Signature Landscape and Urban Landscape are two established Orange County outdoor living contractors built for different homeowners. This independent comparison is for homeowners weighing a landscape, hardscape, or pool project and deciding between premium value and ultra-luxury custom work.
It compares two strong Orange County firms with different specialties. Signature Landscape, a Mission Viejo design-build firm with a wide service range, and Urban Landscape, a Newport Beach specialist focused on luxury, ultra-high-end custom estates. The right fit depends on your project’s scope and priorities. Services, design process, pricing position, and reviews are compared below so you can choose with confidence.
Quick Verdict
| Signature Landscape is best for Orange County homeowners who want premium design, clear communication, and budget flexibility, pairing 38+ years of local experience with 2D and 3D CAD design, drainage expertise, and a wide service range. Urban Landscape is best for homeowners commissioning an ultra-luxury, fully custom outdoor estate, especially around Newport Beach, who want artisan craftsmanship in a specific high-end style. If you want premium quality at an accessible price, choose Signature Landscape; if you want top-of-market custom luxury, choose Urban Landscape. |
Comparison Table
Here is a side-by-side summary of how the two Orange County companies compare across the factors homeowners ask about most.
| Factor | Signature Landscape | Urban Landscape |
| Based in | Mission Viejo, CA | Newport Beach, CA |
| Experience | 38+ years (per company) | 45+ years (per company) |
| Core focus | Full-service design-build | Ultra-luxury custom builds |
| Services | Landscape, hardscape, drainage, pools, turf, remodeling, commercial | Luxury landscape & softscape, custom pools & spas, hardscape, water features, outdoor kitchens, irrigation, patio covers |
| Design process | 2D and 3D CAD plans before building | Collaborative, style-led artisan design |
| Pricing position | Premium but accessible; small installs up to $100,000+ design-builds | Ultra high-end estates; pricing not publicly listed |
| Reviews (2026) | Houzz 5.0/5 (4 reviews); 94 Yelp reviews (June 2026) | Houzz 5.0/5 (47 reviews); 32 Yelp reviews (April 2026) |
| Best for | Premium quality with strong value and communication | Ultra-luxury custom outdoor estates |
Review counts and ratings change over time; figures above reflect each company’s public profiles as of the dates shown.
Overview of Signature Landscape
Signature Landscape is a full-service landscape and hardscape contractor based in Mission Viejo that serves residential and commercial clients across Orange County. It is owned by Moe Khoee and works alongside his son, landscape architect Arshee Khoee, and its Yelp profile states the team has built outdoor environments in Orange County for more than 38 years. You can see its full service range on the Signature Landscape website.
The firm handles a broad scope: landscaping, hardscaping, drainage, pools and spas, artificial turf, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, lighting, retaining walls, driveways, paver installation, and broader outdoor remodeling, plus a commercial portfolio that includes condominiums, apartments, shopping centers, and government buildings. According to the company, the owner personally signs each project and backs the work in writing. Its stated approach is to design each outdoor space around how the homeowner actually lives, prioritizing functional environments, long-term value, and a transparent, low-stress process.
Overview of Urban Landscape
Urban Landscape (Urban Landscape Maintenance Inc.) is an owner-operated luxury landscape and pool construction firm based at 895 Dove Street in Newport Beach. They have been in business for over 45 years, according to their official website, and present themselves as a high-end residential landscape and pool builder serving Newport Beach and surrounding coastal communities. You can review its work on the Urban Landscape website.
The firm highlights custom luxury pools, hardscaping, softscaping, water features, outdoor kitchens, patio covers, and planters, and it works across defined design styles including Spanish-Santa Barbara, Tuscan, Mediterranean, Modern-Contemporary, Formal-Classic, and Rustic-Free Forms. It emphasizes artisan craftsmanship and a close, owner-involved client relationship. Public sources differ on the firm’s exact founding year, so homeowners may want to confirm tenure directly during a consultation.
