--- title: "austin outdoor design — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/austin-outdoor-design-pfvwus-pf~562276363 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~562276363.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "austin outdoor design" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/bf733e48003e63fa_7542-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "1250 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Bldg 1 Ste. 325, Austin, Texas 78746, United States" latitude: 30.2971 longitude: -97.8181 phone: "(512) 368-2001" website: http://austinoutdoordesign.com rating: 4.7 review_count: 15 best_of_houzz_awards: 18 followers: 741 last_updated: 2026-09-04 --- # austin outdoor design > Austin's Outdoor Design Build Firm - Best of Houzz Award Winner Original Houzz profile: [austin outdoor design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/austin-outdoor-design-pfvwus-pf~562276363) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Austin, TX - **Serves:** Austin, Lakeway, Highland Park, Bee Cave, Lost Creek, West Lake Hills, Barton Creek, Hudson Bend, Clarksville, The Hills, Rollingwood, 78704, Allendale, Balcones, Barton Hills, Bouldin Creek, Bryker Woods, Cat Mountain, Crestview, Hyde Park, Northwest Hills, Old Enfield, Pemberton Heights, Rosedale, Tarrytown, Travis Heights, Zilker - **Houzz rating:** 4.7 out of 5 (15 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 18 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves - Verified Hires - Responds Quickly ### Business highlights - 1 Verified Hire - Responds Quickly Intentionally shaping spaces that shape lives with guided collaboration through the design + build process. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Site Planning - Pool Landscaping - Swimming Pool Design - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Design + Build ### Areas Served - Austin - Lakeway - Highland Park - Bee Cave - Lost Creek - West Lake Hills - Barton Creek - Hudson Bend - Clarksville - The Hills - Rollingwood - 78704 - Allendale - Balcones - Barton Hills - Bouldin Creek - Bryker Woods - Cat Mountain - Crestview - Hyde Park - Northwest Hills - Old Enfield - Pemberton Heights - Rosedale - Tarrytown - Travis Heights - Zilker ### Typical Job Cost $150,000 - 2 million Design fees typically range between 6% and 12% of construction costs depending on scope. Construction costs are estimated during the design phase. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | austin outdoor design | | Address | 1250 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Bldg 1 Ste. 325, Austin, Texas 78746, United States | | Phone | (512) 368-2001 | | Website | http://austinoutdoordesign.com | | Followers on Houzz | 741 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/austinoutdoordesign - Blog — https://www.instagram.com/austinoutdoordesign/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [austin outdoor design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/austin-outdoor-design-pfvwus-pf~562276363) - **Website:** http://austinoutdoordesign.com - **Phone:** (512) 368-2001 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 18 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 — 15 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Mer D, May 2025** > Austin Outdoor Design did a beautiful job with our pool remodel, addition of a hot tub and pool house design. They were responsive to our questions and innovative in their design. Our neighbors love it, everyone wants a tour, and we love having a place that is a fun place to gather and make new memories. **Comment from austin outdoor design:** > We truly value your insightful review and are thankful for your feedback. We are so glad to have the pleasure of creating your outdoor spaces. We hope you enjoy for many years to come. **★★★★★ — Pool and Landscap, Aug. 2024** > AOD's attention to detail in the design and execution of their work sets them apart. In our project that shone most in the specific stone work layout where each l piece of lueder of stone was designed and sized to create an intentional pattern that fit the final space as opposed to just filling the space with a chosen material. They proposed a schematic design, took our feedback well to adjust and then were very helpful in making further adjustments to reach a final design in a budget that would work for us. Jose is quiet spoken, yet bold and intentional in the plans he creates. He handled many details behind the scenes that became apparent throughout the build. It has been a seamless process and we couldn't be happier with the final result. We look forward to phase 2 of our project. **★★★★★ — HU-434366486, Feb. 2021** > Amazing design and execution. Our house looks pretty much \*exactly\* like the 3D rendering that they made at the start of the project. Like every big landscaping, we had unexpected issues arise, and they responded with professionalism and did the job right. Highly recommended. **Comment from austin outdoor design:** > Thank you so much. It was truly a pleasure working with you. We are so glad you are enjoying your outdoor spaces and hope that you contimue to do so for many years to come! **★★★★★ — Amy Ehrlich, July 2020** > Great group of professionals. The landscape architect nailed it. Understood what the look of the house was going to be and was able to enhance and in fact, add to the