Drainage Solutions & Curb Appeal Transformation This project focused on solving a persistent drainage issue that was impacting both the usability and appearance of the property. Standing water and poor grading were creating functional problems while diminishing the home’s overall curb appeal—an issue many homeowners face when water isn’t properly directed away from the home. Fowler Outdoor Co. approached the project with a design-build mindset, addressing the root cause of the drainage problem through proper grading, water management, and structural solutions. By integrating effective drainage systems with thoughtfully designed hardscape elements, the team was able to redirect water flow, protect the property, and create a more stable foundation for the landscape. Beyond functionality, the transformation elevated the front yard’s appearance with clean lines, intentional materials, and a cohesive layout that complements the home. The result is a space that not only performs better during heavy rain but also delivers a polished, welcoming first impression. This project is a great example of how solving underlying issues like drainage can completely transform both the look and long-term performance of an outdoor space.

2012 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Residential Basement Interior Newer home in suburb of Ashburn, VA was a home to this military couple. With their growing family and their daughter moving back, they wanted more space. The basement was delivered unfinished from the original builder. The owners could not come up with a desirable floor plan for the space due to stairway that builder put in place and locations of Furnace and hot water heater. After our design staff consulted this couple, we put in a plan in place that they never imagined it to be possible and even affordable. The moved the hot water heater and relocated a stack of return duct to allow more floor space. Then we have redesigned couple of headers to make room for stairway to be redirected. Now the new stairway comes directly from upper level family room and got an open glass door to allow light down the stair path. Just to the left of the stairs we have square off an area for Mechanical and storage room. This confined all ducts, hot water heater and furnace to be in their dedicated area as well as offer storage shelving for additional seasonal packages. The primary goal was to have a home office, full bathroom, guest bedroom and a large entertaining area for their large Texan relatives to visit. We have removed couple of bearing walls by the way of recess structural beams and decorative columns to make the entertaining area as large as to can be. Now we has an 35’x35’ area covered in Exotic Tigerwood and decorated with paneled walls, multi layer crown molding, chair rail, shadow boxing and columns . Just as you come down the steps we have dark cherry built ins to show off her prized possessions, to the right of it double French doors lead us to their home office/library. We have more built-ins along the wide hallway leading into entertaining area. A full bath with double entry to main area and adjacent bedroom furnished with full large walk in shower covered with porcelain decorative tiles and furniture style vanity. We have excavated and created an e-grass window to allow a Bedroom in the left of this basement. A large bar was implemented on the far walls of this basement filled in with cherry custom cabinetry, exotic stone top, tile floors and decorative pendent lights was a place to watch football games and hang out. Focal point of this basement was placement of a new gas fireplace embedded in ledge stone and a large LED TV just above it. This assembly was placed across a sectional piece of furniture and was popping out as you enter the room. By carefully selecting the wood tones of built ins and bar cabinetry complimenting the Exotic wood floors and stone top this place was now the home to our their family events.

Transitional dining room photo in New York

@ Cathy Carr, APLD
Mid-sized elegant stone front porch photo in DC Metro

Photo of mid-sized traditional front yard stone retaining wall landscape in DC Metro in spring.
Entryway - transitional entryway idea in DC Metro

This screen room was built with a gable roof extending above the interior kitchen and dining area. (Skylight was added through new roof into kitchen for added sunlight) The framing of the structure was built with pressure treated lumber topped with new trex composite decking. The build continued upwards to a stick built vaulted ceiling gable roof that extended over most of the deck. A small area at the top of the staircase was added for grilling. A simple retaining wall with minor grade work was also done to redirect water around the new footers and into the lower yard. Last but not least white vinyl lattice was added. A cold but fun job with the guys.

The Maverick creates a new direction to this private residence with redefining this 2-bedroom apartment into an open-concept plan 1-bedroom. With a redirected sense of arrival that alters the movement the moment you enter this home, it became evident that new shapes, volumes, and orientations of functions were being developed to create a unique statement of living. All spaces are interconnected with the clarity of glass panels and sheer drapery that balances out the bold proportions to create a sense of calm and sensibility. The play with materials and textures was utilized as a tool to develop a unique dynamic between the different forms and functions. From the forest green marble to the painted thick molded ceiling and the finely corrugated lacquered walls, to redirecting the walnut wood veneer and elevating the sleeping area, all the spaces are obviously open towards one another that allowed for a dynamic flow throughout.

