merge studio

I am currently working with Merge Studio on four projects. They are simply - the best! Cary and Amy's design skill and attention to detail create landscapes that are beautiful, as well as functional. It is not easy to meet all the technical requirements that come along with complicated grading and drainage on the hillside projects we work on together and they do it in a way that only seems like artistry in the landscape. They are the ultimate collaborators too and along with great enthusiasm for their work, make a real pleasure to work with.

Cary and Amy have worked on two large projects , part of a family compound, for us in Sonoma; complete landscape design, planting plans and participation in the execution at all steps of the projects. These are multi-year, extensive hardscape and planting projects for new homes. We could not be more pleased with the results and with working with Merge. Cary has the combination of great design sense and the ability to provide detailed specifications for contractor and landscape installer. He and Amy are a treat to work with, coordinate extremely closely with client, general contractor, architect (Lars Langberg), and landscape installer. They are attentive to client's input, are a vital part of the team, are eager to learn and take great pride in their work.

My husband and I have been in the process of building a house in Sonoma County. Our architect Lars Langberg, recommended we hire Merge Studio to handle the landscape architecture, and after meeting Cary Bush and his team we were sold! We’ve been working with Merge Studio for 2 years now and feel both extraordinarily lucky and grateful to have found such a great team. They’ve handled the site planning, site architecture and landscape design; as well as all the management and coordination that go behind the scene. Cary is not only extraordinary talented, but very insightful and always finds creative solutions to whatever problems that arise. Plus he is responsive, proactive and a pleasure to work with. All in all, we couldn’t imagine going through this somewhat complicated (and sometimes bewildering!) process without Merge Studio on our side. We whole-heartedly recommend Cary and his team.

Merge Studio produced a fantastic plan for the landscaping around our home in Sebastopol, CA. We knew we had both very sunny areas on a steep bank as well as very shady areas with large redwood trees, but beyond that, we were definitely design-challenged. After some Q & A sessions and some rough concept sketches, Cary and Amy from Merge came up with a wonderful detailed plan with specific plantings and locations. The planning process even with two or three iterations of the plan went rather quickly. I think our site provided some challenges that they met with enthusiasm and deep practical knowledge of what works in our sunny and shady situation. In terms of budget, their rough estimate came very close to the ultimate cost of the plan and implementing the project. Merge recommended a landscape contractor who did a top notch job of implementing the plan which included clearing the site, grading, placing boulders, a drainage system, automatic drip watering (no lawn!), and of course the placement of hundreds of plants all of which were specified and located in the Merge plan. We are very pleased with the work that Merge did. Cary and Amy were very professional and at the same time warm and funny. We particularly enjoyed the nursery "field trips" they took us on. They have continued to come by the site to make sure all is well with the landscaping.

Cary and Amy Bush of Merge Studio designed the re-landscaping of our back garden. They are professional (Amy is a licensed arborist and Cary is a licensed landscape architect). They were very helpful in choosing the proper plants and they worked well with our landscape contractor to provide suggestions, oversight, and follow up. They are knowledgable, reliable, and a pleasure to work with. We highly recommend Merge Studio and would definitely hire them again. D. Witzel

We used Merge Studios to design and build our backyard and we couldn't be happier. They designed and executed our plan and were very attentive and knowledgeable. Cary is a talented landscape architect and Amy is a seasoned, experienced arborist. They both know what type of plants to choose and how to arrange them around decks, walkways or anything your heart desires. Between the two of them they have everything you need to create landscape magic!