A better way to plan, build, and live outside.
Most outdoor projects begin with a list of features. AE starts with a different question: how do you want to live outside?
Most outdoor projects begin with a list of features: pool, pavers, turf, kitchen, pergola, lighting, glass. AE starts with a different question: How do you want to live outside?
The AE Method is our approach to understanding the property, the people, the priorities, the investment, the sequence, and the long-term ownership experience before the project becomes a construction schedule.
We believe the buying experience should be as thoughtful as the finished space.
Eight stages
- 01
Fit
Before design starts, we determine whether AE's capabilities, service area, timing, project type, and process are the right match for the customer's goals.
- 02
Discovery
We learn how the customer wants to use the property: family time, entertaining, cooking, swimming, pets, privacy, wellness, nighttime use, maintenance, accessibility, and long-term plans.
- 03
Vision
We help organize ideas into a direction that fits the property, architecture, lifestyle, budget preparation, and priorities.
- 04
Scope
We define what is included, what is excluded, what is assumed, what needs review, and what responsibilities belong to AE, the customer, municipalities, HOA, manufacturers, engineers, or specialty partners.
- 05
Preconstruction
We validate the design, check setbacks, coordinate engineering, assemble permit or HOA documents where included, respond to corrections, and confirm materials and schedule before the field starts.
- 06
Custom Preparation
Prepare before installing. Where applicable, project-specific components — lighting layouts, channel, controllers, glass measurements, hardware, gates, and staging — are measured, configured, assembled, or coordinated before they arrive at the property.
- 07
Build
We coordinate the approved scope, communicate milestones, document changes, handle field conditions responsibly, and protect the finished result.
- 08
Handoff & Care
We help customers understand product documentation, warranty pathways, maintenance, service access, Guardian, Build Passport where applicable, and long-term ownership.
Construction can reveal conditions and decisions that were not visible at the beginning. The AE Method is designed to help those moments get handled clearly and responsibly.
The old way sells features. The AE way plans an experience.
There are many ways to buy outdoor construction. AE is built for homeowners who want a more thoughtful and coordinated process.
Typical fragmented approach
- Starts with "What features do you want?"
- Treats pool, pavers, turf, kitchen, lighting, and glass separately
- Prices isolated scopes before the full property is understood
- Reacts to drainage, shade, utilities, access, and maintenance later
- Leaves the homeowner comparing incomplete proposals
- Focuses on winning the job quickly
- Often under-discusses ownership after completion
The AE Method
- Starts with how the space will be used
- Plans the property as one connected outdoor environment
- Discusses investment, priorities, tradeoffs, and scope early
- Considers drainage, utilities, shade, circulation, access, lighting, safety, and care together
- Helps customers understand what belongs in the plan and what may not
- Focuses on project fit, thoughtful design, and accountable coordination
- Connects the finished project to documentation, warranty, aftercare, and long-term support
Method principle
Prepare before installing.
AE believes installation should not be the first time the details are worked out. Where applicable, systems are measured, prepared, staged, configured, or coordinated before they arrive at the property.
Behind the scenes
What happens before construction starts?
After a project is approved, AE may still need to validate the design, check setbacks and site conditions, coordinate engineering, assemble permit or HOA documents, respond to corrections, finalize selections, prepare materials, and schedule the work. That behind-the-scenes phase helps protect the finished project.
Permit, engineering, and HOA responsibilities are defined in the signed proposal. Municipalities, utilities, HOAs, engineers, manufacturers, and other reviewers may have requirements outside AE's control.
In-house craft
Why AE controls more of the process.
AE self-performs much of its work and prepares many project-specific systems internally, including specialty lighting and glass-related scopes where applicable. That can require more coordination before and during construction, but it helps protect quality, fit, finish, and accountability.
When specialized licensing, engineering, equipment, or product expertise is required, AE coordinates qualified specialty partners as part of the approved scope.
Equipment & logistics
Built with the equipment to do the work.
AE owns and operates much of the equipment and trailers needed for common outdoor-living construction phases, including excavation, hauling, grading, material movement, staging, and site preparation. That gives our team more control over mobilization and field readiness, especially on larger or multi-phase projects.
Specialty equipment, outside trucking, engineering, licensed trade partners, inspections, and third-party resources may still be required depending on the project.
Ready to see if AE is the right match?
Start the Project Fit & Vision Review. It is a mutual-fit conversation, not a pass/fail application.
Start the Project Fit Review