The answers to (almost) everything.
We’ve gathered the questions homeowners ask us most often, organized by topic. If yours isn’t here, just reach out we’re happy to help.
The basics
Start here. The big-picture questions about who we are, who we work with, and what makes our approach different.
What is Outside My Nest?
Outside My Nest is redefining outdoor space design. Our innovative, all-encompassing online design process empowers homeowners to reimagine and transform their outdoor areas, including patios, gardens, outdoor kitchens, and more.
Our dedicated team of designers and horticulturists uses your photos, videos, cutting-edge technology, data, and plant science to create your outdoor designs without ever setting foot on your property.
Who is Outside My Nest for?
Outside My Nest is for anyone who owns an outdoor space and wants to enhance it, whether you have a small urban garden, a tucked-away balcony, or a sprawling backyard. If you have ground to work with, we have a design for it.
How does Outside My Nest differ from traditional outdoor design services?
We offer a streamlined, cost-effective alternative to traditional outdoor design. Through our online studio, you get access to top-notch design talent, working on your schedule, without the need for on-site visits.
We also go beyond traditional landscaping. Our work spans plantings, hardscaping, functional outdoor rooms, and complete exterior design it’s a one-stop approach instead of juggling three or four specialists.
What are your sustainability practices?
Sustainability is at the heart of our philosophy. Our team includes landscape designers, LEED-certified architects, environmental consultants, and conservationists all committed to empowering homeowners to make sustainable decisions about their outdoor spaces.
Every one of our designs incorporates climate-adapted and pollinator-supporting plants. We choose what will actually thrive where you live, while supporting the local ecosystem you’re a part of.
What is not included in Outside My Nest designs?
While our designs provide a comprehensive master plan for your outdoor renovation, they do not cover the actual cost of materials and installation. Those costs are determined by the contractors who bid on your project after the design phase.
Our designs also do not include drainage and irrigation engineering plans or city-specific code research for unique local regulations. Your installing contractor typically handles those pieces.
Our process
Step by step, here’s what working with us actually looks like from the day you sign up to the day you start digging.
How does Outside My Nest work?
Once you purchase a design package, you’ll complete an online onboarding process. You’ll share photos, videos, inspiration images, answer questions about your preferences, and take a style quiz.
After submitting your materials, our team builds a model of your home and property the canvas for your design. You’ll receive your House Model approximately a week later.
Next come the first draft renders, within three to four weeks. This stage is interactive: you give feedback in our Feedback Studio, we respond to your questions, and we refine the design with you.
At the end, you receive your final design: photorealistic 3D renders or illustrative 2D renders, a detailed plant, material, and furniture list, plus other deliverables based on your package. Then our Build Support team connects you with a vetted contractor in your area.
How do you determine my style?
At the start of the process, you’ll complete a thorough style quiz, answer questions about your yard’s form and function, and share inspiration photos. With all of that combined, we get a clear picture of your vision not just the aesthetic, but how you actually want to live in the space.
Can I communicate with my designer during the process?
As a client, you’ll have a dedicated team working behind the scenes a designer or architect, a horticulturist, a build expert, and our Customer Support team. Direct communication with designers during the design phase is not a standard feature.
However, we offer a Premium package that includes calls with our team. If you’re on the standard package and later decide you’d like to talk things through, you can also book a call for a fee.
What can you tell me about your designers?
Our designers are industry experts holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees in design and landscape architecture. We provide a platform for these talented professionals to collaborate on projects like yours, delivering thoughtful, expert results efficiently without the overhead of a traditional studio.
Design & plants
The actual craft of it how we choose plants for your specific yard, and how we make sure the design fits your life, not someone else’s.
How do you select the right plants for my property?
We’ve built a comprehensive plant database that considers planting zones, sunlight, shade, water requirements, styles, and unique features like “deer-proof” and “pet-friendly.”
During onboarding, you’ll take a plant preferences quiz. We also use satellite imagery, plus your detailed photos and videos, to assess sun and shade patterns throughout the day. Our horticulturist makes the final call on every plant selection so what you get is right for your specific yard, not a generic plant list.
Can I request specific plants or materials?
Absolutely. Inspiration images, must-haves, and “please not these” lists are all welcome and honestly, the more specific you are during onboarding, the better the final design fits. Our horticulturist will let you know if a specific plant won’t thrive in your zone, and suggest a close alternative if so.
What kinds of outdoor spaces do you design?
Patios, gardens, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, decks, pool surrounds, front yards, courtyards, balconies, and full exterior home design. If it lives outside the four walls of your house, we can probably design it.
Do you serve homeowners outside the United States?
At this time, we primarily serve homeowners across the United States, with our plant database and contractor network built around U.S. climates and regions. We’re always evaluating expansion, so feel free to reach out and we’ll let you know what’s possible for your location.
Build & costs
The practical end of things. Who builds the design, how pricing works, and what happens after the renders land in your inbox.
How do you connect me with a contractor?
Once your design is final, our Build Support team matches you with a vetted contractor in your area. We share your full design package with them so bidding is accurate and apples-to-apples. You’re never on your own trying to translate a design to a builder who’s never seen it.
Do I have to use one of your contractors?
No. You’re welcome to use any licensed contractor you prefer. Our designs are built to be readable and biddable by any professional the plant list, material specs, and renders are all included so anyone capable can quote the job.
How much should I expect to spend on materials and installation?
Material and installation costs vary widely depending on your region, the size of the project, and the materials you choose. A small planting refresh and a full backyard transformation are wildly different numbers.
Once your design is complete, your contractor (whether ours or one you bring) will provide a detailed bid. Many of our clients budget in phases the design is one package, the build is another which makes it easier to plan financially.
What if I want to change the design after it’s finalized?
Revisions are part of the design phase, and that’s the right time to ask for changes big or small. If you’d like changes after final delivery, we offer revision add-ons. Just reach out to our Customer Support team and they’ll walk you through the options.
Do you offer refunds?
Because each design is custom work tailored to your specific property, refund policies depend on which stage of the process you’re in when you reach out. We’re always reasonable, and we’d rather work with you to get the design right than have an unhappy client. Email hello@outsidemynest.com and we’ll take it from there.
A few things that set us apart
We’re not the only outdoor design service out there, but we are doing it a little differently. Here’s the short version of what makes Outside My Nest worth a look.
Innovative Online Design
An all-online process powered by cutting-edge technology, data, and plant science. No on-site visits required just expert designers and horticulturists working on your schedule.
Comprehensive Scope
From patios and gardens to outdoor kitchens and full exterior home design, we cover the whole outside of your home not just the planting beds.
Sustainability Focus
Every design includes climate-adapted, pollinator-supporting plants. Beautiful outdoor spaces should be good for the planet they sit on, too.
Customizable Designs
Personalized consultations and an iterative feedback process ensure your outdoor space reflects your actual style and how you actually want to live in it.
One-Stop Solution
From design plans to material recommendations to vetted contractors, we streamline the whole renovation so you’re not stitching five different vendors together yourself.
Nationwide Coverage
We serve homeowners across the United States, with regional experts who understand your specific climate and zoning no matter where you live.
Ready to start your outdoor transformation?
If we didn’t answer everything you’re wondering about, that’s exactly what our team is for. Reach out and we’ll happily walk you through anything you’d like to know before you get started.
Or email us directly at hello@outsidemynest.com