San Francisco Firms Join Forces

Stephen Suzman and Todd Cole have long vied over landscape designing work, but are now working together under the Suzman & Cole Design Associates (SCDA) banner. [How did they decide whose name went first?] The new firm seeks to broaden its geographic base and strengthen its presence in commercial/institutional design.

The principles are known for their selection of materials, unusual plants and custom design of garden features. Suzman's practice spans 20 years, everything from residential estates in California, Hawaii, and Martha's Vineyard, to an art deco rooftop in Paris, a retreat in South Africa, and the master plan for Palm Island in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Cole has 25 years of design experience. Prior to his own practice, he spent 10 years in urban design with prominent firms in Denver, New York, Philadelphia, and Santa Barbara. Over the last 13 years, he has specialized in designing residential gardens on the West Coast and in Hawaii.