Rynerson & O'Brien Architects converted this nondescript, commercial box of a building in San Rafael into a creative, multi-use, artist colony comprised of individual studios, galleries and corporate office. Having already designed sleek steel and cable pergolas, gates and fencing, Rynerson asked GLD to design and install the garden within. The goal was to create a contemplative, self-contained gathering place where artists could take a break from their work, have festive openings and set a dynamic tone for the entry to the building. They commissioned Fountains By Design to build a beautiful, abstract copper water feature as a focal point for the garden. Massive basalt columns were craned in and carefully arranged to create cozy seating areas and to define pathways and flow, leaving a balance of negative space in the form of crushed granite and a modern treatment of flagstone pathways. GLD won the 2007 City of San Rafael design award/honorable mention for landscaping and site enhancements for their work.