Garden & Gather
A residential landscape redesign that transformed an underused yard into a structured outdoor environment for gathering, movement, and everyday use.
Residential Landscape Redesign
The Problem
The existing yard felt unstructured and underutilized, without a clear sense of organization or purpose. It wasn’t a space that naturally supported daily use or invited people to spend time there.
Uneven grading and unsafe stairs created functional and safety issues
Poor drainage led to water management problems
Lack of shade and privacy made the space uncomfortable
The yard needed to support pets, requiring durable, non-toxic planting and separation of use areas
Approach
Organized the yard into clear zones for circulation, gathering, and planting
Reworked grading and drainage to create a continuous, stable surface and prevent pooling
Redesigned front and rear stairs to meet code and improve safety and access
Designed planting to be durable, pet-safe, and appropriate for long-term use
Introduced shade and privacy through strategic tree placement
Created a protected vegetable garden and a front yard firepit area to support both daily use and informal gathering
Outcome
The result is a yard that reads as a coherent system rather than an open, undefined space.
Movement through the yard is more natural, with clear zones that support both everyday routines and informal gathering. The backyard functions as a flexible space for activity and pets, while the front yard introduces a firepit area that creates a social edge and encourages connection with neighbors.
Missoula Floods
Interactive Exhibit Experience
Nature-Connected Living
Full Renovation & Spatial Redesign