Better Design Direction
We can understand your style, goals, and priorities before the appointment begins.
Design Appointment Prep
Let's Make the Most of Your Design Appointment
A little preparation helps us create a better design, a more accurate estimate, and a smoother experience from the very first visit.
Your upcoming appointment is the first step toward creating an outdoor space that fits your home, your lifestyle, and the way you want to enjoy your yard. During the visit, our Estimator will walk the property, talk through your ideas, review your priorities, and gather the details needed to prepare a thoughtful design and estimate.
The better we understand your space before we arrive, the better we can tailor your design and estimate.
For the Estimator
Send this guide to a customer
Text or email the prep guide before the appointment. Prefilled with a short intro and the page link.
Prefilled message
Here's the prep guide for your AE Outdoor Living design appointment — photos to send, plot plans, and a quick needs/wants checklist so we can make the most of our visit: https://aeoutdoorliving.com/design-appointment-prep
Why This Matters
Why Preparation Helps
Every outdoor space is different. Your home's architecture, layout, exterior finishes, access points, existing concrete, drainage, utilities, shade, sun exposure, and project goals all play a role in the final design and estimate. Sharing a few details before we arrive helps us make better use of your appointment and gives our Estimator the context needed to build a more accurate and complete proposal.
More Complete Scope
Photos, site details, and project expectations help us prepare a clearer scope of work.
Smoother Appointment
When we know what matters most to you, we can spend more time discussing the right solutions.
During the Appointment
What We'll Cover Together
Your appointment is a working design conversation. We'll look at your space, listen to your goals, and help identify the best options for your home, budget, and lifestyle.
Your Vision
We'll talk through what you want the space to feel like, how you plan to use it, and what would make the project a success for you.
Existing Outdoor Space
We'll review the current layout, elevations, access points, drainage, utilities, shade, sun exposure, and any existing structures.
Home Architecture & Finishes
We'll look at the style of your home, exterior materials, rooflines, colors, hardscape, and architectural details so the new space feels intentional and connected.
Project Priorities
We'll help separate must-haves from nice-to-haves so your estimate reflects what matters most.
Design Options
We may discuss patios, pools, spas, pergolas, ramadas, patio covers, outdoor kitchens, fire features, seating areas, turf, pavers, lighting, landscaping, shade solutions, and other outdoor living elements.
Budget & Timeline
We'll talk through investment range, timing, phasing options, and any important deadlines or events you're planning around.
Roadmap
Your Appointment Roadmap
Share Your Vision
Tell us how you want to use the space and what you're hoping to create.
Walk the Property
We'll review layout, access, measurements, and existing site conditions.
Explore Options
We'll discuss materials, features, style, layout, and project priorities.
Build the Estimate
We'll use what we learn to create a detailed, thoughtful proposal.
Before We Arrive
A Few Things That Help Us Design Smarter
You do not need to have everything figured out. Even rough ideas are helpful. The more we understand your goals ahead of time, the more productive your appointment will be.
Ideas or Inspiration
Have a few photos, Pinterest boards, screenshots, saved social media posts, or examples of outdoor spaces you like. Even if you only like one detail — a patio layout, pergola style, fire feature, color palette, or material finish — that helps.
How You Want to Use the Space
Think about how the space should work for your life. Entertaining, cooking, relaxing, shade, kids, pets, privacy, poolside use, weekend hosting, low-maintenance living, or year-round enjoyment are all helpful things to discuss.
Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves
Make a quick list of the features you definitely want and the features you would consider if they fit the design and budget.
Budget Comfort Zone
You do not need an exact number, but having a realistic investment range helps us guide you toward the right design choices and avoid wasting time on options that do not fit.
Timeline Goals
Let us know if you have a target completion date, upcoming event, family gathering, season, or reason you want the project completed by a certain time.
Decision Makers
It is best when all key decision makers are present for the appointment so everyone can ask questions, share ideas, and stay aligned.
Send Photos
Please Send Photos Before Your Appointment
Photos help our Estimator understand your space before arriving. They also help us see the home's architecture, exterior finishes, access points, layout, and existing conditions so we can prepare better questions and design ideas.
Please send 4–5 photos of your outdoor space and 2–3 photos of your home exterior before your appointment.
Having trouble uploading? You can also text or email your photos to our team before the appointment. Text (623) 300-2589.
