Design Components
- Patio Space – Designed to comfortably entertain 6–8 adults, using reclaimed brick or a similar rustic paving material.
- Outdoor Kitchen – Integrated cooking and seating area for entertaining.
- Water Feature (Optional) – Consideration for a feature that adds sound and visual interest.
- Low-Voltage Lighting System – Subtle lighting to enhance safety, ambiance, and nighttime use of the space.
- Carriage House – Integrated into the overall design, with flexibility for alternative uses if construction is postponed.
- Off-Street Parking – Parking located at the rear of the property.
- Rear Wraparound Porch – Porch addition with stair access connecting the home to the backyard.
- Overhead Structures – Potential pergola or similar structure to create shade and architectural interest.
- Hammock Area – Dedicated space for relaxation within the landscape.
Restrictions & Limitations
- Southern Property Line – A two-story multifamily residence and a large red barn overlook the backyard, creating significant privacy concerns and direct sightlines into the space.
- Northern Neighboring Home – A nearby single-family house also has direct views into the backyard.
- Property Line Setbacks – Zoning setbacks limited where structures, patios, fencing, and other features could be located.
- Dual Street Frontage – The property is bordered by public streets at both the front and rear, adding additional planning considerations.
- Impervious Surface Limits – Local footprint regulations restrict the amount of allowable impervious coverage on the lot.
- Existing Sewer Line – A 30+ year-old sewer line runs beneath the backyard, creating potential maintenance considerations for future construction.
Design Approach
After reviewing the client’s goals and the site constraints, we recommended a collaborative design approach that included bringing an architect onto the project team. This allowed all components of the project to be integrated into a single comprehensive concept rather than developed independently.
The goal was to create a complete conceptual design that incorporated every desired element while also identifying additional opportunities for improvement. The final plan was structured so the project could be built in phases, allowing the client to move forward with construction over time while maintaining a cohesive long-term vision for the property.
Lessons Learned
The client’s initial plan was to build the project in phases—constructing the patio first, then the carriage house, followed by the deck and other elements. At first glance, this seemed like the simplest approach and would have required minimal approvals from the local planning and building departments.
However, because of the site’s restrictions and setbacks, this strategy could have created major problems. The patio likely would have been built in what appeared to be the most logical location. Later, when the client attempted to add the deck or carriage house, the city could have required a variance to meet zoning requirements—or even required the newly built patio to be removed.
The variance process can take three to four months, often involves additional costs, and adds significant uncertainty and stress. There is also no guarantee that the variance will be approved.
By investing $3,000–$6,000 in conceptual design services upfront, the client gained a fully integrated plan for the property. Not only did this approach produce a more thoughtful and cohesive design, but it also helped avoid an estimated $30,000–$50,000 in potential construction and redesign costs later on.
