This newly completed residence is located on Sanibel Island on a unique bayou site with western exposure for a perfect view of the sunset. The main entry is a long narrow drive that was planted with seven large native live oaks to create an oak canopy with a native hammock understory consisting of native shrubs and ferns for a tunnel like entry experience. Three large curved coconuts sit at the drive terminus and frame the view of the entry lawn and landscape at the front of the residence. There was a strong emphasis on incorporating native palms and vegetation into a Zen-inspired garden feel. Native paurotis palms and green and silver thrinax palms were carefully specified and trimmed for use as architectural elements on the tall exterior walls. Tropical bamboo of many different varieties were incorporated into the buffers for both ambiance and screening purposes. Landscape grasses and bromeliad species were planted for interest along the front entry way. Native shrubs and perennial dune grasses and groundcovers were incorporated into the side yard buffer and in the back yard on the berm at the bayou edge to blend the built element into the natural landscape. The sodded area in the back and side yards functions as stormwater detention area and prevents stormwater from running directly into the ecological sensitive bayou. All City of Sanibel codes were met for this environmentally and ecosystem rich site including holding and mitigating stormwater runoff on site and meeting the 75% native plant requirement in all vegetation categories.

An example of vital and immersive living space for plants, wildlife and people. Design-built in summer 2022, our team (including talented local stonemason Matt Nichols) worked hard to reimagine an outdoor living space that integrates a dining area, hot tub, gathering space and raised beds. We were also tasked with successfully mitigating stormwater runoff that now channels from the rear to a rain garden in the front. A relaxed delineation of space allows for an easy ebb and flow for this young family and its pets. Cohesive materials were used throughout (such as the gorgeous irregular chunk stone steppers and retaining wall encompassing the cedar hot tub) to elevate this redesign. Over time, these designed living ‘rooms’ for people will recede into the planted habitat to feel ever more intimate and natural.

This aerial perspective highlights the clean lines and soft textures of a thoughtfully designed backyard transition space. A sweeping curve defines the edge between a functional lawn and a vibrant xeriscape bed, featuring clusters of ornamental grasses, flowering perennials like Russian sage, and drought-tolerant shrubs. Gravel mulch offers a neat, low-maintenance finish that contrasts with the crisp concrete patio. The gently curving steel fence frames the property without obstructing the view into the surrounding woodland, while maintaining a natural flow that complements the native setting. This layout strikes a beautiful balance between structure and softness—perfect for sustainable, high-elevation landscapes.

This house was designed to maintain clean sustainability and durability. Minimal, simple, modern design techniques were implemented to create an open floor plan with natural light. The entry of the home, clad in wood, was created as a transitional space between the exterior and the living spaces by creating a feeling of compression before entering into the voluminous, light filled, living area. The large volume, tall windows and natural light of the living area allows for light and views to the exterior in all directions. This project also considered our clients' need for storage and love for travel by creating storage space for an Airstream camper in the oversized 2 car garage at the back of the property. As in all of our homes, we designed and built this project with increased energy efficiency standards in mind. Our standards begin below grade by designing our foundations with insulated concrete forms (ICF) for all of our exterior foundation walls, providing the below grade walls with an R value of 23. As a standard, we also install a passive radon system and a heat recovery ventilator to efficiently mitigate the indoor air quality within all of the homes we build.

Design ideas for a coastal landscaping in Boston.

Our company has licensed contractors, stone masons, and designers who have underwent extensive training and years of experience in installing retaining walls. When you contact us, our team of skilled personnel will inspect your area and make the necessary recommendations depending on soil compactness, the required height of the retaining wall, and the best location for it. We don’t take chances by using substandard materials. Rest assured that we only use the best in the market for all our projects, with the latest and upgraded tools and equipment. We are expert on how to efficiently lay the segmental blocks to create remarkable retaining walls that are both functional and beautiful. Landscape Design & Installation Service Oklahoma City Exterior Landscaping (Hardscape & Softscape) Oklahoma City Interior Landscaping Oklahoma City Waterfalls / Water Features / Fountains / Pond / Pool Installation Oklahoma City New Residential Landscaping ( large or small ) Oklahoma City Commercial Landscaping Oklahoma City Garden Renovation / Improvement / Restoration Oklahoma City Landscape Design & Development Oklahoma City Landscape Irrigation Installation Oklahoma City Landscape Maintenance Oklahoma City Landscape / Garden Outdoor Lighting Installation Oklahoma City Outdoor Construction, Masonry & Concrete Work Oklahoma City Pavers / Paver Patio Oklahoma City Drainage Solutions Oklahoma City Outdoor Kitchens Oklahoma City Outdoor Fireplace / Firepit Oklahoma City Porous Pave Oklahoma City Landscape Retaining Walls Oklahoma City Patio Stone & Pavers Oklahoma City Seeding & Sodding Oklahoma City Retail Plant Center / Plantings Oklahoma City Wetland Mitigation Oklahoma City Woodland restoration Oklahoma City Erosion Control Oklahoma City Landscape Lighting Oklahoma City

