Rodriguez & Satterthwaite is a multi-faceted design firm specializing in the creation, installation and care of one-of-a-kind, resource-conscious landscapes. We take a holistic approach to our designs, drawing inspiration from natural rhythms in order to restore landscape to its native state and create places of peace and reflection.
Since 1994, we have built a unique perspective with regards to the human relationship to the wild lands that surround the Los Angeles region. We are committed to the preservation and care of these spaces, which influences our approach to urban projects. Each project is a way for us to further construct a relationship to the mountains and ocean that influence our everyday lives in Los Angeles.
Our goal is to be as responsive to our client as we are to nature. We are a full service company dedicated to the integrity of our craft. Our multi-faceted teams of designers, masons and plants people are passionate about each detail we create. We pride ourselves in our ability to respond and personalize each space to the needs of the client and the site. Every place tells a story, it’s our goal to make it poetry.
“Excellence in design, eco-systematic, sensitive design and pushing the creative envelope are the components of our design philosophy. Sufficed to say, the subject of sustainability is intrinsic to this philosophy. We feel that the purpose of landscape design is to provide space to help quiet and still the mind which can lead the way to creative inspiration. This applies equally to urban, suburban and rural areas. The world today, especially the urban world, has become a place which separates us from our deep inner selves. Landscape architects are in a position to help us bridge this gap.”
– Jade Satterthwaite , Founder
Our founders Jade Satterthwaite and Martin Rodriguez met in 1992 while working at the fabled Sassafras Nursery in Topanga Canyon. In 1994, the duo broke off to start Rodriguez & Satterthwaite creating residential gardens across Topanga Canyon and into greater Los Angeles.
Martin Rodriguez
Co-founder / President
Martin has been creating landscapes for more than two decades. Growing up in a rural community in Mexico, he learned from a young age to care for plants. He has called Topanga Canyon home for over 30 years and is passionate about the natural environment and its preservation. Martin often integrates stone, concrete, and wood techniques into his creations. His fountains, benches and concrete faux bois tree structures have been praised as natural masterworks by clients and non-clients alike. Martin brings a lifetime of personal experience, both as an artist and landscape creator, and guides the RODSATT design creations from start to finish.
Jade Satterthwaite
Co-founder
Jade Satterthwaite was a California native, and proud of it. Her vision for her company was driven by her passion for her home state with all its beauty and challenges. Until her death in February of 2008, Jade taught at USC in the Landscape Architecture program as both a studio and horticulture professor. She received her Masters in Landscape Architecture from USC in 1995 and her Bachelors in Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona in 1984. Before starting her own company, Jade worked for such companies as Lehrer Architects, Art Ishida and Glenn Hampton. She was a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Our Design Team
Catherine McLaughlin
Designer
Catherine started working at RODSATT in 2005 as a student of Jade's at USC, from where she graduated in 2006 with a Bachelors of Landscape Architecture. Before working for RODSATT, living outside of Chicago, she always held work within the industry: pulling weeds, driving trucks, planning and planting gardens. She has her LEED Certification, a certificate from G3 (Green Gardens Group) in sustainable design and is working on obtaining her license. She is constantly working on increasing her knowledge base and push the company to explore techniques that have minimal impact, conserve resources and build soil.
Sara Alexander
Landscape Architect
Having grown up in California, Sara is passionate about understanding the various ecosystems and the plants that inhabit them. Sara started working for RODSATT in 2002 as a student of Jade's at USC, from where she graduated with a Bachelors of Landscape Architecture. She received her landscape contractors license in 2009 and her landscape architects license in 2010. She is a member of the ASLA.
Karen Tashman
Landscape Architect
A lifelong gardener, Karen has been with RODSATT since 1998. She graduated from the UCLA Landscape Architecture program in 2003 and received her license in 2008. She is a member of the ASLA and is a LEED accredited professional.