Courtland Studio LLC

07/14/2026

As Spain and France meet in today's FIFA World Cup semifinal, we're celebrating one of Spain's greatest landscape treasures—the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens in Granada.

Built by the Moorish Nasrid dynasty during the 13th and 14th centuries, the Alhambra is one of the world's finest examples of architecture, gardens, and water working together.

The adjoining Generalife, the rulers' summer retreat, features courtyards, reflecting pools, fountains, and terraced gardens designed to provide beauty and a cool escape from Granada's warm climate.

Water is at the heart of the design. Gravity-fed channels flow through the gardens, creating movement, sound, and cooling while emphasizing the symmetry and geometry.

More than 700 years later, these design principles still influence landscape architects around the world. Through its use of geometry, water, shade, and carefully framed views, the Alhambra shows how great landscape design can endure for centuries.

At Courtland Studio LLC, we're inspired by landscapes that have stood the test of time.

📸 Photos by Paul Lewis, Principal Landscape Architect, Courtland Studio LLC.

07/09/2026

In landscape architecture, time becomes part of the design.

The first image shows this Bel Air landscape five years after installation. The second shows the same view immediately after installation.

As the vines established, the hedges matured, and the planting palette filled in. The landscape developed the richness and character envisioned in the original design.

Just as importantly, this transformation was made possible through consistent maintenance.

Great landscapes are the result of both thoughtful design and ongoing care. Landscape architecture depends on knowledgeable maintenance to preserve its structure, encourage healthy growth, and allow the original design vision to mature.

At Courtland Studio LLC, we create landscapes that are designed to mature gracefully—becoming richer, more inviting, and more beautiful over the years.

07/07/2026

Today’s World Cup match brings Argentina and Egypt to Atlanta, and we’re wishing both teams a great game. ⚽

As fans gather in Atlanta, we’re looking back at one of the city’s most inspiring design destinations—the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Captured by Courtland Studio LLC Principal Paul Lewis, these moments showcase a landscape where horticulture meets world-class art.

From Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures to origami-inspired installations, the Garden demonstrates how art can become an integral part of the landscape.

Good luck to Argentina and Egypt in today’s match.

07/07/2026

In honor of Seattle hosting today's World Cup match, we're celebrating one of the city's most inspiring design destinations.

Here, Courtland Studio LLC Principal Paul Lewis explores Chihuly Garden and Glass, located at Seattle Center next to the Space Needle, where world-renowned glass artistry meets inspiring architecture. And yes, getting the perfect photo sometimes means lying on the floor.

As the World Cup continues, we're celebrating the architecture, landscapes, and cultural landmarks that make the host city unique.

07/07/2026

As the USA faces Belgium in today's FIFA World Cup Round of 16, we're looking back at one of Europe's most iconic architectural landmarks.

During a visit to Brussels, Courtland Studio LLC Principal Paul Lewis stopped at the Atomium — a remarkable symbol of innovation and engineering.

Today we're cheering for Team USA while wishing Team Belgium the very best in what promises to be a memorable match. Great design and great sport both bring people together across borders.

Good luck to both teams!

07/06/2026

In honor of today's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain, we're sharing a memorable moment from Paul Lewis's recent business trip to Miami.

While visiting Cartier's flagship boutique in the Miami Design District, Courtland Studio Principal Landscape Architect Paul Lewis had the pleasure of meeting Portugal's President, António José Seguro, and showing him one of the boutique's signature design features—a striking marble-clad wall crafted from stone sourced from Portugal.

As landscape architects and designers, we admire the rich architectural and design traditions of both Portugal and Spain. Wishing both teams an exciting match!

04/11/2026

⚓️ Honoring History Through Design: USS Iowa

One would never expect a bond between the USS Iowa—one of America’s most powerful battleships—and the delicate beauty of hibiscus and bougainvillea. But the connection is the Pacific Ocean, where this mighty ship operated, and where these iconic flowers defined the landscape. 🌺🚢

This story began 40 years ago at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). In 1986, Courtland Studio LLC founder Paul Lewis was a student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Joe Vertrees was a student at Cal Poly Pomona. They served together as co-chairs of the student committee for Cal Poly’s 1987 Rose Parade float, “Breaking the Ice."
A highlight of that intense decorating week was when the Captain of the soon-to-be-commissioned submarine USS Pasadena visited to christen our float right before it hit the parade route—a memory that still makes us smile 40 years later. 🚢🌹

Decades later, that friendship has come full circle. Courtland Studio LLC landscape architecture team was honored to join Joe and his architecture and engineering firm, Vertrees A&E, to design the new Freedom of the Seas Pavilion and Visitor Center at the USS Iowa in San Pedro.
As the lead architect and engineer, Joe and his firm, Vertrees A&E, bring their signature expertise and thoughtful approach to this waterfront project. Their design will create a welcoming, functional space that honors the ship’s legacy while serving veterans, students, and the community for years to come.

🏗️ Bringing History to Life
A Living Tribute: For the landscape design, hibiscus and bougainvillea were chosen specifically because they are iconic to the Pacific region, where the USS Iowa saw its first action in WWII. They serve as a vibrant, living reminder of the ship's early service.

Family Roots: The Lewis and Vertrees families have Navy ties. Paul’s father served in the Navy during the Korean War, and Joe’s grandfather and uncles served in the Navy during World War II. Their stories of service have always been part of their family identities.

We love collaborating with Joe again to create a space where history, community, and design meet.

04/10/2026

Courtland Studio LLC of LA celebrates National Sibling Day!

04/09/2026

https://youtu.be/uj7Al_GbqhY?si=HFnDjegRXAZwF9ZV
Courtland Studio LLC Los Angeles, CA
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