While listening to some Thelonious Monk, and after sitting at the design table numerous hours, the designer found a solution in the form of a partially suspended stone deck and retained grade terrace of Academy Black granite paving. Complimenting the granite, sidewalks and curbs were installed in hard toweled, acid etched concrete with ornamental saw cuts. To accommodate a connection to the driveway as well as front door finish floor elevation, one step had to be utilized. This potential "trip step" was highlighted by changing paving and adjacent planting materials, as well as lighting it at night. The earth grade surrounding the dogwood was preserved and it now serves as a beautiful backdrop of shell pink flowers in the spring and crimson drape of leaves in the fall.