Services — Design
Backyard Architect
Long Island
Complete backyard design and build — from master plan and 3D renderings to pool installation, landscape architecture, masonry, and outdoor living structures. One team, one vision, one result. Serving Hauppauge, Babylon, Nassau County, and Suffolk County.
Our Approach
Design and Build Under One Roof
Most homeowners on Long Island hire a landscape architect for design and a separate contractor for construction. The result is almost always a gap between what was designed and what gets built — as contractors substitute materials, simplify details, and make field decisions the designer never intended.
Cardi Design & Build is different. Our Lead Landscape Architect designs your backyard and our in-house construction team builds it. The person who drew the plan is the same person overseeing the installation. Design intent is preserved from the first sketch to the final walkthrough.
Our Story
What We Design & Build
Complete Backyard Architecture
Backyard Master Planning
A complete backyard master plan brings every element together — pool, landscape, hardscape, lighting, drainage, and outdoor structures — into a single cohesive design. Our Lead Landscape Architect produces detailed 3D renderings so you can see the finished result before a single shovel breaks ground.
Pool & Water Feature Design
Custom inground pools, spas, waterfalls, and water features designed as part of the overall backyard architecture. We engineer the pool's shape, orientation, and finish to complement your home's architecture and the natural character of your property.
Outdoor Living Architecture
Pergolas, pool houses, outdoor kitchens, covered dining structures, and entertainment pavilions — designed and built by our in-house construction team. Every structure is engineered to Long Island's building codes and designed to match your home's architectural language.
Landscape Architecture
Plant selection, placement, and design that creates privacy, frames views, and gives your property a sense of depth and maturity. Our landscape architect designs for Long Island's specific climate, soil conditions, and the long-term growth patterns of each species.
Hardscape & Masonry Design
Bluestone terraces, travertine pool decks, natural stone walls, custom fire pits, and paver driveways — all designed as part of the overall backyard architecture, not as afterthoughts. Material selection, pattern, and scale are all considered in relation to the full design.
Lighting & Drainage
Landscape lighting and drainage are the two elements most often overlooked and most often regretted. We design both into every project from the start — so your backyard looks extraordinary after dark and handles Long Island's heavy rainfall without flooding or erosion.
How It Works
The Design & Build Process
Consultation
We visit your property, understand your vision, lifestyle, and budget. No pressure — just a conversation about what's possible.
Master Plan
Our Lead Landscape Architect produces a full backyard master plan with 3D renderings. You see the finished result before construction begins.
Permits & Approvals
We handle all permit applications with your local municipality — Nassau or Suffolk County. We know the codes and the process.
Build & Install
Our in-house team executes the plan with precision. The same architect who designed it oversees the installation from start to finish.
Where We Work
Backyard Design Across Long Island
We design and build backyards throughout Long Island — from Hauppauge and Babylon in Suffolk County to Brookville and Garden City in Nassau County. Our team is familiar with the permit requirements, soil conditions, and architectural character of communities across the Island.
FAQ
Backyard Architect Questions
What does a backyard architect do?
A backyard architect — or landscape architect — designs the complete outdoor environment of a property: the layout, grading, drainage, planting, hardscape, structures, and lighting. At Cardi Design & Build, our Lead Landscape Architect designs the full backyard master plan and our in-house construction team builds it — so design intent is never lost in translation between designer and contractor.
How much does a backyard architect cost on Long Island?
Design fees for a full backyard master plan typically range from $2,500–$8,000 depending on project complexity and property size. For clients who proceed with construction, design fees are often applied toward the project total. Complete backyard transformations on Long Island range from $75,000 for a focused project to $500,000+ for full estate-scale work.
Do I need a backyard architect or just a landscaper?
If your project involves a pool, significant grading changes, drainage work, or structures like pergolas and pool houses, you need a design professional — not just a landscaper. A landscape architect produces engineered drawings that are required for permits and ensure the project is built correctly. Cardi Design & Build provides both the architectural design and the construction.
How long does backyard design take before construction starts?
A full backyard master plan typically takes 3–6 weeks to develop, including site survey, concept design, client review, and final drawings. Permit applications add 4–12 weeks depending on the municipality. We recommend starting the design process in fall or winter so you're ready to break ground in spring.
Do you serve Hauppauge and Babylon for backyard design?
Yes — Hauppauge and Babylon are two of our most active service areas. We have completed numerous backyard design and build projects in both communities, and our team is familiar with the local building departments, permit requirements, and site conditions specific to each area.
Start With a Conversation
Tell us what you're imagining. We'll tell you what's possible. Free consultation, no obligation.