We began as sand-dune landscape designers. Most of our work grew from the Outer Sunset of San Francisco, where we lived—an environment where plants have to be as tough as old boots. Turning a windswept sandbox into an inviting landscape of resilient yet inviting plants, structures, and furniture remains at the heart of our studio.

For this backyard near Ocean Beach, we drew from the coastal flora of Australia and New Zealand—species that thrive in our Mediterranean climate. Around a redwood deck, unusual monuments of Banksia integrifolia, Acacia iteaphylla, Banksia speciosa, and Hakea laurina shelter the home’s outdoor living space, leading to a lawn of tufted Carex temecula. Chamaerops humilis (fan palm)and Metrosideros, Trichocereus macrogonus var. pachanoi stand as desertborne geometric observers to the cacophony of tender leaves and branches.

At the back of the plot, SUGA STUDIOS crafted a redwood-and-glass greenhouse to sit directly in the sand. It is a workspace that holds sun and softens the scale of neighboring buildings. Ido Yoshimoto carved a round table and seats from eucalyptus that carries markings of weather. Ryder Jones, a multidisciplinary artist from New Zealand, designed the sling chair—its metal frame built for the elements. At the center of the gathering space, WAKA WAKA made a table set that is powdercoated the color of the ocean.

Thank you Kay, Kate and Peter for your trust and collaboration.