Blake Nudell is an experienced construction management and outdoor living specialist with a background of over two decades in the construction industry. He earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Construction Management from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS).
Here is how I became known as the go-to “Gazebo Man” in California and met my Lovely wife, Joanne Nudell. We work on the full package of Gazebo Installation from planning, construction, and Gazebo Interior design.
As a young man, I discovered my passion for residential construction and embraced the physical challenges associated with the construction industry; with a background in athletics, I found the construction industry rewarding and fulfilling. I began my career in California in the year 2000, where I had the opportunity to work on custom homes in prestigious locations such as Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills, Bel Aire, and Malibu.
After five years of working as a commercial contractor working on custom homes, I found my passion and love for outdoor living structures building decks, gazebos, and pergolas, which is a small specialized section of home construction that is outdoor living spaces.
Over time, I realized that building outdoor luxury living structures was my calling and started specializing in Gazebos. The ability to create and improve outdoor living space for homeowners, especially in luxury locations who value craftsmanship and expertise, brought immense satisfaction both in my professional and personal life, I decided to pursue and specialize in the building of Gazebos as a full-time profession in 2007, and I have never looked back. I am passionate about building Gazebos and consider it a form of artistic expression rather than work.
I take pride in outdoor living space installations and believe that the possibilities of enhancing your yard with a Gazebo are limitless. I am dedicated to delivering top-quality craftsmanship and creating outdoor environments that exceed my client’s expectations. I plan on documenting and answering some of the frequently asked questions in the Industry through Gazebo Haven to help my clients and Gazebo Haven readers realize their vision of their dream Gazebo.
How I Met Joanne Blake.
I met my wife Joanna Blake in the year 2007; I was looking for an Interior designer for one of my Gazebo installation projects in Malibu, so various Interior designers submitted many proposals, but one proposal caught my eye, and that was Joanne’s, her work spoke volumes, showcasing her impeccable taste and keen eye to details, I was captivated by Joanne’s warm personality and passion for outdoor living design, I ended up hiring her for the project, and little did I know that Joanne would soon become my trusted interior designer but also my beloved life partner, we married 3 years later in the year 2010, and we are blessed with two Kids.
Education & Certifications.
In 2011, I focused on honing my skills and expertise in my field. I pursued formal education and certifications relevant to my area of expertise and achieved the following:
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Construction Management from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS).
- Licensed contractor with the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), which regulates the construction industry in California.
- Certified Outdoor Professional (COP) from the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), validating my expertise in designing, installing, and maintaining outdoor living spaces, including Gazebos.
- Certified Concrete Paver Installer (CCPI) from the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), focusing on adequately installing concrete pavers for various outdoor applications.
By obtaining this formal education and certifications, I have enhanced my knowledge, skills, and credibility in Gazebo planning, construction, installation, maintenance, and repair, and I continue striving for professional excellence.
Blake’s Gazebo Portfolio
As a Gazebo contractor, I have designed and constructed over 300 Gazebos across California, each one with unique and tailored customization based on the client’s needs and preferences. As you will see in some of the Gazebo installations highlighted below, I have a key to details and a passion for creating various Gazebo styles. I take pride in my Gazebo craftsmanship to deliver exceptional Gazebos.
Highlighted below are some of my Gazebo designs and construction that I take pride in:
Serene Garden Retreat
Location: Beverly Hills, CA
I constructed and designed the Gazebo above for a client who needed a Gazebo to retreat in their lush garden setting; the client wanted a hexagonal-shaped Gazebo with decorated wooden screens that would allow the occupants to view the surrounding lush garden without obstruction. It features a wooden deck perfect for an outdoor setting, and the color of choice is the natural color palette that will complement the natural garden aesthetics.
Lakeside Elegance
Location: Newport Beach, CA
This Octagonal Gazebo was built on the shores of Newport Beach to create breathtaking views of the surrounding beach and ocean. The gazebo features intricate craftsmanship through wood with decorative trims, a shingle type of roof, and large windows that allow the ocean breeze and natural light into the interior of the Gazebo. We also built an elevated deck for the Gazebo for flood water management and also to elevate the Gazebo for picturesque scenery.
Rustic Charm
Location: Palo Alto, CA
This is a cozy square Gazebo that I built in the mountain settings of Palo Alto, CA; the theme of the design of the Gazebo was to blend it seamlessly with the natural surroundings of the client’s backyard. We used a log cabin style design for the gazebo with handcrafted wood and included a stone fireplace to provide warmth and ambiance for family and friends gathering in any season.
Coastal Oasis
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
I have also had the opportunity to design a rectangular gazebo on the coast of Santa Barbara; on the central California coast, the Gazebo features an open-air design that embraces the views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the sea. The sleek modern structure features steel frames with glass panels, providing an obstructed view of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the sea.
Garden Party Haven
Location: Malibu, CA
I built this charming Gazebo in a celebrity home with a well-maintained garden; the client wanted a place to host their guests during outdoor events. The Gazebo features a pergola-style roof with decorative finishing and climbing plants from the yard’s garden, creating a natural space for social gatherings.
Mountain Lodge Retreat
Location: Rancho Santa Fe, CA
I have also had the pleasure of planning and constructing a log cabin-style Gazebo designed as a mountain lodge retreat, nestled among bushy trees and a well-manicured yard; the gazebo features a stone fireplace that allows the family and the guests to warm themselves during the cold seasons in their natural setting outdoor space.
Traditional Garden Haven
Location: Laguna Beach, CA
This is one of the most iconic Gazebo designs that I have ever constructed in a historic garden on Laguna Beach in a home that has been in the family for generations; the owners wanted a hexagonal-shaped gazebo that featured classic designs and decorated trims with shingle roofs, combined with wooden screens for privacy.
Modern Zen Retreat
Location: Hillsborough, CA
Above is a Zen Inspired Gazebo that I designed and constructed in Hillsborough, California, to match the mature trees in the serene natural backyard of the client; the Gazebo features sleek and minimalistic features such as clean lines, steel support frames, and large open windows that around panoramic views of the natural surrounding landscape full of mature trees.
Poolside Oasis
Location: Atherton, CA
I designed this poolside Gazebo in Atherton, CA, to provide a sunshade and a relaxation spot for the owners of a luxurious home with a minimalistic and modern design; the Gazebo had to match the client’s home with features such as a modern flat roof, sleek steel structure, and cooling misters to create a modern, comfortable space for lounging and enjoying the poolside atmosphere.
Contemporary Urban Retreat
Location: Calabasas, CA
I have also had the opportunity and build a contemporary gazebo in Calabasas, CA; the Gazebo was to be built on the flat roof of a home in the heart of Calabasas. The Gazebo features a modern and minimalistic design, creating a panoramic view of the San Fernando Valleys and mountains.
Mediterranean-Inspired Sanctuary
Location: Los Gatos, CA
I built and planned this Gazebo in Los Gatos on a home next to Los Gatos Creek; the Gazebo is a Mediterranean inspired Gazebo, the Gazebo features a stucco exterior and decorated coastal-like arches and a tiled roof evoking a beach-like ambiance.
