About us
Opulands is a design-build firm specializing in high-end residential landscapes across the South Bay and Peninsula.
Our inspiration comes from the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area, often sourcing native elements to ensure each project fits seamlessly within it’s environment.
Every site presents constraints and opportunities—grade shifts, light exposure, spatial relationships, and architectural language. Our work begins by studying these conditions carefully.
We design and build with attention to scale and proportion, structural integrity, material longevity, and cohesion across disciplines.
Construction is where discipline becomes visible. We focus on solid structural prep, precise masonry and carpentry, clean site management, and coordinated trade sequencing. Durability isn't incidental, it's engineered into every detail.
We specialize in full-service, high-end residential landscape design and construction. This includes custom patios, paver driveways, outdoor kitchens, drought-tolerant planting, 3D design rendering, irrigation, and outdoor lighting.
About the founder
Opulands is led by Steven van Dongen, a formally trained landscape designer whose work bridges architectural vision and disciplined construction.
With a degree in landscape design and a background influenced by European design principles — where proportion, structure, and craftsmanship are foundational — Steven approaches each project with both aesthetic sensitivity and technical precision.
He remains directly involved throughout every phase, ensuring continuity from initial concept through final installation while preserving design intent and structural integrity.
The philosophy is straightforward: landscapes deserve the same rigor, proportion, and long-term consideration as the homes they surround.
Landscape as Extension of Architecture
Opulands is a Bay Area design-build landscape firm dedicated to crafting outdoor environments grounded in structure, proportion, and long-term performance.
We approach each project with clarity and discipline — ensuring that design intent, material selection, and construction execution align seamlessly from beginning to end.
Landscape is not decoration. It is architecture carried outward.
Philosophy
Every site presents constraints and opportunities — grade shifts, light exposure, spatial relationships, and architectural language.
Our work begins by studying these conditions carefully.
We design and build with attention to:
- Scale and proportion
- Structural integrity
- Material longevity
- Cohesion across disciplines
Hardscape, planting, lighting, and carpentry are considered together — not as separate scopes, but as a unified system.
Opulands operates as a fully integrated design-build firm.
This structure allows us to:
- Align budget and feasibility early
- Resolve technical details before installation
- Coordinate trades with precision
- Protect the integrity of the original design
Integration reduces friction and elevates the final result.
Recognition
2025 CLCA Trophy Award winner
Our Los Altos project, Fallen Leaf Lane, earned first place for excellence in residential landscape installation.
2025 CLCA Trophy Award winner
Our Los Altos project Oakhurst Court, is honored to receive the CLCA Trophy Award for Small Residential Installation (Under $50K) for our work on this understated yet elegant front yard project.
2025 California Landscape Design Magazine
Opulands was featured in the Spring 2025 issue for The Saratoga Lawn-to-Garden Conversion, a residential space thoughtfully reimagined and brought to life by Opulands.
5X Best of Houzz Award winner
Opulands has earned the “Best of Houzz” award for five consecutive years (2022–2025).
Certifications
Belgard Authorized Contractor
To become a Belgard Authorized Contractor, a company must have their projects inspected to meet or exceed stringent quality of workmanship requirements. Companies are also required to attend ongoing specialized training for all employees.
Bay Friendly Qualified Professional
Companies with this qualification have completed thorough training on water conservation, best practices for weed & pest management, greenhouse gas reduction, and more.
Techo-Bloc Authorized Contractor
As a Techo-Bloc authorized contractor, Opulands is recognized for meeting strict installation standards and maintaining a high level of craftsmanship with its premium hardscape products. This designation reflects ongoing expertise working with Techo-Bloc’s contemporary and durable material systems.