Plantkind
Landscape design for outdoor living

Plantkind designs gardens based on an open process and design system. We offer site specific spaces that deepen your relationship with the natural world. Our work is the intersection of native plant palettes and modern built environments for people to gather. The practice of gardening intends to create a more equitable world that honors and provides sustainable ecosystems for all life.
Studio Overview

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Case Studies
Sustainable Practices
Ethos and Values



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Based in San Francisco Bay Area and working with clients along the West Coast and across the planet.

Specialities
Spatial Planning
Schematic Design
Hardscaping
Construction
Planting Palettes
Outdoor Lighting
Furniture Selection
Exterior Finishings
Material Specifications
Water Conservation



Sourcing and Procurement
Project Management
Irrigation Plans
Styling and Curation
Art Direction
Exhibitions
Special Projects
Wayfinding
Rendering Visualization
Permitting
Our Approach

• (Daily Routines) — Plantkind works with curious families and creative spirits to define spaces that integrate daily routines into natural ecosystems surrounding us. 
  

• (Full Service) — Through an intimate process and deep client relationships, we provide a full service experience from start to finish, that results in bespoke projects. 
  

• (Collaborative Partners) — We work with intention, alongside top tier contractors and architects that bring a strong understanding of detailed-driven design.

Offerings

Full Scale
1-5 year engagements
Renovations or new builds

Commercial Projects
Flexible timelines
Multidisciplinary projects


Front Yards
1-3 months turnaround
Planting plans and installation

Consultations
For 90 minutes
Video call or site-visit


Collections
Cooking    Housing
Fitness    Dining
Edibles    Warmth
Playing    Pets
Climate    Swim




 

Editorial Newsletter
Behind the scenes and resources from a landscape design studio in California. Tackling renovations, building spaces, planting gardens, and selecting products for outdoor living at home. 

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01
Programming

Learn from the space that surrounds you in your existing site conditions to gain a deep understanding of the unique vision and desired outcomes.
02
Schematic

Explore multiple conceptual directions to establish guiding themes for the landscape that inform and set the tone for the story moving forward.03
Development

Layer planting and material palettes together with selections that align with the project goals and meets the needs of the local ecosystem.
04
Documentation

Communicate the design intent thoughtfully through a set of organized plans to guide the installation of the future outdoor space. 



Sourcing and Procurement
Seamless project delivery with our network of suppliers for plant material, lighting fixtures, and outdoor furniture. Ensuring the original design intent is brought to life.
Implementation and Build
Partnering with landscape contractors, we stay involved through the installation with multiple site visits during the project lifecycle. Often engaging with arborists, electricians, permitting specialists, and plumbers.
Garden Care
You can never really finish a garden. On-going maintenance services through our community of gardeners. For those who would like to care for their garden themselves, we are happy to provide guidance and resources.










Research and Interests
Natural Playscapes, Home Electrification, Moments of Stillness, Birds, Carbon Capture, ADU Integrations, Multi-Family Developments, Portals and Gateways, Garden Sculptures, Minimalism, Ecological Restoration, Hiking Trips, Wind Chimes, and Intentional Spaces




Standard Features



Low-Voltage lighting designed in the Netherlands




Outdoor furniture from select brands





EV charging stations





No BPA recycled plastic garden hoses





California native trees for present and future





Irrigation systems for smart homes with weather intelligence





Leak and corrosion resistant, plug and play hose spigots





Accessories for home exteriors







Design System
Growing series of starting point for landscape design projects. Including a catalog of all potential elements and features you might include in a residential landscape, plus collection of brands and specific products that work well in harmony.

Sustainability Practices

• Lawn Replacement
• Composting Setups
  
• Hand Watering 
  
• Permeable Surfaces
  
• Recycled Products
  
• Rainwater Capture
  
• Natural Materials
  
• Habitat Development
  
• Energy Saving Shading
• Greywater Systems
  
• Without Artificial Turf
• Carbon Capture Concrete
  
• Insect Friendly Lighting

Commercial Projects
Partnering with like-minded firms to explore outdoor spaces that bring their vision to life. Focused on restaurant groups, multifamily residential, property developers, and mid-stage startups.


Architecture and Interiors
Open to new collaborations with architects and interior designers. From holistic large scale projects and smaller scopes where landscape perspectives are needed.
Job Opportunities
Always keeping our eyes open for lovely people to work with. Not actively hiring but feel free to reach out and share work samples and your interests. Ideal team members bring design talent plus project management experience.







Common Questions

Are you available to start now or soon?

Yes. We can move quick. The trees grow bit slower.  




How much do projects cost? 

Our projects range from $25k to $5m+. We believe in financial transparency and open conversations.





Where do you work geogprahically?

Anywhere. We’re based in the San Francisco Bay Area but can tackle projects across the country and planet.



How about commercial projects?

Yep. Anything spatial and outside we work with, beyond residential.


What’s the catch with all of this?

Nothing. We’ll design a garden together and you’ll spend the rest of your life enjoying the natural world.


Is climate change real?

Yes.



Studio Background
Plantkind is being grown by Ethan Bodnar with a previous experience at design-build firms, native plant nurseries, national design organizations, branding studios, and venture-backed education technology startups. 
Member of AIA SF (American Institute of Architects) and California Native Plant Society.

Acknowledge that our work is on occupied native land

Established in 2015 in the spring season

hi@plantkind.earth