This is the "BEFORE" front porch. Crumbling porch and too-steep risers on the steps. Check out the "After" photos. Turf lawn removed and all new landscaping installed. California friendly, with an emphasis on Australians and edibles. Rainwater redirected into creek bed and retention areas.

French drain installation for yard drainage in Colonie, NY. Clean river rock and gravel trench constructed along landscape edge to redirect water away from property. System built with proper grading and stone bed for effective drainage.

2012 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL BASEMENT INTERIOR A newer house in the suburb of Ashburn, Virginia, is home to this military couple. With a growing family and a daughter moving back home, they were in need of more space. An unfinished basement offered plenty of space for a remodel, but coming up with a desirable floor plan was difficult due to the location of a stairway that the builder had installed and the location of the furnace and hot water heater. Working with Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, the couple came up with a plan that moved the furnace and hot water heater to a storage room and redirected the stairway in order to create a workable layout. The primary goal was to have a home office, full bathroom, guest bedroom and a large entertaining area. The focal point of the design is a new gas fireplace embedded in ledge stone with a large LED television above it. A bar with custom cabinetry, exotic stone countertops and decorative pendant lighting creates a central area for the family to gather.

An interior basement drainage system is designed to collect and redirect groundwater before it enters your basement. We install a perforated drain along the interior footing that channels water to a sump pump for safe discharge away from your home. This system helps keep your basement dry, prevents water damage, reduces moisture and mold concerns, and protects your home's foundation.

The Maverick creates a new direction to this private residence with redefining this 2-bedroom apartment into an open-concept plan 1-bedroom. With a redirected sense of arrival that alters the movement the moment you enter this home, it became evident that new shapes, volumes, and orientations of functions were being developed to create a unique statement of living. All spaces are interconnected with the clarity of glass panels and sheer drapery that balances out the bold proportions to create a sense of calm and sensibility. The play with materials and textures was utilized as a tool to develop a unique dynamic between the different forms and functions. From the forest green marble to the painted thick molded ceiling and the finely corrugated lacquered walls, to redirecting the walnut wood veneer and elevating the sleeping area, all the spaces are obviously open towards one another that allowed for a dynamic flow throughout.

Amy Le Sueur
Photo of an asian landscaping in DC Metro.

2012 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL BASEMENT INTERIOR A newer house in the suburb of Ashburn, Virginia, is home to this military couple. With a growing family and a daughter moving back home, they were in need of more space. An unfinished basement offered plenty of space for a remodel, but coming up with a desirable floor plan was difficult due to the location of a stairway that the builder had installed and the location of the furnace and hot water heater. Working with Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, the couple came up with a plan that moved the furnace and hot water heater to a storage room and redirected the stairway in order to create a workable layout. The primary goal was to have a home office, full bathroom, guest bedroom and a large entertaining area. The focal point of the design is a new gas fireplace embedded in ledge stone with a large LED television above it. A bar with custom cabinetry, exotic stone countertops and decorative pendant lighting creates a central area for the family to gather.

Foundation drain installation along a home's exterior wall in Ballston Spa, NY. Drainage gravel and perforated pipe system installed to redirect water away from the foundation.

Drainage Solutions & Curb Appeal Transformation This project focused on solving a persistent drainage issue that was impacting both the usability and appearance of the property. Standing water and poor grading were creating functional problems while diminishing the home’s overall curb appeal—an issue many homeowners face when water isn’t properly directed away from the home. Fowler Outdoor Co. approached the project with a design-build mindset, addressing the root cause of the drainage problem through proper grading, water management, and structural solutions. By integrating effective drainage systems with thoughtfully designed hardscape elements, the team was able to redirect water flow, protect the property, and create a more stable foundation for the landscape. Beyond functionality, the transformation elevated the front yard’s appearance with clean lines, intentional materials, and a cohesive layout that complements the home. The result is a space that not only performs better during heavy rain but also delivers a polished, welcoming first impression. This project is a great example of how solving underlying issues like drainage can completely transform both the look and long-term performance of an outdoor space.

From updating the color scheme and tiles to redirecting heating and adding storage, this remodel was designed with the needs of the homeowners in mind. See how we transformed this space in just 23 days below.

The beverage cooler located in the island keeps drinks ready at a moment's notice and redirects the need to go to the refrigerator for beverages.
Example of a large transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Jacksonville with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops and white backsplash

This garden is comprised of CA native plants, a dry river bed to redirect the rainwater, a funky gravel driveway and two rain tanks. This garden also has no irrigation system and is thriving just fine.