Grading and Drainage
Standing water and unstable slopes are problems — but they’re also opportunities. With careful grading and intelligent drainage, we transform challenges into strong, usable ground.
Drain. Grade. Protect.
Water will always move – the question is whether it moves with intention. As landscapes mature and new features are introduced, subtle shifts in elevation can redirect runoff, creating standing water, erosion or pressure against foundations.
Through strategic cutting and filling, grading reshapes the land to create stable, level areas that make sloped properties usable for play spaces, pools, structures and parking. Drainage systems – including buried downspouts, swales, French drains and foundation waterproofing – manage how water flows across and away from the property. When properly designed and executed, these systems protect your home, preserve your landscape and establish ground that performs as reliably as it looks.
Drainage and Waterproofing
Drainage solutions are designed to guide water where it belongs – away from foundations, structures and finished surfaces. As properties evolve and elevations shift over time, runoff patterns change. Buried downspouts, swales, French drains and foundation waterproofing systems work together to redirect surface and subsurface water safely and efficiently.
The goal is not just removal, but control. Proper drainage protects basements, preserves hardscaping, creates more usable turf areas and extends the lifespan of everything built above it. When thoughtfully engineered and discreetly installed, these systems remain largely unseen – yet they are among the most important elements of a well-performing landscape.
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Managing flow to solve a problem.
Direct the Water
Grading
Grading is the process of intentionally reshaping the earth to create both function and stability. Through strategic cutting and filling, uneven or sloped terrain can be reconfigured into level areas suitable for play spaces, patios, pools, parking areas or future structures. On more significant slopes, retaining walls are introduced to establish terraces – creating defined planes of ground that feel purposeful rather than forced.
Beyond usability, proper grading establishes the foundation for everything that follows. It ensures structures sit on stable soil, lawn areas drain correctly and outdoor spaces feel comfortable and secure underfoot. When executed thoughtfully, grading is not simply moving dirt – it is shaping the land to perform better and live more fully.
Let’s reshape your property with clarity and control >>
Transforming slopes into stable, usable ground.
Reshape the Land
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pergolas and Pavilions
Choosing a designer for your home can feel overwhelming. It’s important to ask a lot of questions and do your homework. Take your time and when making decisions, and don’t worry about “hurting the designers feelings”. It’s your home and a great designer will always put your thoughts first.
Does a pavilion have to be separate or can it be attached to a building?
A lot of designers are highly trained in classrooms and go on to work primarily in an office. They usually never get a chance to work on-site and get hands on construction knowledge. I started working when I was 12, so I spent my early years working with my hands. Learning the on-site construction methods and best building practices, and then I learned the design process. Because of that – I’m able to see potential design flaws before it ever goes into the construction phase. I’m confident when I design something, because I know what it takes to build it. No last minutes price changes because something was missed in the design phase. With us – it’s just a job done right!
Is it possible to have an open roof like a pergola and close it when it rains?
We are a design and build firm, so we usually only design projects with the goal of building them. We know lots of other designers who may be able to help you, and we are happy to connect you with them.
Can I install a pergola or pavilion on my deck?
This is a good question and that’s up to you. Getting a design from different people gives you the opportunity to see multiple ideas of what your space could be. You can also pick one designer, and have different contractors give you a price to build that design. Our approach is very different from others. We spend a lot of time getting to know you and your space. Our goal is to create something amazing based on your wants, needs and budget.
Can I save money just getting an awning?
This depends on your township and the permitting process. Sometimes a township will require engineered drawings from an architect or engineer for things like stormwater management, large retaining walls or large amounts of earth disturbance. We usually have an idea going into a design if those items could be required and we’ll let you know in advance. Any drawings by an engineer or licensed architect will be an additional cost.