Pamela Burton & Company

Seamlessly blending old-world charm with modern outdoor living, Pamela Burton & Company reimagined the varied garden rooms of this renovated Spanish-style home, weaving in custom tilework by Malibu Tile and elegant Colonial Cream stone patios. The plant palette consists of lush but low-water species reminiscent of the Mediterranean style, including sages, correa, bulbine, and zephyr lily.?A new pergola with an outdoor kitchen and pizza oven expands the home’s gathering spaces, while carefully curated details—from the waterline tiles to the custom gates—enhance the home’s timeless character. ?? Photography: Undine Prohl

Drifts of swaying Deer Grass and delicate blooms of Sage catch the golden sunrise, filtered through the branches of the timeless Coast Live Oak at our Westlake Project. Photography: Caitlin Atkinson

At The Knoll in Malibu, we carefully considered the natural landscape, coastal environment, and wildfire risks to create a design that is just as resilient as it is bold. Before anything is built, comprehensive fuel modification planning takes place—focusing on: ?? Thoughtful plant selection to reduce flammability ?? Zoning strategies that create natural firebreaks ?? Defensible space planning to increase resilience This approach ensures that outdoor spaces—from tranquil courtyards to panoramic terraces—not only celebrate the beauty of Malibu but also protect the home and surrounding environment from the ever-present wildfire threat. As we continue designing in fire-prone areas, we recognize that intentional, science-backed landscape planning is more important than ever. ??? by LUNO Design Studio

Last week, Pamela Burton & Company participated in the 2025 University of Southern California Architectural Guild Firm Fair, where we met talented students who are shaping the next generation of landscape architecture! Our booth showcased a few of our favorite residential, commercial, and institutional projects, but what stood out was the creativity and vision of the students. From conceptual site planning to a thoughtful reimagining of Venice Boardwalk and the surrounding landscape, it was inspiring to see how the next generation is approaching the built environment. As landscape architects, we have the power to create meaningful, lasting spaces that support nature, are resilient and equitable, and promote inclusivity. We’re grateful to connect with students who share the same passion. A big thank you to USC School of Architecture and the USC Architectural Guild for fostering these connections!

Last week, at the Westside Urban Forum Mayors Panel, we heard from Mayor Chelsea Byers of West Hollywood, Mayor Lana Negrete of Santa Monica, Mayor Dan O'Brien of Culver City, and Mayor Lester Friedman of Beverly Hills about the urgent challenges shaping the future of #LosAngeles. Key topics addressed included the LA wildfires, homelessness, and the 2028 LA Olympics. ?? ?????????????????? & ?????????????? ????????????????????: With climate change intensifying fire risks, cities are focusing on home hardening, vegetation management, and water infrastructure—the built environment must work with nature, not against it. ?? ???????????????????????? & ???????????? ????????????: The mayors spoke about integrating housing, services, and public space solutions to address both the causes and impacts of homelessness, reinforcing the need for human-centered urban design. ?? ?????? 2028 ????????????????: With major infrastructure projects on the horizon, there’s a chance to create legacy improvements—not just for the games, but for public transit, open space, and cultural activation that will shape the city for decades. As Mayor Chelsea Byers put it, “???????? ???? ?? ???????????? ?????? ???? ?????????????????????? ?????? ????????????.” From wildfires to homelessness to the 2028 Olympics, cities must rethink how we design and plan for resilience—not just reacting to challenges but creating lasting solutions. As designers, we walk away asking: How can we build landscapes that don’t just mitigate crises, but shape a stronger, more resilient future where communities thrive?

The Arboretum Courtyard is a newly reimagined outdoor oasis in the heart of Santa Monica's Media District - Spanning 147,000 sq ft, this creative campus owned by Tishman Speyer was originally designed by DFH Architects in the Santa Barbara classicist style. Our redesign of the central courtyard and surrounding outdoor amenity spaces prioritizes pedestrian flow and community interaction. With gathering areas, pergolas, stone “carpets”, and serene water features, the courtyard provides a variety of garden rooms for employees to dine, collaborate and recharge. Located near transportation routes and the beach, Arboretum Courtyard offers a perfect mix of aesthetics and functionality for all who work and gather here. Photography Credit: Jack Coyier

As part of this visionary redevelopment led by The Veterans Collective,?Century Housing, Thomas Safran & Associates and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Pamela Burton & Company is honored to be a part of the team, designing landscapes that foster healing, connection, and dignity for those who have served. ? The West Los Angeles VA campus is transforming into the nation’s largest supportive housing community for Veterans, with 1,700 residences across 80 acres. Through intentional design, we’re helping shape outdoor spaces that provide comfort, accessibility, and a sense of place—turning this development into not just housing, but a true community. ? ???????? ???????? ?????????? ????? ?????????????? ?????? ?????? ???????????? ???? ?????????????? ??????????????????????? ??????????. ?? ? ??????????://??????????????????????????????????.??????/????????????????????/????????-????????????????????-??????????????-????????????????-????????????/

?? ???????????????? ??????-?????????????? ???????????? ???? ?????? ???????????????? ?????????????????? ?? Our Archdale residence breathes new life into the gardens surrounding a restored mid-century modern home by Richard Neutra. With Garrett Eckbo’s original landscape vision as our guide, we balanced preservation with modern sustainability to honor both the site’s architectural heritage and the evolving needs of its owners. From restored pools and pathways to newly unveiled views and native plantings, the landscape now harmonizes Neutra’s timeless spirit with a contemporary flourish.

It's meaningful to be contributing to this important shift in children's education—intentionally designing environments that promote health, well-being, and connection through play, community, and nature??