Michael Glassman – Timeless Outdoor Living Through the Art of Landscape Architecture

For more than four decades, award-winning landscape designer Michael Glassman has shaped some of Northern California’s most stunning outdoor environments—transforming empty backyards and blank patios into living, breathing extensions of the home. With over 100 published projects, nine books, and appearances on hit HGTV shows like Yard Crashers and Garden Police, Glassman is one of the most recognized and respected names in landscape architecture today.

But for Michael, it all began with a detour.

An Unexpected Journey into Design

Glassman began his academic path in political science at UC Davis, but quickly realized his true calling lay in a more creative, hands-on discipline. “I moved around and eventually fell into landscape architecture—and fell in love,” he says. That love took him across the globe, including a pivotal period in the South of France, where he studied at a chateau near Cannes and toured the works of famed European architects.

Before he even graduated, Michael had launched his own design-build firm, gaining experience in civil engineering and state park planning. Eventually, he chose to focus solely on the design side of the business. “I found that I loved solving problems creatively—crafting outdoor spaces that people could actually use and enjoy,” he explains.

His breakthrough came with a meticulously designed Japanese garden for the fire chief of Davis, CA. That project won a statewide competition and marked the beginning of what would become one of the most published landscape design firms in Northern California.

Design with Purpose – Solving Problems with Style

While many designers focus first on aesthetics, Glassman’s design philosophy begins with functionality. “First and foremost, it’s about solving the problem,” he says. “Every project has a unique set of challenges. My job is to create outdoor spaces where people want to [dine, sit, enjoy, swim, and gather].”

One of his go-to tools in achieving this is incorporating Regency outdoor gas fireplaces. “Your fireplaces are exactly what I want—they’re focal points, they create warmth, and they anchor the space,” says Glassman. “It sets the ambiance and helps define the outdoor room. I love your product—I specify it and use it because it has so much versatility.”

Whether it’s a Regency HZO42 lining a luxury patio wall or a linear fire feature glowing beneath an open pergola, Glassman sees fireplaces as more than just décor—they’re design solutions that invite people outside and make them want to stay.

Balancing Form, Function, and Forever Style

While Glassman is well-versed in emerging materials and contemporary design trends, he firmly believes that timelessness comes from nature. “Natural materials like stone and wood never go out of style,” he explains. “As they age, they gain character—it becomes part of the design story.” His signature approach often includes muted hardscapes paired with colorful, changeable elements like furniture and textiles.

In this way, he strikes a perfect balance between classic elegance and modern convenience. By utilizing Regency's sleek, efficient gas fireplaces, which can run on natural gas or propane, he’s able to create warmth and ambiance without compromising on clean lines or flow. “They don’t take up as much space as a firepit,” he notes. “You can move furniture around them more easily, and they serve as a beautiful backdrop for your space.”

A Focal Point for Gathering

One of Michael’s favorite projects involved a backyard transformation where the fireplace played a pivotal role. “We created an outdoor room close to the house, right off the family room,” he recalls. “The idea was ‘design with the least resistance.’ People don’t want to walk across a huge lawn to use a fire feature—it needs to be close to where they already gather.”
By positioning a Regency outdoor fireplace just outside the family room’s picture window, Glassman created a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. “Even from inside, you see the fireplace burning—it becomes an invitation to step outside,” he explains. “It’s functional, it’s visual, and it gives people a reason to use the space all year round.”

Discovering Regency Fireplace Products

Glassman first discovered Regency’s products while searching for a solution that provided warmth, style, and flexibility for his compact outdoor designs. “Outdoor space is getting smaller, not larger,” he says. “Clients still want the bells and whistles, but they don’t always have room for a full firepit or outdoor kitchen.”

That’s where Regency shines. “The technology is on the cutting edge” says Glassman. “You can create ambiance and comfort in a smaller footprint—and when the weather cools, you just adjust the furniture and keep using the space. That’s real value.”

He’s also quick to point out a practical consideration that many overlook: flow. “You have to think about how people will move through a space,” he says. “A fireplace allows for better layout and circulation than a central firepit, which can block furniture placement and traffic patterns.”

Designing for Today—and Tomorrow

As for current trends, Glassman sees a growing demand for ‘jewel box’ outdoor spaces—smaller but more thoughtfully designed environments. “People want quality over quantity,” he says. “They’re investing in higher-end materials and features that elevate the space without needing a full crew of gardeners to maintain it.”

Incorporating fireplaces plays a big role in that equation. “They’re an easy win,” he says. “They give people a reason to step outside, to linger, to enjoy their home more. And they can be used almost year-round, especially here in California.”

Advice for Fellow Designers

For those looking to add fire features to their designs, Glassman’s advice is clear: think about usability first. “You need to understand how the client will use the space—and make it easy for them to do so,” he explains. “That means placing the fireplace where they naturally want to go, keeping it visible from inside, and designing a layout that invites movement and connection.”

He also encourages designers to challenge the idea that fire features are only for large yards or lavish builds. “Even if the client doesn’t have an indoor fireplace, that’s even more reason to add one outside,” he says. “It becomes the main event—the anchor, the reason to step outside and enjoy.”

The Takeaway

Michael Glassman’s legendary career has been built on solving problems with style, designing outdoor spaces that invite people to gather, relax, and connect. With his eye for balance, love of natural materials, and passion for functionality, it’s no surprise that he continues to lead the field in innovative yet timeless landscape design.

At Regency Fireplace Products, we’re proud to support designers like Michael who share our vision of beautiful, functional, and enduring spaces. Whether it’s through a sleek linear wall-mount or a traditional outdoor fireplace, we’re honored to help bring his creative visions to life—one backyard at a time.