What Studio Green does

Studio Green is a privately held boutique landscape architecture firm headquartered at 232 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in San Anselmo, Marin County, California. Founded and led by principal John Merten, a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo-trained landscape architect with thirty years of Bay Area experience, the firm operates with a small team of senior associates, an associate, and an architectural drafter. The firm provides professional landscape architecture services spanning site analysis, concept design, schematic and construction-level drawings, materials research, construction administration, and consultant coordination, organized across residential, commercial, educational, and community project categories.

The firm's portfolio centers on high-end residential estate design in markets including Atherton, Woodside, Los Altos Hills, Portola Valley, Tiburon, Belvedere, and Ross, alongside institutional work such as the multi-year SFUSD Green Schoolyard Program across 11 educational sites and the 20+ acre Making Waves Academy campus. Commercial projects include Jack's Restaurant, Farm House Inn, 555 California, Park Lane in Honolulu, and Stones Casino; community work includes Walter Haas Park, Franklin Square Park, and the San Francisco Theological Seminary. Underlying capability is human-led design judgment rather than proprietary technology, with design differentiation drawn from sustainable and elemental site-specific solutions and deep local knowledge of Bay Area microclimates and native plant palettes.

Studio Green monetizes through project-based professional services engagements with quote-driven, non-publicly disclosed pricing. Its go-to-market is direct client engagement, often intermediated by repeat architecture firm partners (Arcanum Architecture, 450 Architects, Studio Bondy, Polsky Perlstein, Swatt Miers, CCS Architecture, Taylor Lombardo Architects). The firm is privately held with no institutional investors, parent company, subsidiaries, or disclosed funding; ownership and management are concentrated with the founding principal and a named leadership team. Marketing is portfolio-driven, supported by press features in Lux Magazine, Wall Street Journal, California Home + Design, SF Chronicle, Marin Magazine, SF Examiner, and Contemporist.

Name

Studio Green

Legal name

Studio Green

Website

https://studiogreen.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Landscape Architecture Services

NAICS

Landscape Architectural Services (541320), Landscape Architectural Services (54132)

akta.pro primary industry

Landscape Architecture & Site Design (BPAHAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sustainable/Green Building & LEED Consulting (BPAHAKAG), Residential Landscape Design (HSAIABAA), Commercial Landscape Design & Installation (HSAIABAJ)

Keywords

• Landscape architecture services
• Residential landscape design
• Commercial property landscaping
• Outdoor space planning
• Site design services

Headquarters

HQ city

San Anselmo

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Landscape Architecture Services: Professional design services including site design, construction management, materials research, consultant and client coordination, schematic and construction level drawings for hardscape and planting design.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Studio Green is a boutique landscape architecture firm providing professional design services across residential, commercial, educational, and community sectors throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The firm delivers end-to-end landscape architecture from concept through construction documentation, including site analysis, schematic and construction-level drawings, planting design, hardscape design, materials research, consultant coordination, and construction observation. Specialized design services cover individual landscape elements such as pools, paving, fencing, lighting, water features, fire features, sculptures, and seating.