Products and Services Compared
Both firms offer broad, overlapping outdoor-living menus, so the real difference is emphasis, not breadth. Signature Landscape positions itself as a one-stop design-build contractor; drainage, artificial turf, masonry and concrete, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, lighting, retaining walls, and ongoing maintenance, and also takes on commercial work. That suits homeowners who want one contractor for a full redesign or a specific fix like drainage.
Urban Landscape is an owner-operated firm with a similarly wide but only residential menu: custom pools, spas, water features, decks and patios, hardscape, outdoor kitchens, irrigation, and landscape and softscape upkeep. It leans into high-end, style-specific custom design backed by a 45+ year team. For a homeowner whose project is a high-end custom backyard or pool, that design focus can be an advantage.
Design Process Compared
The clearest process difference is visualization. Signature Landscape produces 2D and 3D CAD color plans through its landscape architects before construction begins, so clients can see the layout, materials, and finished look while the project is still on paper. For homeowners who want certainty before committing, that planning step reduces surprises.
Urban Landscape uses a collaborative, consultation-first process built around design style and craftsmanship. The team walks the property, defines how the family will use the space, and develops a custom design in a chosen aesthetic. The emphasis is on artisan execution and a tailored look rather than standardized CAD deliverables. Both companies start with a free consultation.
Project Types and Ideal Customers Compared
Signature Landscape fits homeowners who want a premium full-property redesign, a functional outdoor living space, a pool paired with broader landscaping, or a solution to drainage and grading problems. Its commercial experience with condominiums, apartments, shopping centers, and government buildings also makes it a fit for property managers and HOAs.
Urban Landscape fits affluent homeowners commissioning a fully custom luxury backyard, a statement pool or water feature, or a specific high-end design style executed by a specialist. Its Newport Beach base and coastal focus align well with luxury properties in that part of Orange County.
Reviews and Reputation Compared
The two companies build trust on different platforms, so the public record matters more than a single headline number. Here is what each profile shows as of 2026.
- Signature Landscape: a 5.0 rating on Houzz (4 reviewers) and 94 reviews on its Yelp profile (updated June 2026), with sentiment that is largely positive around design quality and project outcomes. As with most established contractors, a few reviews raise contract-scope expectations worth reading before signing.
- Urban Landscape: 32 reviews on its Yelp profile (updated April 2026), plus a project portfolio on Houzz with a 5.0 rating (47 reviewers). Its footprint is concentrated on Houzz rather than Yelp, which is common for luxury custom builders that also rely on referrals and private portfolios.
The practical read: Each firm leads on a different platform; Signature Landscape has the larger Yelp presence, while Urban Landscape has the larger Houzz presence. Both hold 5.0 ratings, so neither has a clearly larger footprint overall; their strengths simply show up in different places. Star ratings and review counts vary by platform and change over time, so check each company’s current profiles directly.
Where Urban Landscape Wins
Urban Landscape is a strong choice at the luxury end, and several points stand out.
- They offer luxury craftsmanship and specialization depth. A tight focus on high-end residential work means the team builds this type of estate project repeatedly, which suits homeowners who prioritize fine custom detailing and a high-touch build.
- They offer defined high-end design styles. Spanish-Santa Barbara, Tuscan, Mediterranean, Modern-Contemporary, Formal-Classic, and Rustic-Free Forms give buyers a clear stylistic direction.
- They specialize in custom pools and cater to the coastal market. Custom pools and water features are central to its portfolio, and its Newport Beach base aligns with high-end coastal properties and the design expectations that come with them.
Where Signature Landscape Wins
Signature Landscape’s strengths cluster around value, planning, and breadth.
- They offer value across budgets. It serves a wide range of project sizes, so premium quality is available without committing to estate-level pricing.
- They prioritize CAD-based planning. 2D and 3D drawings before construction help homeowners approve the design and avoid mid-project surprises.
- They specialize in drainage and water management. Dedicated drainage expertise addresses a common and costly problem that many design-focused firms underweight.
- They offer a wider service breadth. Landscape, hardscape, pools, turf, masonry, lighting, remodeling, and commercial work under one contractor.
- Founder involvement and work backed in writing support a clear client relationship.
