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A modern pool deck and patio at sunset featuring in pool furniture and white chaise loungers.

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BOXHILL & Co. Design Services

Landscape Design

Boxhill is a specialized landscape design firm with over 25 years of experience. We are based in Marana, Arizona, and we have a wide breadth of experiences with both modest and expansive projects. We pride ourselves on developing intriguing designs with longevity and appeal for both commercial and residential properties.

OUR PERSPECTIVE

Our perspective is formed by a reverence for classical architecture and beauty, punctuated by a passion for modern design that is fresh and innovative.

OUR APPROACH

Our approach is designed to be flexible and responsive to you. Whether you are someone who knows exactly waht you want, or apprecaite guidance iwth defining your style, we will be ther eevery step of the way to assist you with your vision.

OUR EXPERIENCE

Our experience covers every area of design, and our expertise extends to a variety of projects, including residential design, commercial design, and professional styling assignments.

Have a quick Question? Email our lead designer: elizabeth@shopboxhill.com

Modern desert backyard with Olympic-length pool, sculptural stone artwork, and pink Muhlenbergia grass against a sunset backdrop.
Sleek poolside steps leading to a shaded ramada with built-in banco seating and a modern fire pit.
Olympic-length swimming pool framed by modern hardscape, black planters, and desert mountain views at sunset.
Close-up of sculptural stone feature surrounded by pink Muhlenbergia grass and modern desert landscaping.

When the Graham family called during the height of the pandemic, their modernist home’s iconic pool and backyard were showing 60 years of wear. Our charge: refresh the space without losing its clean, mid-century edge. The result? A striking balance of crisp architecture, softened with natural texture and thoughtful detail—modern, minimal, and built to last.

We re-tiled the Olympic-length pool and updated the entire hardscape with a clean new palette, then reimagined the ramada with built-in banco seating and a fire pit for desert evenings. Custom-etched metal gates tied back to the home’s mid-century lines, while oversized sculptural pots and a statement cast stone piece added depth and dimension. To soften all that geometry, we designed a mass planting of pink-blooming Muhlenbergia capillaris, bringing seasonal texture and movement to the scene. Finishing touches like a sleek outdoor shower, landscape lighting, and sculptural accents completed the transformation—turning a stark, over-hardscaped yard into a livable, modern desert retreat.

Modern desert home entry with gravel walkway, tall columnar cacti, and black-framed glass doors.
Tiered desert garden with agave, cactus, and yucca planted along a white stucco wall beside a modern pool.
Poolside lounge area with white in-pool chaise chairs, desert cactus plantings, and Catalina Mountain views.
Family-friendly backyard with sunken trampoline, sculptural black pebble seats, and covered patio with wood pergola.

In the heart of one of Tucson’s most coveted neighborhoods, this vibrant family of six needed a backyard that could keep up with their busy lives. With both parents working as doctors and four children under ten, the vision was clear: a landscape that blends modern style with eco-friendly practices, while offering plenty of room to play, relax, and grow.

We anchored the design with sustainability—tapping into an underground water-harvesting system to irrigate an edible garden and feed the pool, reducing calcium buildup and keeping the landscape thriving. Family life drove every design choice: a trampoline yard framed by sculptural pebble seating, a pickleball and basketball court for active afternoons, and a sophisticated pool complete with tanning ledge, in-pool loungers, and custom planters that double as kid-approved jumping platforms.

Balancing function and style, we tucked in an outdoor shower for privacy, designed planters that tie sustainability into the aesthetic, and finished with details that respect both the natural desert environment and the family’s contemporary sensibility. The result is a modern desert retreat where sustainability meets play—and where this young family can make memories for years to come.

Built-in stucco bench with colorful throw pillows and lanterns on a shaded patio of a Santa Fe–style home.
Outdoor seating nook with patterned pillows, stucco walls, and potted desert plants on a brick patio.
Desert garden with blooming red wildflowers, golden barrel cactus, and a shaded patio lounge in the background.
Intimate outdoor dining area with iron chairs, cushioned seats, and a stone table under a shaded pergola.

