Design Tips
When it came time to gather tips on a ensuring successful outdoor project,
Midwest turned to several experts in design and landscape architecture for advice.
We polled four St. Louis landscape architecture firms on the topics ranging from choosing colors and shapes to hiring a design professional.
We want to thank R. Patrick Worzer, Ed Dermondy, Doug DeLong and Anne Lewis for their assistance.
1. What design elements make an outdoor space successful?
Design elements to make an outdoor space successful are those same types of elements that a homeowner would place into a home addition. Instead of designing walls with windows we should design with pavers, water and flowers to function in the same manner.
2. Why is the "flooring" material important?
Flooring material in an outdoor space really works like any "room" you create. Be it outdoor or indoor. It is the base plane in which all things start from. You can create a theme all other elements can be incorporated in the "floor" space.
3. What advice do you have about selecting the color / shape for an outdoor space?
Our experts say selecting color and shape for outdoor spaces go hand in hand. One must consider a variety of effects such as color, texture, and pattern using both bold and light variations.
4. When should I consider a "large scale" paving stone vs. the smaller brick size stones?
Scale related to the space you are working with is a prime consideration.
5. What are your favorite design details you like to add, when you have the opportunity?
From creating distinct outdoor rooms to mixing natural stone and concrete pavers, our experts have their favorite design elements.
6. Why should I consider hiring a landscape architect? I think I know what I want to do, what will they add?
"Why consider a landscape architect? We can provide added value to your project by bringing our experience to the table through working on numerous past projects that may be of a similar nature to yours." says R. Patrick Worzer.
7. I've made the decision to seek some professional design help. How much will it cost and how are fees usually structured?
"Fees are based on the homeowner's budgets and the scale of a project. A rule of thumb is 10% of a budget should be set aside for professional fees while the remaining budget is dedicated to construction," says Ed Dermody of Woolpert.
8. What about custom designs?
"Custom design is scary," says Anne Lewis of Lewisites Landscape Architects. "What if you hate what your contractor builds? Well, you have more probability of hating it if you wave your arms around and show him/her magazine pictures than if you express yourself to a landscape architect and they draw it."