Concepts

Mountain snake

The Shell & the Wave

Lotus Oasis

Mountain snake concept

Site layout plan showing existing structure, existing mountain, existing deck, water fall, fire pit, BBQ area, and seating area with landscape features.

Hand-drawn illustration of a pink and blue snake slithering among brown rocks.

Design Concept

A design inspired by the fluid motion of a snake winding through rugged mountain terrain, symbolizing strength, adaptability, and natural harmony.

Description

The design was inspired by the natural beauty of the existing mountain and the unexpected discovery of a small snake on site. This sparked the idea of a snake weaving in and out of the mountain, with each curve of its body creating a unique functional space. At the tail, there's a seating area; in the middle, a waterfall; and near the head, a fire pit and BBQ. The snake's body is represented by a continuous stone wall that begins at the BBQ and flows seamlessly to the seating area, tying all the spaces together into one cohesive design.

Process

Outdoor fire pit with gray stone surround, set in a paved patio area, with a curved stone bench and large rocks in the background, surrounded by trees.

A person working on a small water feature or waterfall built into a rock hillside in a backyard.

Person wearing a hat and a maroon shirt working on the rocks and bushes in a garden or outdoor area with trees in the background.

Final

A small outdoor waterfall cascading over a rocky cliff into a stone-lined pool surrounded by trees and greenery.

Outdoor kitchen with stainless steel grill, small fridge, and storage cabinets built into a stone countertop, with a landscaped backdrop including a water feature and trees.

Stone pathway and garden with a small waterfall feature surrounded by trees and landscape lighting.

The Shell & the Wave

Sketches and technical drawings of a fire pit, including top view, side view, sectional view, and a detailed 3D perspective, with measurements and design notes.

Sketch of a stone bowl with a flat rim, labeled as a "full stone veneer," and surrounded by hand-written notes indicating "blue stone coping." The drawing shows a detailed, textured stone pattern on the bowl's exterior.

Design Concept

A concept that captures the balance between stability and movement, where the shell represents protection and structure, and the wave embodies flow, energy, and constant renewal.

Description

This fire feature was inspired by the form and symbolism of a turtle shell an ancient expression of protection, balance, and longevity. The circular fire pit acts as the core of the design, wrapped in stone like a protective carapace. Bluestone coping defines the rim with clarity and precision, while the body is constructed of full stone veneer to emphasize weight, texture, and permanence. Set into the top are five distinct stones, subtly representing the turtle’s four legs and tail, grounding the form in both structure and meaning.

Behind the fire pit, the angled stone wall is shaped to function metaphorically as a wave. Though solid and immovable, its geometry suggests motion and energy, creating a dialogue between stillness and flow. Together, the fire pit and wall form a space that feels sheltered yet dynamic a gathering place where symbolism, craftsmanship, and natural elements converge into a quiet, enduring presence.

Process

Construction worker installing a brick-based fire pit on a concrete patio outside, with tools and building materials nearby and a stone wall in the background.

A construction worker working on a circular brick and concrete fire pit in an outdoor patio area, with tools and construction materials around him, surrounded by a stone wall and cloudy sky.

Construction site with a partially built stone wall, construction materials, and workers, with a view of houses and trees in the background and a cloudy sky.

Final

Outdoor patio with a circular fire pit in the center surrounded by six wooden and wicker chairs, enclosed by a stone wall and black metal railing, with a cloudy sky and trees in the background.

Outdoor patio with six wooden chairs arranged around a circular fire pit, a stone wall with windows on the left, a blue fence on top of the wall, and a garden with green shrubs along the wall.

A circular stone fire pit with burning logs on a patio, surrounded by a stone wall, with overcast sky overhead.

Lotus oasis

A hand-drawn sketch of a multi-level stone structure with a person standing inside the top circular chamber, connected by stairs and water features.

Architectural landscape plan with labeled areas including upper and lower patios, upper and lower vegetations, lookout patio, waterfall, yoga/coffee section, Buddha statue, and sand bar.

Design Concept

A serene concept symbolizing purity and tranquility, where the lotus blooms as a sign of growth and renewal amid a calm, refreshing oasis.

Description

This concept was envisioned as a continuous journey of tranquility, guided by water, stone, and movement. Inspired by the lotus a symbol of renewal and balance the design unfolds through a sequence of intentional landings, each offering a distinct moment of calm. From the upper patio and meditative focal point to a yoga terrace oriented toward the lake, the geometry and materials are designed to encourage stillness, reflection, and flow.

Water anchors the experience throughout the descent. A lotus-petal-inspired waterfall transitions into cascading stone formations that echo the surrounding landscape, accompanying the path toward an outdoor shower, main gathering patio, and shoreline edge. A second waterfall aligns precisely with the upper system, creating the illusion of a single continuous cascade when viewed from the lake, unifying the entire landscape into one cohesive, immersive experience.