Ability to Interpret Homebuyer's Vision is Key to Unique Outdoor Living Spaces

The greatest challenge in developing unique outdoor living spaces that meet a client's dreams, desires and budget is to wholly understand the client. Each project reflects a distinct synergy of personality, space and the natural elements. The principal guiding force must always be the client and the intention for their space. Few clients are able to express this intention in the language of design or construction; therefore, it is paramount that, as designers, we illuminate their truest vision throughout the space.

An authentic appreciation for the client's individuality is typically at the heart of any exceptional outdoor living space. A daily swimmer may request a pool where both the grandchildren can play and he or she can swim laps. It is the designer's job to acquaint them with options such as a “swim-in-place” feature that can blend the clients' desires and their personal preference. In response to a particular client's penchant for all things eclectic and comfortable, I delivered an outdoor living space that includes a hand-built, double-arched fireplace that warms the heated patio, just feet away from a luxury outdoor kitchen with a built-in, professional-grade grill; stainless steel fixtures; sink; garbage disposal; and a countertop made of Blue Bahia granite from Brazil.

Incorporating elements of design from one style to another can bridge the client's tastes but must be done with an understanding of the extremes and norms of the environment. When designing a 14,000-gallon back yard koi pond with a negative edge waterfall for a client in Kansas, we included jets that can be set to heights up to 11 feet. However, due to the area's extreme weather and high winds, we installed a weather station that will lower the jet heights if winds should increase, preventing water loss and splashing.

Managing time and budget is a reinforcement of meeting the client's expectations and serves as a core factor in every design process. However, if, as a designer, I withhold ideal design possibilities or information due to budget considerations, I may be limiting the potential of the project. Once informed of the optimal design options and their costs, it is ultimately the client who will make the final decisions regarding scale and features.

I recently presented a client with a design for a customized deck, with special considerations given to the client's requirements regarding its weight. Initially the client felt the deck was too far off budget and decided against it. I reintroduced a scaled-back adaptation. After thoughtful consideration, he selected the initial deck design recognizing that excellence endures in the long run. The cost of returning to a project due to client regret is much greater than the cost of altering a design in progress.

An exclusive outdoor living space extends the options for entertaining and relaxing. As varied as formal palatial terraces to rooftop gardens, each project brings together the client, the space and the environment. It is the designer's task to make them feel as though they have never been apart.