appearance and overall success of the project through his creative landscape design. AOD’s various crews, from stone masons and landscape installers, to drainage experts and steel fabricators and welders—all were professional, skilled, and easy to work with. The project was on budget and completed in a timely manner. They have been responsive to any concerns or issues that have arisen. I would highly recommend AOD. **Comment from austin outdoor design:** > Thank you so much for your kind words. It was truly a pleasure to work with you to create these beautiful outdoor spaces. > We hope you enjoy them for many years to come! **★★★★★ — Elizabeth Hoesley, July 2020** > We had such an amazing experience with Austin Outdoor Design. We continue to get compliments on our yard, and daily enjoy our little piece of heaven. > > Jose's vision for our yard, which resembled a jungle when we bought the house, was simply astonishing. Out of an overgrown, hot and basically unusable backyard, he created a haven. The variety of spaces accommodate all our needs, and see daily use. Our deck and pergola are masterpieces. > > During construction, we met regularly with John, who was friendly, knowledgeable and held his crews to high standards. I enjoyed working with John, and appreciated getting to know the people who came to work on the project. > > Overall, we are so happy we chose to work with AOD, and definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a beautiful yard. **★★★★★ — User, Dec. 2017** > We hired Austin Outdoor design as a design-build firm for our front garden. AOD listened to our input, formed a wonderful plan, and were open in incorporating our feedback into their design. They were honest and did great work. Anything in the construction process that wan't completely right they fixed without argument. They crews they sent out, whether employees or subs (e.g., sprinkler subcontractor) where polite and respectful. In the end, AOD did what they said and delivered the project on budget. If I were starting over, knowing what I know now, I would hire OAD without hesitation. **★★★★★ — A SantaCruz, Nov. 2017** > We hired AOD to completely redesign, rebuild and change our back yard. We live in a small house and wanted to expand our living space to the outside. Working with AOD and its staff was a great experience, from the design stage all through to the execution and completion. The design was very modern, and met our expectations in terms of originality, functionality and aesthetics. The crews that came out were all very professional, friendly and clean. What we enjoyed most was that AOD allowed us to get involved and suggest changes along the way, which guaranteed a better finished product and more to our liking. Any issue that came up during and after construction was promptly handled and rectified. We highly recommend AOD for people looking for a comprehensive, all-in service (design to build). Special thanks to Gretchen and Jorge! **★★★★★ — Alejandra Vela, Nov. 2017** > Excellent customer service and quality of work, they designed something that looks great and works perfect with our space. We were very pleased with our final product and have been enjoying our patio with the nice weather! **★★★★★ — Kristen Pottinger, Oct. 2017** > Would definitely recommend AOD! Their sense of space and scale is spot on...the designs they did for us took our space to the next level and truly transformed an unused area into the most used area of our backyard. They are fun to work with and are deeply good people. The have vast material knowledge and I appreciated their use of natural native materials whenever possible. We love our backyard and I have recommended AOD to several friends and clients. **★★★★★ — Emily Flannery, Oct. 2017** > I would trust austin outdoor design's aesthetic, quality, and expertise over any company in town! We couldn't be happier with the outcome of their work. **★ — saharaskew, Aug. 2017** > Dishonest throughout the entire process and it has taken their team over 3-4 months to complete a very simple project (pool, landscape which architect did most of it for them), do not respond to email and will expect more money to release the schematic design. **Comment from austin outdoor design:** > Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate any opportunity to improve our client’s experience. We regret that your experience wasn’t our typical client experience. > > One of the main directives of our firm is to not only provide excellent design, but to be extraordinarily respectful of our clients’ investment. Through our estimates and proposals, we ensure that our clients are well-informed from the start of their project so that expectations of the process are clear prior to the engagement. We have spent years developing a design process that offers our clients convenience, transparency, clear communication, quality, knowledge and, above all, inspired design. We do our very best to please each and every client while maintaining our high standards of design and service. > > We were contacted on April 18, 2017 with a request for consultation which was scheduled for April 20, 2017. The Askew family were undergoing a remodel which included a new pool installation. We were asked to design the outdoor living space and softscape to surround the pool, as well as updates for the front yard. We explained our design process, fees and