Our Design Ethos
We create thoughtful, distinctive outdoor spaces that feel personal, not prescribed. Through creative design, unexpected combinations, and a resourceful approach to materials, we find beauty beyond the conventional—and make great design more sustainable and accessible.
Resourcefulness over extravagance.
Beautiful design isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about seeing potential in what’s already there—from preserving mature trees to repurposing materials and embracing the natural character of your site. Often, these resourceful, unexpected choices become the most distinctive and memorable parts of the garden.
Creativity over convention.
We combine humble materials with expressive planting, blend old and new, and use contrast, texture, repetition, and proportion to create a sense of harmony and character. It’s not about choosing the most expensive elements, but about seeing their potential and bringing them together in thoughtful, unexpected ways.
Individuality over status.
Your garden should feel like you. Your outdoor space should reflect your tastes, priorities, and way of life—not someone else's idea of what a garden should be. We work collaboratively to discover possibilities that feel personal, authentic, and uniquely yours.
Beautiful design isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about seeing potential in what’s already there—from preserving mature trees to repurposing materials and embracing the natural character of your site. Often, these resourceful, unexpected choices become the most distinctive and memorable parts of the garden.
Creativity over convention.
We combine humble materials with expressive planting, blend old and new, and use contrast, texture, repetition, and proportion to create a sense of harmony and character. It’s not about choosing the most expensive elements, but about seeing their potential and bringing them together in thoughtful, unexpected ways.
Individuality over status.
Your garden should feel like you. Your outdoor space should reflect your tastes, priorities, and way of life—not someone else's idea of what a garden should be. We work collaboratively to discover possibilities that feel personal, authentic, and uniquely yours.
Connection over perfection.
Gardens are for living in, not just looking at. We design spaces that invite you to gather with friends, share a meal, find a quiet moment, or simply enjoy being outdoors. The goal isn't perfection, but a garden that feels welcoming, alive, and connected to the rhythms of everyday life.
Discernment over excess.
Knowing what to leave out is a design skill. Good design isn't about adding more. It's about making thoughtful decisions that bring everything together. Whether through a well-placed tree, a graceful path, or a considered palette of materials and plants, we focus on what matters most—and let the unnecessary fall away.
Gardens are for living in, not just looking at. We design spaces that invite you to gather with friends, share a meal, find a quiet moment, or simply enjoy being outdoors. The goal isn't perfection, but a garden that feels welcoming, alive, and connected to the rhythms of everyday life.
Discernment over excess.
Knowing what to leave out is a design skill. Good design isn't about adding more. It's about making thoughtful decisions that bring everything together. Whether through a well-placed tree, a graceful path, or a considered palette of materials and plants, we focus on what matters most—and let the unnecessary fall away.
About Christel
Christel Leung is the owner and principal designer of Outside Collective, designing outdoor spaces since 2010. With a BS in Design from UC Davis and a Landscape Architecture Certificate from UC Berkeley Extension, she brings a graphic designer’s eye for contrast, pattern, form, texture, and color to landscape design.
Raised in a Chinese family that valued resourcefulness as much as beauty, Christel carries this ethos into her work, blending a deep appreciation for making the most of what’s available with a modern commitment to sustainability. Together, let's do something really cool in your garden!