/ September 3, 2024
exterior of Tudor cottage surrounding by native Colorado flowers

Landscape architecture is the design and planning of outdoor spaces, navigating elements of nature to create functional, aesthetic and sustainable environments. It involves the arrangement of land, water, vegetation, and built structures to achieve ecological balance, enhance human experience and support biodiversity. Ultimately, landscape architecture aims to create spaces that are harmonious with nature.

The landscape architects behind these Luxe 2024 RED Awards-winning designs surely hit the mark when it comes to crafting standout outdoor spaces that keep Mother Nature top of mind. Take a look at these landscape architecture designs that showcase the beauty of nature among stunning homes.

Landscape Architecture Designs That Blend Form + Function

A Fantastical Forest Shapes This Home’s Landscape Design

Mature oak trees and lush plantings are the backdrop to spaces geared for multigenerational use on the grounds of this Tudor-style home in San Anselmo, California. Hand-blown café lights allow for alfresco entertaining after the sun goes down.

Architect: Boxleaf Design | San Francisco, California

mature oak trees surround an outdoor patio

Restoring The Natural Ecosystem Through Landscape Architecture

For this Annapolis, Maryland, property, two objectives were top of mind for the design team: Restore the natural ecosystem and create an alfresco oasis for the owners. The result? The implementation of rain gardens, bioswales and a planting buffer support environmental goals, while a pool, fire pit and gardens create an ideal outdoor haven.

Architect: Campion Hruby Landscape Architects | Annapolis, Maryland

Designing Outdoor Spaces For A Charming Homestead

Live oaks and other plantings around this Albany, Georgia homestead were carefully preserved. Set on nearly 3,000 acres, the property includes plenty of outdoor space for dining, entertaining and, of course, farming.

Architect: CMLA | Southeast

Desert Landscape Architecture Highlights Native Plants

What’s more desert than cacti and agave? Designers drew inspiration from the desert grandeur of Scottsdale and added water elements, including a pool with a raised spa. A modern bocce ball court ups the fun, and a cantilevered metal fire pit rounds out the grounds.

Architect: Creative Environments | Arizona

Cottagecore Dreams Are What This Landscape Is Made Of

The formerly overgrown gardens of this 1930s Tudor cottage in Denver were revitalized with a romantic tapestry of native and adapted perennials as well as a more orderly boxwood maze. A delightful new sun terrace overlooks the pool.

Architect: Design Workshop | Colorado

Minimalist Landscape Architecture Lets Nature Take The Lead

This Austin landscape embraces minimalism to accentuate both home and nature. Designers employed native grasses to add textural softness and live oaks to increase vertical interest. Boxwoods complete the landscape, lending a more structural appeal.

Architect: Double B Design | Austin + San Antonio, Texas

French Romanticism Inspires The Design Of This Florida Property

The romanticism of Savannah’s oak-strewn landscapes intertwines with the formality of French gardens in this Coral Gables, Florida, estate. Green pavilions flanking the pool contain seating and dining areas. Take a moment of solace among the 18th-century French limestone fountains and stone benches.

Architect: Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design | Coral Gables, Florida

Elegant And Sophisticated Landscape Architecture

Conceived as a series of outdoor areas, a simple material palette unifies the grounds of this Calistoga, California retreat. From the silver foliage of the dining court’s olive trees to the vibrant blooms alongside the pool, designers embraced the allure of Napa Valley.

Architect: Ground Studio | San Francisco, California

A Prime Example Of Environmentally Friendly Landscape Design

This contemporary abode seamlessly blends form, function and environmental consciousness in its landscape design. Perched on a slender peninsula in Water Mill, New York, native flora was planted to help rejuvenate the wetland area abutting the bay.

Architect: LaGuardia Design Group | Greater New York

A Lakeside Home With A Showstopping Outdoor Space

rightly hued plants, including amethyst-colored astilbe, border the sweeping lawn of this Seattle residence situated along Lake Washington. Multiple terraces, including an alfresco dining area, fire pit and kitchen, offer the best of outdoor living.

Architect: Land Morphology | Pacific Northwest

Melding Form + Function Takes This Landscape To The Next Level

To complement this classic Winnetka, Illinois, abode, the team created a series of outdoor “rooms”. Including a kitchen, dining area and intimate conversation zone surrounding the fire pit, these “rooms” provide an added level of function to the stunning forms. Lounge next to the pool that’s cleverly hidden behind a stone wall and allée of linden trees.

Architect: Mariani Landscape | Chicago, IL

A Quiet Spot To Get Away From It All

A seating area nestled under a live oak and lit by a variety of lanterns serves as a quiet counterpart to the geometric sculpture set within a bed of ardisia in the front yard of this Dallas dwelling.

Architect: Melissa Gerstle Design | Dallas + Fort Worth, TX

A Landscape Designed With Artistry In Mind

This Hollywood, California, home’s backyard, designed in collaboration with Wall for Apricots, ensures privacy while invoking a sense of artistry. Architectural elements like the pool, second-floor pergola and raised shed are beautifully accented by a mix of succulents and native plants.

Architect: Viola Gardens | Los Angeles-Southern California

Enjoyed the article?
More Landscape-Inspired Reads
MARCH 09, 2025
Architecture + Design
Celebrating The Stellar Career Of One Miami Landscape Architect
Raymond Jungles receives the distinguished ASLA Design Medal by the American Society of Landscape Architects for his exceptional work.
lush garden at the Ford Foundation
APRIL 17, 2025
Architecture + Design
This Firm Designs Homes That Disappear Into Scenic Landscapes
Many of Heliotrope Architects' Pacific Northwest projects almost magically integrate into their sites, utilizing materials and colors found in the landscape.
a Washington island home with an indoor-outdoor connection by Heliotrope Architects
APRIL 15, 2025
Architecture + Design
2 California Gardens And Their Modernist And Mediterranean Roots
A pair of California landscapes, one inspired by Modernism, the other by classic Mediterranean style, are both studies in serenity. See them here.
sycamore trees and boxwoods line the pathway of a California garden
FEBRUARY 24, 2025
Home Tours
The Landscape Inspires This Peaceful Sonoma County Retreat
When renovating a Sonoma county residence, designer Lindsay Gerber Northart brings its interiors into accord with the architecture and landscape.
neutral living room with Mediterranean-style walls and ceiling with exposed beams
DECEMBER 10, 2024
Home Tours
The Landscape Leads The Way At This Montana Mountain Retreat
When creating this year-round Montana retreat, the Workshop/APD team let the landscape lead the way, opting for sophisticated mountain style interiors.
cozy mountain living room with views of snow-capped trees out the window