Editorial for Keechi Creek Builders published in Houston Builder magazine. Written by Larissa Michael of Volume Control, an advertising and marketing firm.

1. The Official Magazine of the Greater Houston Builders Association • www.ghba.org
JUNE 2011
HOUSTON
Builder
New Home &
Remodeling Show
June 11-12 at Reliant Center
Summer Living
Bringing the Inside Out!
Also in this issue:
'Green 101'
OSHA's Fall Protection
Standards in Effect June 16
Govt OR Calling all Leaders!
Can you serve on the board?

2. PHOTOS BY KEECHI CREEK BUILDERS
FEATURE STORY like benches or seating walls. vegetable gardens. Other popular
sustainability features include POPuLARity PERCENtAGE RAtiNG:
While the most popular outdoor features permeable paving, reduced lawn and
reflect an enduring sensibility, the interest rainwater harvesting. Outdoor Living Features
in modern technology, like stereo systems, Lighting – 96.2%
Internet access, and televisions, add to the Th e N at i o n a l As s o c i at i o n o f t h e Fire pits/fireplace – 94.2%
growing trend of taking what clients enjoy Remodeling Industry (NARI) has named Seating/dining areas – 94.1%
Grills – 93.8%
inside, to the outdoors. their its top remodeling trends for
Installed seating (benches, seat walls, ledges,
2011, and it comes as no surprise that steps, boulders) – 89.5%
When it comes to landscape elements, outdoor living spaces are in the top five. Utility storage – 61.3%
efficiency and sustainability still reign Homeowners are looking for more ways Stereo systems – 58.3%
supreme. The most popular for 2011 to enjoy their backyards, and, at nearly Sinks – 54.7%
include low maintenance landscape, every level are still very much interested Refrigerators – 50.2%
native plants, water-efficient irrigation, in creating livable outdoor spaces that Wireless/Internet connectivity – 46.3%
ornamental water features and food/ function like indoor rooms. Televisions/projection screens – 45.4%
About the Authors: Outdoor Recreation Amenities
Decorative water elements (ornamental pools,
Brandon Lynch is the Larissa Michael is a splash pools, waterfalls, grottos, water runnels
founder and president graduate of the University or bubblers) – 84.7%
of Keechi Creek Builders. of Texas with a degree Spa (hot tub, Jacuzzi, whirlpool, sauna) – 75.9%
He is a Certified Green in Communication Swimming Pools – 69.4%
Trends in Outdoor Living
Professional, a Certified and has been working Sports/recreational spaces (tennis courts, bocce
Aging-In-Place Specialist, in the building and ball, etc.) – 47.7%
and is working towards design industry for
the Certified Graduate nearly 15 years. She Landscape/Garden Elements
Builder designation. He is recently started a new Low maintenance landscapes – 94.2%
also an EPA-Certified Lead Renovator. Brandon business, Volume Control, and now handles Native plants – 87.2%
T
is actively involved with the GHBA Remodelors the advertising, marketing, and public relations Fountains/water features – 81.0%
here is nothing sweeter to how it will function for your client. This When interviewing your client, be sure to Council and the Custom Builders Council. He for several companies within the industry. As Food/vegetable gardens (including orchards/
a homeowner than the first will determine the products and structural gather as much information as you can. is currently serving on the RMC board as the a member of the GHBA Remodelors Council, vineyards etc.) – 80.3%
breeze of spring, carrying components that are best suited for the Ask detailed questions, walk the backyard Education Committee Chair. He is active in Larissa earned her Certified Graduate Associate Organic gardens – 65.5%
project. For example, a stained concrete and take stock of what is possible and community outreach and charitable events, designation, served as the 2010 Membership Ponds/streams – 62.5%
with it the promise of fun thus he served as one of the coordinating Chair, and currently serves as special committees
floor would not be a good choice for a what the limitations might be. Are
times spent outside in remodelers for the 2010 RMC Charity project. – Marketing Coordinator. As well, Larissa Sustainable Design Elements
pool surround; however, it may work well the requests and desires of the client
the pool, grilling a great meal, or as the patio floor. “doable”? Can you make suggestions that
As well, Brandon was awarded the first Certified received the 2010 Texas Association of Builders Native/adapted drought-tolerant plants – 88.8%
entertaining friends. Nature. As a Green Built Gulf Coast Bronze Level Home Star Award and the 2010 GHBA Houston’s Best Drip/water-efficient irrigation – 83.1%
would enhance the vision of your client? Remodel in 2010. Award for Best Print Ad – Remodeler.
result, there is nothing sweeter to a Furthermore, think about the environment Permeable paving – 77.0%
Look for opportunities to improve upon
remodeler than to hear the phone and how it will impact the outdoor living Reduced lawn – 72.6%
the project by encompassing new trends, Recycled materials – 64.5%
ring and a client ask you him to design space. Influences such as sun exposure, technology, or products. Rainwater harvesting – 63.6%
an outdoor living space for them. temperature, year round usability, and
Compost bins – 49.4%
Houston is a city that lends itself well landscape limitations will also affect the Design Trends Solar-powered lights – 48.8%
design of a space. For instance, a west
to outdoor living and entertaining. For Despite the economic climate, as
facing backyard would benefit from some Structures
most of the year, residents are able to homeowners, we continue to reconnect
type of cooling system in the evening Fencing (includes gates) – 85.1%
enjoy the natural surroundings right with our outdoor spaces. According to
during the hot Houston summers. It could Arbors – 83.8%
outside their door. the 2011 American Society of Landscape
be a ceiling fan, a wall mount fan or a patio Pergolas – 82.6%
Architects (ASLA) Residential Trends
misting system. Alternatively, during the Steps – 79.3%
Survey, most homeowners want function, Ornamental water features (fountains, splash
The more thoughtful we are about cooler months, a fireplace or a fire pit is an
efficiency and fire pits in their outdoor pools) – 77.5%
developing an outdoor living space, the option that would be both functional and
living spaces. Decks – 74.4%
more we can tailor it to suit the specific add to the ambiance of an outdoor room.
Porches – 72.3%
needs and desires of our clients. As For 2011, the top outdoor living features
the demand for outdoor living spaces Design Options are some of the most basic: light, fire,
Art (sculpture etc.) – 60.7%
Utility, tool or garden shed – 59.3%
increases, so does the number of available When designing an outdoor living space food and a place to sit and enjoy it Play structures (tree house, swing set, etc.) –
amenities. Staying informed about the it is important to remember that there all. Overall, exterior lighting is very 58.9%
latest design trends and innovative are many design options. From the popular for this year, followed by fire Pavilions – 52.9%
products is a good idea. simple to the extreme, with your help, a pits/fireplaces, and seating/dining areas Awnings, including retractable – 49.6%
homeowner can transform an uninspired which, not surprisingly, have remained Gazebos – 49.6%
Columns – 40.9%
Design Considerations outdoor space into a family’s favorite near the top of the list. Grills are all the
ADA-accessible structures (ramps, bars,
hangout—all it takes is imagination and rage, but what type depends on the accessible shelving etc.) – 23.5%
When designing an outdoor living space,
knowledge of what is available. budget. Rounding out the top five is the
the most important thing to consider is
unexpected addition of installed seating
12 June 2011 | Houston Builder | Greater Houston Builders association – BuildinG a Better Future Greater Houston Builders association – BuildinG a Better Future | Houston Builder | June 2011 13