The answers to (almost) everything.
Here are the most common questions we get from homeowners, sorted by category. If you don’t see your question here, please contact us. We’re happy to assist.
The basics
Start with the overarching questions of Who are we? Who do we partner with? What sets us apart?
What is Outside My Nest?
Outside My Nest is changing how people think about designing outdoor spaces. Our pioneering, fully integrative online design process helps homeowners visualize and edit their outdoor spaces, including patios, gardens, outdoor kitchens, and beyond.
Without stepping foot on your property, our designers and horticulturists utilize your photos and videos, the latest technology, data, and plant science to develop customized outdoor designs.
Who is Outside My Nest for?
Outside My Nest is for everyone who has any kind of outdoor space and wants to improve it. It could be a small city garden, a hidden balcony, or a large garden. If you have some ground, we have a design for you.
How does Outside My Nest differ from traditional outdoor design services?
We provide an efficient and more budget-friendly option to the standard outdoor design. Our online studio provides you with elite design professionals who work according to your availability and don’t require in-person consultations.
We also extend our services beyond landscaping to include the planting of greenery, hardscaping, the creation of functional outdoor rooms, and full exterior design. This is a one-stop approach instead of having to deal with three or four different contractors.
What are your sustainability practices?
Our philosophy revolves around sustainability. We have assembled a multidisciplinary team of landscape designers, LEED architects, environmental consultants, and conservationists who collaborate to guide homeowners to make sustainable choices in their yards.
For every design, we include climate-adapted plants and those that support pollinators. We source plants that will thrive in your area while supporting the ecosystem in your area.
What is not included in Outside My Nest designs?
Although our designs include a complete master plan of your outdoor renovation, they do not include the costs of materials and installation. These costs are up to the contractors bidding on your project after the design is complete.
Our designs also doesn’t cover drainage and irrigation engineering plans neither city-specific code research for singular local regulations. Those pieces are typically handled by your installing contractor.
Our process
We’ll walk you through every step. Here’s what it looks like from the day you register with us to the day you begin the excavation.
How does Outside My Nest work?
After buying a design package, you will be asked to complete an online onboarding process. To do this, you will upload some photos, videos, and inspiration images. You will also answer a series of questions regarding your personal preferences and complete 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.
The initial draft renders will be shared in 3-4 weeks. In this stage, we collaborate: you provide comments in our Feedback Studio, we address your inquiries, and we adjust the design based on your input.
In the end, you get the last design, which includes: photorealistic 3D renders or illustrative 2D renders, a comprehensive plant, material and furniture list, as well as additional deliverables according to your package. After, our Build Support team will link you to a vetted contractor in your location.
How do you determine my style?
Beginning the process, you’ll do a comprehensive style quiz, respond to questions about the various forms and functions of your yard, and upload some inspirational photos. This gives us a good understanding of your vision, not just aesthetically, but how you want to use 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 specialist, and our Customer Support team. Communicating with designers during the design phase is not an included 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 qualified professionals with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in both Design and Landscape Architecture. We give these qualified experts the ability to work on your project in a more innovative and cost-effective way without the additional expenses of a traditional studio.
Design & plants
The real artistry is customizing plant selections for your specific yard, and ensuring the design fits your lifestyle, not someone else’s.
How do you select the right plants for my property?
We have created an all-inclusive database that takes into account various aspects of the plants, including their sunlight and shade requirements, watering and style preferences, and special features such as “deer-proof” and “pet-friendly.” We also consider specific planting zones.
As part of the onboarding process, you will complete a quiz to assess your preferences regarding plants. Your specific photos and video footage, in combination with satellite imaging, help us analyze the amount of sun and shade to determine patterns throughout the day. Each selection is individualized, meaning our horticulturist will not provide you with a generic plant list and will ensure selections are appropriate for your specific yard.
Can I request specific plants or materials?
Sure! We welcome inspiration photos, must-haves, and “please don’t include these” lists. in fact, the more specific you can be during onboarding the better the design will fit. If a particular plant is not expected to thrive in your zone our horticulturist will let you know and suggest a nearby alternative.
What kinds of outdoor spaces do you design?
We can create designs for just about anything associated with the outdoors: patios, gardens, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, decks, pool surrounds, front yards, courtyards, balconies, and complete home exterior designs. If the area is outside the four walls of your house, we can probably design it.
Do you serve homeowners outside the United States?
Currently, we serve most US homeowners and have our plant database and contractor network tailored to US climates and regions. We are always assessing our options for expansion, so please reach out to us and we’ll update you on the possibilities for your area.
Build & costs
The practical side. Who creates the design? How does pricing work? And what happens after the renders land in your inbox?
How do you connect me with a contractor?
When your design is finalized, our Build Support team pairs you with a contracted builder near you who has been vetted. We send your entire design package to the builder so that the bidding is accurate and comparative. You do not have to translate your design to a builder who has never seen it.
Do I have to use one of your contractors?
No. You may work with any licensed contractor you wish. Our designs are intended to be clear and biddable by any professional. The plant list, material specifications, and renders are all included, so anyone competent can quote the job.
How much should I expect to spend on materials and installation?
Costs for materials and installation depend on your area, the scope of the project, and the type of materials selected. For example, there is a vast cost difference between a small planting refresh and a complete backyard overhaul.
After finishing a design, your contractor, whether it’s ours or one that you supply, will send a detailed bid. A lot of our clients budget in phases. One phase is the design, and another phase is the build. This way, it is easier to sort out the finances.
What if I want to change the design after it’s finalized?
Revisions are part of the design phase. This is the time to ask for changes, big or small. If you want changes after we finalize the designs, we have revision add-ons available. You can contact our Customer Support team and they can guide 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 understand that there are many other outdoor design services available, but we’ve taken a different approach. Here’s a brief example of what makes Outside My Nest different.
Innovative Online Design
A fully online process using the latest technologies in data and plant sciences. No need for on-site visits as only expert designers and horticulturists will work based on your schedule.
Comprehensive Scope
We can take care of the entire exterior of your house, from patios, and gardens, to outdoor kitchens and full exterior home design beyond just the planting beds.
Sustainability Focus
Every design incorporates plants that support pollinators and are adapted to the climate. The beautiful outdoor spaces should also be good for the planet they are located on.
Customizable Designs
You will talk with us so that we can help show your actual style and how you want to live using the iterative feedback process.
One-Stop Solution
We handle the entire renovation process, from design plans to materials, and even recommend contractors, so you don’t have to piece together a bunch of vendors yourself.
Nationwide Coverage
Wherever you are located in the US, we have local specialists who know your exact climate and zoning.
Ready to start your outdoor transformation?
If you have more questions, that’s exactly what our team is for. Contact us and we’ll gladly guide you through anything you’d like to know before you start
Or email us directly at hello@outsidemynest.com