Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Trusted Landscape Design Partner in San Jose
Founded in 2009, KL Designs has established itself as a leader in sustainable landscape design and consultation. Our team, led by an award-winning landscape designer with degrees in Landscape Architecture and Visual Arts, specializes in creating water-efficient gardens, edible landscapes, and family-friendly outdoor spaces. With recognition from Houzz.com and the San Jose City Guadalupe Courtyard Garden design contest, we combine decades of hands-on experience with innovative design methodologies.Our process prioritizes client collaboration, utilizing CAD technology and virtual consultations to deliver customized plans that align with individual goals. We offer comprehensive services including lawn conversion for water conservation programs, irrigation planning, and DIY guidance through our Amazon-published e-book. Our commitment to sustainable practices and client education has made us a trusted partner for homeowners in the San Jose South Bay area.
Services
Landscape Design
Consultation Services
Lawn Conversion
Sustainable Gardens
Outdoor Living Spaces
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of professional landscape design experience since 2009
- Our designer holds degrees in Landscape Architecture and Visual Arts
- Specialists in Santa Clara Water District Lawn Conversion rebate programs
- We provide DIY design guidance through our Amazon best-selling e-book
- Award-winning designs recognized by Houzz and San Jose City contests
What people say
Award-winning designs
Excellent communication
Water conservation expertise
Professional service
Creative solutions
Services
Landscape Design
Custom landscape design services create functional outdoor spaces that increase property value. Our process includes site analysis, CAD-based planning, and plant selection tailored to California's climate. Clients receive digital files and plant lists for contractor bidding or DIY implementation.
Lawn Conversion
Specialized lawn replacement services meet Santa Clara Water District rebate requirements. We design low-water alternatives using drip irrigation and drought-tolerant plants. Our process includes measurement, design, and documentation to qualify for water-saving incentives.
Consultation Services
Hourly design consultations address specific landscape challenges. Ideal for small spaces up to 50x50 feet, these sessions include on-site evaluation with a contractor and collaborative plant selection through virtual meetings.
Sustainable Gardens
We create environmentally responsible landscapes using native plants and sustainable materials. Our designs incorporate rainwater harvesting systems, edible gardens, and organic soil practices to minimize environmental impact while maximizing usability.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Transform underutilized yards into functional outdoor rooms. Our designs integrate hardscaping elements with strategic plant placement to create comfortable, year-round entertainment areas that complement your home's architecture.
People
Kim Leichner
Owner/Landscape Designer
Award-winning landscape designer with degrees in Landscape Architecture and Visual Arts. Recognized by Houzz (2013-2024) and SF Flower Show Gold Medal winner. Specializes in sustainable design and water-efficient landscaping solutions for California climates.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the greater San Jose area within Santa Clara County, focusing on residential properties requiring landscape design and water-efficient solutions.
Do you work on small spaces?
Yes, our hourly consultation service is ideal for small spaces up to 50x50 feet, including courtyard revitalization and compact garden designs.
Can I install the design myself?
Yes, we provide detailed digital plans and plant lists that you can use for DIY installation, including guidance through our Amazon e-book.
Do you handle permit requirements?
We can provide Landscape Documentation Packages for permit applications, including irrigation plans and water budget calculations when required by local municipalities.
How do you handle client collaboration?
We use virtual Zoom meetings for initial consultations, design reviews, and revisions, ensuring clear communication throughout the design process.
What about water conservation programs?
We specialize in Santa Clara Water District Lawn Conversion rebate programs, helping clients meet requirements for water-saving landscape incentives.
Reviews (5)
Erica W.
Nov 30, 2021
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Loved working with Kim to design our dream backyard. I previously tried YardZen and was extremely disappointed. My friend referred Kim and I'm so glad he did! Kim was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, punctual, and creative. We did a virtual appointment and in less than a few hours we had the backyard of our dreams with a play area, entertaining area, and gardening section. I would highly recommend Kim and we will definitely be using her services when we redesign the front yard.
Kristine M.
Oct 21, 2021
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I had Kim come out and help me design my front yard with drought tolerant plants. The project included pathways, a new front door courtyard, a new driveway and pavers. She was very patient and knowledge about both the appropriate plants and the construction process for the hardscaping and irrigation. She provided a full blueprint to provide to the Contractor, and a plant list/instructions on how to apply for the Santa Clara Country rebate for replacing lawns with drought tolerant plants. I would definitely recommend Kim/KL Design.
Jessica N.
Jun 19, 2021
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Exceptional knowledge, customer service and, in a time in the Bay Area when everyone is out for themselves, Kim displays selflessness and compassion beyond any expectations I had. I could not have been more impressed with our conversation and her extensive recommendations. Kim works from the heart with doing the right thing for you and the environment at the forefront of her approach. I am ever thankful for her advice and recommend her without hesitation to anyone looking for an honest, wise, and personable professional with which to work.
John M.
May 17, 2021
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I live outside of the area that KL Designs services. However in her response to my request for a quote, she gave me so many helpful hints and suggestions. This was so helpful and appreciated. I can tell she truly loves what she does.
Sean P.
May 13, 2021
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We couldn't be happier with Kim's design and guidance on our front and back yard makeovers. Her process is fast, interactive, and thorough. She listened carefully to our sometimes conflicting requests and came up with a plan and design that exceeded our expectations and even highest hopes. During the construction phase of our project, she responded to a few follow-up questions we had as we made a few additions to the design (we had discussed these as "optional" in our planning with Kim, and ended up putting all our optional items in after all!)
We asked for low-water,
We asked for low-water,
