Sarah Small is a landscape architect based on the San Francisco Peninsula. She combines an artful and elegant aesthetic with 30 years of design experience and problem-solving.

Gardens are an expression of one’s lifestyle. They are a personal space, a sanctuary, an extension of a home’s architecture and interiors, a borrowing of surrounding views and an encompassing retreat. A garden invites, inspires, shelters, offers peace, play, exploration and gathering. There are many styles, shapes and textures in a garden, each selected to express a unique inspiration. It is the diversity of clients, environments and materials that keep the design process fresh and challenging.

Creating a garden has many facets. The thorough and thoughtful analysis of the site, articulation of the vision and goals, refinement of the design and detailing to create a cohesive, enduring environment for generations. My role as the designer includes guidance of the dialogue between clients, the architect, the engineer, arborist and landscape contractors and maintenance staff through the completion of the garden and as it matures.

As our environment and resources continually evolve, my designs endeavor to respond to the changing landscape, embrace enduring, ecological design principals and ultimately create gardens for people to enjoy for years to come.

“I have been creating gardens my whole life, starting when my mom gave me free rein of her garden at age 8 or 9. Roses were a favorite, and still are. My first boss and mentor encouraged confidence in my design sense, supported my intuition, trusted me with many responsibilities and taught the importance of a thorough set of drawings.”