Stone & Flame

This project transforms a standard backyard into a modern retreat designed for year-round living and entertaining. From the first concept sketches to the final layout, our team focused on creating a space that feels like a natural extension of the home — functional, inviting, and resilient.
At the heart of the design is a cozy firepit lounge, a destination for evening conversations, s’mores under the stars, and late-night relaxation. Adjacent to the lounge, a custom spa offers a private escape, blending seamlessly into the hardscape with clean, modern lines. The outdoor kitchen and bar provide everything needed for weekend BBQs, family dinners, or hosting friends, turning this backyard into a true gathering hub.
Planting design was guided by sustainability and climate-responsiveness. A palette of drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plants complements the crisp architecture of the hardscape, ensuring year-round beauty while supporting California’s water-wise goals. Strategic lighting brings the space to life after sunset, highlighting textures, guiding circulation, and creating an atmosphere that shifts effortlessly from day to night.
Every element — from circulation flow to seating arrangements — was carefully considered to balance usability, aesthetics, and efficiency. The result is a backyard that not only elevates outdoor living but also reflects PLDesigns’ commitment to thoughtful, sustainable, and lifestyle-driven design.
This twilight retreat captures what we love most about landscape architecture: designing spaces where memories are made, connections are strengthened, and beauty meets function.