GARDENS
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