Business Details
Award-Winning Landscape Design in San Jose, CA
Cevan Forristt Landscape Design has been transforming outdoor spaces into artistic sanctuaries since 1995. Our founder, Cevan Forristt, draws inspiration from decades of travel across Asia and a background in stage set design to create gardens that reflect each client's unique vision. We specialize in integrating antique stone, ethnic artifacts, and contemporary architectural elements to craft spaces that serve as extensions of the home. Our team prioritizes deep client collaboration, spending extensive time understanding lifestyle needs before designing. Recognized with Garden Design magazine's Golden Trowel award, our work has been featured in National Geographic, The New York Times, and prominent design publications.We focus on sustainable practices, combining drought-tolerant plantings with salvaged materials to create lasting, functional art. Our Bay Area clients benefit from 25+ years of expertise in outdoor kitchens, water features, and custom hardscaping. Every project receives hands-on oversight from concept through installation, ensuring seamless execution of even the most complex designs. Our reputation for excellence is built on repeat clients and referrals from satisfied homeowners across California.
Services
Garden Design
Outdoor Kitchens
Water Features
Hardscaping
Custom Planters
Landscape Lighting
Native Plantings
Stone Work
Arbors & Trellises
Irrigation Systems
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in luxury landscape design
- Our team combines Asian artifacts with contemporary concrete installations
- Winner of Garden Design magazine's Golden Trowel award
- Custom designs tailored to client lifestyles and property constraints
- Featured in National Geographic and The New York Times
What people say
Artistic masterpieces
Stunning water features
Personalized approach
Durable craftsmanship
Seamless installations
Services
Garden Design
Our garden design service creates personalized outdoor sanctuaries tailored to your lifestyle. We combine antique stone, contemporary concrete elements, and drought-tolerant plantings to craft functional art spaces. Clients receive hands-on collaboration throughout the design process, ensuring spaces that accommodate entertainment, relaxation, and personal expression while maintaining ecological sustainability.
Custom Hardscaping
Specializing in bespoke hardscaping solutions, we transform outdoor spaces with custom patios, walkways, and seating areas. Our team integrates salvaged architectural elements with modern concrete installations to create durable, artistic surfaces. Services include fluted concrete pedestals, repurposed stone walls, and Torii-style gates that enhance property aesthetics while maintaining structural integrity.
Water Features
We design and install custom water features that serve as focal points for outdoor spaces. Our expertise includes sculptural concrete ponds with traditional bamboo spouts, cascading fountains, and rain chains integrated with ambient lighting. Each feature is engineered for year-round functionality and maintenance efficiency while creating soothing auditory elements within the landscape.
Outdoor Kitchens
Our outdoor kitchen designs maximize Bay Area living by creating seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining areas. We incorporate durable, weather-resistant materials with custom concrete countertops, built-in grills, and ambient lighting solutions. Each space is tailored to client cooking habits and entertaining needs while maintaining aesthetic cohesion with surrounding landscape elements.
Landscape Lighting
We implement strategic lighting solutions that highlight architectural features and extend usability of outdoor spaces after dark. Our systems combine energy-efficient LED technology with artistic placement to accentuate textures, create ambiance, and ensure safety. Custom controls allow for seasonal adjustments and automated operation.
People
Cevan Forristt
Owner & Lead Designer
With 25+ years of experience, Cevan Forristt combines global inspiration with local expertise to create award-winning landscapes. His background in stage set design informs his approach to outdoor spaces as living environments. Recognized by Garden Design magazine and featured in National Geographic, he personally oversees each project to ensure artistic vision meets functional requirements.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in landscape design throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose, Los Gatos, Woodside, and surrounding communities.
How long does a typical project take?
Project timelines vary by scope but typically range from 3-6 months, including design development and installation phases for residential properties.
Do you handle both design and installation?
Yes, we provide full-service landscape solutions from initial concept through final installation, ensuring design integrity throughout the process.
What makes your approach unique?
Our signature style blends antique architectural elements with modern concrete installations, creating gardens that feel both timeless and contemporary.
Can you work with existing landscapes?
We specialize in transforming existing spaces, often incorporating original elements into new designs while addressing functional improvements.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
We prioritize drought-tolerant plantings, salvaged materials, and efficient irrigation systems to create environmentally responsible landscapes that thrive in California's climate.
