Featured Designer | Emily Benevedes
May 2026
APLD Member since 2018
Owner of Elliott Bay Landscape Design
Emily Benevedes, owner of Elliott Bay Landscape Design
All images: Emily Benevedes
This quarter Emily is telling us her story—from working in the non-profit arts sector to running a design+build business with her husband.
When did you start designing gardens? Tell us about your path from then to now.
My entry into landscape design was back in 2009. Our company, Elliott Bay Landscape Design, was already in its seventh year of existence. Up until this point I had been managing the books and payroll while Todd, my partner and husband, managed bid writing and operations. I had left my earlier work in the nonprofit arts sector when our children were young, but I was ready for a new challenge. I was hungry to learn and grow, both creatively and professionally.
In the early years, Todd did some of the design work. As our business grew, we began working with outside designers—most of them APLDWA members. I found an opportunity to supplement that work stream with my own design work so we could again provide these services in house.
In 2009, I entered the Landscape Horticulture program at South Seattle College, immersed myself there, and thrived. In 2010. I began doing landscape design professionally. Although I continue to manage our bookkeeping and payroll, my landscape design work has become by far the most rewarding.
How would you describe your design style?
I do my best to bring a strong sense of visual structure to my designs. I always begin with exercises at my drawing table around geometry and how the new space will flow visually. What are the main areas of activity? How will they connect? How will we move within the space, and what will our view be once we’re there? I really love this concept phase of design where I explore different layouts and lines. Within this geometry, clear focal elements emerge. I often choose these items early—a special tree, a fountain, a set of colored containers, a clearing in the garden for a special piece of art.
Once the layout is established, my focus shifts to creating a space that looks good all year through my plant palette. I’m looking for structure here too—leaf form, branching structure, visual contrast. Deciduous trees and shrubs become a focus. I prioritize those that have a beautiful branching structure to admire when it’s not in leaf or flowering. I love incorporating smaller conifers in my gardens, and use perennials to connect areas visually with stunning color, either in foliage or flower.
This small garden in Magnolia includes a gravel sitting area, espaliered apple trees, and low steel retaining walls.
Is your focus design? Or do you also manage installation, build, and maintain gardens?
Our company provides both landscape design and installation services. I bring clients through the design process, and stay involved throughout construction to ensure that the work progresses smoothly. We are also happy to work with other designers to install their projects.
This mortar-set flagstone patio in a West Seattle backyard connects the client’s back porch to the greater garden.
Describe a typical design project and your process.
I begin with an initial meeting with the client at their home. It’s a time for them to show me what space they have to work with, and share any ideas they have for what they’d like to do. After that initial meeting, I summarize thoughts on my first impressions of the space—the assets and challenges it has, and make notes on some early ideas to explore.
This client in North Seattle had small spaces to work with, more shade than sun, and a modern aesthetic. This is a ‘before’ shot of the side yard space.
A design proposal follows, and once it has been accepted, I present 2-3 concepts for clients to review. This is my favorite part! I love working with the layout geometry and with ideas of for creating visual focal points. I envision moving through the space, and picture what the different views will be.
These are the three proposed concepts . They show the patio in different locations, a small lawn for the dogs, and two have a sitting area outside of a large bedroom window.This home has an upper deck with a view into the side yard.
Back in the studio with client feedback in hand, the layout is finalized, plants are chosen, and materials are selected for any built structures. Material selection and construction details are carefully considered to make the sure the installation is as easy and affordable as possible.
After, there is a square gravel seating area, and the windows will, at some point, become French doors.
The main patio was set towards the back, and a custom modern shed was added in the corner. The client chose a few containers to include, and we designed and built a small custom water feature. Low cable fencing was added to encourage the pups to stay out of the plants.
What would your ideal project and client be?
My favorite projects are those where the clients want to not just look at, but live in their outdoor environment. We are lucky in the Pacific Northwest to have a mild climate for enjoying the outdoors year round. We can carve out areas for play, socializing, working, relaxing, growing food, and enjoying hobbies right in our yards. I love helping clients unlock that potential.
Tell us about one of your favorite or most memorable projects.
A small space in the backyard of a Seward Park home was a very fun project because it literally started as a patch of gravel off of the back alley. The clients had been in the home only a year or two, and wanted a private oasis to enjoy.
Images before the project begins. Above: There is a door into the home just around the left corner, the windows look into the rec room. Below: This is the view from the rec room windows.
We decided on a fenced patio space for both a sitting area and a hot tub. It was a lot to fit into a small space, but we made it work. The clients were wonderful, and we were thrilled to be invited to their neighborhood party that was also a ‘reveal’ of the new space.
The finished project. Above: View of the sitting area from the rec room. Below: New hot tub with lighting
Sometimes being limited in space can make design choices clearer, and this was one of those projects where every square foot mattered and had to be thoughtfully considered. The new back yard creates not only a fun destination, but now the curtains of the rec room can be opened up creating a visual extension from the inside of their home. I find this type of design work very rewarding and a great challenge.
Emily Benevedes
Elliott Bay Landscape Design
206.366.5444
elliottbaylandscape.com