Etta Studio published by Daylon Hicks
Garden design is one of the most intimate forms of creative practice. Involving living materials that grow, change, and respond to the world around them, it’s essential to have a strong connection between the two. A well designed outdoor space does not just look beautiful, it breathes, it evolves, and it creates a relationship between the people who inhabit it and the natural world just outside their door. That kind of design requires patience, attentiveness, and a genuine respect for what nature brings to the table. It is exactly that philosophy that sits at the core of Etta Studio, the outdoor design practice co-owned by Dani Opatovsky and Emily Nye with roots in both California and New York. What they are building is not just beautiful spaces, it is a way of thinking about design that prioritizes longevity, intention, and a deep care for the environment it exists within.
Their approach is rooted in the belief that good design and nature should be present amongst each other. Every project begins with a close reading of the environment, understanding what is already there before deciding what changes need to be made. That philosophy is evident in their reconceptualization of a front lawn in the Oakland Hills, a project that asked a fundamental question about what outdoor space is actually for and answered it with restraint and purpose. The result was a space that felt earned, like it had always belonged there, which is perhaps the highest compliment you can pay to a piece of landscape design.
What's beautiful about the work they do is their importance on care in their craft. It is not something they talk about, it is something you feel the moment you encounter one of their spaces. When they moved into their Bernal Heights studio, they inherited a garden that had been left to its own devices for years, a massive fig tree, towering matilija poppies, a meyer lemon tree, passion fruit vines, and a colossal rose bush, all thriving without interruption.
That same spirit of resourcefulness runs through their own studio space in Bernal Heights, built using found and repurposed materials that tell a story about how they work as much as what they make. The space is a living expression of their values, proof that sustainability and craftsmanship are deeply connected. What makes their work resonate beyond the projects themselves is the community they have built around it. They have created a practice that invites people in, whether through the work itself and strengthens the importance of community. Their client work, their studio, and their presence in both the design and environmentalism community showcases the importance of craft and attention to detail.
It’s proof that the most lasting work is never just about aesthetics. It is about care, craft, and a commitment to creating spaces that feel as good as they look.