Our Mission
We design each garden to be an expression of the homeowner’s lifestyle, the home’s architecture, as well as complements its interior design. Our goal is to make all of these important elements flow together seamlessly . . . with our unique Zeterre contemporary twist.
We have long been recognized as one of the leading firms in the Bay Area region, working with clients that have (and deserve to have) very high expectations. It is our goal to think out-of-the-box for our clients because we know so many of them are in the forefront of the Silicon Valley leading industries, who obviously are expected to think out-of-the-box.
What you can expect from Zeterre
A collaborative approach, award-winning creativity & aesthetic, as well as technical expertise and experience.
No matter the size of your project, Zeterre will listen to you - every step of the way - to ensure that the end product (your gardens) exceeds your expectations, is completed on time & on budget, as well as adds value to your home.
The Zeterre Landscape Architecture Team
CEO and Founding Landscape Architect
PRINCIPAL OF DESIGN
Jarrod Ryan Baumann
Licensed Landscape Architect
(California License #5613)
(Massachusetts License #4326)
Jarrod draws upon his 20 years of experience developing projects ranging from jewel box cottage gardens to expansive estates, massive civic parks and boutique luxury resorts. His work has gained national and international acclaim with projects completed throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. His work has been published in countless magazines and books. While formally educated in Landscape Architecture at Cal Polytechnic University, Jarrod has continued his education over the past 15 years through consistent yearly travels back to study masterful gardens and art in Europe and Asia.
His greatest inspiration comes from the gardens he frequents around Lakes Maggiore and Como, as well as Lotusland Garden and Estate in Montecito. This passion for design started at a young age, growing up in the foothills below Yosemite - riding horses and studying California native plants in their natural habitat. His teen years were spent working with his Grandfather in the family development and real estate companies. He is also an accomplished and published artist, furniture designer, equestrian, and jewelery designer.
Jarrod spends most weekends at his 20 acre working ranch in the beautiful Larkin Valley of Aptos Hills - where he breeds Andaluisan horses and works in his garden laboratory. These days he is often seen around town wearing a cowboy hat, denim head to toe, and driving his vintage Jaguar which he often stuffs full of treasures from the local nurseries - yes, gardens and horses have and always will be his passions.
Landscape Designer/
Design Principal
STEPHEN
Stephen Suzman has been practicing landscape design for over 22 years and has created some of the greatest gardens and estates of our time. With projects throughout the United States Mr. Suzman’s project experience also spans internationally to include Mexico, England, France,South Africa and the Middle East. Previously residing in France, Italy, England and South Africa, working with our experienced design team, Mr. Suzman excels in locating and obtaining such specialty items as antique statuary, newly commissioned sculpture, ornamental metalwork, custom tiles and paving, fountains, unique site furnishings, heirloom roses, exotic plant materials and hard-to-find specimen trees. Mr. Suzman’s designs have received numerous awards and publications from such prestigious organizations as the American Society of Landscape Architects, Architectural Digest, Sunset Publications, Northern California Home & Design, Elle Décor, Garden Design and Restoration Magazine.
Director of Residential Design &
Project Manager
WILL
Will Saltenberger has over eight years experience working on projects all over the Bay Area, Northern California, and Hawaii. He earned his bachelor of landscape architecture from Cal Poly SLO in 2006 and has since worked on and managed a large list of projects of varying sizes and scope focusing on high-end residential with some public and private works mixed in. Project work includes award winning LEED rated projects, for which will is accredited, and he strives to incorporate responsible practices into his work when there is opportunity. Will has an extensive knowledge of the technical aspects of a design that is needed to see a project realized from conceptual design through to the completion of construction.
Landscape Designer
Project Manager
TONI
Toni Kramer has professional degrees in both architecture and landscape architecture from the University of Oregon, an undergraduate background in art and over 25 years of experience in the design field. Her work has encompassed a variety of project types and scales from residential landscape design to urban design, master planning and architectural projects. Most recently her work has focused on high end residential projects in the Bay Area. These projects have ranged from smaller urban gardens to large estates on the Peninsula and in Napa Valley. Toni has traveled widely in Europe and Southeast Asia and enjoys the opportunity to integrate these experiences with her design work. Toni enjoys the collaborative design process of working with clients, the design team and contractors, from the initial design phase through construction to bring a project to fruition in the final built form.
