Orange County

Orange County is the heart of Tong Design Associates’ practice. From the coastal bluffs of Laguna Beach to the master-planned communities of inland south county, we have spent over a decade refining outdoor environments across this diverse region. Our work here spans every scale—intimate courtyard gardens in older Costa Mesa neighborhoods, expansive estate landscapes in gated Coto de Caza, and contemporary pool-and-pergola compositions for new construction in Irvine’s Great Park neighborhoods. The county’s Mediterranean climate allows year-round outdoor living, but it also demands intelligent plant selection and water-conscious design. Prolonged dry seasons, Santa Ana wind events, and increasingly strict municipal water budgets shape every planting plan we develop. We specify drought-adapted species—olive, leucadenia, westringia, and native sages—layered with seasonal accents that provide color without excessive irrigation. Hardscape material choices are equally site-specific: lighter-toned pavers and natural stone reduce heat absorption on inland properties, while salt-tolerant finishes protect coastal installations. Whether your property sits on a flat suburban lot or a steep hillside requiring engineered retaining walls, our team understands the permitting landscape, HOA architectural review processes, and construction realities unique to Orange County.