Leslie Golden,        Landscape Architect

 +/or

LLAMAS BUILDER'S CREW

I am a licensed landscape architect with over forty years of experience transforming the environment through sustainable landscape solutions.    For twenty years I was the principal of a mid-size landscape architecture design firm, specializing in urban design and economic revitalization.  After retirement from that practice I chose to focus my practice on residential design.

 

My goal is to help you to maximize the potential of your property.    I specialize in California native plants and drought tolerant plant material.  Plants are selected to provide seasonal color and improve animal habitat.  I love to use plant that attract butterflies and hummingbirds!  


In addition, I have a contractor with whom I have worked for over 17 years that can implement any size project.

 

Please feel free to contact me to discuss your project.


Leslie Golden 

510 589 5580

L-Golden@comcast.net




Landscape Projects

Interior Projects

Previous Professional Work

LANDSCAPE WORK

Lafayette - Before

Existing trellis was a flat overhead that did little for the elevation of the house and the existing brick planter (overgrown with Lantana) was obstructing the circulation from the house door to the pool area and the short brick wall and concrete steps left the upper patio wide enough to function as a circulation area. 

Lafayette - Trellis After

New redwood trellis along the south facing side of house elegantly follows the elevation of the house.  Three bays provide separation between the lounging, serving and dining spaces.  Cafe lights provide evening glow and the new enlarged  flagstone patio and steps gracefully connects to the existing pool level below.   

Constructed by Llamas Crew

Danville - Front

East Bay MUD rebate was obtained for removing existing lawn and installing drought tolerant plants and permeable paving.

Constructed by Llamas Crew.



Danville - Pergola

18' x 20' pergola was designed by Landscape architect and built per structural engineers details.   Permeable materials and landscaped with plants that are drought tolerant, low maintenance and provides seasonal color.  Decorative rock dry creek bed also reduces the overall water needs and provides an alternative decorative feature. 

Constructed by Llamas Crew.

Larkspur -  Deck

1,400 square foot deck constructed of PTDF and Trex.   Raised patios sections are constructed of tile surface.  from the deck.  Assisted with furniture and planter selection .

Constructed by Llamas Crew.




Larkspur - Outdoor Kitchen

11' long outdoor kitchen constructed with Epi wood features a  gas grill, gas burner, sink, refrigerator, icemaker, storage as well as garbage and recycling drawer.   

Constructed by Llamas Crew.

Moraga - Before: Lawn to Meadow

Received $2,000 EBMUD credit for removing existing lawn and   installing drought tolerant plants, irrigation and mulching. 

Moraga - After

Landscaped with plants that are drought tolerant, low maintenance and provides seasonal color.  Decorative rock also reduces the amount of planting and irrigation.  

Constructed by Llamas Crew

Flagstone Path

New flagstone path completes the connectivity throughout the site .

Constructed by Llamas Crew.


Dry Creek Bed -After

Stones were selected by owner and placed by Landscape Architect.  

Constructed by Llamas Crew

Moraga - Entry 

Shifting concrete slabs create an impressive entry to the residence.   California native plant material and low maintenance drought tolerant plants provide seasonal interest.

Constructed by Llamas Crew.



Moraga - Secondary Path

Shifting concrete slab pathway smaller scale for the secondary path connecting the entry and the driveway. California native plant material and low maintenance drought tolerant plants provide seasonal interest.

Constructed by Llamas Crew.




INTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL WORK

Before  2000

sorry photo not the best quality  - before iphones

After 2001

removed ceiling of attic, installed glue lam beam, new skylights to create the vaulted ceiling and opened up the space                             


Before  2000

Although the living room had a floor to ceiling window - it was north facing and provided very little light, creating a very dark interior.

After 2022

The ceiling of the living room was removed to expose the existing attic space and a  glue lam beam installed to create the vaulted ceiling thereby opening up the volume of the space.

Two new skylights were installed to balance the light and the space was transformed.                            


Orinda - Before  Basement space

Empty space under a residence located on a hill.  

               Orinda - After ADU

850 square foot ADU.  one bedroom and bath.   

Rossmoor - Before

Non descript fireplace brick veneer painted white.

Rossmoor - After

Slate veneer with over-sized wood stained mantel and a gorgeous 4" thick  slate hearth. 

Constructed by Llamas Crew.

Lafayette - Before 

Two existing structural walls separated the living room, breakfast room and kitchen.    The demolition of both walls and new beam allowed us to open up the space into one great room.


Lafayette - After

Kitchen Island separates the beakfast room from the dining 

Lafayette - Before 

One partial wall separated the kitchen from breakfast room and there was secondary circulation access to the dining room with floor to ceiling windows which showed the junk stored against the house.     

Lafayette - After

The partial wall was removed, the house was extended 24" into the patio area and the sink was relocated with a view of the garden.   

Lafayette - Before 

One partial wall separated the kitchen from breakfast room and there was secondary circulation access to the dining room with floor to ceiling windows which showed the junk stored against the house.     

Lafayette - After

The partial wall was removed, the house was extended 24" into the patio area and the sink was flipped from  the right side of kitchen to the left side where the owner can admire the view.   

Lafayette - Before 

One partial wall separated the kitchen from breakfast room and there was secondary circulation access to the dining room with floor to ceiling windows which showed the junk stored against the house.     

Lafayette - After

The partial wall was removed, the house was extended 24" into the patio area and the sink was flipped from  the right side of kitchen to the left side where the owner can admire the view.   

Lafayette - Bathroom 

Was a typical 5 x 8 bathroom until we borrowed some space from the oversized walk-in closet.  New walk-in shower, skylight, heated tile floor and grab bars make this bathroom functional yet evokes the spa-like experience desired by owners.

Constructed by Llamas Crew.  

Lafayette - After

A new wooden media center closed an opening to a samll room to define the 


Constructed by Llamas Crew.

PREVIOUS WORK at GOLDEN ASSOCIATES 

Leslie B. GOLDEN,                    +/or            BUILDERLandscape Architect, PLA#2431           Any Construction

Specializing in Design of:                                                     Specializing in Construction:Sustainable Landscape Solutions Planting & IrrigationDrought Tolerant, Low Maintenance Design   CarpentrySite Master Plan   Fences Hardscape Design Retaining wallsDrainage
Architectural Designer Interior Construction Spatial Design Remodel or RepairKitchen Design KitchenBathroom Design Bathroom