Design & Planning
Before a single board is cut, you'll walk through your finished outdoor space in 3D. Know what it looks like, what every detail costs, and how it will be built before construction begins.
Why Design Matters
Budget surprises, change orders, permit delays, poor flow, and disconnected features usually come from skipping proper design. A clear plan prevents expensive decisions from being made too late.
Design Investment
Your design investment gives you clarity before construction: site review, material direction, custom 3D renderings, architectural plans, a line-item estimate, and revision time to dial in the scope.
Package Price
Design is not an extra step — it is the foundation that makes the project smoother, clearer, and more accurate before construction begins.
What You Get
The design package gives you the information needed to make an informed construction decision before you sign a full build agreement.
Measurements, site photos, access review, grade considerations, drainage issues, structure, and project limitations are documented.
Layout, flow, zones, stairs, railings, shade, privacy, lighting, screens, and outdoor living features are planned together.
You see the finished outdoor space visually before construction starts, making it easier to approve or adjust the direction.
Decking, framing, railing, pavers, pergola finishes, screens, and comfort features are selected around the full project.
The estimate is based on the design, helping reduce guesswork, vague ranges, and construction surprises.
A better plan creates a smoother path into permitting, engineering review, material ordering, and construction scheduling.
The Process
We use design to slow down the right decisions early, so the construction phase can move with more confidence.
We discuss your goals, rough budget, timeline, and whether design makes sense for your project.
We review your property, site conditions, materials, design priorities, and possible project direction.
We create the visual concept, review it with you, and adjust through included revisions.
Once the design is approved, we finalize project scope, pricing, and next steps toward construction.
No Guesswork
Most contractors give a rough sketch and a vague price. Our goal is to give you a clear visual design, a defined scope, and pricing built around the approved plan.
Common Questions
Get Started
Start with a discovery call. We'll talk through your project, goals, rough budget, and whether the design process is the right next step.
Ace of Decks provides 3D outdoor living design and planning services for custom decks, louvered pergolas, patios, hardscapes, screen rooms, outdoor rooms, and complete backyard transformations throughout Aurora, Naperville, Plainfield, St. Charles, Geneva, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Burr Ridge, Oswego, Yorkville, and the surrounding Chicago suburbs.