A pool or patio can be more than just a backyard water feature; we think of them as an invitation to step outside and live. Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner party, swimming laps at sunrise, or simply soaking in the stillness of a late July evening, we believe these spaces should feel as intentional as any room inside your home.

When designing pool areas, we dive into both the practical and the poetic. Safety? Non-negotiable. Equipment placement? Thoughtfully tucked away. But we also consider how the light plays across the water, how to shape privacy without blocking the breeze or the rays, and how to carve out distinct zones—space for kids to cannonball, room for laps, and a chaise lounge just begging for a good book. We think about acoustics, too, because while water sounds are soothing, pump noise isn’t exactly a vibe.

Patios get the same holistic treatment. We design for function and feel, creating areas for dining, conversation, or quiet coffee mornings. Material selection matters—from texture and color to how a surface holds heat (because no one wants to scorch their toes on a sunny July day). We’re always considering how the patio connects to the house, to the landscape, and to the rest of your life.

From sleek poolscapes for modern builds to reimagined patios behind historic Bloomington homes, our outdoor spaces are designed to last—and to be lived in. Because when form, function, and a little magic come together, you get more than a backyard. You get a whole new way to be home.

Photography by Sarah Shields. Construction by Rusty Peterson Construction.