The existing under-utilized garage will be converted into a modern style home office & future ADU. This detached residential home office & future accessory dwelling will serve as a focus work space, as well as an independent living space for family or guests to stay overnight with privacy from the main home. The interior has been personalized with an open lofted space and full height shelving for books or other storage. A custom design rolling library ladder will reinforce the library ambiance. The “Loft-brary” also utilizes a floor to ceiling corner glass window system, allowing it to be closely connected to the adjacent Japanese style landscaping. Primarily serving as a home office studio, the interior is conceived to be open & spacious with lots of shared light, with a lofted upper floor work area taking advantage of views overlooking the adjacent valley. A small kitchen and full bathroom are provided with adequate space for the future bedroom. Careful attention was given to the solar conditions of the building’s orientation, and an integrated exterior shading system is provided to mitigate the challenging afternoon sun. A second floor covered exterior deck is provided to allow for year round fresh air work breaks. Propel was hired as architect and landscape designer on the project and we are currently exploring small variations in the plan before proceeding with full construction documentation, engineering, permitting and construction. Target completion is late summer 2022.

Fire damaged home that required the removal of all glue-down hardwood flooring and tile
Example of a mid-sized classic detached garage design in Jacksonville

A grand addition with indoor pool, lounge and bar area. We then added an elevator that connected the master suite to the pool and basement a total of 3 floors. The master suite has a new frame-less glass balcony. Textured tiles to prevent slipping and specialty duct work for humidity.

We developed a solution to address the property's extreme water runoff by working with a civil engineer. Water mitigation involved several coordinated steps, including a rain garden, new soil mix, grading and creating an extensive connection to the city storm drain system.

Located six feet from the sand, this residence seeks to reframe the contextual reference of its inhabitants in order to mitigate its highly trafficked location and create a private beach retreat. In parallel to its unobstructed ocean view, the design carves out infinite pockets of nature within the architecture. From the dining room’s bamboo garden to the expansive skylight above the stairwell, moments of serenity have been carefully composed throughout the home in order to make each frame as infinite as the horizon line of the Pacific Ocean.

Garage photo in Other

This large sloped lot in Serrano was a new construction project and required low water demand planting with a new pool & backyard entertainment space for the family. To mitigate potential fire risks and maintenance on the rear slopes we installed a native "Mow Free" grass on the slopes which can be kept green with minimal water or not irrigated after getting established which would turn brown in the summer and green in the winter.

This serene vista captures the essence of Colorado mountain living with a xeriscape design that enhances the panoramic views rather than competing with them. A row of golden ornamental grasses lines the curved edge of a clean concrete drive, complemented by native evergreens, rugged boulders, and gravel mulch for a polished, low-maintenance finish. The backdrop of rolling hills and forested slopes reinforces the connection to the natural environment, while the planting palette ensures year-round interest with minimal water use. Ideal for high-altitude climates, this design blends beauty, sustainability, and unobstructed mountain views.

A healing garden provides peace and beauty for residents. This local non-profit organization provides end-of-life care for homeless men and women with late-stage and end-stage AIDS and terminal cancer. The client provided us with the design for a Healing Garden for the program’s residents, giving them a dedicated outdoor space to enjoy quiet contemplation, prayer, and group gatherings. Located on a busy and cramped corner in Adams Morgan, D. A. Dunlevy had to work around tight spaces and street traffic. We encountered numerous challenges that were mitigated through careful planning and design. The finished design is a mixture of custom carpentry, advanced concrete work, curved benches, custom metalwork, unique lighting, and a boulder altar as a centerpiece. The space provides room for walking, sitting, and contemplation amongst the peaceful surroundings. We were honored to be a part of this very unique and special project.

An example of vital and immersive living space for plants, wildlife and people. Design-built in summer 2022, our team (including talented local stonemason Matt Nichols) worked hard to reimagine an outdoor living space that integrates a dining area, hot tub, gathering space and raised beds. We were also tasked with successfully mitigating stormwater runoff that now channels from the rear to a rain garden in the front. A relaxed delineation of space allows for an easy ebb and flow for this young family and its pets. Cohesive materials were used throughout (such as the gorgeous irregular chunk stone steppers and retaining wall encompassing the cedar hot tub) to elevate this redesign. Over time, these designed living ‘rooms’ for people will recede into the planted habitat to feel ever more intimate and natural.

This large sloped lot in Serrano was a new construction project and required low water demand planting with a new pool & backyard entertainment space for the family. To mitigate potential fire risks and maintenance on the rear slopes we installed a native "Mow Free" grass on the slopes which can be kept green with minimal water or not irrigated after getting established which would turn brown in the summer and green in the winter.

This is an example of a coastal landscaping in Boston.

Allison Cartwright, Photographer RRS Design + Build is a Austin based general contractor specializing in high end remodels and custom home builds. As a leader in contemporary, modern and mid century modern design, we are the clear choice for a superior product and experience. We would love the opportunity to serve you on your next project endeavor. Put our award winning team to work for you today!