Product overview

Studio Green is a boutique landscape architecture firm offering comprehensive design services across residential, commercial, education, and community sectors. The firm provides end-to-end landscape architecture from concept through construction documentation, with specialized expertise in pools, outdoor living spaces, sustainable planting, and site-specific design elements. Projects span the San Francisco Bay Area with services including site analysis, concept design, design development, construction documentation, and construction observation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Landscape Architecture Services Comprehensive end-to-end landscape architecture services including site analysis, concept design, design development, schematic and construction-level drawings, construction documentation, materials research, consultant and client coordination, and construction observation for residential, commercial, education, and community projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Residential Landscape Design Custom landscape design for high-end residential properties including luxury estates, retreats, and private residences featuring pools, outdoor kitchens, gardens, fire pits, cabanas, vegetable gardens, and outdoor living spaces tailored to the owner's design sensibility and site conditions.
• Commercial Landscape Design Landscape architecture services for commercial properties including restaurants, hotels/inns, casinos, condominium/multi-family developments, and commercial campuses with brand-aligned and differentiated design solutions.
• Education Facility Landscape Design Landscape design for educational institutions including public schools, charter schools, and independent/academy campuses featuring playgrounds, outdoor classrooms, learning gardens, vegetable beds, water features, athletic facilities, and green schoolyards.
• Community Space Design Design of public and private community spaces including neighborhood parks, playgrounds, country club grounds, seminary/campus landscapes, and other community gathering spaces, often incorporating community workshop and consensus-building methodology for public projects.
• Landscape Elements Design Specialized design services for individual landscape elements including pools, paving, fencing, lighting, water features, planting, seating, stairs, sculptures, gateways, and fire features — delivered as part of broader landscape projects or as element-focused design packages.

