Collaborative Design
Creating your ideal outdoor space requires a thoughtful and well-planned approach, but above all else, OUR successful collaboration is the key to my process. I want to properly understand your vision and bring it to life using my years of outdoor living expertise. This approach ensures that we achieve a space that aligns with your heartfelt vision from start to finish.
Here's how I was able to achieve that collaboration with real-life client Connie Musallam.
Turn Your Vision into Reality - Mindful Connection with Outdoor Space Designs
The most important part of my process is connecting with you and truly understanding how you want to feel when you are in your outdoor space. Aesthetics are essential, but let's face it: everyone responds differently, even in the most well-appointed environment.
I care about how a space can make you feel, and I want to help you achieve those desired feelings of security, peace, privacy, joy, and positive energy in the space we create together. Spending time outside is essential and can be incredibly healing, rejuvenating, and productive.
I start with a one-on-one consultation to understand your needs, preferences, and ideas for your outdoor space. Depending on your location, this can be done virtually or in person.
With my client, Connie, I focused our conversation on her current lifestyle, style, aesthetic preferences, and the desired functionality of her outdoor space.
Connie, who is living solo in a new over-50 housing community, wanted to create a sense of being "enveloped in a warm hug" as she transitioned from her house to her yard. She enjoys entertaining her family, including many family members, and wanted to accommodate them all when they visited.
Connie also has two dogs and wanted a designated spot for them, fenced and gated for separation if desired during larger gatherings.
Aside from these considerations, I suggested that Connie have an area where she can enjoy grounding with her bare feet in fresh grass. Several scientific studies have proven that the Earth's energy is rich in healing properties.
Initial Consultation & Vision Planning
Consultation Focus:
- Your lifestyle, how you want to feel!
- Design preferences and functional needs (e.g., entertainment, relaxation, dining, or all three!).
- Assessing your space, budget, and timeline.
- Exploring inspiration, materials, and styles that complement your home.
I collect critical information and develop a design plan for the client to follow visually. Depending on the project's scope, clients may work with a contractor to address their structural needs.
I help guide the client through the process and assist you with contractor questions, including any suggestions or recommendations on hardscape, landscape, installation, or construction.
Custom Design Selection & 3D Visualization
Based on our consultation and site assessment, I will create a customized design plan for you to utilize throughout the process. This includes:
- 2D layouts and 3D renderings for a realistic preview.
- These visual plans will be used to visualize the designs, explicitly showing the transition from the house's interior to the outside spaces. It is essential to be able to walk through the proposed setup and clearly understand the flow from one space to another.
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Design Boards/Mood Boards depicting collections.
- This is a tailored selection of pergolas, patio covers, seating, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, lighting, privacy screens, and more, tailored to your preferences and budget.
- Recommendations on materials, colors, and landscaping that match your home’s architecture, as well as your desired maintenance load.
For Connie, I created these 2D and 3D designs, which depict the layout we discussed. They show all the designated areas we planned and provide a visual reference for navigating throughout the space.
I also create Mood Boards that show the tangible materials we might use. In this case, to help Connie achieve her "warm hug" whenever she moves in and around her outdoor space. Connie also wanted her outdoor space to feel "light and airy". This resulted in a soft palette of greens and neutral shades, paired with dark-striped umbrellas, wispy Gazebo curtains, and durable polywood furniture pieces. 
Throughout this process, I help select the best materials based on your desired budget, climate, and maintenance considerations. Sometimes this can mean choosing a more cost-effective alternative to certain materials or furniture pieces without minimizing the desired feeling we are attempting to achieve.
With these mood boards, we select colors and materials that achieve the aesthetic we want to match the feelings we look to experience.
- Wood, metal, or vinyl for pergolas and patio covers.
- Stone, pavers, or concrete for flooring.
- Bark, sand, grass, or decomposed granite for ground surfaces.
- Weather-resistant fabrics for furniture and shade solutions.
- Sustainable and low-maintenance options are provided.
Connie's Product Selection:
With Outdoor Space Designs, clients can access my trade relationships and often save money on furniture, structure kits, and accessories. All material orders are shipped directly to the client, which helps save time and costs. Once design materials are selected, the client can work with their contractor as needed to order and deliver all hardscape and landscape materials.
Installation & Construction
As materials that we select are delivered, in many cases, the client arranges the setting if the hardscape already exists. Some clients enlist the help of family and friends for more DIY projects. In Connie's case, she had a dirt backyard that required hardscape (concrete patio and pathway work) and landscaping (leveling, water system installation, or planting) work, so she elected to hire a contractor.
In this case, I can provide referrals for contractors and will assist you in guiding them through the installation and construction process.
Based on an approved 3D Design, I will be able to guide what you can expect your contractor to do, including:
- Prepare the site, leveling, and foundation work.
- Install any concrete slabs or pathways.
- Install any Pergola or patio covers with precision.
- Provide electrical setup for lighting, fans, or heaters if needed.
- Install all landscaping.
As work progresses, I will continue to collaborate with you to finalize all décor integration in accordance with our design choices.
Walkthrough & Enjoy Your Space! 
As the project is completed, I arrange a time to walk (either live or virtually) through your outdoor space to ensure everything meets your expectations and achieves the desired ambiance.
- Maintenance tips for longevity.
- Recommendations for seasonal upgrades and enhancements.
- A beautiful, functional outdoor space ready for you to enjoy!
During my walkthrough with Connie, I could tell she was thrilled to have so much usable space in her newly created backyard. She truly felt the energy she wanted to develop in her designated spaces and could now share that with her friends and family.
Whether you envision a cozy pergola retreat, a fully functional outdoor kitchen, or a fully covered patio for all-weather entertaining, our structured design process ensures a smooth experience from start to finish. Ready to transform your backyard?
STILL NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
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Drop me a message with some photos of your space, and we can get started!
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