established that we would be able to begin our design work approximately 3-4 weeks after receipt of deposit. > > The design agreement was signed by on April 26th but had yet to receive their deposit. We contacted the client on May 4th to schedule their first schematic design review on May 22nd in an attempt to be proactive and also remind them we had not received their deposit. They were unable to schedule during that week, and were not available until the first week in June. > > We sent a gentle reminder on May 10th that we had not received the deposit, to which the client responded quickly that they would send it right away. We received the deposit on May 15th. > > We sent an email request to schedule a site analysis visit in order to take measurements and gather more information on May 31st. We had a second onsite meeting during our site analysis on June 7th and were asked to alter the original scope in our agreement slightly, which we were happy to do. We did have to come back a second time to perform further site analysis, as we had a slight equipment malfunction. We returned on June 9th to complete the site analysis. > > There was some confusion on what would be included in our design scope, but after a quick phone call on June 12th with the builder, we clarified our scope, timeline for construction, impervious cover requirements and if there was an allotted budget for landscape installation. > > The client checked in on July 5th to inquire about progress. We scheduled their first schematic design (SD) review for July 14th. The schematic design review is a meeting to ensure that we are moving in the right direction in terms of design. We like this meeting to be very collaborative with our clients and appreciate their feedback during this time. At the SD meeting, the design is not complete. There were some elements in the scope that were not yet included in the design as we had yet to establish budget and material selection. Our second SD meeting includes a more complete design and an estimated cost for installation. I explained this to the client, which was received with a positive response and talk of looking forward to our next meeting. > > On July 15th, we were contacted by the client with some more suggestions for plants and material selections, as well as an inquiry to how many hours had been spent on their project's design so far. I informed them that we were at 12.5 hours of design time. They requested by email that we contact her by phone. The client was unhappy with the product of 12.5 hours of design work and had expected a completed design at her meeting. We tried to explain the process again, but their expectations were not in line with the design process. Site analysis, base file set up and the initial SD model typically take 10-15 hours of design time. We credited 2.5 hours of design time as a courtesy and let them know that we would complete the design for the next meeting. The client scheduled a second SD review, but cancelled it, demanding that we send her all documentation with all elements in her scope included in design. > > Informing our clients about the design process can be a challenging facet to our job. We strive to provide thorough and thoughtful expertise to each phase of design so that our client’s investment is well-spent. From budget to site analysis to material selection, we do our best to ensure the end result exceeds expectations. We convey the importance of these elements and are always available to provide consultation should any confusion about the process arise. Again, we are sorry that we did not meet expectations and wish them the best **★★★★★ — Dawn Green, June 2017** > Jose and his team are fantastic. They sat with us over several design ideas to get our perfect yard. It was investment to be sure, but the end result is beautiful. Their team worked very, very hard leveling the yard, laying out the design and pavers, and putting in the plants. I highly recommend them and would use them again. ## Selected projects - [foxcroft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/foxcroft-pj-vj~7538430) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 14 - Description: This stunning modern outdoor living space is an entertainer's dream, featuring a beautifully designed pool, multiple lounging areas, and seamless integration with the natural landscape. The spacious deck is constructed with premium composite wood, offering ample room for outdoor seating and dining under the shade of a custom-built pergola. The outdoor kitchen includes a sleek stainless-steel grill and a floating countertop, making it perfect for hosting and cooking in style. The pool, surrounded… - [hillside](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-pj-vj~7538505) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 6 - Description: This modern hillside home showcases a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, with clean architectural lines and thoughtfully designed spaces. The outdoor area features a custom pool with sleek natural stone edging, framed by a board-formed concrete privacy wall that provides both style and function. A covered patio with exposed wood beams and a contemporary outdoor fireplace extends the interior’s warmth and elegance into the backyard, creating an inviting space for entertaining or r… - [Casa