Even as a young child, Justin Kopicki loved to build things. After obtaining a master’s degree in Public Health and attending a year of med school, that passion kept drawing him back. So, he started dabbling in building and design, and although he never expected to do it full time, the demand for his talent kept growing.
“It really took off and I kept getting requests, so I figured I’d go head first into it,” says Kopicki.
Today, he’s the owner of Cal CustomScapes, offering custom fire pits, lighting, artistic water features, grill enclosures, custom planters and more. Covering mostly Los Angeles and Ventura counties, Cal CustomScapes focuses on providing unique custom designs.
“People generally come to me when they’re looking for something different,” says Kopicki. “I never really install anything that’s fabricated, so people know they’re getting something that is unique for their space.”
When he first meets with a client, Kopicki usually asks them about their wish list. Afterwards, he and the homeowner discuss what’s possible in terms of budget, design and space.
“I always consider the architectural style of the exterior of the home,” he says. “That’s the fun part about custom work; I can blend things in and match them to many different architectural styles so there’s something very unique in each backyard.”
Another aspect that makes Kopicki somewhat different from other landscape designers is that he’s very aware of how things will look from the inside of the house.
“Sightlines from inside the house out to the space is something that tends to be overlooked. I can make a customer’s yard look completely different from the inside of the house,” he says.
Also very much in demand right now is lighting.
“Lighting design is something that can make a huge difference in a yard,” says Kopicki. “There are a lot of different types of fixtures, and I can design custom fixtures to blend into anything, from mission arts and crafts to contemporary styles. I’m also big on hiding fixtures and having unobtrusive lighting. The right lighting allows people to use the space anytime they want.”
Cal CustomScapes has also been busy installing a lot of irrigated planter walls and planting spaces, as well as fire and water elements. One of Kopicki’s favorite recent projects is a hexagonal fire pit.
“It was a Spanish revival style with Malibu tile. The client didn’t want anything square or round, but rather something with a softer look.”
For homeowners looking to add a water feature, there are many options, and most are low maintenance.
“I can tuck water features into a corner, and those big urn-style water features are also popular,” he says. “I love the bright cobalt blue urns that go really well with a lot of the architecture around here. And, I like adding the sound of water.”
To see more of Kopicki’s designs and projects, visit CalCustomScapes.com, Instagram and Facebook. His pictures speak louder than words and will draw you in as well.
To schedule a consultation, call Cal CustomScapes at 818.369.9500.