The first step to creating your outdoor paradise is to get your dreams on paper. Let Creative Environments professional landscape designers listen to your needs, visions, and experiences to convert them to a visually stunning landscape design! Our ability to produce architectural drawings, colorful presentations, 3D visuals, and construction– build documents will assure your project comes out the way you want it! And with 60 years of design– build experience, several landscape designers on staff, and a full CAD/3D studio at our disposal, you will get a level of professionalism unmatched by other firms.

Innercity Downsize house

Steffen Welsch Architects

Eaves and a retractable awning over the courtyard block summer glare. High set operable windows evacuate heat. Photograph by Shannon McGrath
Photo of a small contemporary courtyard patio in Melbourne with a vertical garden, decking and a roof extension.

The Campiello 3

abarnai

“I am so pleased with all that you did in terms of design and execution.” // Dr. Charles Dinarello • Our client, Charles, envisioned a festive space for everyday use as well as larger parties, and through our design and attention to detail, we brought his vision to life and exceeded his expectations. The Campiello is a continuation and reincarnation of last summer’s party pavilion which abarnai constructed to cover and compliment the custom built IL-1beta table, a personalized birthday gift and centerpiece for the big celebration. The fresh new design includes; cedar timbers, Roman shades and retractable vertical shades, a patio extension, exquisite lighting, and custom trellises.

Craven Hill

Kibre Ltd

nick smith
This is an example of a contemporary courtyard patio in London with a vertical garden.

Carlton | Eastmoreland

Macey Laurick & MJ Steen

Inspiration for a traditional patio in Portland with a vertical garden, brick pavers and no cover.

Birmingham street Alexandria

casafabrica

the brief was to create a multipurpose outdoor space for employees and clients which could be used for recreational or business purposes. we wanted to keep the original features of the Art Deco hanger at the same time softening the area with timber and greenery.

Gatti House 1

Barlow & Barlow Design

Simon Maxwell
Small transitional courtyard patio in London with a vertical garden.

Richmond upon Thames - Montague Road

Dyer Grimes Architecture

Jack Hobhouse
Photo of a contemporary patio in London with a vertical garden.

Casa Blanca

GINA FRAY DESIGN Interiors & Exteriors

Photo of a mid-sized eclectic courtyard patio in Phoenix with a vertical garden, brick pavers and a roof extension.

Sage Valley Steps & Wall

Twisted Rock Terrascape & Design, Inc.

Our client wanted to do their own project but needed help with designing and the construction of 3 walls and steps down their very sloped side yard as well as a stamped concrete patio. We designed 3 tiers to take care of the slope and built a nice curved step stone walkway to carry down to the patio and sitting area. With that we left the rest of the "easy stuff" to our clients to tackle on their own!!!

Ferry Road

anderson architecture

Tad Ferguson
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary courtyard patio in Sydney with brick pavers, no cover and a vertical garden.

SC Lifestyles

Summer Classics Home

Inspiration for a traditional patio in Nashville with a vertical garden and no cover.

Panoramic view of the outdoor entertainment area with lower dining patio of full-range patterned bluestone with a triple stretcher of tumbled Eden cobbles. The upper sun patio is a blend of two Whitacre Greer brick pavers and links to the fire pit pavillion. A water feature is a central feature of the sun patio. Cut stone Eden stairs link this patio to the upper play yard.

Governors Island Full Landscape Design Project

Belknap Landscape Company

Karen Bobotas
Inspiration for a small traditional courtyard patio in Boston with natural stone pavers, a vertical garden and a roof extension.

Galatea

User

Indoor/outdoor living can be enjoyed year round in the coastal community of Corona del Mar, California. This spacious atrium is the perfect gathering place for family and friends. Planters are the backdrop for custom built in seating. Rattan furniture placed near the built-in firepit adds more space for relaxation. Bush hammered limestone makes up the patio flooring.

A Stately Home

Wiedemann Architects LLC

Our client was drawn to the property in Wesley Heights as it was in an established neighborhood of stately homes, on a quiet street with views of park. They wanted a traditional home for their young family with great entertaining spaces that took full advantage of the site. The site was the challenge. The natural grade of the site was far from traditional. The natural grade at the rear of the property was about thirty feet above the street level. Large mature trees provided shade and needed to be preserved. The solution was sectional. The first floor level was elevated from the street by 12 feet, with French doors facing the park. We created a courtyard at the first floor level that provide an outdoor entertaining space, with French doors that open the home to the courtyard.. By elevating the first floor level, we were able to allow on-grade parking and a private direct entrance to the lower level pub "Mulligans". An arched passage affords access to the courtyard from a shared driveway with the neighboring homes, while the stone fountain provides a focus. A sweeping stone stair anchors one of the existing mature trees that was preserved and leads to the elevated rear garden. The second floor master suite opens to a sitting porch at the level of the upper garden, providing the third level of outdoor space that can be used for the children to play. The home's traditional language is in context with its neighbors, while the design allows each of the three primary levels of the home to relate directly to the outside. Builder: Peterson & Collins, Inc Photos © Anice Hoachlander

Rustic Crestview Backyard Retreat

Native Edge Landscape

Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for “hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard.” But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard. In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority. We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad’s as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy. We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife. Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals! Caleb Kerr - http://www.calebkerr.com

Middle Cove House

INSITE STUDIO

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary front yard patio in Sydney with a vertical garden, tile and a pergola.

San Juan Capistrano ||||

Altera Landscape

Landscape Architect: V3 Studio Berzunza / Photography: Jeri Koegel
Mid-sized contemporary courtyard patio in Orange County with a vertical garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

Patio Design Ideas with a Vertical Garden

A patio is a paved outdoor area that adjoins a house, and is a popular addition to Australian and New Zealand homes. Not only is it yet another place to enjoy the great outdoors, but it can also save you time and money on landscaping. Often seen as an extension of the indoor living space, patios and courtyards can serve multiple functions. If you add outdoor furniture such as lounge chairs and a sofa, a barbecue or outdoor kitchen and a dining table and chairs, you can use them for entertaining, cooking, dining, and relaxing. Browse the Photos on Houzz for courtyard and patio designs to see how you can best utilise your existing outdoor area.

What materials should I use to construct my patio?

Stone pavers and bricks are the most common surface materials used for patios, while concrete, tiles and gravel are also popular. Stone paving is usually at the top end of the price bracket, but is highly durable and the most natural-looking of the surface materials available. Brick patios, on the other hand, are relatively easy to lay, and provide a warm, rich colour that can complement traditional homes. Concrete patios are one of the least expensive to build and are also very durable, while gravel is quick and easy to install. You will also need to decide whether you want your patio covered or left uncovered. You can add roofing if you plan on using the space regularly, or opt for a pergola, trellis or umbrella for shade instead. Patio enclosures, usually made from glass or mesh screens, can also transform your space into an outdoor room.

What outdoor patio furniture and decor should I include?

A patio can be so much more than just a paved slab, if you add the right additions. An outdoor kitchen and bar will help make the space the life of the party, while high-quality, low-slung chairs will make you want to stay outside for longer. If you have the budget, you may even consider adding a spa or pool. To make it the ideal al fresco area even when temperatures drop, a fire pit or fireplace will be able to keep you and your company toasty warm. To entice you and your guests into the space, make some room for greenery, even if you just a place a pot plant atop a table. It will help tie in the area to the surrounding garden. Fairy lights, garden torches and citronella candles will also help set the mood and keep the mozzies at bay, while soft furnishings such as waterproof rugs, pillows and chair cushions will add personality. For something striking, consider adding a water feature or wall garden. If you're ready to hire a landscape professional to help you with the job, browse our directory here!