Director of Hospitality &
Project Manager
KEITH
Keith Billick, a landscape architect / urban designer, is a midwesterner who arrived in the Bay Area during the summer of 2020. After graduating from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and later earned from the University of Colorado a Masters of Urban Design before finally arriving in San Francisco.
Keith’s central design philosophy is that inspiration and creativity can be found in the smallest of details as well as the largest of metropolitan areas. By mentally and digitally documenting these elements of inspiration, he will pull them up later as a catalyst for future project design ideas.
His national and international project portfolio is diverse, with experience in residential, mixed use, hospitality, teaching, and community planning. Each project brings unique opportunities and challenges, and through collaboration and innovation the best design solutions are found and then brought to life during construction.
Landscape Architect
Project Manager
JEAN
Jean Schaffeld received her Master of Landscape Architecture from Utah State University, and has worked as a California Licensed Landscape Architect for numerous recognized landscape architectural offices in the San Francisco Bay Area for over thirty years. She has provided a comprehensive range of professional services for both public and private sector clients, through all phases of planning, design and construction. Her work has ranged in scale from small private gardens to estate residential properties, and has included public open space planning and design, community revitalization, and moderate scale institutional, housing and commercial planning and design projects.
Landscape Designer
Project Manager
YASHODA
Yashoda’s journey into Landscape Architecture wasn’t exactly the most conventional. Growing up in India, Yashoda found inspiration in the vibrant landscapes and chaotic beauty of the cities. In 2013, a bold move to Iowa marked the beginning of a career that would blend creativity with functionality, all wrapped up in the world of Landscape Architecture.
After conquering the cornfields of Iowa, Yashoda decided it was time for a new adventure and headed to Los Angeles in 2018. There, pursuing a Master’s in Landscape Architecture and Urbanism, Yashoda honed a unique design philosophy—one that’s all about making things work better, faster, and smarter. Her design philosophy is rooted in the belief that good design should not only be beautiful but also smart and efficient. The drive to learn and improve daily fuels Yashoda's work, ensuring that each project is better than the last.
When not crafting landscapes, Yashoda is likely experimenting with new recipes or navigating San Francisco’s brunch scene, always on the lookout for the perfect vegetarian meal—because, let’s be honest, life isn’t always easy for vegetarians in a city that loves its bacon. But with a bit of determination, a great meal, and a strong cup of coffee, Yashoda proves that both design and breakfast are challenges worth savoring.
Landscape Designer
Project Manager
JAVIER
Javier Fierro, a visionary Landscape Designer renowned for his innovative approach to transforming outdoor spaces into holistic, and serene environments. Growing up in Colorado and part-time in Mexico, he enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures around the world that have influenced his design ideas.
Experienced in high-end residential Landscape Architecture and Urban Design. Attended the University of Colorado where he received a bachelors in Environmental Design with an emphasis in Landscape Architecture. He participated in a Global Seminar in Medellin Colombia to practice Urban Design. Working closely with Spanish speaking communities to ultimately improve their quality of life through design intervention.
Drawing inspiration from the natural world, his design aesthetic incorporates organic shapes, sleek finishes, and intricate details, resulting in contemporary outdoor living spaces that harmoniously blend with their surroundings.
Landscape Designer
3D Rendering Artist
ZHUFENG
Zhufeng Pan’s journey from Changchun, China, to the world of landscape design and photography is as inspiring as it is unique. With a Bachelor’s degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Beijing Forestry University and a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, Zhufeng has cultivated a rich understanding of both plant life and design principles.
His diverse experience includes everything from residential gardens to public spaces, with a special flair for integrating aesthetic design and strong graphic visualization. Zhufeng’s passion for photography deeply influences his work, helping him capture and enhance the visual impact of his projects in a way that is both striking and meaningful. Collaborating closely with clients and teams is central to Zhufeng’s approach. He excels in guiding projects from their initial spark to their final form, with a particular fondness for using 3D models and renderings. By experimenting with materials, scales, plants, and furnishings on the fly, Zhufeng brings innovative ideas to life right before our eyes, allowing designs to evolve dynamically throughout the creative process.
Testimonials
“There are so many striking and exceptional details…I have rarely seen such stunning landscaping.”
“When we chose a design firm we had a “feeling” in mind for our home created from the best of our experiences from all over the world. We chose Zeterre because they listened and then worked with us to uniquely bring our ideas together in a new world 3D design. The real magic however is in the old world quality, elegance and beauty. From their personal selection of mature hedges, handpicked trees and an articulate eye for layers, color and texture, to the integration of art, light and space, we are very happy and will enjoy for generations the gardens that Zeterre created.”
