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Architecture + Design

13 Mother Nature-Approved Landscape Architecture Designs

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 surround an outdoor patio

Photo: Caitlin Atkinson

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, CA


Restoring The Natural Ecosystem Through Landscape Architecture

lush greenery lines a white home exterior

Photo: Jenn Verrier

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, MD


Designing Outdoor Spaces For A Charming Homestead

outdoor brick patio surrounded by hydrangeas

Photo: Emily Followill

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

tree rising out of a walkway at a desert home

Photo: Joshua Caldwell

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

exterior of Tudor cottage surrounding by native Colorado flowers

Photo: Brandon Huttenlocher / Design Workshop

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

tall grasses and trees surround a Texas home

Photo: Raymond Castro

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, TX


French Romanticism Inspires The Design Of This Florida Property

French-style pavilion among lush landscaping

Photo: Carmel Brantley

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, FL


Elegant And Sophisticated Landscape Architecture

pool among green landscaping with mountains beyond

Photo: Jason Liske

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, CA


A Prime Example Of Environmentally Friendly Landscape Design

exterior of a contemporary home with an infinity pool surrounded by lush landscaping

Photo: LaGuardia Design Group

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

a sweeping lawn with bright plants and views of the lake beyond

Photo: Land Morphology

Brightly 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

lush outdoor patio and fire pit

Photo: Aimée Mazzenga

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

outdoor seating area with hanging lights off of a black exterior home

Photo: Neil Landino

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

the backyard of a California home with architectural elements and native plants

Photo: Suzanne Strong

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

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