Vicente](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/casa-vicente-pj-vj~6289089) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 11 - Description: Our Casa Vicente project was inspired by the architecture of Luis Barragan and the bright personality of our client. An existing pool was updated with a combination water feature and fire pit that overlooks a beautiful vista in the Northwest Hills greenbelt. Adjacent to the pool is a cabana with ipe decking, standing seam metal roof, and privacy curtains, creating a luxurious lounge space for enjoying those majestic views. An ornate vintage Spanish style gate serves as the entrance to this space… - [Krause Haus](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/krause-haus-pj-vj~5518989) - Location: VILLAGE OF THE HILLS, TX - Photos: 12 - Description: behind a seemingly endless outstretch of the wild native landscape is found a beautiful modern residence; clean lines delineating the aesthetic of both interior and exterior. swaths of steel define the edges of where unruly landscape meets the manicured green. an oasis was created to surround a beautiful home which is abundant in agaves and other plantings thriving within the environment for which they are perfectly adapted. cascades of rectilinear hardscape echo throughout the design creating i… - [Little John](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/little-john-pj-vj~6283250) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 10 - Description: This backyard hideaway is a mid-century dream! It includes all the best features for year-round outdoor living. A custom pool is attached to a garapa deck, perfect for a dip on those hot Austin summer days. Adjacent to the deck is a stone patio, framed in steel with colorful shade sails above to provide a little respite from the sun while still allowing in natural light. A 32” grill is built into a Lueder’s limestone countertop with garapa cladding. Step down to a seating area with cantilevered… - [Rob Roy on the Lake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rob-roy-on-the-lake-pj-vj~6726338) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 11 - [Cardinal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cardinal-pj-vj~6475812) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 12 - Description: This thoughtfully crafted outdoor space in Central Austin transforms a modest yard into a layered retreat for both play and relaxation. Defined by a striking black-and-white tile motif, the project integrates a bocce court, fire pit lounge, and intimate garden moments, all framed by a lush bamboo backdrop. Clean lines, minimal furnishings, and native planting ground the space in a modern yet inviting aesthetic. Durable materials were chosen for low-maintenance living, while each zone—whether for… - [Mountain View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-view-pj-vj~6475384) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 11 - Description: This outdoor living space celebrates what we as Austinites can enviably enjoy year-round: al-fresco entertainment. Situated above a custom ipe deck, a gabled steel pergola frames the dining space and mirrors the architecture of the home. Fans overhead keep the dining space cool and free of pesky mosquitos. The deck is surrounded by steel planters that are filled with lush ornamental grasses that soften the strong lines of the steel. Stepping down from the dining space, an adjacent outdoor lounge… - [Crestview](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crestview-pj-vj~2933162) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 13 - Description: Mid-Century Modern Retreat + Natural Flow This thoughtfully crafted outdoor transformation draws from the home's strong mid-century lines and warm material palette, blending structure and serenity. A central courtyard anchors the experience with wood decking, a reflecting pond, and curated native plantings that extend the interior’s clean architecture into the landscape. Naturalistic rock work and soft meadow-inspired plantings invite you to explore intimate seating zones, a custom steel and woo… - [Hero](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hero-pj-vj~6002966) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 16 - Description: A clean-lined outdoor retreat designed to enhance family living and casual entertaining. This covered patio and landscape renovation reimagines a traditional suburban yard into a cohesive outdoor environment with layered planting, refined hardscape, and elevated function. The vaulted structure features skylights, integrated lighting, and ample lounge space that transitions seamlessly into a custom kitchen and dining area. Details like Corten steel planters, gravel courts, and hidden drainage ble… - [lemonwood](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lemonwood-pj-vj~5815293) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 4 - [Davenport](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/davenport-pj-vj~5529762) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: This project redefines curb appeal with a bold architectural landscape that comes alive after dark. Anchored by a clean orthogonal layout, the entry sequence uses oversized concrete steppers flanked by steel-edged planting beds and warm-toned lighting to guide the eye—and the visitor—toward the front door. Strategically uplighting the tree canopies and architectural façade creates a layered glow