On a Mission

A Pasadena Landscape Revolution

It’ s not often you get to reimagine a project once it’ s completed, but the awardwinning, multi-disciplinary design firm Rios Clementi Hale Studios recently got the chance to renovate their original 1997 landscape design for a 1907 Missionstyle home designed by well-known Los Angeles architect John Austin.

The clients wanted to create a new model for residential landscapes that reduces water use by limiting lawn area. They were looking to make a big change and replace the lawn with drought-tolerant plantings that supported the polished look of their classic Pasadena residence.

WRITTEN BY Bek Mitchell-Kidd PHOTOGRAPHY BY Jim Simmons

ARCHITECT: Rios Clementi Hale Studios Mark Rios, FAIA, FASLA, Founding Partner Jennifer Schab, AIA, LEED AP, Senior Associate Tony Paradowski, Senior Associate Mike Cheng, Associate

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Royal Landscape Inc.

PUBLISHER’ S PICKS 2025 55