As part of site planning, Earthcraft often defines where the house and other buildings will be located before construction so that the house is placed appropriately and blends harmoniously with the existing site elements and the landscaping design (gardens, ponds, paths, and lighting). Earthcraft has the capability to design roads, drainage and all the elements necessary for an integrated landscape.
Earthcraft’s approach to landscape is tailored to the needs of our clients. We enjoy a creative and artistic landscaping approach, an interchange of ideas, employing environmental considerations and giving a personal and unique touch to each of the settings, whether small or large. We prefer on-site interaction because there are always design decisions to be made during the construction phase and experience has shown that there is high value in having our presence at critical times during the installation. Earthcraft is site savvy and can turn a potential problem into an asset. For example, in several projects where drainage could have been a problem, Earthcraft has designed a beautiful dry stone “pond” which also acts as a drainage sump, or collection basin, to collect runoff and recharge groundwater. Plants surrounding the “stone sump pond” are riparian and give the final naturalistic “look”.
Bobby Markowitz’s desire to garden grew out of the joy he received from working in his own garden and growing fruits and vegetables for his family and friends. In 1977 he started gardening for clients. From that experience, he ventured into landscape building and contracting, and in 1990 became a licensed California Landscape Architect.
Inspired by the beauty of Japanese gardens, he traveled to Japan in 1980 to live and study--working in one of the most famous gardens (Uchida garden) in the ancient imperial capital of Kyoto. This was a deeply inspiring experience and would guide his career and the creation of Earthcraft Landscape Design. His landscape designs focus on stone ponds and waterfalls and he creates incredibly naturalistic environments for his clients.
He later traveled throughout Europe and especially enjoyed Spain where he often played flamenco guitar in patio courtyard gardens. During his career Bobby has designed both residential gardens and commercial landscapes. He also has done several projects from Hawaii to the East Coast.
Although beauty is highly important, early-on Bobby was attuned to the flow of design, how things worked, how garden systems can be designed intelligently and integrated to enhance the environment. He studied with Bill Mollison (founder of Permaculture) in 1995, and became a certified permaculture consultant1.
These interactions inspired him to develop rainwater catchment systems that have been used to water landscapes where water is precious. In one case, Earthcraft designed a rainwater harvesting system that has collected over 250,000 gallons in just two years--allowing our clients to keep their extensive garden irrigated.
In addition to working with owners, Bobby also enjoys working with architects, land use planners and any other professionals to produce beautiful and ecologically sound projects. He addresses the important aspects of site planning often from project inception to completion.
As a landscape architect, Bobby may suggest reusing existing site materials. There may be beauty in something that is about to be thrown away or no longer "needed"; these items can be used to personalize one’s garden. Also, he may suggest options such as natural contouring to recharge the groundwater while channeling excess overflow to create a waterfall and creek as an attractive, eye-catching site feature. Other possibilities are low voltage lighting or solar lights. THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE!
Affiliations and Certifications:
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We look forward to working with you to produce a beautiful and environmentally sound project.
1. permaculture - permanent agriculture—defined as conscious design and maintenance of productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability and resilience of natural ecosystems.
Permaculture, A Designers’ Manual, Bill Mollison, A Tagari Publication,1988