“Jarrod is an artist, a creator, and a true gentleman whom my family and I had the pleasure and the privilege to work with. He was able to translate our ideas and dreams of a garden and turn them into a beautiful reality. Along with his talented team, our garden was transformed into a work of art with intricate details and lovely surprises around every corner. We open our windows, doors, and gates everyday to enjoy his exceptional vision, and exquisite interpretation of art into landscape.”
“The garden is just beautiful. You have created such a happy place. Its easy to brag about Zeterre! Thank you.”
“When interviewing landscape architects for our garden remodel, I was looking for someone who could understand and interpret our vision of creating a contemporary outdoor space which would work with the architecture of our traditional 1885 Queen Anne Victorian house. From our very first meeting, Jarrod “got” it, and created both a hard- and soft-scape design which exceeded our expectations; it combined the old and the new in perfect harmony. It really has the “wow” factor, but in a timeless, elegant way that both stands out from and blends in with our neighborhood of historical homes. During the whole installation process, Jarrod was often on-site to ensure that every detail was exactly how he envisioned it. We loved this attention to detail, his meticulousness, and his creativity. ”
“If you were trying to create a garden with a wealth of variety and constant surprises, you succeeded wonderfully!”
“Jarrod Baumann is a very talented landscape architect. He has superb abilities of weaving the nature into our home environment by creating beautiful and unique design concepts. He has tremendous passion for his work and is fun to work with.”
“Jarrod is refreshingly creative. He has both great architectural design sense and depth in plant knowledge. Jarrod is and will be known as one of the very best”
2004 State President of California Landscape Contractors Association
“Jarrod was a pleasure to work with. He had a lot of enthusiasm and interesting ideas. Jarrod was very responsive and happy to incorporate our ideas into the landscape design. We are delighted with our garden, something is always in bloom. Thanks.”
“It is now over a year since our garden has been transformed. Your redesign of our garden has proved to be just perfect and the positioning of the pool looks like it was part of the original design of the house. The roses this summer were truly magnificient and we loved the scent from them and the blossoms of the fruit trees. Thanks for all of your patience, it was well worth it in the end.”
“We retained Jarrod Bauman to redesign the plantings in the garden of a house we recently purchased. The garden was heavily planted incorporating a lot of old material, some of which was retained and other disposed of to make the appearance more consistent. Jarrod was very capable in giving our garden a cleaner better organized feel which met our goals; plus, we were very happy with his ideas and found him easy to work with throughout the process.”
“I am ecstatically pleased with my design. Jarrod Baumann is the personification of landscape design excellence! He is a creator of beauty and a man of consummate skills. His services are exceptionally superior, efficient, professional and accessible. For me, he met and far exceeded all of my requests and expectations. 100% of the time he was there for me. Thanks to Jarrod Baumann, my home and the land which it is located are more beautiful and more valuable.
Jarrod Baumann is a name to remember!”
“Walked though the garden last night... well early evening and I must say it looked rather fabulous... I have never seen our garden look so prettied up as though she is going to a ball... I feel sad to leave this beauty at the moment but knowing that you will be watching over it is comforting... so enjoy our garden whist we are away and of course you may bask in the splendor of your endeavour in making it so. Thank you Jarrod.”
“It was a pleasure to work with you on our landscape project at Comer Drive, Saratoga. When we started with you we were not expecting the results as we see now. We are extremely happy with our project. As you know, due to terrain contours, it was not as easy as we had thought! You gave lots of fresh ideas and you spent time giving fine details to landscape and hardscape contractors. You were punctual with your appointments and we appreciated the prompt response. And therefore we were able to finish the project as planned. Nucci and I are happy to give our best recommendation to you and Zeterre.”
“I’ve been in business since 1973 and have enjoyed working with many talented landscape architects over the years, but no one peaks by enthusiasm for a new project more than Jarrod. Jarrod has been a breath of fresh air for me and my clients. First and foremost he is “extremely” innovative with each and every garden design, smaller scale to larger estates. Because of his enthusiasm and energy he brings some real fun into the projects. Jarrod’s knowledge of plant material in extensive, this is reflected in each project, using plant varieties not commonly used, but which “really” separate your garden from the norm. Besides being talented and creative, he has an uncanny ability to not only relate to the clients, but he also establishes relationships with the workers on the job, and this mean a lot to me as a contractor.”
