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Author: Karen Redick

Outdoor Projects Make the Perfect Location…Perfect!

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

In the past few years, we’ve noticed our clients telling us a very similar story. The fact is that they absolutely love the location of their home.

It might be close to a town they adore, in the ideal school district, or in the same neighborhood as family and friends. But the key element their home is always missing is an outdoor space that really works for them.

The great news is that you don’t have to move to get an outdoor yard design that you truly love. We’ve worked to design spaces that are small and large over many years. The enjoyment our clients receive from those makeovers is robust and long lasting!

Creating an extension of living space to the outdoors is a common request we receive. With careful planning and creativity, we work to incorporate the key features our clients desire. This stunning shaded patio includes plenty of space for entertaining and relaxing in a relatively small footprint:

Sometimes our clients have a large property and want to tie together the indoor spaces with outdoor spaces. This might include a guest house, pool house, or another type of outbuilding. Blending these spaces is one of the things we enjoy most about yard design!

Harmonizing indoor and outdoor spaces to create an extension of the way you use your home and yard is a comprehensive process. We have over two decades of experience creating and building designs that turn houses into dream homes.

One of the most requested features is a custom-designed in-ground pool and the necessary accessories such as patios and fences. We love to take on these types of projects! A pool design is very personal to each client, but also depends on many factors and features of the property it’s being built on. We continue to create pools that make summer our clients’ favorite season of all.

Are you thinking about an outdoor yard design project for your property? We’d love to talk to you about how Redbud can create and build a design you’ll love! Contact us today for more information.

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2019 Projects: Major Renovation in Cooperstown

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

We had an amazing summer working on this incredible renovation with one of our clients! This yard in Cooperstown is very large and was a blank slate, filled with potential.

The clients had a very long wish list for their project, so several months of planning were involved to get the design ready for construction. This design project included a variety of initiatives, including site grading, patios, hot tub, fire pit, retaining walls, pool, cabana/guest house, fencing, driveway, and entry gates.

The existing house was a mix of modern and barn style and the setting was open rolling hill country. The client wished to create multiple outdoor living environments. This is a common theme we’ve seen lately: clients who love the location and interior of their existing home, but need an outdoor design project to truly make it their dream home.

Behind the main house we designed a raised bluestone patio with a dining area and a custom rectangular gas fire pit. This space also features a rustic dry stack stone retaining wall, planting beds and custom bluestone bar steps down to the lower hot tub patio.

Step Inside - Inspired Interiors

The client also desired a separate pool and cabana that doubles as a guest house space. They wanted it to blend into the country setting, keeping the look cohesive with the scenery as a whole. We designed the pool & guest house so that from the street and from the house it appears to be a barn.

Step Inside - Inspired Interiors

The site was graded so that the pool was set on the far side of this barn. As you turn the corner of the “barn” you are transported from a country scene to a modern resort-like experience. The pool is 16′ X 36′ gunite with an automatic cover, full-length submerged bench and full-length stairs at the shallow end. The cabana features a cathedral ceiling, plentiful natural light from tall windows, a living room, full kitchen, full bathroom, a loft sleeping area and a basement for utilities—all appointed in a rustic modern style.

Step Inside - Inspired Interiors

Creating beautiful spaces our clients love is our passion! Are you interested in learning more about how we can help with your yard design project? Contact us today for more information.

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2019 Projects: Outdoor Living Space Shines

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

This project gave us a wonderful opportunity to have fun with the design—particularly with the colors and special features.

The client’s main wish for their outdoor living space was an outdoor kitchen, patio space for dining and general seating that would integrate with the existing hot tub. Now this outdoor living space shines!

Outdoor Kitchen

The outdoor kitchen features both a traditional gas barbeque as well as a wood pellet grill, which provides the client with great culinary flexibility. When you entertain, having multiple cooking surfaces makes a huge difference. Our clients were looking for the opportunity to prepare multiple dishes for their guests, so we were happy to accommodate this in their outdoor kitchen design!

Areas to Relax and for Entertaining

They also desired a fireplace element, as well as a separate fire pit space. The design concepts focused on clean lines and echoing the stucco and stone features of the house and interior. Large true blue bluestone installed over a concrete rat slab from the walkways and fireplace patio. The fireplace is 3′ x 5′ wide and 9′ tall. It’s built to last with CMU’s pinned to the concrete footing, rebar installed in the core and grouted solid. The interior flue is lined with firebrick, while the exterior is finished with stucco.

Storage and Landscaping

A convenient wood storage compartment is located on the far side out of view of the dining patio. While the ambiance of a natural wood fire is always nice, the convenience and beauty of a natural gas fire pit cannot be understated. This fabulous fire pit is big, bold and beautiful. The solid timber mahogany bench with custom bracket supports can comfortably seat 12 to 15 persons. The binded pea gravel base and stucco finish on the concrete surround are low-maintenance. They create a neutral backdrop that really highlight the bright red back cushions and the sapphire blue fire glass.

