About — Bosky Landscape Architecture

Beyond the above literal definition, “BOSKY” has a deeper meaning to us.

The notion of “abundance” in the environment is one that drives and informs all our decision making. We live in a world where careful thought and a commitment to sustainability is vital for the longevity of our climate, environment, and way of life.

Although we acknowledge the finite limitations of our world, we approach our profession as a means to counter the lack of abundance in the greater landscape. As landscape architects, we strive to add an abundance of cooling, habitat, regenerative open spaces, clean water, healthy soils, and spaces to allow community a space to create, dream, and protect this rare rock orbiting the sun.

BOSKY: \ bah-ski \

Definition: having an abundance of trees or shrubs

BOSKY is no ordinary landscape architecture office.

We aim to push boundaries and challenge expectations on each and every project. We value new technology, modern materials, sustainable approaches, and often come into the office with dirt under our fingernails.

For us, the dynamic nature of landscape keeps every project alive long past the installation date. There is no greater joy than to be surprised by unanticipated moments in a designed garden a decade after its conception on paper.

Meet the Team

Rob Maday

PRINCIPAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, FOUNDER
Rob Maday, ASLA, graduated with honors from Cal Poly SLO, with a degree in Landscape Architecture and a desire to create landscapes in keeping with California’s climate and culture. He established his own practice in 2009 and has garnered years of managerial and design experience with a diverse group of work including residential, estate gardens, large-scale residential developments, habitat restoration, commercial, and institutional projects.
Keir Smith

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, ASSOCIATE & STUDIO LEAD
Keir has been with Bosky since 2012 and graduated with honors from Cal Poly SLO with a degree in Landscape Architecture. After graduating Keir interned at Lotusland, a world renowned botanical display garden, and then as a designer and construction supervisor for a prominent landscape contractor. His local roots, technical knowledge, and creativity combine to serve our clients well in his role as project manager.
Brooks Mikkelsen

PROJECT MANAGER, LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
After receiving her Masters of Landscape Architecture from University of Texas, Austin, Brooks found her way to California. Once here she joined a large multi-disciplinary firm in Los Angeles as an Associate. When life brought her further north up the coast to Santa Barbara, Bosky was more than happy to bring her into the team in 2019. She brings a wide range of experience in residential, commercial, and urban projects.
Graham Goldich

PROJECT MANAGER, LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
Graham Goldich is an ardent designer, gardener and builder with many years experience working in the food-forward landscape space. A recent graduate of the Landscape Architecture Master’s Program at Cal Poly Pomona, he is committed to designs that celebrate bounty, beauty and community. An Alum of the Environmental Studies program at University of California, Santa Barbara, he has returned to Santa Barbara, where his passion for landscape began.

How we stand out.

Passion

We find excitement in the blending of art, botany, soil science, construction, and many other facts of our profession. But more importantly, we believe our profession has the ability to create spaces that heal and honor our natural environment for generations come.
Vision

Taking a raw or under-utilized site and giving it character and purpose takes practice, requires inspiration, and is best achieve when our hand Is gently informed by our passion.
Communication

Beyond the expected form of communication, our ability convey design intent through spoken word, 2D & 3D illustrations, and video create a robust and honest way for us to share our ideas and respond to client needs.
Technically Solid

With over 20 years in the industry, we’ve picked up a bit along the way. We integrate our experience into all phases our work to ensure the projects we support are rooted in reality and are viable long-term solutions.
Ongoing Support

We recognize at our role as landscape architects naturally morphs into garden coaching. Once a garden is planted, its journey is just beginning and we support its evolution.

Endorsements

We feel the best mark of our service is not necessarily the landscapes that are created, but the relationships that are forged through the design, construction, and maintenance of a project. Here are a sample of accolades:

