Gotham West is a residential development west of Times Square that nearly encompasses a full city block. The space between two mid-rise buildings and a market-rate tower forms a signature courtyard accessed from the tower’s lobby. A sculptural Japanese maple, floating within a reflecting pool, serves as a focal feature. Other courtyard elements include illuminated resin benches, a bamboo grove, seating nooks under ribbed trellises, a social terrace and a berm planted with pines and cherry trees. The courtyard is softened by plant materials and organized by a series of striated gardens. The lines of these gardens respond to the club room geometry, which implies the courtyard as an extension of the club room. Above the club room roof is a private lounge deck that is surrounded by bamboo and flowering shrubs where club members can look over the courtyard. A “sky terrace” on the tower’s 31st floor extends the view from a lounge toward the skyline. A stone path extends from the lounge out into the terrace as a central spine from which various spaces can be accessed, such as an entertainment deck and bar, lawn panel, and lounge sun terrace. An iconic white illuminated resin wall helps divide the terrace uses and provides a sense of privacy between the two main lounging spaces. A water wall and misting station on axis with the central spine terminate the central terrace walk.
Pine Lake Residence
This site is a 1300-acre ranch situated in East Texas, approximately 100 miles from Dallas. The site consists of pine and hardwood forests with an occasional hay field and two lakes. The project completely renovated an existing ranch house and cottage situated on one of the lakes, added a two-story guest house, two-story boat house, a large pool and gardens. T...
Crest Apartments
Situated within the suburban context of the Los Angeles Valley, Crest Apartments provides 64 residences for the homeless, including 23 reserved for disabled veterans. The building’s striking geometry is complemented by a flexible, multi-layered, and multi-textured landscape that support social, experiential, and environmental programs. The ground cover plant s...
Zakin Residence
SWA worked closely with the client and architect in siting the house to maximize views and preserve opportunities in which to develop the landscape. The varied program for the landscape included a small family vineyard, a multi-use field, flower gardens, fountains, terraces, a koi pond, swimming pool and spa, tennis courts, courtyards, a heli-pad and guest par...
Stanford Toyon Hall
Toyon Hall, a significant historic building originally designed by Bakewell and Brown Architects in 1922, is a three-story structure centered around a magnificent formal courtyard with arcades and arches. The purpose of the project was to preserve, maintain and enhance the building and site. SWA scope of work included evaluation of existing site conditions and...



