About
about me
Alva's work spans a wide range of scales. With experience ranging from ultra-high-end residential estates and multifamily projects to intimate, local gardens. She believes every landscape, regardless of size, deserves the same level of creativity, attention, and craftsmanship.
With experience leading projects from concept through construction, Alva collaborates with homeowners, architects, consultants, and contractors to create gardens that are both enduring and deeply personal. Whether designing an expansive estate or a single courtyard, her focus remains the same: creating spaces that feel connected to the land and enrich everyday life.
design process
Born and raised in Southern California, Alva proudly calls Altadena home. Her work is inspired by a lifelong appreciation for native landscapes, architecture, painting, and the transformative quality of light, color and texture.
Educated at the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in Architecture and the CSU in the Humanities and Studio Art, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to every project, blending creativity with thoughtful, intentional design.
Outside of her practice, Alva enjoys painting, swimming, hiking, and experiencing the world through the curious eyes of her young daughter. That sense of wonder continues to shape her creative process, reminding her that the most meaningful landscapes invite people to slow down, observe, and connect with the natural world.
experience
Every project begins by understanding the people who will live in it. Alva approaches each client with curiosity, designing landscapes that reflect their lifestyle, values, and the unique character of their site.
Her process starts with hand sketches and evolves through an iterative dialogue, refining multiple concepts into a thoughtful, balanced design. She integrates digital technologies, including AI, 3D modeling, and digital collage, to communicate ideas with clarity while remaining grounded in the artistry of analogue, plants and gardening.
Throughout construction, Alva works closely with contractors in the field to ensure every detail is executed with precision and care. The result is a design process that is focused, collaborative, warm, and deeply creative.
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Collaborating with filmmakers to create authentic and compelling styles and enhance storytelling on screen.
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Curating and coordinating fashion looks that align with the publication’s theme.
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Partnering with advertising teams to create looks that align with the brand's message and appeal to the target audience.