David Thorne Landscape Architect

David Thorne Landscape Architect David founded his firm in 1983 and specializes in custom residential landscape design. David is also a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

He is passionate about creating spaces that are not only beautiful and functional, but that also unify the architecture of the home with the exterior spaces. What David enjoys most about his work are the personal relationships he forms with his clients as he works with them to develop design solutions that make the most of their site. He holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University

of California at Berkeley and is licensed by the State of California, CLA 2274. Coming from a family of architects and designers, David brings a unique understanding of design and construction to his projects.

Hard to believe that this Kyoto garden by Mirei Shigemori was created in 1939. As his use of modern abstraction with tra...
06/04/2026

Hard to believe that this Kyoto garden by Mirei Shigemori was created in 1939. As his use of modern abstraction with traditional zen garden concepts still seems very fresh. We absolutely love the checkerboard pattern that fades as the garden recedes and the scalloped edge detail.
 
📸: Kazushi Takahashi

Tree install day! What is Melissa doing down there you may ask? She is checking to make sure that the hole is wide enoug...
06/02/2026

Tree install day! What is Melissa doing down there you may ask? She is checking to make sure that the hole is wide enough to accommodate the root ball of this Quercus tomentella.
 
You’ll also notice that the hole isn’t  too deep which is good because if it was, the tree would settle over time, ending up lower then the natural grade. 🌳

Muntins and Mullions Oh My!Have you ever heard these architectural terms before?  Muntins, also known as glazing bars or...
05/29/2026

Muntins and Mullions Oh My!
Have you ever heard these architectural terms before?
 
 Muntins, also known as glazing bars or sash bars, are small wood, metal, or vinyl strips that divide a single window sash into smaller panes, enhancing aesthetic charm and providing traditional architectural character. Originally designed to join smaller panes of glass before large sheets were available, they now primarily serve a decorative purpose.
 
Mullion, A window mullion is a vertical beam that divides a window into smaller glass units. The purpose of a window on a mullion is to provide support to the glazing of a window, but they may also be required to provide structural support to a window arch.

Great to get a visit in to this Piedmont project designed for a young, active family. What about that super cool stair d...
05/28/2026

Great to get a visit in to this Piedmont project designed for a young, active family. What about that super cool stair design?!

These brick stair system is designed to serve a dual purpose for both circulation and seating between a spa area and children’s play lawn.  

These brick stair system is designed to serve a dual purpose for both circulation and seating between a spa area and children’s play lawn.  

These brick stair system is designed to serve a dual purpose for both circulation and seating between a spa area and children’s play lawn.  

The left side is a normal stair construction for ease of circulation between the two space.  However, the wider, “stadium-style” steps create opportunities for gathering, lounging, placing cushions or casual activities, while also helping the transition through the space feel more integrated and inviting.  Under tread lighting illuminates the stairs at night.

The Bay Area is finally starting to warm up, and we’re hoping pool season is just around the corner. Time to get your fl...
05/20/2026

The Bay Area is finally starting to warm up, and we’re hoping pool season is just around the corner. Time to get your floaties out!

Many thanks to & for hosting a lovely event at the 2026 SF Decorator Showcase. It was wonderful to hear a bit more abo...
05/07/2026

Many thanks to & for hosting a lovely event at the 2026 SF Decorator Showcase. It was wonderful to hear a bit more about Peruri’s process behind their gorgeous designs for Ishara, the Living Room, connect with previous collaborators, meet new faces and see all the incredible work featured in the showcase.
 
Featured Designers:





On the market now! ​​​​Stunning views & a design built around indoor/outdoor flow really sets this residence apart.​​​​W...
05/06/2026

On the market now!
​​
​​Stunning views & a design built around indoor/outdoor flow really sets this residence apart.
​​
​​What a dream to be looking out over the bay while taking a dip in the pool.
​​
​​General Contractor & Carpentry:
​​Landscape Contractors: Native Sons Landscaping Inc. & Emerald Valley Landscape
​​Photography:
​​Art Director-Photos: Quintana Kardel
​​Architect:
​​Pool:

Brick can such an underappreciated material. Granted, we do see it used in a lot of landscapes from a certain period tha...
04/29/2026

Brick can such an underappreciated material. Granted, we do see it used in a lot of landscapes from a certain period that could be considered dated, however, many contemporary designers are using it in new & unexpected ways. This project from .madhushala is a stunning example of utilizing a material that has been used for centuries through a different lens.

There are also so many different varieties of bricks available these days that can be used in a an array of different applications.
There are also so many different varieties of bricks available these days that can be used in a an array of different applications.

Is it just us, or do permit sets and plant lists get your heart racing? 🌱📐 We’re looking for a Design Associate with a s...
04/24/2026

Is it just us, or do permit sets and plant lists get your heart racing? 🌱📐
 
We’re looking for a Design Associate with a strong foundation in Landscape Design/Architecture to join our team. If you enjoy shaping thoughtful exterior spaces and understand the process behind bringing them to life, we’d love to meet you.
 
✅ Experience: You have hands-on experience in landscape design or architecture and understand how projects move from concept through documentation.
✅ Software: You’re confident in Vectorworks and comfortable using it as a core design and documentation tool.
✅ Detail-Oriented: You appreciate plant palettes, technical drawings, and the rigor behind a well-crafted permit set.
✅ Personality: You’re organized, efficient, and bring a grounded sense of humor to a collaborative studio environment.
 
With over 40 years of practice, our work is rooted in thoughtful design and real-world ex*****on.
 
Come help us build something beautiful. 🌿✨
 
[Apply Link/Link in Bio]

Address

3315 Grand Avenue
Oakland, CA
94610

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15104516161

Website

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