About
My name is Alyssa
I believe native plants do more than beautify a space, they restore ecosystems, conserve water, and reconnect people with the land beneath their feet. My passion for ecological design is rooted in lived experience, academic study, and a deep desire to empower communities through sustainable landscaping.
I earned my degree in Sociology from Cal State Long Beach, with a concentration in Social Change and Global Issues. My studies, combined with years of volunteering with various environmental and community-based organizations, helped shape my belief that meaningful change starts locally, with the land, the people, and the ecosystems we depend on.
My journey into landscape design began as a post-graduate, when I spent many months in the beautiful mountains of Northern California immersing myself in permaculture and homesteading techniques. Living and camping on rural land and within eco-villages, I gained a first-hand appreciation for regenerative land practices and community-based sustainability. I later earned my Permaculture Design Certification in Thailand, further strengthening my understanding of ecological systems, and went on to coordinate outdoor education programs at Palos Verdes School Gardens, a nonprofit that teaches K–12 students science standards through hands-on lessons in ecology, gardening, and environmental stewardship.
Later I transitioned into the landscape industry, supporting contractors with project operations, materials sourcing, and on-site logistics. This role gave me valuable insight into how designs are brought to life, from coordinating with nurseries and suppliers to understanding construction timelines and budgets. It strengthened my ability to create designs that are not only ecologically sound but also practical, buildable, and aligned with the real-world challenges of installation.
Today, I run my own design and consulting practice focused on drought-tolerant and California native gardens. I collaborate with skilled contractors to bring each design to life, creating spaces that are low-maintenance, habitat-rich, and resilient in our changing climate. Whether guiding a family through their first lawn replacement or consulting on a larger community space, my work is driven by purpose: to restore beauty, balance, and biodiversity, one garden at a time.
