Firm

Stephen Billings Landscape Architecture, SBLA, is a design practice based in Los Angeles. We strive to enhance the experiential qualities of each site and project through investigations of program, context and materiality. Each site is seen as a dynamic palimpsest of cultural and geological histories. Our work acknowledges the past and offers an optimistic future.
The studio consists of design professionals who have training in architecture, art and environmental sciences. We consider landscape architecture as an art form that combines stewardship of the land with the craft of building.
Our design process begins with a careful examination of the physical properties of the site and extensive discussions with the clients and design team. Through drawing and examination of the site we patiently search for the essence of each project and how to amplify those qualities into thoughtful built form.
We approach every project with sustainability in the forefront. We rigorously test new technologies to ensure that sustainable measures are meaningful and performative. We work towards reducing our footprint by treating storm water on site, utilizing local materials and choosing plant palettes responsibly.
We are a pluralist practice and welcome the opportunity to design projects of all scales. Our portfolio consists of a wide variety of project types including single family residential, estates, high-rise developments, corporate campuses, hospitals, university sites, and commercial projects.