that enhances the geometry of the home and the formality of the plantings. Corten steel planters soft… - [Old Westlake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-westlake-pj-vj~1438488) - Location: Westlake, TX - Photos: 3 - Description: Sitting up in the trees alongside a wet-weather creek on the way to Lake Austin, we find this 1500 square foot deck. The Ipe deck cantilevers partially over the creek gives the impression that you are in a tree house. Incorporated outdoor living spaces such as a kitchen, dining, sitting and lounging. It also has access to the creek below. - [Northwood](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northwood-pj-vj~178441) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 3 - Description: Northwood was a very exciting project for us. One of the big challenges was the deck and the tree in the front. It is a heritage tree, so there are very specific restrictions on how deep the deck posts can go into the ground. This is a perfect example of how building constraint can make for thoughtful and creative design. - [live eat relax and play](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/live-eat-relax-and-play-pj-vj~347574) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 8 - Description: Tucked beneath mature oaks, this backyard retreat blends warm material palettes with contemporary forms to create a layered outdoor living experience. A low-profile fire feature, integrated bench seating, and stained wood decking bring a clean, cohesive feel to the space—ideal for relaxed gatherings and casual entertaining. Vivid green chairs and natural wood accents add a pop of playfulness without disrupting the serene geometry. A custom cedar play structure rounds out the design, making this… - [Barton Creek TWO](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barton-creek-two-pj-vj~623689) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 9 - [clearview](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clearview-pj-vj~6002819) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Prickly Pear](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prickly-pear-pj-vj~148308) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 4 - [Cat Mountain](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cat-mountain-pj-vj~163719) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 5 - Description: This project was particularly fun to design and challenging to build. The multi-level decks and tiered steel planters added depth to the landscape of the patio. - [Rooftop Patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rooftop-patio-pj-vj~135686) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 4 - Description: This rooftop patio was such a fun project. There were a couple of key elements that the clients wanted to make sure were in the design. One was the entertainment area... they wanted plenty of seating centered around a modern fire pit for watching the game or just enjoying the view. Another was the spa area. The jacuzzi and shower have optimal views of the entertainment center as well as the Austin skyline. This rooftop patio also has a kitchen area perfect for outdoor dining. [See all 34 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/austin-outdoor-design-pfvwus-pf~562276363) ## Community Q&A **Q: what color is this deck?** *(in Photo Questions)* Color of deck? A: Hi Jodi, This is Ipe decking that is finished with a clear wood oil treatment **Q: what material is the countertop?** *(in Photo Questions)* what material is the countertop? A: The material is Corian. Thanks for the question! **Q: Do you have more information on the fabric sail-like cover?** *(in Photo Questions)* What a beautiful and serene space. A: The sail was custom made by a local sailboat sail shop that we then hung on stainless steel cable. The material is a pvc fabric. There are many online sources for this look now. Thanks for the love! **Q: what’s the paver used for this patio?** *(in Photo Questions)* I really like the paver. Where did you source the materials? Is it Unilock? A: hi! this is lueders limestone; sourced from many places throughout texas **Q: what is the smallest size pool you have installed?** *(in Photo Questions)* Just wondering what would be the smallest that is reasonable for cooling off. A: This is one of the smallest we've done. We can definitely do smaller but you do end up running into minimums on the cost. A pool smaller than this would end up costing the same. As far as cooling off, any water source has the potential of being refreshing. You do have to consider where it's sited. If you are in Central Texas and have direct sun on the smaller pool all day long, the pool is likely to get pretty close to ambient temperature. And when it's 100 degrees in Austin, that's not quite refreshing. If you do choose to go with a smaller pool, we recommend that it gets some shade throughout the day to keep the water temperature down. If that's not an option then installing a heat pump would work as well. Heat pumps can work for both heating and cooling. Thanks for the question! **Q: outdoor fireplace?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where can the fireplace be purchased? A: Thanks for the question Missy! You can purchase them at www.malmfireplaces.com or from Marnie on Esty if you want an actual vintage one. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-04.*