Constructed in 1957, the Eichler Homes headquarters in Palo Alto, California boasted a dynamic design by modernist architect, A. Quincy Jones, and distinguished landscape architect, Robert Royston. By 2012, however, the property had fallen into disrepair. As an important local historic landmark symbolic of postwar California modernism, the rehabilitation of the landscape required Vallier Design Associates to find a delicate balance between respect for the original design, contemporary environmental concerns, and input from the new owner, city staff, and the architectural preservationists.

The project began with research at UC Berkeley where discovery of concept sketches by Royston informed and inspired the landscape rehabilitation. The final design, completed in 2014, features dynamic low use water plantings with seasonal interest, expanded patio paving with original concrete supplemented with permeable pavers; and iconic wood and glass screens rebuilt to original specifications, now highlighted with new low voltage LED lighting designed by VDA to provide a soft evening glow.