More At Home, Outside.
One of the most common questions we get asked since starting Meraki Outdoor Living, believe it or not, is about our name.
“What does Meraki mean?”
The name came to me while scrolling through Pinterest one morning. A graphic, that shared the meaning, Meraki: To Put Your Soul, Creativity, And Love, into what you do.
In a mad dash to LLC our company (more on that story later), I kept returning to that word as our name.
Because it represented what was true — Meraki represented how we did everything. Sometimes foolishly fast. But also with a lot of heart, creativity and soul.
Meraki Outdoor Living was born nearly a decade ago, but our values have always remained true:
To connect our clients back to nature, through their home. To create spaces that invite them outside, bring people together, and make everyday life feel more alive.
DESIGN FIRST, BUILD INTENTIONALLY
Something that’s become incredibly clear to us over the years is our devotion to design as an artistry. Every space we create, whether a simple, modern pergola or entire backyard renovation, is unique in it’s own way and reflects our client’s individuality. Design comes first. Always. Because a beautiful space built on a rushed plan is still a rushed plan, no matter how good the materials look.
That's why every project starts the same way, with a conversation, not a contract. We call it a Vision Call, and it's the first step of what we now call The Meraki Way... our own process, built from nearly a decade of learning what actually matters to a family before the first shovel ever hits the ground.
Because building intentionally isn't just about the materials we choose, or the craftsmanship we bring. It's about slowing down long enough to ask the right questions first. What does your family actually do outside? What does your land already offer, that we shouldn't fight against? What does "done well" look like, for you, specifically, not for the neighbors, not for resale, for you.
That's the heart Meraki was named for. And it's the same heart we bring to every yard we're lucky enough to work in.
INTRODUCING: THE MERAKI WAY
Over the years, we started noticing a pattern. The families who ended up happiest with their outdoor space weren't necessarily the ones with the biggest budget or the boldest vision. They were the ones who'd thought a little about what they actually wanted before we ever sat down together.
So we built a process around that realization. We call it The Meraki Way, and it's a proven five step framework to design: a Vision Call to start, a Design Consultation where your ideas become a real plan, a finalized Plan that handles permits and HOA approval so you don't have to, the Build itself, managed start to finish, and finally, The Gathering... the moment the whole thing was pointing toward, when your family actually gets to use the space we built together.
It's not complicated. It's just intentional. Same as the name.
Before You Book Your Vision Call…
If you're thinking about reaching out, here are a few questions worth sitting with first. Not because you need perfect answers, just a starting point to get you dreaming?
What do you actually want to use the space? Entertaining? Relaxing? Quality time with family? All the above?
What's your comfort range for investment? Most of our projects fall between $20,000 for a straightforward pergola and $350,000 or more for a fully integrated outdoor living space with a kitchen, covered structure, fire feature, and additional elements. A rough range helps plan more than you’d think. We' also pride ourselves with being able to optimize your budget. Just ask our former clients (we’re always happy to connect you with our community)
Are you building all at once, or in phases? Both are common. We design the full vision either way, so nothing built now has to be undone later.
What does your property give you to work with? A flat lot and a sloped foothills lot call for different approaches, different permitting, sometimes different HOA processes. You don't need the technical answer, just an honest read on your land.
Do you have a sense of style, even a loose one? Warm and rustic. Clean and modern. Something that echoes your home. A starting point saves real time. We highly suggest letting Pinterest be your best friend in this process.
What's your timeline, really? Permitting, HOA approval, and material lead times all affect scheduling, so the earlier you start thinking about it, the more options stay open.
If you’ve considered these questions, you’re in a fantastic place to start the design process, The Meraki Way.
We’re always available to answer questions. This is a collaborative process. Another one of our core values.
We looking forward to connect with you and bringing your visions to life. In the meantime, stay tuned for upcoming shares on the Meraki Design Journal. A place where we share all things design and build — from best decking material of the year, to the behind the scenes musings of owning a business while raising 3 littles.