02/16/2025
WOW...it's been 14 years that I've been designing outdoor living spaces, first as Wildwood Engineering Co. (in Maryland), then transitioning to Coastal Design and Engineering once relocated to North Carolina. It's amazing to think that I have 500+ permitted designs across the US and in Europe...and it all started as just a hobby...WOW! As someone who strives to know or have experience with what it is I'm instructing others to do, I wanted to share with you the 8 year project that transformed my own Wilmington, NC backyard into the favorite spot of the neighborhood. It started with discovering the floor rotted out in our sunroom soon after purchasing the home, requiring the removal of our EZ Breeze windows, and replacing/upgrading the floor with a raised concrete pour (upgraded to French doors). Next was the 20'x20' deck with Fiberon decking and Color Guard Railing. Followed by the stamped concrete patio and walk, leading into the backyard planting area through a dry-stacked field stone retaining wall and steps, and landscaped using river rock. The entire project culminated with the addition of a cantilever roof over the cook/bar area, complete with granite bar top, restaurant grade refrigerator, separate NG griddle and grill, stainless steel prep area, sink/running water and under-bar storage. I learned a lot from doing all the construction myself, lessons that I use to create nothing but the best designs for my clients.
