WHO WE ARE
Brooke Merriam, principal and lead designer of Sunflower Designs, has been creating inspired landscapes since founding the company in 2006. Her work is rooted in the belief that every property and every homeowner is unique, and that outdoor spaces should reflect that individuality. Each project is approached as a custom response to the site, the architecture, and the people who live there.
While every design is distinct, Brooke's work reflects a core ethos: landscapes should be ecologically responsible, practical, and highly functional. She prioritizes thoughtful plant selection, sustainable practices, and designs that work naturally with the land rather than against it.
Whether creating spaces for gathering with family and friends, quiet relaxation, entertaining, or personal reflection, her landscapes share a common goal—to bring people closer to nature in their own backyards. Her designs create environments that feel both intentional and effortless, encouraging everyday connection with the outdoors.
Brooke is a Rhode Island Certified Horticulturist (RICH), a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association (RINLA) and the Ecological Landscape Alliance (ELA). In addition, she has been a member of the Education Committee at Save the Bay (www.Savebay.org) for several years.
In her free time Brooke is most happy when outdoors. You can find her working in her own garden, going for a run or kayak, hiking in the mountains, or finding other ways to spend time in nature with friends and her husband and 2 kids.
Sarah Khan Daponte joined Sunflower Designs in 2021 as an associate designer whose work is informed by her background in architecture. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Roger Williams University, where she developed a strong foundation in spatial design, proportion, and detail. This training gives her a keen eye for how spaces function and flow, allowing her to thoughtfully shape outdoor environments that feel cohesive and well integrated with the surrounding architecture.
Sarah brings both creativity and precision to the design process, helping translate ideas into practical, well-considered landscapes. As a mother of three, she also understands how outdoor spaces are used in everyday life and values designs that are welcoming, functional, and meant to be enjoyed by the whole family.