Located in Westwood, MA, this young couple with a growing family was ready to completely transform their backyard. The existing space featured an uneven patio with steps to the home and a large lawn frequently torn up by the dog. It lacked both functionality and the inviting atmosphere they envisioned for entertaining and relaxing outdoors.
Their goal was to create a beautiful, multi-functional outdoor living environment that could comfortably accommodate large gatherings, provide cozy spaces for reading or working outside, and offer seamless access between the home and yard. Achieving this required thoughtful design, phased planning, and careful coordination to bring every element together into one cohesive master plan.
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Process
- Vision & Master Planning: Collaborated closely with the homeowners to understand how they wanted to live in the space, from hosting large gatherings to enjoying quiet mornings outside. Developed a comprehensive master plan that aligned with their lifestyle, aesthetic goals, and budget, while allowing for thoughtful phasing.
- Accessibility & Natural Flow: Created a flush, step-free entry, a top priority for the family, allowing all members, including young children and those with limited mobility, to move easily between the home, deck, and yard.
- Built for Gathering: Created an expansive patio anchored by a custom outdoor kitchen and statement fireplace, establishing a natural focal point for entertaining and shared experiences.
- Defined Outdoor Living Spaces: Integrated a custom deck and pergola to introduce structure, shade, and intimacy within the larger yard, allowing the space to feel welcoming whether hosting a crowd or enjoying quiet time.
- Performance Behind the Scenes: Upgraded drainage, utilities, and irrigation with smart technology to ensure the landscape performs beautifully, remains low stress to maintain, and supports long-term lawn health.
- Landscape Cohesion & Finishing Details: Installed and refreshed garden beds and restored lawn areas to soften hardscape elements and unify the property into a balanced, inviting outdoor retreat.
- End-to-End Leadership: Managed survey requirements, permitting, contractors, and field coordination so the homeowners could enjoy the transformation without being burdened by its complexity.
- The Result: Today, the family enjoys a fully reimagined backyard that supports entertaining, relaxation, productivity, and everyday life. Every element was thoughtfully tailored to their needs, creating a space that feels both functional and deeply personal.
