Our Process:
THE MERAKI METHOD.
our proven, design focused process for creating exceptional outdoor living spaces.
STEP ONE
The Project Vision Call
The first step in The Meraki Method
You’ve been daydreaming about your outdoor living space for a while now. And we get it. You live in Colorado, where more than 300 days of sunshine invite you to spend more time outside, gathering with the people you love and making the most of the place you call home.
Turning that daydream into reality begins with a little vision.
Cue your Project Vision Call.
At Meraki Outdoor Living, we believe the most extraordinary outdoor spaces begin with thoughtful conversations. That’s why our complimentary Project Vision Call is an essential first step in The Meraki Method, our proven framework designed to create a collaborative, transparent, and clearly communicated experience between you and our design team.
This isn't just a quick introductory phone call. It's where the possibilities begin to take shape.
Why We Begin With a Vision Call
With over a decade of experience in the outdoor living industry, Meraki's founder, Matt, has personally guided thousands of Project Vision Calls, receiving glowing feedback from homeowners who walk away with greater clarity, fresh inspiration, and a deeper understanding of what's possible for their property.
During your call, we'll take the time to understand not just what you want to build, but how you want to live.
We'll explore your vision, your home's architecture and existing layout, your inspiration photographs, any measurements you've provided, and your anticipated investment.
Drawing on our design and construction expertise, we'll begin conceptualizing the possibilities for your space, identifying potential opportunities and considerations, and developing a preliminary scope of work with a rough ballpark investment estimate.
Think of this call as the bridge between what you've been imagining and what's actually possible.
It's also what allows us to make your eventual in-person consultation so much more valuable.
Rather than arriving at your home with a blank slate, our team arrives with an understanding of your goals, your property's unique characteristics, your design preferences, and your anticipated investment. We can spend less time gathering the basics and more time exploring thoughtful solutions tailored specifically to you.
That's why we don't skip this step. It's foundational to the collaborative design experience we've intentionally built at Meraki.
What Happens After Your Project Vision Call?
Following your call, you'll receive a personalized recap email outlining your anticipated project scope, preliminary investment considerations, and the next steps in bringing your vision to life.
You'll also receive an invitation to schedule your in-person consultation, where we'll build upon the foundation we've established together and explore your property and design possibilities in greater detail.
Our hope is simple: that you leave your Project Vision Call feeling inspired, informed, and genuinely excited about what's ahead.
Because creating an outdoor space that feels like an extension of your home starts with understanding what home means to you.
Your vision deserves a thoughtful beginning.
STEP TWO
The In-Person Vision Consulation
This is more than your typical sales consultation. At Meraki Outdoor Living, we believe exceptional outdoor spaces begin with a big vision, custom design, genuine collaboration, and a personalized experience.
Our white-glove design process is intentionally different. We limit the number of consultations we schedule each week, allowing us to give every client and every project the time, creativity, and attention it deserves.
During your in-person Vision Consultation, our design expert will work closely with you to explore the possibilities for your outdoor living space. Together, we'll consider your vision, investment, lifestyle, and the architectural character of your home to develop a design that feels both beautiful and functional.
We never want your new outdoor space to feel like an afterthought. Instead, we thoughtfully integrate every element so the finished design feels like a natural extension of your home's existing architecture. In fact, some of our favorite feedback comes from clients who tell us their friends, family, and neighbors can't even tell where the original home ends and their new outdoor living space begins.
Following your $250 in-person Vision Consultation, you'll receive a detailed project estimate outlining the investment required to bring your vision to life.
Design Focused, Legacy Builds
Next, you’ll have the opportunity to take the next steps in bringing your outdoor living vision to life through our custom 3D design experience.
Our detailed, photorealistic renderings allow you to see your future outdoor space before construction begins, while our immersive virtual reality walkthroughs invite you to step inside your vision and explore every detail as though you’re already there.
This personalized design experience is offered as a separate investment, tailored to the size and complexity of your project. Design pricing and options will be discussed during your initial Vision Call or in-person Vision Consultation, allowing you to choose the next step that best aligns with your goals.
STEP THREE
You Commit to the Dream
Your home is more than a place to live. It’s where memories are made, connections deepen, and life’s most meaningful moments unfold. At Meraki Outdoor Living, we believe investing in your outdoor space is an investment in the way you live.
Whether you envision an expansive custom deck, a beautifully crafted patio, or a complete outdoor living retreat, our team specializes in bringing thoughtfully designed, multi-element outdoor spaces to life throughout the Denver metro area, Colorado foothills and beyond.
Once you’ve explored and approved your custom 3D outdoor living design, we’ll guide you through the next steps of bringing your vision to life. After signing your construction agreement and securing your project with an initial payment, your place on our build schedule is reserved.
From there, our team will coordinate the details of your project, including engineering, HOA approvals when applicable, and required building permits. Every element is thoughtfully planned to ensure your new outdoor living space feels like a natural extension of your home.
With your vision finalized and the details in place, it’s time to prepare for the most exciting part: bringing your dream outdoor space to life.
STEP FOUR
BUILDING THE DREAM
You’ll receive an introduction from our project manager, your point of contact throughout your project’s build time! We pride ourselves on the relationship created between homeowner and project managers and we’re excited for you to feel their dedication to your dream space!
Two weeks before building begins, you’ll schedule a pre-construction job walk to confirm the scope of work and discuss any remaining questions. After that, the real magic begins and your project officially gets scheduled for a start date!
Transparency is key in all thriving relationships. Expect exceptional communication throughout your project from the whole Meraki Outdoor Living Team.
Throughout your project, you’ll have access to our expert project manager who boasts decades of experience in the industry. He’ll send routine updates throughout the duration of your project timeline. On top of that, you might as well call our crew Mr.Clean. We make sure to tidy up your project at the end of each day.
Last but certainly not least, because we believe deeply in the power of clear communication, should you ever have feedback to offer the crew, we are always open and ready to receive ways we can improve your experience.
STEP FIVE
The GATHERING
Your vision is now a reality. Welcome to a whole new way of living outdoors.
The first morning coffee as the sun rises over the foothills. Long summer evenings gathered around the fire. Dinner parties that linger well past sunset. Quiet moments of solitude, and celebrations that bring everyone you love together again and again.
This is what it’s all been for, the idea that first started on a Pinterest Board.
Your new outdoor living space is more than a beautifully crafted deck, patio, or outdoor retreat. It’s a natural extension of your home, thoughtfully designed to invite you outside, deepen connection, and make room for the moments that matter most.
At Meraki Outdoor Living, we believe the most extraordinary outdoor spaces do more than enhance the beauty and value of your home. They enrich the way you live in it. From expansive custom decks and elegant patios to fully integrated outdoor living environments, every detail has been considered with your lifestyle in mind.
Because the true beauty of a space isn’t simply how it looks. It’s the life that unfolds with the people that matter most.
And while our work here may be complete, your story is just beginning. We can’t wait to see the memories you’ll make, the traditions you’ll create, and the countless ways your new outdoor space becomes a place to gather for years to come.
Welcome to the gathering.