Landscape Designer Emily Weber on the Secret to Idyllic Outdoor Spaces

Rip & Tan: What first drew you to exterior design? How did you make your entry into the space?

Emily Weber: A desire to be in the comforts of nature as often as possible. I have always wanted to be outside more than inside, and while working in interior design I realized the same principles can be applied to outdoor spaces to make them feel equal. What additionally appealed to me about the profession is the necessity to truly know nature, listen to it, and cooperate with it. Now, a large part of my work day is spent on site participating with crews and installing, which is what I have always wanted.

I chose to enter into this space by working for a designer, Karen Miller, in Laguna Beach. She took me under her wing, and because of her, my learning was expedited in a short period of time. From there, I received my first client and have been taking on projects ever since. As Balanced Ground Design was evolving, I worked for an Architecture firm in Santa Barbara, Anacapa Architecture. This experience elevated my knowledge, passion, and understanding of design to a new level. I focused on this and then projects consistently started flowing in—that’s when I knew, I needed and wanted to transition to operating BGD full-time.

Rip & Tan: How would you sum up your exterior design ethos?

Emily Weber: It’s constantly evolving and changing with what inspires me or what I feel in alignment with at the time. My overarching principles are balance, and visualizing how the space will be enjoyed by others. I want it to feel wild, while also looking manicured and cared for. I focus on simplicity so true beauty can do the speaking. I also strive for honoring old and new. I like to bring in as many natural elements as possible, as it is what we should be enjoying – fire, water, smells, sounds, and creatures.

It is important for me to minimize visual and audible noise, which influences my design ethos. I prioritize where depth and rhythm can be incorporated so there is variation or contrast. This can be done by different selections of color or lack of it, size, and being selective with accent elements. I believe when a space feels nurtured and effortlessly formed, it encourages all aspects of life to flow in a similar beautiful way. Ultimately, I want to produce something that just feels right, without even knowing exactly why.

By encouraging others to enjoy the outdoors, I hope they feel deeper connections to themselves and the world.

Rip & Tan: Where do you turn for inspiration?

Emily Weber: The ocean offers me constant inspiration and peace of mind. Specifically for landscape design, I turn to Europe, particularly the Mediterranean or Tuscany.

Luciano Giubbilei’s approach, artistry, and projects guide many of my aspirations with Balanced Ground Design. Places I have and haven’t traveled to, Reschio in Tuscany, or fincas throughout Mallorca—a place that seems simple, honest, and magnificent all in one. For a closer dose of inspiration, wineries in Santa Ynez like Grassini Family Vineyards or the untouched nature of these areas make me want to find a way for others to experience a version of this daily.

Lastly, it is important for me to go inward for inspiration, when I am in a centered and grounded state I have most visions of my designs and feel the most creative.

Rip & Tan: What’s the key to creating an exterior as inviting and comfortable as any interior?

Emily Weber: I want it to feel clean, safe, and quiet so you want to be there. Layout and functionality are incredibly important, just like interiors. To use the space often, it should feel effortless and not overdone.

Rip & Tan: Do you have any favorite past projects? Any particular qualities that stand out in your memory of them?

Emily Weber: I will have a favorite, then the next project is completed and I love it for a new reason. But I enjoy a unique space that challenges me to do something new and different. Some of my first projects, like a cottage on Abbot Kinney or a home in Mandeville Canyon, will always have a special place in my heart.

A recent project on West Channel Rd. has turned out to be a favorite. The finished product felt like an unexpected surprise when you opened the front door from the street into a hidden sanctuary. This is exactly the feeling we wanted to accomplish. As you enter by walking under an olive tree, the activity of the surrounding area is dissolved, the charm of the home was highlighted and proved what can be done with a smaller space.

Rip & Tan: If you could only pick one major luxury for your own space—outdoor shower, fire element, open-air tub, etc.—which are you choosing and why?

Emily Weber: A statement water feature. The sound of running water is entrancing, and a natural way to slow down and regulate the inner being. The beautiful stone troughs and vintage pots can double as your fountain and accent piece to work your landscape around. This automatically produces a spa-like feel. Especially, if you are not located near a body of water, a ritual can be created around your water feature, to give the same benefit as if you were able to experience the ocean that day.

Rip & Tan: When you come across a landscape that isn’t at its full potential, what’s usually lacking? How can we remedy this?

Emily Weber: Sometimes a clear direction is lacking, simply there is too much going on. Even if you aren’t ready to dive into a full-scale project, I believe removing clutter can make a large transformation. If there is a lack of energy from natural elements, this can be solved by a water feature for the day and fire features for the night.

On the opposite end, sometimes there isn’t enough depth. More dimensions of height and tone changes can go a long way. If there is underutilized space, adding a few intentional chairs, pots, or a table will make the space feel used and inviting.

Rip & Tan: Whether we’re approaching a full redesign or attempting a simple spruce, do you have any go-to tips for keeping exteriors elevated?

Emily Weber: Selecting an intentional plant palette that is cohesive throughout the property (keeping it maintained), and specifying areas where natural materials like DG or Gravel can add a moment. Investing in large trees will add history and instant gratification. For a small spruce, focus on accent elements that you need and are proud of. And like with most things, less is more so the quality can stand out.

Rip & Tan: Are there any particular plants or inorganic design elements that feel quintessentially Californian to you?

Emily Weber: Yes, I love tall grasses swaying naturally, rosemary or lavender for the pleasure of scent, and westringia. Westringia’s silvery tones, and how it can anchor more flowy plant material are a great staple. Lastly, the oak trees of California will always be an element to highlight.

For inorganic material, light and white surfaces or natural stone, there is a sense of freshness and cleanness offered in California. I love when the color of a home or accessories compliments a deep green landscape. I am also often drawn to accents that add a Spanish or Mediterranean feel to a mostly Californian space.

Rip & Tan: What makes a landscape truly extraordinary?

Emily Weber: When a landscape manages to feel expansive and a secluded sanctuary at the same time. This allows the opportunity for one to escape to anywhere, no matter their true location. Another factor that aids an extraordinary feeling is well-aged, mature, plants and trees. The presence of an old oak or olive tree that feels like it has a story to tell will surely bring the space to the next level.