News Release
LOS ANGELES — Design Workshop, an international landscape architecture, planning, and urban design firm, has completed a multi-year landscape architecture transformation of Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego, Calif., culminating in a series of high-impact enhancements that elevate the guest experience, and authentically express the resort’s distinct “Southern California feel” identity.
The initiative began with an on-site design charrette in November 2021, led by Design Workshop landscape architects Jeff Zimmermann and Tyson Murray. The immersive planning session established a long-term vision rooted in the natural character of nearby Los Peñasquitos Canyon, aligning landscape strategy with the resort’s brand narrative and positioning.
“From the beginning, our vision was to create outdoor environments that feel effortless for guests and elevate the resort’s design ethos,” said Tyson Murray, project manager at Design Workshop. “Every enhancement deepens Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s connection to the Canyon Preserve landscape while expanding the ways people gather, relax, and experience the property.”
Several major enhancements have been delivered, including:
Each addition draws inspiration from the surrounding canyon environment, utilizing drought-tolerant plant palettes, layered native vegetation, and framed vistas that celebrate the site’s topography. The design reinforces the property’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle while creating distinct, revenue-generating zones for gatherings, programming, and private events.
Sustainability was embedded throughout the transformation. The team integrated water-efficient landscape systems and sustainable stormwater management strategies to reduce resource use while enhancing guest comfort and visual appeal—demonstrating that environmental stewardship and luxury hospitality can operate in tandem.
“Collectively, the improvements are already contributing to the resort’s premier positioning, increasing outdoor activation, and strengthening Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s position as a premier Southern California destination,” added Becky Zimmermann, CEO. “With additional phases planned, the property is emerging as a model for sustainable luxury hospitality where thoughtful landscape architecture not only shapes guest experience, but also drives measurable long-term value.”
Founded in 1969, Design Workshop is an internationally renowned design firm specializing in landscape architecture, urban planning, and strategic services with seven studios in the U.S. and projects spanning the globe. Our work focuses on the intersection of art, community, environment, and economics to increase social equity and create places of meaning and resonance. For additional information follow us at @designworkshop on LinkedIn and Instagram.