Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Smith.
Hi Jordan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t follow a straight line into landscape design. I studied international relations and environmental policy at CSULB, worked in restaurants to support myself, and traveled through South America and Europe chasing a sense of purpose. But through it all, one thread kept pulling me forward: a deep connection to people, the natural world, and a drive to turn my experiences into something meaningful.
Along the way, I picked up woodworking skills, learned to build with reclaimed materials, and eventually found my way into landscape design. I spent four years helping grow a small design-build company in Austin before moving back to Southern California, where I launched Sage Coast—a landscape design studio rooted in sustainability, simplicity, and site-specific beauty.
These days, I get to spend my time dreaming up outdoor spaces that feel good to be in—places that reflect the people who live there and work with the land instead of against it. It still feels like magic when it all comes together: the layout, the plants, the light—and it just clicks. You know it’s going to work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Running a small business means wearing every hat: designer, project manager, marketer, bookkeeper. It’s equal parts creative and logistical, and the learning curve is constant. One of the biggest challenges has been educating clients about what goes into good design—and helping them see past quick fixes or Pinterest trends to solutions that actually work for their site, their lifestyle, and our climate.
There’s also a mental load that comes with being the business. I have to balance showing up creatively with making sure the calendar, cash flow, and contracts are all in order. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that clear communication and boundaries are just as important as good design.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sage Coast. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Sage Coast, I offer custom landscape design with a focus on native and drought-tolerant plants, sustainable materials, and functional beauty. That includes 2D plans, 3D renderings, plant selection, and even project oversight when it comes time to bring the design to life.
I’m also part of Long Beach’s Lawn-to-Garden program, which helps homeowners replace traditional lawns with low-maintenance, climate-friendly landscapes. It’s work that feels genuinely impactful—we are saving water, supporting pollinators, helping rain soak back into the ground, amongst many other benefits.
My favorite projects are the ones that solve a problem: where a steep slope turns into a usable terrace, a harsh backyard becomes a relaxing retreat, or a lifeless front yard is turned into a thriving, colorful ecosystem. At the end of the day, it’s about creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but truly useful—designed to support both the people who live there and the environment they’re part of.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Long Beach is its diversity and the amazing opportunity to collaborate with environmentally-conscious people. Plus, the wide range of plants we have access to really allows for so much creativity in designing beautiful spaces. As for what I’d like to see improved, I think every city has room to grow, especially in creating more efficient systems and long-term sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sagecoast.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagecoast.co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sagecoast.co
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sage-coast/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@socal.landscape.design
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sage-coast-long-beach
- Other: https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.SageCoast.151459893.html
