Marin County
Landscape Design in San Rafael, California
Full-property landscape design for San Rafael homes.
Schedule my $100 consultationDesign-first landscape design for San Rafael properties
As Marin's county seat, San Rafael ranges from flat, established neighborhoods to sunny hillside properties. We design cohesive, full-property master plans that fit each setting — elevated outdoor living matched to San Rafael's warm, sheltered microclimate.
San Rafael tends to be warmer and more protected than much of Marin, which opens up a broad, water-wise Mediterranean palette. We design planting, hardscape, and lighting together so the whole property reads as one intentional vision.
On San Rafael's hillside lots, grading, drainage, and fire-wise design are part of the plan — creating level, usable outdoor rooms and protecting the home while keeping the garden beautiful. We coordinate a concierge handoff to trusted local builders.
The Transformation
A real San Rafael before & after
Drag the slider to reveal what a design-first master plan makes possible.
Open lawn → modern pool, turf & sun deck
San Rafael
Overgrown planter island → curved stone wall & clean planting on new paving
San Rafael
Crumbling rock steps → stone terraces, wide steps & planting beds
San Rafael
Tumbled boulders & agapanthus → tiered stone walls along the drive
San Rafael
Overgrown bank → low stone wall, agaves & a widened driveway
San Rafael
Patchy lawn → fresh lawn wrapped in a gravel path & border
San Rafael
Bare gravel yard → lawn, mulched beds & blue grasses by the studio
San Rafael
Gravel drive & dead beds → stone wall, planted beds & a lawn circle
San Rafael
Dry lawn & rock edge → new lawn with a clean mowing strip
San Rafael
Gravel corner & flagstone path → bluestone patio, fire bowl & curved seat wall
San Rafael
Rough boulder steps → stone-slab stairway through gravel & a planted bank
San Rafael
Brick patio & bark yard → porcelain-plank terrace with a raised planter
San Rafael
Old brick & rubble wall → smooth planter wall with moss, grasses & flax
San Rafael
What we design in San Rafael
Client Success Stories
Results that make you proud to host again
When we decided to remove our swimming pool and redesign our backyard, we planned to do it ourselves. After we couldn't agree on designs or scope, we hired Hall Landscape Design. Ian incorporated our ideas and his expertise into a design that exceeded our expectations. He was pleasant, flexible with changes, and stayed in communication throughout. Highly recommend.
Micheal Crawford
Ian and his team did a wonderful job. He created a personalized, functional space, gave multiple options, and delivered a detailed plan any contractor could use. After design, his team connected us with reputable contractors for bids. Highly recommend.
Daniel Lebe
Ian is the landscape designer I prefer to work with on any project. I've worked with him for 20+ years, and he consistently brings fresh ideas that fit the client's requirements. He is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about bringing people's dreams to life. No cookie-cutter designs here.
The Lighting Geek
Ready to transform your San Rafael property?
Start with a $100 on-site consultation. You'll leave with clarity, priorities, and a clear path forward — and if you move into design, the fee is credited.
Schedule my consultation