This active family of five wanted their new guest house to feel seamlessly tied to the main residence while keeping the desert’s natural beauty front and center. The goals: connect the architecture, create a pool large enough for kayak training, and design a low-water landscape that feels at home in the surrounding desert.

We linked the main and guest homes with decomposed granite pathways that read as natural trails, softened with full-sized trees, native cacti, and carefully placed boulders. The deep, natural-style pool is edged with dramatic plantings—waves of single species grouped en masse—to echo the desert beyond. Within a year and a half, the landscape matured enough to thrive without irrigation, true to the client’s water-conscious vision.

Romantic details bring richness: ethnic columns, mosaic inlays, and an outdoor shower tucked into the garden. A fire feature framed by artistic metal demi-walls creates a striking focal point, designed to both protect the flame from canyon winds and invite evening gatherings under the desert sky. The result is a space that’s rugged, refined, and deeply rooted in its environment.

Modern outdoor lounge area with teak armchairs, striped rug, and manicured lawn in a mid-century style backyard.
Contemporary water feature with cascading fountain, polished stone base, and desert-modern seating area in the background.
Outdoor dining space with sculptural white chairs around a modern stone table in a private desert backyard.
Intimate patio nook with butterfly chair, patterned pillow, round side table, and sculptural modern fire feature framed by ornamental grasses.

When the owners of this historic Tom Gist residence wanted a secluded retreat for golf, relaxation, and entertaining, Boxhill reimagined their backyard with a distinctly modern edge.

The project began with a color consultation to refine the palette, pairing charcoal privacy walls with tiered black planters that gave structure and contrast. Eco-friendly materials—like wood-look panels crafted from recycled paper and tires—balanced sustainability with style. Mexican feather grass, citrus, and sculptural desert plants softened the hardscape while adding year-round texture.

At the heart of the design, a bold L-shaped putting green became the centerpiece, framed by a generous spa, modernist water feature, and multiple lounge areas. A custom island barbeque with a waterfall edge anchors the entertaining space, ensuring the yard feels as social as it is serene. The result is a New Modern landscape that complements the home’s Mid-Century roots while creating a private haven for play and connection.

Penthouse balcony lounge area with modern gray seating, poufs, and city views in Clayton.
Cozy outdoor seating vignette with rounded modern chairs and white circular coffee table on a penthouse terrace.
Large sectional sofa with umbrella shade on a penthouse balcony, designed as an outdoor TV room and lounge.
Outdoor dining area with sleek gray chairs, modern dining table, and skyline backdrop on a penthouse balcony.

High above Clayton, this penthouse balcony was all about maximizing skyline views while carving out intimate outdoor “rooms.” With plenty of square footage to work with, we designed distinct vignettes: an outdoor dining area, a lounge for TV and entertaining, a morning coffee spot by the French doors, and a relaxed gathering zone.

To make the space functional, new pavers allowed us to run irrigation and electric throughout—supporting both pots and a sleek water feature. Working within HOA guidelines of tan, gray, black, and white, we leaned into deep charcoals and layered neutrals that harmonize with the building’s brickwork. The result is a chic, city-ready terrace built for both everyday living and elevated entertaining.

Ready to Design Your Dream Outdoor Space?

Tell us about your project, your style, and your must-haves. Our quick design questionnaire helps us understand your vision—so we can bring it to life.

Five-Star Experiences

Boxhill received a five star review from a Trade Member.

"When I wanted to redesign my back patio, Elizabeth and her team worked to understand my needs and then developed 3D designs picturing various furniture configurations and colors to help me with my selections. The team was responsive with questions whenever I needed assistance. Elizabeth even came out and helped me with the final furniture layout. The result is a comfortable and useable space."

Debbie H.

Boxhill received a five star review from a Trade Member.

"Elizabeth designed a calm and welcoming backyard space, incorporating the modern feel we wanted with the age and character of our mid-town home. We plan to have her work her "magic" with our front yard as well. We purchased our outdoor dining and bar furniture from Boxhill & Co. and have been so pleased with the quality and comfort. It continues to look and feel great, even in our extreme climate."

Linda McKenzie