“I worked with Jarrod Baumann on a large residential project from November of 2004 to November 2006. The home is an estate on an acre in Los Altos Hills. Since the home is a spec house, I was very concerned that the landscaping should be very impressive. Jarrod came up with some very interesting and creative ideas for the project. The overall landscaping provided outdoor living areas, a roman style pool and spa, terraces, water features, and parking areas. He optimized the use of the parcel, while adhering to the style and character of the house. The results were very impressive. In addition, he made sure that the ideas were within my budget. He was on schedule, and met his commitments. I would highly recommend Jarrod for any landscape project.”
“Finding the right landscape architect is not an easy task. You must take into consideration the artist’s background, reputation and history for honesty and truth. Jarrod Baumann is the person we chose, after much investigation, to make all of our dreams come true as to how they relate to our home. Jarrod takes pride in his work. After speaking with some of his clients, we were convinced that he would be around after his drawings were approved and accepted. Jarrod not only has experience in landscape design, he also has a wealth of knowledge in all areas as they relate to design strategy and knowing what his clients expect. He not only takes into consideration the drea, he also helps determine the financial plan that will get you where you want to be when your plans have been executed. Jarrod is multi-talented and truthful, and we recommend him without hesitation.”
“We gave Jarrod the challenge to create a unified landscape design for two adjacent properties with very different houses. One is the modern looking Eichler where we live. The other is a more old-fashioned 1950’s California ranch house, which we are using as a guest house. The two properties shared a back fence, which we removed to create a common back yard. Jarrod’s design succeeded beyond anything we could imagine. It is beautiful, modern, unique without being pretentious, and simultaneously exciting and serene. It works for both houses, enhancing the appearance of each from the other. Through every stage of the project Jarrod has been incredible to work with. He is an artist with a strong vision, and at the same time he was able to listen to our desires and vision to create a landscape that works for us. It felt like we were all working as a team. We absolutely love the result!”
“As a licensed landscape contractor for 40 years with projects throughout the State of California, recently a former client contacted me to “touch up” their new home. When I saw the new home, I realized the site had needed a complete renovation. I had heard of Zeterre from some respected peers, both past-presidents of the local chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association. Knowing the level of quality they demand on their projects and after investigating Jarrod’s web site, I set a meeting up with Jarrod and my clients. We all left that meeting feeling we had a common goal: a one-of-a-kind renovation effort of the highest quality possible. Now, almost a year later, I realize how blessed and fortunate I have been, exceptional clients and an architect totally committed to and able to create a site that is equally exceptional. As the other testimonials relate, Jarrod has an extensive plant palette knowledge, pulling in scores of species I have never been exposed to. He makes a point of making everyone feel part of the team and key to reaching the common goal, from the lowest laborer to the busy clients. I am glad I spent the last 40 years preparing to work with a man of his talent and can assure you that if your goal is an exceptional landscape, you will be contacting one of the brightest stars in our industry.”
Past President of Bay Area and State CLCA
“Jarrod, I want to compliment you on the growth and success of your design business. I have not seen someone rise to such a high level of success as quickly as you have. This is a true testament of your professionalism, work ethic, and passion for landscaping. Your creativity, innovation, and 1st class landscape designs are an asset to any homeowner’s estate. From a contractor’s point of view, you bring new and inventive design ideas into the landscape and I will always look forward to the challenge of building one of your creative landscape visions.
When we are awarded the contract on a landscape designed by Zeterre, we know we have the opportunity to build a truly exceptional landscape. Jarrod has a unique eye and thoughtful creativity for landscaping that rivals some of the best landscape architects in the Bay Area. His attention to detail and ability to design in the needs of the client are remarkable. He is a true study of the art using his plant knowledge and experience to create innovative and amazing one-of-a-kind landscapes.
With his ability to design landscapes that will compliment any type of home or property, coupled with his unique style and original approach, Jarrod Baumann has become the landscape architect to watch in the residential estate and custom home arena.
Jarrod takes personal interest in the outcomes of his designs. He works closely with the landscape contractor, general contractor, and architect to ensure the quality in the field is matched by the quality in the design. As a contractor, I appreciate that he is willing to work through field situations quickly and succinctly when questions surface. I have not worked with a landscape architect so willing to “jump into the trenches”. Not only does he care for the landscape, but he cares for the people building it. This hands-on approach really earns respect from the contractors and craftsmen building the job.
I would highly recommend Zeterre (or Jarrod Baumann) to anyone looking for a landscape architect that has a vision for creating distinctively innovative landscapes.”