Our consultation is an initial conversation to understand your project, the property, and your desired outcome for the space. We talk through goals, constraints, and overall direction, and discuss ballpark budget ranges. This step is about context and fit—on both sides—before offering a design engagement.
What we cover:
Outcome:
A clear understanding of what you're going for and whether a design engagement makes sense.
Shape & Feel - We begin by capturing your property's existing conditions through measurements, elevations, and 3D scans — supplemented by satellite imagery and any existing plans you provide.
We review early design concepts over video focusing on shape, feel, and arrangement. Collaborating in real time eliminates weeks — even months — of back-and-forth revisions
Budgets & Phasing - We meet at our studio to discuss the design and how our decisions impact overall costs. Though it may appear finished, the design is still very much a draft.
This meeting helps determine budget and phasing priorities — and with materials on hand, we can make informed decisions together. Revisions at this stage typically involve reducing some elements and improving others, until your design and budget align.
Final Design & Proposal - This stage marks the end of the design engagement and the transition to final proposals and details. We provide detailed proposal options along with any retainers required for architectural or civil engineering involvement.
A limited number of revisions are still available for refinements, though significant design changes are uncommon at this stage. If additional design effort is needed, we can discuss expanded options.
Once a project is booked, we move into pre-construction.
We prepare construction documentation, coordinate trades, and begin securing materials and required approvals. Long-lead or price-sensitive items are ordered early when appropriate, and any necessary engineering, permitting, or HOA approvals are submitted.
As approvals are finalized, minor refinements are common. In the rare case that scope, design, or cost are significantly affected—impacting the project’s viability—we’ll review the findings together and discuss options before moving forward. If the project is no longer viable, we’ll offer a refund of the project deposit minus completed design and engineering costs.
Scheduling also begins to take shape during this phase. Because groundwork is highly weather-dependent, we establish a start window rather than a fixed date. Once permitting is approved and core trades are secured, that window is shared through your Client Portal and refined as conditions become clearer.
Before construction begins, we’ll schedule a walkthrough to review site access, paint the layout, and set up the document box.
Maybe you're starting with a basic pad and a couple lawn chairs or you've been long over do for a make over; the design is done and we're ready to break ground - Let's get started →
This marks the start of construction. We demo, excavate, and install things like underground utilities and drainage. It’s the messiest part of the build, where the site looks most disrupted and progress is least visible—but it’s also the where the groundwork is set for everything that follows.
Gravel bases, piers, and footings go in next. This stage includes things like setting retaining walls, pouring pool shells, and establishing rough grades & elevations.
Now it's taking shape. Pavers and stamped concrete are going in, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces are framed and stoned, Pavilions and pergolas go up, and pools are finished and filled.
Final planting, grading, trims and touchups, followed by a thorough cleanup of the work area. Lawn areas and drive path disturbed during construction are repaired. Pallets and excess materials are hauled off, surfaces are cleaned, and—where applicable—driveways and street are power washed.
Signage comes down and we prepare the space for final photography.
After construction is complete, we remain available to support the transition from job-site to finished space. As you begin to use your space, questions or minor follow-ups can come up, and we’re here to help with them.
Warranty-related items and post-construction questions are handled directly with our team. We coordinate next steps as needed and provide clear guidance on care, use, and maintenance moving forward.
