161 Design Studio

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Vancouver, BC
161 Design Studio

Residential landscape design studio in Vancouver, BC. Serving the Lower Mainland, Sea to Sky Corridor and Vancouver Island.

Boutique landscape and architectural design firm based in Vancouver, BC. We specialize in crafting exceptional outdoor living spaces.

04/08/2026

We often think about outdoor spaces the same way we think about rooms inside your home. Sometimes they have a specific purpose, and sometimes they are multi-functional. Either way, they extend your living space into the outdoors and connect it with the surrounding environment.

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03/31/2026

We’ve always embraced eco-friendly practices. In this project, reclaimed concrete pavers and cobblestone accents are paired with sandblasted concrete. It gives the property a timeless aesthetic, and complements the character of the home and neighbourhood.

03/24/2026

Two paths from our urban woodland garden. One is loose and immersive, while the other is structured and generous. Two different approaches to the same theme, balancing hard surfaces and layered woodland planting.

03/03/2026

Every landscape transformation starts with a careful look at what already exists. The current garden has great bones - mature trees, generous space, and strong connections to the house.

Here is our visualization of the new version of the space.
Swipe to see the garden as it looks today.

02/02/2026

Visualizations for a Vancouver Island project featuring layered West Coast planting and serene wellness spaces. Designed for a young family in a growing neighbourhood, the garden provides seclusion, privacy, and a deep connection with the natural surroundings.

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01/29/2026

Our West Vancouver project is starting to take shape. An urban retreat designed for a retired couple to gather with family, friends and grandchildren. The design is restrained and detail-driven, prioritizing material quality, craftsmanship and longevity. Excited to see this project coming together! Great work by the entire project team.

Architecture: KGA
GC: .construction
Interior Design:

01/07/2026

Our East Vancouver Eco Home project brought together architecture, construction, and landscape — a bigger scope than a typical landscape project, making it both challenging and rewarding.

Working within a fixed building footprint and tight site constraints, the home was designed to be efficient, low-impact, and carefully refined. An insulated slab-on-grade foundation was polished and used as the finished interior floor, while reclaimed fir beams and floorboards bring warmth to the vaulted ceiling and loft. A separated bath and laundry building helps keep the main living space spacious, functional, and bright.

Outside, the garden was shaped as a private outdoor room—quiet, enclosed, and intentionally simple—extending the living space beyond the walls while maintaining a sense of privacy from the lane and neighbouring properties.

A small footprint, thoughtfully considered—inside and out.

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12/18/2025

We’re reimagining this front yard as an extension of the living room, creating a space for dining, relaxing, and entertaining that reflects the home’s quality.

The approach prioritizes value and functionality with minimal intervention. Most paving material will be repurposed from elsewhere on site. Aluminum fence frames are reused, and simple water feature, set within decorative gravel, provides a quiet focal point while discreetly concealing site services and maintaining access.

The finished garden will provide additional living space, while bringing the landscape into alignment with the home’s tastefully renovated, modern interior.

12/16/2025

Mass planting or mixed planting? Planting style is informed by site, architecture, and landscape style, and plays an important role in creating a cohesive indoor-outdoor experience.

Additional reference images:

12/11/2025

Thoughtful landscapes begin with compatibility—between site, architecture, and lifestyle. This core design principle guides every project from the very beginning.

We’re exploring this principle in more detail in a recent article. Link in bio to the full article.

12/03/2025

An example from the Dunbar Sanctuary Garden - where corten steel is designed to weather the rain and deepen in character over time. Fall is the perfect season to appreciate materials that evolve with the landscape.

Corten (weathering steel) is a favourite in contemporary landscapes for a reason. Instead of weakening, it develops a protective patina that stops further corrosion - making it incredibly durable and low-maintenance. In BC’s wet, temperate climate, cycles of rain and drying create an even, stable finish in warm, earthy tones that sit beautifully beside native plants, moss, concrete, and wood.

Address

Vancouver, BC

Website

http://161designstudio.com/

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