Ladera Ranch is a 4,000-acre planned community within Rancho Mission Viejo. The setting of this community is historic ranch land, with rolling terrain, natural open space, arroyos, and distant mountain views. The Ladera Master Plan emphasizes a variety of residential housing types and reflects the aesthetic charm and neighborhood structure reminiscent of traditional Southern California towns.

Other elements of the master plan include an Urban Activity Center with a variety of commercial, business, and public facilities; a Neighborhood Commercial Center; the Town Center, consisting of commercial, retail, office, and restaurants; a Sports Park; the Activity Spine, providing a linear park linking all of the Villages to community uses and open space areas; and Schools and Community Parks.

Eric Sakotas worked on Ladera Ranch while working with EDAW in Irvine, California.