Brentwood Garden Estate

Extended through a sequence of structured garden rooms, the Mediterranean Revival residence is defined by proportion, enclosure, and planting. The landscape unfolds gradually, guiding movement through connected spaces that feel both distinct and cohesive.

Each garden is composed in direct relationship to the architecture, creating a unified environment where indoor and outdoor spaces read as one continuous experience.

Design Approach

The landscape is organized as a series of outdoor rooms, each defined by proportion, enclosure, and a controlled planting palette. Spaces including a kitchen garden, fireplace garden, rose garden, and trellis garden are arranged to create variation while maintaining a clear underlying structure.

Circulation is central to the design. Paths guide movement between garden rooms, framing views and establishing a sequence that reveals the landscape over time. The experience is intentionally paced, allowing each space to be encountered individually while remaining part of a cohesive whole.

Planting balances structure and softness. A limited number of existing trees were retained, with additional specimen trees introduced and relocated to establish scale and maturity. Layered planting reinforces the organization of each garden room, while allowing for seasonal variation and growth.

The composition remains restrained, allowing architecture and landscape to work together as a unified system. The result is a landscape that is structured and legible, yet immersive, where sequence, proportion, and planting define the experience.

Credits

Architect: Ferguson & Shamamian, New York
Interior Designer: Michael Smith Inc.
Landscape Architect: Mia Lehrer & Associates
Photographer: Timothy J. Palcic
Role: Project Designer and Construction Administrator

Project Responsibilities: Led landscape design development, site planning, planting design, material selection, construction documentation, consultant coordination, and construction administration throughout all phases of the project from concept design through final installation.

Originally owned by Jim Belushi.