Pricing Compared
Signature Landscape is positioned as premium but accessible, with projects ranging from smaller installations in the low thousands up to large design-build outdoor living spaces exceeding $100,000. That spread lets the company work with a broad set of budgets rather than only the top of the market.
Urban Landscape is positioned at the ultra high-end, focused on fully custom luxury estates. The firm does not publish pricing, which is common for bespoke luxury builders, so homeowners should expect estate-level budgets and request a detailed quote during consultation.
On value, Signature Landscape’s mix of CAD planning, drainage expertise, a wide service range, and a broad budget ceiling is the reason it lands in the better-value position for most homeowners, while Urban Landscape delivers value through depth of luxury specialization rather than range. Whichever you consider, confirm the contractor’s license with the California Contractors State License Board before work begins, since any California home improvement project valued at $500 or more must be performed by a licensed contractor.
What Users Say
Signature Landscape (5.0 on Houzz, 94 Yelp reviews as of June 2026): reviews are largely positive around design quality, attention to detail, and finished project outcomes, with a small number raising the usual contract-scope expectations that are worth reading before signing.
Urban Landscape (32 Yelp reviews as of April 2026, plus 47 reviews and a 5.0 rating on Houzz): a strong presence on Houzz alongside a smaller Yelp count. Its footprint is concentrated on the design-focused platform rather than spread evenly, which is common for owner-involved luxury builders that also rely on referrals and private portfolios. The available feedback is consistent with a high-touch, custom-build approach.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Signature Landscape if:
- You want premium quality with budget flexibility and a single contractor for a full-property design-build
- Drainage, grading, or water management is part of the job, since that is a documented specialty
- You want to approve a 2D or 3D CAD plan before any construction starts
- You also manage commercial or HOA property that needs landscaping
Choose Urban Landscape if:
- You are building an ultra-luxury, fully custom estate in Newport Beach or a nearby coastal community
- You want a specific high-end design style, such as Tuscan or Mediterranean, executed by a luxury specialist
- A custom statement pool or water feature is the centerpiece of your project
On the value question, one Signature Landscape customer on Yelp wrote, “Moe’s attention to detail and customer service is well worth the cost.”
Get a free CAD consultation from Signature Landscape, then gather at least one more detailed quote and verify each contractor’s license before you sign.
FAQ
Is Signature Landscape better than Urban Landscape?
Neither is better for every homeowner; they’re built for different projects. Signature Landscape suits homeowners who want budget flexibility, CAD planning, and a wide service range under one design-build contractor, including commercial and HOA work. Urban Landscape suits homeowners commissioning an ultra-luxury, fully custom estate in a specific high-end style with artisan detailing. The right choice depends on your project’s scope, budget, and priorities.
How much does an Orange County landscaping or pool project cost?
Costs vary widely with size, materials, and features. Signature Landscape works across a broad range, from smaller installations to design-build projects over $100,000. Urban Landscape targets estate-level budgets and does not publish pricing. Both offer free consultations, which is the most reliable way to get an accurate quote.
Does Signature Landscape build swimming pools?
Yes. Signature Landscape builds pools and spas as part of its full-service menu, alongside landscaping, hardscaping, drainage, outdoor kitchens, and turf. Because it is a design-build firm, the pool can be planned together with the surrounding landscape and hardscape in one coordinated CAD plan.
What areas do these companies serve?
Signature Landscape is based in Mission Viejo and serves communities across south and central Orange County, including Irvine, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, and Tustin. Urban Landscape is based in Newport Beach and focuses on Newport Beach and the surrounding coastal and Orange County communities.
How do I verify a landscaping contractor in California?
Check the contractor’s license number on the California Contractors State License Board website, where you can confirm the license is active and review its status. In California, any home improvement project valued at $500 or more in labor and materials must be done by a licensed contractor.
Which company is better for luxury landscaping?
Both work at the high end, with different strengths. Urban Landscape is the dedicated luxury specialist. Signature Landscape also delivers premium work but across a broader range of budgets and project types, so it can be a fit for homeowners who want high-end results without committing to estate-level pricing. For a top-of-market custom estate, Urban Landscape is the closer match; for premium work with more budget flexibility, Signature Landscape is worth considering.