Some people say that Colin's story is unique because he's gone from political operative to acclaimed wedding cake designer, and now a Landscape Designer. Colin studied both Politics and Horticulture in college but pursued a career in politics focusing on environmental justice and worked for organizations like the Sierra Club. For over a decade Colin had a successful yet unfulfilling career working for elected officials, non-profits and political organizations in Washington D.C. and in states all over the country. At the end of yet another campaign, Colin decided the time was right to pursue his dream of making wedding cakes and Colin went to culinary school.

 

When Colin opened Colin O'Dea Cakes, he had big cake dreams and pretty much every one of them came true. Colin appeared on two Food Network shows, his work was featured in publications like Martha Stewart Weddings and Brides Magazine and he was named one of the Best Wedding Cake Designers in California. Colin's success in business did not equal happiness in life, and he realized his true passion was the outdoors and he wanted a career in Horticulture and Landscape Design. 

​

For all his life, Colin was happiest when he was in nature and that is one of the reasons he and his husband moved to Santa Barbara and then the Santa Ynez Valley. Colin's escape was getting lost outdoors and spending hours a day working in the shadows of the trees on his property and the landscape that he was transforming. Colin strongly believes that the universe conspires to bring true happiness into our lives, and during this quiet time of reflection, the universe was telling him that it was time to create and build in nature.

​

Colin embarked on a wild journey and returned to school to further his education in Environmental Horticulture and Landscape Design at Santa Barbara City College and Foothill College. Colin's goal has always been to study and perfect the principles of landscape design and learn the science behind creating healthy, organic and native ecosystems that are sustainable and regenerative. Colin has spent years researching and studying the following areas in order to truly understand the science and methods behind designing a landscape:

​​​

•  Landscape Design Theory & Practices

• Gardens of the World & Mediterranean Gardens

• Residential Landscape Design

• CA Native/Mediterranean Plants & Plant Culture

• Landscape & Garden Management

• Soil Ecology & Plant Nutrients

• Plant Care, Installation & Maintenance

• Irrigation & Waterworks

• Landscape Construction 

 

Also, along the way, Colin received the following certifications in order to better serve his clients and become a more well-rounded steward of the land:

 

• Santa Barbara County Green Gardener

• Santa Barbara City College - Certificate in Permaculture Design

• Santa Barbara Beekeeper Association - Backyard Beekeeping 

 

It’s pretty simple why Colin started his landscape design business, he wants to create memories. What Colin loves about landscape design is that he's designing magical spaces in nature that bring people together. Colin's home and property in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country is a gathering spot for his family and friends, and he wants everyone to have a special place in nature. Colin and his husband host holidays, birthdays, celebrations and a 50+ year family tradition, Sunday dinner. What drives Colin and his goal for all his clients is to create and design spaces that nurture and grow families and communities, just like he and his husband have done for his family and friends.