About

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.

A woman with long black hair smiling outdoors in a green, blurred background.

Rooted in California

Alva's work spans a wide range of scales. With experience ranging from high-end residential estates and multifamily projects to intimate, local gardens. She believes every landscape, regardless of size, deserves the same level of creativity and attention to detail.

Designed Around You

Design at Every Scale

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.

  • AGLA’s process starts with hand sketches and evolves through an iterative dialogue, refining multiple concepts into a thoughtful, balanced design. Alva integrates digital technologies, including AI, 3D modeling, and digital collage, to communicate ideas with clarity while remaining grounded in the artistry of analogue 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 collaborative, warm, and deeply creative.

  • 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.

  • 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.