Landscape design is more than its perceived principle of plants and hardscaping; it's about creating spaces that reflect history, culture, and the natural rhythms of the land. For Enrique Guzman, founder of Contexto Landscape Design & Build, this philosophy is deeply personal. His journey from growing up immersed in the vibrant landscapes of Mexico to studying Landscape Architecture at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, shaped his vision for a firm that honors both context and craftsmanship.
A Heritage of Design & Place
Enrique's passion for landscape architecture was sparked at an early age. Growing up between Guadalajara, Mexico, and the United States, he witnessed firsthand how communities shaped their environments. In Mexico, every neighbor acted as their own architect, landscape designer, and builder, creating thoughtful, vibrant neighborhoods with self-made steel gates, cobbled pathways, and lush greenery. These experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for place-making, where landscapes are not just decorative but integral to daily life.
The Cal Poly Influence & Central Coast Inspiration
Enrique pursued his formal education at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture in 2014. Cal Poly's hands-on approach to design reinforced his belief that landscapes should be functional, sustainable, and deeply connected to their surroundings. The Central Coast of California, with its rolling hills, coastal beauty, and agricultural heritage, became a defining influence in his work. He saw the potential to craft landscapes that mimic nature's evolving process, blending native plantings with intentional design.
The Founding of Contexto Landscape Design & Build
Contexto was founded as a synthesis of Enrique's diverse experiences and deep passions. The firm's name — Contexto — reflects its guiding principle: landscapes should respond to their environment, history, and function. Rather than imposing a design onto a space, Enrique and his team listen to the land, integrating elements that enhance its natural beauty while serving the needs of homeowners.
A Design-Build Approach Rooted in Craftsmanship
Unlike traditional firms that separate design from construction, Contexto embraces a design-build philosophy, ensuring that every project is executed with precision and artistry. The firm specializes in:
Boutique gardening, where landscapes evolve over time and recharge the land and the surrounding ecosystem.
Sustainable, site-specific designs that honor climate, ecology, story, and desired functionality of the space.
Hardscape and construction expertise, blending modern and unique architectural elements with horticultural expertise that creates bespoke designs for a variety of scales.
Honoring Heritage Through Landscape Design and Architecture
For Enrique, landscape architecture is more than a profession—it's a way to honor his heritage and contribute to the communities he serves. His work reflects the rich textures, materials, and craftsmanship he admired growing up, while embracing the ecological and cultural narratives of California's Central Coast. Through Contexto, he continues to shape landscapes that are timeless, intentional, and deeply rooted in place.