About

Brad Gore

HELLO, my name is Brad Gore and I am the president and CEO of Gore Planning, Inc. Landscape Design for a Changing World. I have been professionally designing, planning and managing landscape construction projects for over 30 years.

My Background and Education

In addition to landscape design, I hold an Associate of Arts Degree and 3 horticultural certificates, with honors, from MiraCosta College. I have worked many years in the landscape construction and retail nursery industry, and am affiliated with the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers (CANGC) as a California Certified Nursery Professional (CCNP) since 1993. What is a CCN Pro you wonder? Please read on to find out but let’s just say that I am really passionate about working with plants and modern materials! More of my specialized training includes certification as a San Diego Master Composter, serving as a former U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Central America in the roll as a regional Agricultural Extension Agent and being a licensed landscape contractor (inactive) since 2004.

Award Winning Landscapes

I have collaborated with many different individuals, companies and institutions over the years to design and build award winning pools and landscapes. From many Home & Garden Show and San Diego County Fair exhibits and landscape award winners to numerous community “Yard of the Month” and “Best Transformation” landscape projects. See also some social media awards and rankings such as Best in Service 2016 on Houzz Pro and long running 5 stars on the Yelp app, where we are rated “People Love Us On Yelp”, which is only awarded to the most highly rated and best reviewed businesses on Yelp. Gore Planning has also featured regularly on social media platforms like community Facebook pages and regular post on the @Goreplanning facebook page and follow us on Instagram.

The real estate magazine “Homes & Land” have published features on residential homes designed by Gore Planning over the years, but what has been the most personally rewarding for me is seeing wedding and family photos taken by my clients enjoying their time together in outdoor settings I’ve been privileged to design for them.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

I want your landscape to thrive! Gore Planning is committed to sustainable landscaping practices and creating water-wise designs. My approach to designing the perfect landscape is to listen carefully to what my clients are asking for. What is important to them, what are their concerns, goals and priorities and, of course, what is an appropriate budget to work with.

I believe it must also be a sustainable landscape, meaning it must be a balanced ecological environment as best possible. This does not mean it need be a desert-scape of sorts but instead it means the landscape ought to be designed appropriately for the respective area; all of the ideal plant and hardscape combinations must be in harmony with one another and situated in the right locations.

I believe the basis of a great plan should be its functional aspects. What is important for you to see in the new landscape is my mission to make it practical, real and functional as best possible. I will ensure that the style and beauty of the landscape will flow from here. Your satisfaction is my goal and I am successful only when my client’s landscape is successful.

COLLABORATIONS

We begin with an idea and create a vision. I am passionate about working creatively together with as many different talented people as possible. Over the years, I have learned that some of the most beautiful and personalized landscapes have been the result of working together with multiple creative partners. This is why my locally referred contractor partners are so helpful. They are the very best at turning your Gore Planning landscape design into a reality.

First and foremost, the initial wants and desires of my clients are discussed and developed. Secondly, the referred contractor (general, pool or landscape contractor) is brought on board to offer and contribute their special talents and creative ideas and thereby together we develop the ideal landscape. Or you are free to do it yourself or hire the contractor of your choice; after all you own your design. My wish is for you to have the very best experience and results possible. Gore Planning can help you from design to build to harmony!

I have also worked successfully with many, many HOA’s over the years. Let my experience help you navigate the HOA application and approval process as smoothly as possible.

The Gore Planning Experience

I help people by helping them to capture and create a “vision” for the landscape of their dreams. With a focus on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces, your new landscape is just one idea away. Mine is a client-centric approach where I am dedicated to understanding and meeting the unique needs and preferences of my clients. I translate your vision into captivating designs that will enhance your outdoor living experience. And, I do my very best to make the entire design process a fun and educational experience. I also design custom pools and spas, elegant outdoor kitchens, fire features and water features.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

I believe in responsible landscape design and landscape construction practices. As a member of the landscape industry, I am committed to promoting best practices by providing my clients with the very best in what will eventually become an earth-friendly landscape. This is why I design with plants and materials that will preserve suitable existing trees and shrubs when possible, incorporation of recycled and locally sourced materials, design with California-friendly water-smart plants, apply water-thrifty drip irrigation and smart irrigation controllers, employ rain water capturing features, and utilize porous hardscape alternatives like permeable paver patios and driveways, and incorporate mortarless stacked block retaining wall systems. The inclusion of native plant species when and where appropriate just makes practical sense. The use of locally sourced plants will help insure your plans will be suitably acclimated to our area and help to support reputable small family nursery businesses. Other techniques like incorporating plants that help attract pollinators like humming birds, honey bees and butterflies, the use of non-toxic child and pet friendly plant material, medicinal and edible herbs, vegetables and fruiting shrubs help make a safe and healthy outdoor environment. And finally specialty garden zones like a peaceful Zen or meditation garden or offering safe, smart and energy efficient landscape lighting and non-depleted construction materials will help to make your outdoor living space as eco-friendly as possible

What is a CCN Pro Certification?

California Certified Nursery Professional (CCNP) is offered by Plant California Alliance, which promotes education, research and advocacy for the California Horticultural Nursery Trade. This organization helps promote responsible plants, and their care, for California gardeners.

Since 1969, CCN Pro has set standards for solid, basic knowledge every nursery or garden center salesperson should know in order to serve the gardening customer. CCN Pro is the state’s most recognized nursery education program.

CCN Pro offers certification through a program designed to educate retail nursery staff in three key areas — general knowledge, plant identification and landscape design. To become certified, individuals must pass a rigorous exam with a minimum of 75% accuracy in each section and they must maintain their certification through continuing education credits.

Being an active CCN Pro means that I am constantly researching, learning and providing my clients with the very best site-appropriate plant selections that will survive year-round, pest-free, in your garden as well as offering the newest and most innovative cost-effective hardscape materials and style trends to help make your garden attractive, sustainable and in vogue for many years to come.