! She did an incredible job of recommending a beautiful plant design, purchasing the plants and materials and overseeing the installation as well as the soil preparation. She chose unique plants that thrive in the environments in which they are planted. Our yard is striking, functional and thriving. I have recommended to several friends who are also very pleased with her work. She first designed our yard for Spring, 2011 and again for our fall planting. We literally have people stopping and asking for her card.

Polly

I highly recommend Catherine of Casa Smith Designs for your Landscape Design needs. She developed a plan to enhance our front entry with eye popping color, fragrant aromas and the peaceful sounds of a cascading fountain. She achieved more than we could have asked. She is professional, talented and trustworthy. We have hired her to continue to assist us with other areas of our property. Thank you, Catherine, for your tender loving care of our home.