Courtland Studio LLC

04/11/2026

⚓️ Honoring History Through Design: USS Iowa

One would never expect a bond between the USS Iowa—one of America’s most powerful battleships—and the delicate beauty of hibiscus and bougainvillea. But the connection is the Pacific Ocean, where this mighty ship operated, and where these iconic flowers defined the landscape. 🌺🚢

This story began 40 years ago at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). In 1986, Courtland Studio LLC founder Paul Lewis was a student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Joe Vertrees was a student at Cal Poly Pomona. They served together as co-chairs of the student committee for Cal Poly’s 1987 Rose Parade float, “Breaking the Ice."
A highlight of that intense decorating week was when the Captain of the soon-to-be-commissioned submarine USS Pasadena visited to christen our float right before it hit the parade route—a memory that still makes us smile 40 years later. 🚢🌹

Decades later, that friendship has come full circle. Courtland Studio LLC landscape architecture team was honored to join Joe and his architecture and engineering firm, Vertrees A&E, to design the new Freedom of the Seas Pavilion and Visitor Center at the USS Iowa in San Pedro.
As the lead architect and engineer, Joe and his firm, Vertrees A&E, bring their signature expertise and thoughtful approach to this waterfront project. Their design will create a welcoming, functional space that honors the ship’s legacy while serving veterans, students, and the community for years to come.

🏗️ Bringing History to Life
A Living Tribute: For the landscape design, hibiscus and bougainvillea were chosen specifically because they are iconic to the Pacific region, where the USS Iowa saw its first action in WWII. They serve as a vibrant, living reminder of the ship's early service.

Family Roots: The Lewis and Vertrees families have Navy ties. Paul’s father served in the Navy during the Korean War, and Joe’s grandfather and uncles served in the Navy during World War II. Their stories of service have always been part of their family identities.

We love collaborating with Joe again to create a space where history, community, and design meet.

04/10/2026

Courtland Studio LLC of LA celebrates National Sibling Day!

04/09/2026

https://youtu.be/uj7Al_GbqhY?si=HFnDjegRXAZwF9ZV
Courtland Studio LLC Los Angeles, CA
How does a landscape design come to life?
At Courtland Studio LLC, every project evolves from sketches to CAD to realistic 3D models.
This 6-acre Los Angeles community is designed around one key challenge: preserving protected oak trees while creating a cohesive residential vision.

How does a landscape design go from site photos to a finished 3D concept?In this video, take a behind the scenes look at the landscape design process at Cour...

03/31/2026

Dymondia between pavers creates a softer, more natural transition.
Drought-tolerant and ideal for Southern California landscapes.
With time, it grows in and ties the space together.
Landscape architecture and design by Courtland Studio, LLC.

03/28/2026

This one step makes landscapes last years longer. At Courtland Studio, LLC, we understand the importance of mulch.
It’s not just a finishing layer—it preserves soil integrity, supports plant health, and ensures the landscape performs beautifully over time.

03/20/2026

Hillside Landscape Design in Los Angeles | The Hazen Estate

A drought-tolerant, luxury outdoor living transformation by Courtland Studio, LLC.

This Los Angeles hillside project blends Mediterranean landscape design, modern outdoor living, and Northern European wellness into one cohesive environment.

Featuring an authentic Estonian sauna, custom wood decking, and layered terraces designed to maximize hillside flow and privacy.

The pool and spa incorporate stone-inspired finishes and Spanish-style tile, bringing warmth and timeless character to the space.

A curated palette of low-water plants, succulents, ornamental grasses, and flowering shrubs creates a sustainable, high-end landscape suited for the Southern California climate.

At night, architectural landscape lighting transforms the property into a serene, resort-style retreat.

✨ Courtland Studio, LLC Landscape Architecture | Los Angeles

03/20/2026

The Hazen Estate | Los Angeles Landscape Design

A hillside transformation where storybook charm meets modern luxury.

At the Hazen Estate in Los Angeles, Courtland Studio LLC reimagined this property into a warm, elevated outdoor living environment—designed to flow naturally with the terrain.
A standout feature is the authentic Northern European sauna, crafted in Estonia by Auroom Wellness and seamlessly integrated into the landscape as a private wellness retreat.
Layered terraces, custom wood decking, and curated pathways create a seamless connection across the hillside, while the pool and spa—finished with stone textures and Spanish-style tile—bring a refined Mediterranean feel.
As evening falls, soft landscape lighting and a rich, low-water planting palette of succulents, grasses, and flowering shrubs transform the space into a year-round resort-like setting.

✨ Courtland Studio LLC | Landscape Architecture Los Angeles

03/10/2026

From grove to courtyard 🌿

These mature olive trees began their journey in a Visalia olive grove. Carefully selected for the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School in Canoga Park, they were transported and installed in the school’s courtyard to bring immediate shade, structure, and a sense of permanence to the campus.

Olive trees have long symbolized wisdom, peace, and endurance — values closely connected to education and learning.

The courtyard is still a work in progress, but these legacy olives already bring decades of character to the space.

Design: Courtland Studio, LLC

03/10/2026

From Visalia to Canoga Park 🌿

These mature olive trees were selected from a olive grove and installed in the courtyard of AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School.

Olive trees have long symbolized wisdom and peace — fitting companions for a place of learning.

The first photo shows the moment we selected these mature trees in the Visalia grove.
The second shows them newly planted on site.

As pictures show, is still a work in progress, but mature trees like these instantly bring history, shade, and presence to a campus.

Landscape design: Courtland Studio, LLC

01/16/2026

Drawing inspiration from the owners’ Mediterranean heritage, this palatial Stevenson Ranch estate creates a sense of home in the foothills of Santa Clarita.

Courtland Studio, LLC designers developed landscape anchored by a classic, Roman-inspired pool and elevated spa, lined by mature palms and olive trees that highlight the property’s character. The expansive property also features an elegant pool house, fire pits, and shaded lounges, making the estate ideal for large gathering events. Formal gardens and vibrant beds of pink and red flowers complete the setting, offering a serene retreat with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

12/23/2025