Photo Checklist
What to Photograph
Outdoor Space Photos
- Wide shot of the full backyard or project area
- Photos from multiple angles
- Existing patio, concrete, grass, pool, slope, or landscaping
- Any problem areas, drainage concerns, or tight access points
- Where you imagine the new feature or outdoor living space going
Home Exterior Photos
- Front or back exterior of the home
- Roofline, patio doors, windows, and exterior walls near the project area
- Exterior finishes such as stucco, brick, stone, siding, paint colors, or trim
- Any existing structures connected to the home
- Views that show how the outdoor space connects to the house
Think Through
Helpful Questions to Think About
You do not need perfect answers. These questions simply help guide the conversation and make sure we understand what matters most to you.
- 01
What do you dislike about your current outdoor space?
- 02
What do you wish the space allowed you to do?
- 03
Are you looking for shade, privacy, entertainment, cooking, relaxation, curb appeal, or all of the above?
- 04
How many people do you typically host?
- 05
Do you want the space to feel modern, rustic, traditional, resort-style, low-maintenance, cozy, or something else?
- 06
Are there any materials, colors, or styles you already know you like?
- 07
Are there any materials, layouts, or features you definitely do not want?
- 08
Do you have pets, kids, a pool, or other lifestyle needs we should design around?
- 09
Are there HOA guidelines, neighborhood requirements, or property restrictions we should know about?
- 10
Are you hoping to complete the project all at once or in phases?
Planning Board
Build Your Vision
Four simple lenses. Jot down a few thoughts under each — you don't need paragraphs.
Function
How will you use the space?
Entertaining, cooking, relaxing, shade, kids, pets
Features
What would you love to include?
Pool, spa, patio, pergola, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, lighting, seating, turf
Style
What should it feel like?
Modern, natural, cozy, luxury, clean, rustic, resort-inspired
Priorities
What matters most?
Budget, durability, shade, low maintenance, wow factor, timeline
Site Details
A Few Details Worth Sharing
Some details may seem small, but they can make a big difference in the design, estimate, and installation plan.
HOA or Neighborhood Requirements
Let us know about any HOA rules, design guidelines, approval timelines, or restrictions.
Access to the Backyard
Tell us about gates, side yards, narrow access, slopes, stairs, walls, pools, or anything that may affect material delivery or construction access.
Utilities
Mention gas lines, electrical needs, irrigation, pool equipment, septic areas, or any known utility locations.
Drainage or Water Issues
Let us know if you have puddling, runoff, erosion, grading issues, or areas that stay wet.
Existing Plans or Surveys
If you have a plot plan, survey, landscape plan, pool plan, or previous design drawing, please have it available.
Previous Quotes or Designs
If you have already received another bid or design concept, you are welcome to share it so we can better understand your expectations and compare scope accurately.
Appointment Day
What to Expect When We Arrive
During the appointment, our Estimator will take time to understand your goals, walk the space with you, review site conditions, discuss design possibilities, and gather the information needed to prepare your proposal.
- We'll walk the outdoor area together
- We'll review where you want the project located
- We'll discuss style, layout, features, and materials
- We'll look at access, elevations, drainage, and existing conditions
- We'll talk about investment range, timeline, and project priorities
- We'll answer your questions and explain next steps
The appointment is not just about taking measurements. It is about understanding how the space should look, feel, and function for your home.
Next Steps
What Happens Next
We Review the Details
After the visit, we review your goals, photos, measurements, site conditions, and design priorities.
We Prepare Your Design & Estimate
Our team puts together the most accurate and comprehensive proposal possible based on the agreed scope of work.
We Walk You Through the Proposal
We review the recommended design, options, investment range, and next steps so you can make a confident decision.
Our goal is not just to give you a number. Our goal is to help you understand what is possible, what makes sense for your home, and how to move forward with clarity.
Checklist
Outdoor Living Design Appointment Checklist
Use this quick checklist to gather your ideas, photos, and project details before we arrive.
Uses your browser's print-to-PDF. A branded PDF is coming soon.
Questions
Appointment Prep FAQs
Ready?
Ready for Your Appointment?
Send us your photos, gather any ideas you have, and think through how you want your outdoor space to look, feel, and function. We'll take it from there.
We're excited to help you explore what your outdoor space can become.