Business Details
16 Years
experience
Expert Landscape Architects in San Rafael, CA
At SW Design, we are committed to delivering design excellence and sustainable solutions tailored to each unique site and environmental condition. With over 35 years of experience in diverse landscape architectural projects, our small firm provides direct client interaction and seamless coordination with subconsultants, ensuring quality execution of design intent within budget constraints. Our founder, Stephanie Wondolleck, brings extensive expertise from her tenure at prominent San Francisco Bay Area firms, combining a deep understanding of client needs with creative responsiveness to environmental challenges. We specialize in residential, community, and public projects, emphasizing thoughtful use of space, functional aesthetics, and long-term ecological benefits. Our dedication to client satisfaction is reflected in our meticulous attention to detail, collaborative approach, and proven ability to transform complex ideas into cohesive, beautiful landscapes.Recognized for our work in Northern California and Nevada, we maintain active licensure and membership in the American Society of Landscape Architects, upholding the highest professional standards. Clients consistently praise our ability to balance creativity with practicality, delivering spaces that enhance lifestyles and property value while respecting environmental contexts. From initial concept to final implementation, we prioritize clear communication, budget adherence, and innovative problem-solving to ensure every project meets its intended purpose and exceeds expectations.
Services
Residential Landscaping
Community Design
Parks Development
Sustainable Solutions
Site Analysis
Drainage Planning
Plant Selection
Outdoor Living Spaces
Permitting Assistance
Environmental Coordination
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of landscape architecture experience across diverse environmental regions.
- Our team provides direct client interaction and seamless subconsultant coordination.
- We specialize in sustainable designs that balance aesthetics with ecological responsibility.
- Our small firm delivers personalized attention while maintaining large-project capabilities.
- We hold active licensure in California and Nevada with ASLA professional membership.
Associations and certifications
- American Society of Landscape Architects
What people say
Exceptional attention to detail
Creative drainage solutions
Within budget delivery
Seamless consultant coordination
Beautiful functional spaces
Services
Residential Landscaping
Transform outdoor living spaces with custom residential designs that balance aesthetics, functionality, and environmental sustainability. Our team creates tailored solutions for front/back yards, patios, and garden spaces while maintaining strict budget adherence. Clients benefit from 35+ years of expertise in plant selection, drainage solutions, and lifestyle-oriented spatial planning.
Community Design
Develop cohesive community landscapes for parks, shared spaces, and multi-family developments. We specialize in creating environmentally sensitive designs that meet municipal requirements while enhancing neighborhood aesthetics. Our process includes site analysis, stakeholder coordination, and implementation of durable, accessible outdoor environments that serve diverse populations.
Sustainable Solutions
Implement environmentally responsible landscaping that reduces water usage and supports local ecosystems. Our approach integrates native plants, permeable surfaces, and climate-appropriate materials to create low-maintenance, ecologically beneficial spaces. This service includes drainage management systems that convert stormwater challenges into functional design elements.
Drainage Planning
Resolve complex drainage issues through creative engineering solutions that enhance landscape functionality. We design systems that prevent erosion, manage stormwater runoff, and incorporate water features into overall design schemes. Our expertise includes coordinating with civil engineers to address challenging topographies while maintaining aesthetic continuity.
Permitting Assistance
Navigate municipal approval processes for landscape projects requiring environmental review. We prepare technical documentation, coordinate with city planners, and ensure compliance with local ordinances. This service includes managing subconsultant input to streamline permitting for both residential and commercial developments.
People
Stephanie Wondolleck
Owner / Licensed Landscape Architect
With 35+ years of experience, Stephanie founded SW Design in 2010 after leading projects at prominent Bay Area firms. A UC Berkeley graduate and five-time U.S. sailing champion, she holds licenses in California (RLA 3680) and Nevada (RLA 843), combining technical expertise with creative problem-solving.
Questions
What types of landscape projects do you specialize in?
We specialize in residential properties, community spaces, and public parks with a focus on sustainable design solutions.
Are you licensed in multiple states?
Yes, our lead architect holds active licenses in California (RLA 3680) and Nevada (RLA 843).
How do you handle complex drainage issues?
We integrate functional drainage systems with aesthetic elements through collaborative engineering coordination.
Can you work with existing design concepts?
Yes, we excel at transforming client ideas into cohesive, buildable landscape plans.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily San Rafael and Northern California, with Nevada projects through our state licensing.
How do you ensure projects stay within budget?
Through detailed cost analysis, material selection guidance, and phased implementation planning.