This outdoor living space is finished with planting beds featuring green palette perennials and low maintenance pea gravel mulch.

Do you have an eye for unique, stunning designs? We’d love to learn more about your next yard design project! Contact us today to start a conversation.

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2019 Projects: A Backyard Designed for Entertaining

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

One of the biggest requests we get for yard design projects is creating space for our clients to entertain their guests!

This client requested an entertainment space for up to 15 people, preferably covered to provide shade from the hot sun. They also desired privacy from current and future neighbors to be naturally woven into the design. A key factor in the design of this project included potential renovations down the road: our clients wanted a structure that could also be screened in sometime in the future.

It was important to our client to maintain the views to the forever wild space at the rear of their house. A hot tub was a consideration, but not a necessity. With the right budget, we were able to work both of these features into this beautiful design!

The design focused on the attached roofed structure and providing the open and airy feeling that the clients wished for. Skylights and recessed LED lights ensure the space is not too dark, and a cable rail system with cedar support posts and a cedar hand rail provides an unobstructed view to the backyard and nature beyond.

The upper and lower decks were finished with Trex and blind fastened, and a custom privacy panel was installed on the east side of the structure. A hot tub was installed over a reinforced concrete slab and is easily accessible from the lower deck. Planting beds and plant material with seasonal interest surround the decks, and an additional planting bed was installed along the rear slope of the yard to lessen the effect.

Working on this project was incredible from start to finish. When our clients get everything on their wish list, it brings so much joy to the work we do. If you’re interested in starting a yard design project, contact us today for more information.

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Designing the Future: Our Landscape Design Workshop with Girls Inc.

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

Girls, Inc.’s mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold is something we truly support.

We agree with their belief that empowered women develop into achieving women. So when Professional Women in Building invited us to conduct a hands-on design session with the girls, how could we refuse?

Our plan? To show the girls the entire landscape design process – from start to finish. To do this, we supplied them with a basic backyard drawing, similar to the ones we use when designing a project.

They were tasked with creating an outdoor living space—three different sites with varying “wish lists”—with elements such as the following: patio spaces, fire pits, lawn areas for kids and dogs to play, hot tubs, outdoor kitchen, and walkways. We supplied them with all the tools needed for them to create the outdoor space of their dreams.

As each of these young women worked, we were able to provide them with pointers to help them refine their design. In just a short period of time, they were able to get a sense of the thought, strategy and planning that goes into landscape architecture and design.

We were truly inspired by their imagination!

Thank you for inviting us Girls, Inc.! To learn more about Girls, Inc. visit their website here.

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Redbud’s Award-Winning Work Featured in Saratoga Business Journal

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in In the News.

We are so excited to be featured in the Saratoga Business Journal! Thank you for the amazing kudos. Winning two CRBA Awards was a dream come true.

You can head on over to SBJ’s article here, or see what they had to say below.

This home won Redbud Development the Most Innovative in the Remodeler category and the Best Outdoor Living Space in the Kitchens, Hardscape and Pool Area category at recent CRBRA awards.

Redbud Development of Wilton was named a winner of the Most Innovative in the Remodeler category and the Best Outdoor Living Space in the Kitchens, Hardscape and Pool Area category at the recent Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association’s (CRBRA) 2018 Best in Building Awards.

The sixth annual Best in Building Awards honored excellence and innovation in residential building, remodeling, design and marketing.

“We are honored and thrilled to have won two awards from such a prestigious and well-respected organization in our field,” said Geffrey Redick, landscape architect and owner of Redbud Development.

“Blurring the lines between outdoors and indoors is where we shine, and we love creating beautiful spaces that feature incredible architectural details. Working closely with our clients to produce a stunning outcome is not only a key part of our process, it is also incredibly rewarding.”

“I’ve worked very closely with Geffrey, and you only have to tell him your vision once. He comes up with these amazing ideas. It’s almost like he can tell what I’m thinking,” said Joey Albarelli, a long-time client of Redbud.

The CRBRA Best in Building Awards is the Capital Region’s premier award program recognizing creativity, ingenuity and advancement in residential building. Through the competition, CRBRA builder, remodeler and industry-related associate members enter their best projects from kitchens and baths to floor plan and home features.

Honors were presented in seven categories: marketing; associate; builder, new construction; remodeler; green building; and outdoor living. Entries were judged by professionals from across the country who specialize in home building, remodeling and design.

From the submissions, 52 awards were announced from 42 sub-categories.

CRBRA is comprised of more than 300 builders, developers, remodelers, architects, engineers, trade contractors, material suppliers and professionals from associated industries throughout the region. CRBRA represents seven counties including in Albany, Columbia, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady Counties.