Wanted to share a photo of the almost finished entry & driveway. We are very pleased by the results and I wanted to thank you for your vision. As you might recall, a year back there were some initial skepticism from us regarding the stairs & entry approach.
We are very impressed by the overall landscape transformation and how well it is blending in. In the back you succeeded by utilizing the space much more efficiently and in the front a more suitable driveway & entry for the house. The best review for us is the hard time differentiating the new from the original which is exactly the timeless result we wanted.
Nick & Leslie L., Montecito
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say that your projects have definitely inspired me. I have had a few instances on jobs where we need to spiff up the landscape and I am constantly reflecting on your work. It is so relevant to California and has a natural, effortless beauty that I know is very calculated from your side.
It’s always fun to look through your website and see your current work. Hope we can work together again soon!
Diego Monchamp, Creative Director, Brown Design Group
It was a privilege to get to partner with you again! The landscape on this project speaks for itself. Thank you for all you do and we look forward to working with you on the next one!
Ryan, Andy, and Richard, DD Ford
It is our great pleasure to work with you and the team. The project has exceeded our expectations, and yesterday's award (from the Los Angeles Business Council) was further confirmation of all of the positive feedback we have received so far. And congratulations once again on the award, it is well deserved.
Barry Pyle and John Webster, Elbar Group LLC
We had a very positive experience working with Rob Maday, who designed our yard and garden for our new home. He was easy to work with, delivered on our requests and provided excellent suggestions along the way. It has now been 2-1/2 years since the project was completed, and we continue to be extremely pleased with his work. We highly recommend him!
Carin and John R., Palo Alto
We feel very lucky to have found you and indeed hope you stay connected and drop by periodically to see how all is going and growing. You really did a wonderful job on our dream home.
Paula and Scott S., Palo Alto
My yard was a blank slate. It needed complete re-grading, extensive drainage solutions, and lots of "hardscape" items such as stone walls, a new approach to the front door, fencing, an inviting outdoor shower area, barbecue grill and fireplace. We began with a lengthy, detailed email describing my "wish list." I envisioned a low-maintenance, worry-free landscape. Children needed space to run and play, yet with an edge that would keep them safe from the street. I asked that landscape views be created; that the yard would live as large as possible, having interesting focal points visible from inside and out. Night lighting needed to be designed that wouldn't disturb the neighborhood. Color, texture, informality, ease of care, plants that changed with the seasons were all important. I was asking for a yard that was carefree, somewhat whimsical, making everyone smile with little surprises.
(Continued)
Rob reviewed my lengthy list, understood the scope of work, and didn't bat an eye. His plans were creative, innovative and right on target. Rob used all his skills and experience to astound me with imaginative solutions. Managing various contractors and vendors seemed to natural to him; it was obvious to me that Rob had their admiration and respect. His plant selection was interesting and varied, including predominantly native varieties. I wish you could come and see the finished landscape, complete with meandering wall, a secret garden for the grandkids, a huge custom stone dining table and a front porch overlooking tree swings straight out of Winnie the Pooh. Rob continues to stop by, checking on how plants are faring, taking pictures of the blooms and rejoicing in our successful venture together.
Ellen Robinson, Carpinteria
In the real estate business, like all businesses, it is critical that a client is treated with the highest level of customer satisfaction. While this has always been part of the ingredient for success, during these difficult economic times, it is the lifeline for survival.
Rob Maday delivered exceptional customer satisfaction while helping us with our home. He managed our expectations while over-delivering his services. Having worked for many years in the real estate and development business it is rare to find someone like him.
Thank you for an excellent relationship Rob!
Matthew Boeddeker, President, Mission Property Developers, LLC
We are writing to you to thank you for all you have done to make our house a home. The landscape design and implementation was outstanding and your creativity and willingness to listen to our needs and desires was exemplary.
Our landscape makes us smile every day. Your ability to work with a difficult site with many slopes has paid off for us this winter. We are very comfortable that our erosion problems are completely under control.
In addition to making sure the hillside is safe you have brought beauty to our landscape with your gorgeous plant selections and design. Each member of the family has a favorite, the fire pit, the water feature, the spa, the outdoor bbq area are all used frequently. Your design has drawn us back outside to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.
Thank you for listening, thank you for your diligence and most of all thank you for being there for us every step of the project. We are always available as a reference for you.
Sandra and Ian W., Santa Barbara
Rob Maday is a talented individual who has a great understanding of the Santa Barbara landscape vernacular. He exudes endless enthusiasm and creativity making his landscapes unique and timeless.
We started out with Rob on a blank canvas knowing we wanted a traditional Mediterranean landscape, Rob listened to our specific interests and guided us carefully in both design and plant selection. From site meetings to fantastic water color drawings, Rob has and continues to be a pleasure to work with!
Jonathan and Elizabeth R., Montecito