Hillrise Design has been reimagining living spaces and enhancing the natural environment throughout Southern California since 2008. We are a full-spectrum design company, following each project from concept to reality. We conduct a thorough investigation of our clients’ needs and strive to create biophilic, real-world solutions that maximize the clients’ appreciation—and often unconscious need—for nature. We pride ourselves on creating a balance between the built and natural environments and more often than not, our projects involve partial interior remodels to better connect the interior with the exterior.
Allison Project in Echo Park by Hillrise Design.
Matthew McKelligon is the principal designer of the firm. He is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Architecture from the School of Environmental Design at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a certified member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and he actively takes part in the organization in order to foster greater public awareness and education of the principles of landscape design. He brings a global perspective to his work, as he grew up in the military and moved back and forth between Northern California and Japan as a child. He was never able to shake his Wanderlust and ended up working and living abroad in Switzerland, Germany and Mexico. As such, he has taken design elements and practices from each of the places he has called home.
Japanese landscape design is all about a profound focus on balance and an attention to natural aesthetics. Unlike Western gardens that often follow symmetrical patterns, Japanese gardens embrace asymmetry, irregularity, and the concept of wabi-sabi, which appreciates imperfection and transience. These carefully crafted spaces are designed to inspire contemplation and harmony, creating a microcosm of the natural world where elements symbolize mountains, rivers, islands, and forests. Water plays a central role in this design philosophy. Whether through actual water features or symbolic representations like raked gravel simulating rivers and seas, as seen in Zen rock gardens, water is a vital element that symbolizes the flow of life and the passage of time. Ponds, streams, and waterfalls often serve as focal points, adding sound and movement to the garden, further enhancing the sense of dynamic tranquility.
Image of Parc Oriental du Maulévrier by Alexandre Marcel.
Clipped boxwood balls, clematis and rambling roses populate part of a private garden in Switzerland designed by Louis Benech.
In Switzerland, it’s all about “D form folgt immer dr funktion” (“Form follows function”). Swiss landscape design embodies the essence of minimalism, functionality, simplicity and precision. In the midst of harsh conditions and challenging topographies, the Swiss have become pioneers of resilience through an actionable approach to design and living. Their ethos is deeply rooted in a profound respect for natural materials and sustainable practices. By utilizing local stone, wood, and native plants, the Swiss create a harmonious relationship with their environment. This commitment to sustainability goes beyond mere aesthetics, incorporating ecological practices such as sustainable drainage systems and wildlife-friendly design features.
Germany—and more specifically, Berlin—is all about urban rejuvenation through an extraordinary blend of eclectic style and intentional transformation. The city teaches one the importance of Neuinterpretation (reinterpretation) of the past lives of a space while repurposing it in a sustainable manner that speaks to a diverse audience. German landscaping principles manifest in geometric paths and symmetrically planted trees, yet these structured elements are softened by wildflower meadows and organic woodland areas. Public spaces are transformed into canvases of cultural expression, with art installations and sculptures integrated naturally into the urban landscape. This approach to urban landscape design goes beyond mere aesthetics. It represents a profound philosophy of sustainability, adaptability, and collective reimagining—where every space tells a story, every corner holds potential, and the city's diverse history is not erased but celebrated and repurposed.
The Tempelhof Airport in Berlin, reappropriated into a park.
Casa Pedregal in Mexico City by Luis Barragan.
Mexican landscape design embodies ganas de vivir (a celebration of life)—a sensory experience that captures the nation's spirit of warmth, creativity, and connection. The landscape is a canvas of bold and bright colors, with walls, pathways, and tiles painted in vivid terracotta, turquoise, and ochre that create stunning contrasts against the green of plants and the earthy tones of the soil. At the heart of Mexican landscape design are the courtyards, or patios—intimate social spaces that serve as private oases. These carefully crafted areas are typically enclosed with shaded walkways and porticos, providing sanctuary from the heat while offering communal gathering spaces. The design philosophy seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living, with pathways and courtyards connecting directly to home interiors, creating a fluid, integrated living experience.
And finally, Hillrise Design takes its various inspirations from around the world and applies them to its projects throughout California, where concerns of drought, fire and expense are paramount. We bring the best concepts of landscape design from around the world and provide cost-effective solutions that mesh well with the constraints of our often dramatic climate and rigorous building codes. We are here to enhance the natural environment and instill a close connection to nature in our clients.
Tacoma Project in Mt. Washington by Hillrise Design.