For over 20 years, Redbud Development has created captivating spaces by re-imagining the connection between your home and your yard. We design effortless transitions—from soaking up the sun to sitting for a meal—enhancing your property and the way you experience it.

From its location in Wilton, Redbud serves the Albany, Saratoga Springs, Great Sacandaga and Lake George regions. Learn more at redbuddevelopment.com.

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Redbud Lends an Expert Voice to Herlife Magazine

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in In the News.

We were thrilled to sit down with Herlife Magazine and give them the low-down on planning for your dream outdoor space. You can see Geff’s answers below, or view the story over at HerLife by clicking here.

  • Q: What should I do if I am considering a project?

    A: The impetus for a project is usually to correct a problem, modernize or simply to create that dream space you have wanted for years. We suggest that our clients assess their lifestyle and think hard about how they will use the space. Will it be for recreation, entertaining, cooking, quiet meditation or a place for kids and teens? How many people do you normally have at a gathering? Do you have young children, grandchildren or pets? Answers to these questions will dictate features, size, location, material choices and many other aspects.

    It’s also important to be honest with yourself and with your design professional about the budget and timeline. If you begin planning a season in advance, these factors can be properly accounted for and planned out. Figuring out all the details up front will save you time and money when it comes to construction.

  • Q: What is the average timeline to design and build a project?

    A: It really depends upon the scope of work and the complexity of the design and build. If you are building a new custom home, you should start the planning and design process one year in advance of construction. This allows time to collaborate with your architect and landscape architect, and enables them to give you a complete picture of the design and a cost estimate.

    If you’re planning an addition or a remodeling project to your existing home, then you should anticipate a six-month design process. If you’re making site improvements, such as a patio or deck, pool, outdoor kitchen, new driveway, retaining walls, athletic courts or landscaping, plan for up to three months to complete the design. If the project requires a permit or a variance from the local planning board, that will require additional time.

    Once the design process is complete, the construction process can begin. The timeline for the build is dependent on another host of variables: scope of work, site conditions, weather, project management skills, custom materials lead times, labor availability and more. What this all means is that your project will take longer than you think. If you’re thinking of undertaking a project next spring or summer you should begin contacting people now.

  • Q: What is the difference between a landscaper and a landscape architect?

    A: There are many functional differences, but primarily it boils down to education and license. A landscape architect is required to have a four-year landscape architecture degree or a master’s degree along with several years working under an already-licensed landscape architect before they can sit for the series of exams required. Once they successfully attain licensure, they must maintain that license by attending continuing education programs. This level of education and experience ensures that a state-registered landscape architect is better prepared to handle difficult site situations, as well as exterior design, stormwater management, site grading and drainage, construction material choices and plant material choices.

    A lawn care professional who comes to mow the lawn, apply herbicides or do snow removal in the winter months will most likely not be a landscape architect.

  • Q: How do I select the right company to design and build my project?

    A: Most people start with a referral from friends, neighbors or builders. Look for a smaller firm that specializes in residential design, as many bigger firms focus on commercial or municipal clients and won’t have the creative flair that a personal residence deserves.

    You should call and meet with several designers or landscape architects. Ask questions to see if you are comfortable and compatible. This will help to ensure a productive and enjoyable relationship. Any construction project is a stressful undertaking, so it helps if you like the person! Make sure the designer you choose is actually listening to you and understands your lifestyle and your vision for the project. During your interviews you should also assess the experience and skill set of your designer/builder. The landscaper that mows your lawn may not be the right person to design and build your patio or outdoor kitchen.

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Leveling Up: Finding the Right Fit for a Beautiful Backyard Oasis

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

This award-winning project is one of our favorites! We had previously installed a pool and patio for this client. When our clients expressed their desire to create an outdoor living space as an extension of those features, we were happy to create this beautiful backyard oasis!

We faced some challenges that were important to address. The rear yard is extremely hot and sunny in the summer months due to the sun reflecting off the pool and house. The client desired a shaded and protected space, as well as privacy from their neighbors.

We imagined, and brought to life, a covered deck with a spacious seating area. It’s fitted with a gas fireplace, a mounted TV, lighting and a ceiling fan, functioning shutter walls, copper gutters, and a pergola.

From a design perspective, the covered structure coordinates with the style of the house. The natural stone base and white tapered columns mirror the front porch, while the post and beam details are reminiscent of the interior living room. The stone base and reclaimed wood on the fireplace also mimic a similar fireplace inside the house.

The structure has a standing seam metal roof, exposed rafters beneath a tongue and groove cedar ceiling, all set atop mahogany decking. In addition, there are two wall panels of custom-made functioning cedar shutters. The client can tilt the slats open to take advantage of the breeze or close them to block the wind and provide some additional privacy.

