Visitor Center at King Gilette Ranch

Client: Big D Construction Corporation

Location: Calabasas, California

Landscape Architect: Landmark Design, Inc.

Occam -- and Gillette's -- razor: "Less is more." In 1926, razor baron King Camp Gillette purchased 588 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains, in the heart of the Malibu Creek Watershed. Here, he commissioned renowned architect Wallace Neff to build "paradise on earth, California style." The property enjoyed a colorful history under several famous owners before opening to the public as a park. Our work centered on the historic renovation that converted the King Gillette stables into a 7,000-square foot visitor center.

The landscaping preserves the property's historic legacy, and also fosters sustainability. Our drought-tolerant installation included native plants that create a welcoming habitat for human and wildlife visitors, while reducing water dependency. The Platinum LEED facility is touted as the first multi-agency "net zero" facility in the nation. Fitting, that the bladed heritage found a new identity in shaving water and energy usage.