The initial visit & design

It’s the middle of winter. It’s quiet now. This time of year, I think back on my past season. Recently I
have been thinking of this past September.
The weather was early autumn perfect. The clients were young savvy professionals. No pets or children.
Their lifestyle reflected a modern life. They thought they wanted a small deck for barbecuing and maybe
a modest patio for socializing and for just hanging out. Like many of my clients, they had no real idea of
what the possibilities could be.
On my initial visit my clients and I walked the entire property and discussed the possibilities. I noted that
the back of the house faced north. There would always be minimal sunshine. I also noted that the
backyard did have sunshine just a bit further out from the back wall of the house. I pointed out the sun
issues to them and suggested that we reduce the deck idea to more of a porch. The porch would be
large enough for a propane BBQ and a couple of chairs. It would be a simple rectangle. However, there
would be 4 steps down to the ground and they would be set at a 30-degree angle. Initially, off the
bottom step I designed a large square patio using porcelain (2’ x2’) pavers. I turned the large patio
square 30-degrees to match the porch steps. I followed up with designing a series of 4’ by 4’ and 7’ by 7’
irregular flagstone pads randomly placed to one side of the patio. Off the natural irregular stone side of
the patio, I introduced a large garden area that creates interest and privacy.