Cleaver Design Associates: Landscape Architects was started in 1996 with the philosophy that good garden design should be responsive to site, client, climate and setting. Serving clients throughout California from Palo Alto and Portola Valley to Lake Tahoe and Napa /Sonoma, CDA has created unique gardens that use the context of the surroundings as a key component of our work. Topography, trees, views and the clients’ desires shape the direction of each design. We specialize in residential work where we can have a hands-on relationship with every client so that the garden that we create reflects the clients' vision and will enhance the architectural style and location of each building. CDA develops creative solutions that have been recognized for their beauty and appropriate design. Clients, be they homeowners, architects or builders, seek us out for creative, unique LANDSCAPES.
Our Approach
As a team, Cleaver Design Associates provides an integrated approach to design--combining an understanding of clients’ goals and desires with analysis of site conditions to produce a beautiful and functioning environment. Our collaborative approach with owners and other consultants leads to garden designs where needs are addressed, problems are solved, and projects get built. We respond to the environment, balance the desires of the owners with the reality of building and create a wonderful place. CDA typically provides site planning and grading design with a focus on how site amenities can be used to affect quality of living while addressing privacy, circulation, and planting concepts. We work in a timely way, understanding constraints of budget, always moving toward the goal of having a project built to our clients’ satisfaction. Our development of a garden design starts with conceptual design and continues through the processes of construction drawings, coordination during the bid process and construction, refining ideas and adjusting for budgets. Our expertise in both 2D and 3D design and presentation affords our clients a unique opportunity to understand their landscape development during the planning stages. CDA provides technical drawings for town, city and county planning approvals. We have designed numerous gardens that meet the new WELO requirements (water efficiency required by state regulation) and have been recognized for our sensitive and water conserving designs.
Our Team
Bob Cleaver, Principal/Owner, PLA #4145
Bob holds a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from Rutgers University. Residing in California since 1979, and working as a CA licensed landscape architect since 1981, Bob has worked on all scales of landscape architectural projects. After establishing his own office, he began specializing in residential gardens and wineries. Bob concentrates on site planning and design, detailed bid documents, and client/project coordination. His site analysis, grading, and planting expertise have provided clients and consultants with a landscape perspective that has improved the functional and aesthetic value of their projects.
Donna Eldridge, Partner
Donna Eldridge has worked in partnership with Bob Cleaver since 1991. She holds a M.A. in Landscape Design and a B.S. in Plant Science. She works on conceptual designs, quality control and documentation for projects. Donna strives to have every garden reflect our deep understanding of the client, their desires and the site. Donna also has 7 years experience in the field as a project manager for landscape design/build companies and provides business experience to CDA, working on business and contract operations for the firm.
Loretta Drummond, Associate, ASLA, PLA #6239
Loretta joined CDA in 2014 after graduating with honors from Cal Poly SLO with a B.L.A. and a minor in Sustainable Environments. Raised in the High Desert, she brings a unique understanding of the California landscape. Before shifting to a career in landscape architecture, Loretta managed housing projects for Habitat for Humanity as well as residential landscape projects throughout Orange County. She also received a Certificate of Achievement in Ornamental Horticulture from Orange Coast College and is a member of ASLA. She brings strong skills in computer drafting, 3D modeling, and graphic design.
