Journal
Ideas on outdoor living.
Straight talk on design, cost, construction and the way great outdoor living actually comes together. Written by the VizX design team.
AllCost & InvestmentDesign InsightStructural ClarityLifestyle & VisionIndustry Truth
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Why So Many Retaining Walls Start Leaning After a Few Years
Drive through almost any suburb in the Midwest and you will see them. Tumbled block retaining walls. Raised patios. Seat walls. Garden borders. And…
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AI Is a Design Assistant
AI Is a Design Assistant. Not a Designer.
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What an Outdoor Kitchen Really Costs and Why Placement Matters
Outdoor kitchens are one of the most requested features in backyard design. They extend entertaining, reduce trips inside, and create a central gathering…
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The Real Value of Paying for Professional Outdoor Living Design
We are currently working with a client who has never completed an outdoor living or landscape renovation before. Like many homeowners, the cost of…
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Why Custom Homes Deserve Better Than Contractor Grade Outdoors
Scroll through social media, and you will see stunning custom homes everywhere. Clean architecture. Expansive glass. Thoughtful interiors. High end…
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The Pool Is Not the Expensive Part
One of the biggest surprises homeowners experience during a backyard renovation has nothing to do with the swimming pool itself.
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Designing the Experience Versus Buying Features
One of the biggest misunderstandings in outdoor living is the belief that adding features creates a great space. A pergola. A fire pit. An…
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Why the Front Yard Determines the Home’s Value
Price comes up in almost every outdoor living conversation. Recently, we were working on a brand-new modern home renovation, and the interior budget began…
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You Get Exactly What You Pay For in Outdoor Living
One thing I genuinely respect about the outdoor living industry is this. Most companies are not trying to trick you. There are no secret…