There are 4-inch bar lights hidden on top of the beams to provide accent up-lighting on the cedar ceiling, as well as a lighted ceiling fan for general purpose lighting. Copper gutters and rain chains that complement the home’s style and color scheme assist in keeping the space dry.

Off to the side of this fabulous space is a wood pergola set upon a natural stone wall. This adjacent structure provides an open and airy space for the dining area.

The location of this structure was dictated by the tight property lines, but it works to create an intimate space that our clients will enjoy many years to come. This outdoor living space will provide refuge from the summer heat and a source of warmth on chilly spring or autumn evenings.

We are so thrilled with the results of this incredible project! For more pictures of our work, click here. Or contact us today to discuss your project.

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Redbud Development Receives Two “Best In Building” Awards!

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in In the News.

Redbud Development was named a winner of the Most Innovative in the Remodeler category and the Best Outdoor Living Space in the Kitchens, Hardscape and Pool Area category at the Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association’s (CRBRA) 2018 Best in Building Awards on Thursday evening.

The 6th annual Best in Building Awards honored excellence and innovation in residential building, remodeling, design and marketing.

“I’ve worked very closely with Geffrey, and you only have to tell him your vision once. He comes up with these amazing ideas—it’s almost like he can tell what I’m thinking.”

Joey Albarelli, a long-time client of Redbud

The CRBRA Best in Building Awards is the Capital Region’s premier award program recognizing creativity, ingenuity and advancement in residential building. Through the Best in Building Awards competition, CRBRA builder, remodeler and industry-related associate members enter their best projects from kitchens and baths to floor plan and home features. Honors were presented in seven categories: marketing; associate; builder – new construction; remodeler; green building; and outdoor living. Entries are judged by expert professionals from across the country who specialize in home building, remodeling and design. From the submissions, 52 awards were announced from 42 sub-categories.

“We are honored and thrilled to have won two awards from such a prestigious and well-respected organization in our field,” said Geffrey Redick, landscape architect and owner of Redbud Development.

“Blurring the lines between outdoors and indoors is where we shine, and we love creating beautiful spaces that feature incredible architectural details. Working closely with our clients to produce a stunning outcome is not only a key part of our process, it is also incredibly rewarding.”

Geffrey Redick, Owner, Redbud

To learn more about the Best in Building Awards and to see photos of the winning submissions, visit Best In Building Awards 2018.

ABOUT CRBRA

The Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association (CRBRA) is comprised of more than 300 builders, developers, remodelers, architects, engineers, trade contractors, material suppliers and professionals from associated industries throughout the region. CRBRA proudly represents seven counties including in Albany, Columbia, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady Counties.

CRBRA is the local professional trade association affiliated with the New York State Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders.  Together, we represent more than 140,000 business members that construct approximately 80% of all new homes built in the United States.

ABOUT REDBUD DEVELOPMENT

For over 20 years, Redbud Development has created captivating spaces by re-imagining the connection between your home and your yard. We design effortless transitions—from soaking up the sun to sitting for a meal—enhancing your property and the way you experience it.

We believe in using the best process and the best partnerships to deliver exceptional results. With over two decades of happy clients, taking care of all the red tape and nitty-gritty details is a service we’re glad to provide. From our location in Wilton, New York, proudly serve the Albany, Saratoga Springs,  Great Sacandaga and Lake George regions. Learn more at redbuddevelopment.com.

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Interior Home Improvement Projects

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

Did you know that Redbud Development can also help you with interior home improvement projects? That is right. Over winter when the weather is too cold to work outdoors, we shift our focus to the inside.

Over winter when the weather is too cold to work outdoors, we shift our focus to the inside. In the last several years, we completed a bathroom and kitchen renovation for a client who originally hired us to build them a garage and deck and associated plantings.  The client was so confident in our project management skills that they requested us for their interior project as well.  Check out the completion photos in the  “Featured Projects” section of our Portfolio.

Redbud has also recently built an addition to a house that functions as a great room and a pool cabana! The new space includes a bathroom, a bar area, vaulted ceilings and a large sitting area.  The addition has enormous sliding doors with a 26 foot opening.  When these doors are open you feel like you are outside.  What is even better is that these doors open right up to their gorgeous pool and patio.  Talk about outdoor living!  This great space can be their “lanai” in summer and then simply close the door when the weather gets cold and they have a bright and open great room for the winter months.

Consider Redbud for your next home improvement project.  We can help you plan a great interior space as well as an awesome outdoor living space.  There are so many opportunities for a homeowner to maximize their existing footprint to blend better with the outdoors.  Garages and sheds can also be re-purposed or renovated to serve multiple purposes.  A little creativity and good design can help you to create space you enjoy spending time in with family and friends.  Contact us today to see what your interior home improvement possibilities are!

Would you like to know more about interior home imporvement or discuss your project in more detail?

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