Even if you’re starting from scratch, an outdoor space doesn’t have to involve a complicated or difficult design process.
Working with a professional design team, like the experts at Waterloo Design Build, is the smartest way to pull off a successful project. Additionally, having an understanding of how you can use outdoor spaces to meet the unique needs of your business will be incredibly helpful. For example, if you operate a small retail shop, a water feature might not be your top priority – on the other hand, a sleek and stylish water fountain could be the perfect finishing touch in an outdoor courtyard for a large office complex.
When you partner with the Waterloo team for Austin landscaping and commercial outdoor design, you’ll gain a knowledgeable guide that will help you navigate the process. But to help you get started, here are just a few commercial outdoor space ideas to inspire you:
Build an oversized patio to make the most of the existing green space.
If you already have landscaping in place, adding a patio is the perfect way to encourage employees and clients to enjoy your outdoor areas.
A commercial outdoor patio can be used as an alternative to the traditional indoor conference room, as a dining area for employee meal breaks, or even a quick meeting spot for one-on-one collaborations. For some businesses, the right patio area can even function as a space for events.
Maximize the functionality of the patio space by incorporating features such as outdoor electricity so that people are able to plug-in mobile devices such as cell phones, tablets, and laptops. A covered patio is ideal because it can be used in all types of weather. Depending on what landscaping you already have – if any – you might also consider constructing planters along the border of the patio, to add some color and visual interest.
Incorporate a water feature to enhance the look and feel of an outdoor space.
Nearly every outdoor space can benefit from the addition of water, especially when you consider the uniquely serene ambiance a water feature can create. On a commercial property, where activity and stress levels can run high, a beautiful water feature can contribute to both the look and feel of a space.
Picture this: a contemporary-style water garden centered in a quiet courtyard in your corporate campus, complete with a peaceful waterfall and eye-catching river rocks. It would be a delightful focal point for your business, while the gentle sound of rushing water would set a tranquil tone. Before long, the outdoor space would become a gathering spot for employees and clients, as well as a destination for anyone that needs just a few moments to “get away” from a busy day.
Set up small outdoor living spaces and seating areas throughout your property.
Not every outdoor space has to be large or feature an array of design elements. In fact, some of the most useful commercial outdoor areas are the quiet corners and small, peaceful seating areas. As valuable as it is to have outdoor living areas where large groups can gather, it’s equally important to set aside spots that have a smaller footprint. This adds to the versatility of your commercial outdoor spaces while also making your property particularly unique.
For example, a decorative privacy screen can be used to designate a modest patio space, where two to three chairs and a petite table are contained. Or, a narrow pergola can be built to make use of an awkwardly-shaped side yard, then staged for small group meet-ups with a comfortable outdoor sectional.