Complete Backyard Complete Backyard
Mid-Century Manor
A mid-century property brought back to its own era: a refined pool with a tanning ledge, a stepping-stone spa and a crisp drought-tolerant walk out front.
How this project came together
The challenge
The existing-conditions drawing covered the house, garage, driveway and yard: established lawn, concrete, gravel and beds, plus the outdoor kitchen area, the spa and the paths already in use. We documented irrigation lines, water and gas meters, hose bibs, panels and drainage points with spot elevations, which is what any grading analysis has to start from.
The design decision
The sketch kept the layout that was there and tightened it, marking out seating, dining and gathering areas with new paving patterns to sort out the flow. New and adjusted planting brought in texture, color and privacy. Selected mature trees stayed where they were.
The build
The back yard was built around the pool and spa already in place, with upgraded paving, built-in seating and defined gathering areas. A built-in outdoor kitchen and dining space take the focus. Layered planting handles privacy and gives you something to look at year round, and low-key landscape lighting takes the space into the evening.
The Design Process
From survey to buildable plan
Every project is measured, drawn, and approved before a shovel goes in the ground. These are the actual drawings for this property.
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100%Base Plan
This plan illustrates the property’s existing conditions, highlighting the current footprint of the residence, garage, driveway, and surrounding yard areas. The layout includes established lawn zones, concrete hardscape, gravel areas, and defined planting beds that frame the site. Existing outdoor features such as an outdoor kitchen area, spa location, and circulation paths are shown to clarify how the space is currently used. Key utilities, including irrigation lines, water meters, hose bibs, gas meters, electrical panels, and drainage points, are clearly documented, along with spot elevations and property boundaries, providing a comprehensive baseline for grading analysis and future design development.
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100%Design Proposals
This sketch plan illustrates the proposed design direction for the outdoor space, showing how the existing layout is refined to create a more functional and inviting environment. The design introduces clearly defined areas for seating, dining, and gathering, with updated paving patterns and material details to enhance flow and visual interest. New and adjusted planting areas add texture, color, and privacy while preserving select mature trees. Key notes and dimensions highlight design intent, ensuring the space is both beautiful and thoughtfully planned for future construction.
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100%Conceptual Plan
This conceptual landscape plan transforms the backyard into a cohesive and inviting outdoor retreat centered around the existing pool and spa. Upgraded paving, integrated seating, and defined gathering areas create a comfortable setting for everyday living and entertaining. A built-in outdoor kitchen and dining space serve as a natural focal point, while layered plantings add privacy, texture, and year-round interest. Subtle landscape lighting enhances pathways and key features, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere from day into evening.
Before & After
The property as we found it
Drag the handle to see the same view before construction began.
Before After
Finished Project
Mid-Century Manor in detail
9 photographs of the completed project.
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