Real shade, engineered for the desert.
Pergolas, ramadas, louvered roofs and custom shade structures — designed as part of the home and yard, sized for real sun angles, wind and monsoon exposure, and detailed to last.
Each feature below is available for select projects following an AE scope and feasibility review. AE confirms capability, service area, delivery model, partner coordination, and current availability before committing to a scope.
Engineered attached and freestanding pergolas in powder-coated steel or aluminum for long Arizona service life.
Cedar, ipe, and heavy-timber pergolas detailed for desert UV and monsoon exposure.
Motorized adjustable-louver systems with rain, wind, sun and scene control.
Solid-roof structures with true shade, waterproofing, and integrated drainage.
Site-built and specified gazebos, cabana roofs, and custom shade forms designed with the property.
Motorized retractable canopies, awnings, and wind-rated drop screens integrated into the structure.
- • Open pergolas provide filtered shade and structure but do not fully block sun or rain.
- • Louvered roofs let the user control shade, ventilation, and rain in real time, and can integrate lighting, fans, heaters and screens.
- • Ramadas and solid-roof pavilions provide true shade and dry cover — the closest thing to an outdoor room without full enclosure.
- • Gazebos, cabana roofs and custom shade forms are site-built and specified to match the property's architecture and use.
- • Structure is sited with the home's roofline, view corridors, sun angle and prevailing wind.
- • Power, low-voltage, lighting, fans, heaters, sound and shade control are pre-planned so finishes are clean.
- • Footings, foundations and slab tie-ins are coordinated with the surrounding hardscape and drainage.
- • For attached structures, roof tie-in, flashing, and waterproofing are coordinated with the existing home.
- • Column spacing, beam depth and rafter cadence set the visual weight — over-scaled and under-scaled both read wrong.
- • Louver direction, blade profile and motor system materially change the look, sound and long-term service load.
- • Shade footprint should be sized for real Arizona sun angles at the times of day the space is used, not just at solar noon.
- • Finish choice (powder coat, wood species and sealer, composite) drives long-term maintenance more than initial cost.
- UV, heat cycling and monsoon wind control material, fastener and finish selection.
- Wind ratings on retractable shade and louvered systems are system-specific — AE references manufacturer engineering, never a blanket promise.
- Termite exposure, monsoon rain shedding and dust load are designed into wood pergolas and any attached roof tie-in.
- Attached structures may require structural review of the existing home's framing, fascia, and roof to carry new loads.
- • Permitting varies by jurisdiction, size, and attachment type. Freestanding, attached, and solid-roof structures follow different code paths.
- • Structural engineering is required for most attached and larger freestanding structures.
- • Electrical, gas (for heaters), and any tie-ins to the home are performed by appropriately licensed trades coordinated by AE.
- • HOA review is common for visible structures, roof colors, and exterior lighting.
- • Long-term care includes finish refresh on wood, motor service on louvered and retractable systems, and fastener inspection after major monsoon events.
- Step 1Share the idea
Describe the feature, the property, and how it fits the rest of the yard. Photos, sketches, and inspiration are welcome — they do not commit AE to a scope.
- Step 2Scope & feasibility review
AE reviews the request against current capabilities, delivery model, specialty-partner network, service territory, and project mix.
- Step 3Site & utility assessment
If the scope is a fit, AE confirms site conditions, setbacks, utilities, drainage, structural tie-ins, and any HOA or jurisdictional considerations.
- Step 4Design & engineering
Concepts are coordinated with the rest of the outdoor environment — not added as a bolt-on. Specialty engineering or licensed trade partners are brought in where required.
- Step 5Permits & approvals
Permits, inspections, HOA approvals, and any utility coordination are handled before construction begins. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and scope.
- Step 6Build & integrate
Construction is staged with the larger property plan so the feature looks designed-in, not retrofitted. AE coordinates the approved scope and approved trades.
- Step 7Aftercare
Long-term care guidance, scheduled service options, and warranty terms are confirmed at scope sign-off — never assumed.
- • Available for select projects following an AE scope and feasibility review. Service area and delivery model confirmed before commitment.
- • Structural, roofing, electrical, waterproofing, foundation, zoning and permit requirements vary by structure type.
- • Specialty trade partners may perform work requiring specialized licensing, equipment or expertise. AE coordinates the approved scope.
Not sure where it fits? Share the idea.
Some outdoor projects do not fit neatly into one category. AE will determine whether the scope aligns with our current capabilities, service territory, delivery model, and project mix.
Outdoor kitchens, pergolas & ramadas · Integrated lighting enhancement
Finish the Space After Dark — Integrated Lighting Included
Reserve a qualifying new custom outdoor kitchen, pergola, or ramada construction agreement of $25,000 or more by October 31, 2026, and AE will include one standard integrated lighting package appropriate to the approved design.
- Up to 16 linear feet of standard warm-white, low-voltage under-counter or toe-kick accent lighting; or
- Up to four standard low-voltage recessed lights or downlights integrated into a new pergola, ramada, or shade structure.
Available on new agreements reserved by October 31, 2026. This is a finishing enhancement, not a reduced-spec package or a discount.
Eligibility and exclusions
- $25,000 minimum qualifying construction subtotal, before tax, permits, engineering, and promotional credits.
- One package per property and per construction agreement.
- Selection and locations must be finalized before construction and electrical rough-in.
- Compatibility, locations, fixture selection, transformer or controller needs, and final scope must be approved in writing.
- New 120V circuits, service or panel upgrades, trenching, retrofit demolition and repair, specialty fixtures, color-changing/RGB systems, fans, controls, difficult access, and added electrical work are excluded and quoted separately.
- No cash value and no substitution for unrelated scope.
- New agreements only. The signed agreement and required initial payment must be received by October 31, 2026 (America/Phoenix).
- Cannot be combined with another offer, promotion, discount, credit, or incentive, except AE's standing Community Service Appreciation Discount. Fall seasonal enhancements cannot be combined with one another.
- This includes the other AE Fall 2026 seasonal enhancements and the standing design-to-build credit. One eligible benefit per construction agreement — the customer chooses which one to apply. May be combined with one otherwise eligible current AE offer or the standing design-to-build credit. Seasonal offers cannot be combined with one another.
- Installation and construction scheduling remain subject to availability and the written agreement.