Named customers26 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

44 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Michael Rex AssociatesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Michael Rex Associates on Tiburon Overlook project - landscape design with clean lines of warm-toned concrete forms, stainless steel elements, and textured layers of grasses and shrubs.
• David Kotzebue ArchitectureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorked with David Kotzebue Architecture on Belvedere Shores hillside estate with terraced outdoor areas, private beach, and boat dock.
• Buttrick Wong ArchitectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Buttrick Wong Architects on Summit project featuring raw materials and geometric forms with Corten steel and limestone wall.
• LinebargerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRidge Grove project with custom-designed features including reflection pool and fountain.
• Studio BondycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term collaboration with Studio Bondy on multiple Making Waves Academy phases and Richmond Charter School - 20+ acre educational campus and expansion projects.
• 450 ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing collaboration with 450 Architects on SFUSD Green Schoolyard Program - 11 educational sites over 10+ years creating outdoor classrooms, vegetable beds, water features, and native gardens.
• Polsky Perlstein ArchitectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Belvedere Bay View project with water wall, geometric stone planters, and contemporary home design.
• Architecture AllureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorked with Architecture Allure on Earthern Sanctuary - Mediterranean sanctuary in Los Altos Hills with stone column fountain and tiled swimming pool.
• NextGen BuildersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEarthern Sanctuary project with builder NextGen Builders.
• GolubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWoodside Estate project.
• Arcanum ArchitecturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrequent collaborator on multiple projects including Valley Ridge (Luxe Magazine featured), Backyard Retreat, Clement Valley, and Agrarian Adobe. Strong ongoing relationship with residential estate design.
• BCI HomesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilder for Valley Ridge project in Atherton.
• Rocco GardensminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLandscape contractor for Valley Ridge project.
• Arcanum ArchitecturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Backyard Retreat in Menlo Park - interlocking home and landscape design.
• Arcanum ArchitecturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Jack's Restaurant in San Mateo with water-flow themed landscape design.
• Arcanum ArchitecturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Clement Valley in Portola Valley - riparian landscape inspired family home.
• Arcanum ArchitecturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Agrarian Adobe in Woodside - modern yet agrarian masterpiece with custom brass water feature.
• Arcanum ArchitecturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Emerson Residence in Palo Alto - geometric estate with board form concrete walls.
• Arcanum ArchitecturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on multiple residential projects in Bay Area.
• McGlashan ArchitectureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Mill Valley Escape - family retreat with lap pool, spa, fire pit, and bocce ball.
• SDG ArchitectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Los Altos Hills Retreat - Zen-like spaces with earth-tone stone and concrete terraces.
• Swatt Miers ArchitectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Tiburon Skyline - modern home overlooking San Francisco Bay.
• Swatt Miers ArchitectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAtherton Woodlands project inspired by northern European architecture.
• John Malick & AssociatesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Claremont Country Club aquatic center - integrating modern needs with old-world Tudor feel.
• Ken Linsteadt ArchitectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Fair Oaks property - 1.2-acre lot with swimming pool, cabana, and water features.
• Taylor Lombardo ArchitectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Healdsburg Vineyards - 15 acre estate in Wine Country.
• CCS ArchitectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Bumble Restaurant and other projects.
• CCS ArchitectureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Stones Casino - 25,450 SQFT gambling hall.
• SCB ArchitectureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Park Lane in Honolulu.
• GoFminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaunters project.
• Alden Signer ArchitectureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Interlocking Patterns in Atherton - transitional modern home with geometric landscape forms.
• Pacific Peninsula ArchitectureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Atherton Stroll - park-like landscape with heritage trees.
• Schwartz and ArchitectureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on The Cadence Residence in Menlo Park - rhythmic and fluid geometric stone paving.
• ARG (Architectural Resource Group)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on San Francisco Theological Seminary - post-earthquake repair and landscape redesign.
• Studio BondycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term collaborator on Making Waves Academy - multiple phases of 20+ acre educational campus.
• FME Architecture & DesignminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on La Goma - creek-side commercial building with native plants and bio-remediation.
• Hatfield Group ArchitectureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Franceschini Condos - contemporary condominium development in Mill Valley.
• Stanley SaitowitzminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Marin Meadows - modern home with California native plantings.
• McGriff ArchitectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstate Grove project - geometric shapes with concrete, stone, and metal.
• Studio BondycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Richmond Charter School.
• CCS ArchitectureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Tree House in Mill Valley - modern forms with redwood views.
• Polsky Perlstein ArchitectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBelvedere Bay View project - contemporary home with water wall and geometric planters.
• Taylor Lombardo ArchitectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealdsburg Vineyards project - 15 acre farmhouse modern home in Wine Country.
• Ken Linsteadt ArchitectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFair Oaks property with resort-style outdoor spaces.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture: Bay Area boutique landscape architecture firm known for award-winning residential and select institutional projects in Northern California. Directly comparable to Studio Green on geography, scale (small team), and high-end residential specialization.
• PWP Landscape Architecture: Berkeley-based landscape architecture firm with a similar boutique structure and a portfolio spanning high-end residential, institutional, and public-realm work in the Bay Area. Closely comparable on service mix, scale, and regional focus.
• Andropogon Associates: Ecological landscape architecture firm with a strong sustainability and native-planting focus analogous to Studio Green's design ethos. Comparable on philosophy and integration of sustainability into premium design commissions.
• CMG Landscape Architecture: San Francisco Bay Area landscape architecture practice with comparable size and a portfolio focused on residential estates, community spaces, and urban infill. Similar project types and client base to Studio Green.
• LandArc Landscape Architecture: Bay Area landscape architecture firm offering residential, commercial, and community design services. Similar service mix, mid-boutique headcount, and Northern California geographic concentration as Studio Green.
• Arterra Landscape Architects: Boutique landscape architecture firm with deep residential, hospitality, and resort expertise. Comparable in scale and design-led positioning to Studio Green, especially on luxury residential and hospitality clients.

Broad incumbents

• OLIN: Major landscape architecture, urban design, and planning practice with a sustainability-forward reputation. Operates in the same professional service category as Studio Green at significantly larger scale and project budgets.
• SWA Group: Large, internationally recognized landscape architecture, planning, and urban design firm headquartered in California. Competes with Studio Green for larger public and institutional commissions and is the broadest incumbent in the same industry vertical.
• James Corner Field Operations: Internationally prominent landscape architecture and urban design firm known for high-profile public-space projects. Operates in the same professional service vertical as Studio Green with much larger commissions and brand recognition.

Others

• PlaceWorks: California-based planning, urban design, and landscape architecture firm. Listed because a Studio Green senior associate previously worked there, indicating shared talent pipeline and overlapping project types, though PlaceWorks is broader in scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/studio-green
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Studio Green