For Bob Berriz of Berriz Design Build in Fairfax, Virginia, the key to success in Northern Virginia for more than 30 years has been meeting customer expectations.
Whether inside or out.
Berriz Design Build specializes in both indoor and outdoor design-driven renovation projects in Northern Virginia. Inside, the firm handles full-service remodeling, additions, basements, kitchens, bathrooms and entire high-end custom homes.
Its exterior division specializes in upscale hardscape, landscape, swimming pools and cabanas. The projects have included outdoor kitchens with pizza ovens and televisions, basketball courts, full bathrooms and boat houses.
“I love transforming backyards into luxurious retreats that clients enjoy for decades,” he says
He says the biggest challenge can be dealing with how complicated some projects can become.
“Permitting and engineering on complex sites can be challenging, but happy clients make it worthwhile,” Berriz says.
He says he is seeing an increase in interior designers deciding to add outdoor design to their offerings, but he cautions that they need to plan to be prepared for the differences.
“Interior designers do seem interested in outdoor design, but it requires expertise in landscape architecture, hardscaping and products,” Berriz says.
He says that in a designer-manufacturer relationship, the biggest priority for designers is high-quality and durable products, along with manufacturers’ support.
“Outdoor manufacturers provide excellent support and high-quality products for designers,” Berriz says. “Manufacturers could simplify the selection process and offer more educational resources.”
Along those lines, designers can take it on themselves to find their own educational resources.
“Designers can learn more about outdoor products through showrooms, trade shows and websites,” he says.
Any advice?
Find ways to take your service to your potential customers.
Recently, Berriz Design Build gained substantial revenue growth by donating design services to a local community festival. Website traffic increased 23%, and revenue went up enough to provide employee bonuses.
“Reach out to community groups and vendors for unique ways to contribute,” says Berriz. “Show people your offerings so they become future customers.”
And if you’re just starting out, start small and build up.
“My advice for new exterior designers: Start with residential hardscaping and planting, then progress to more complex work as you gain experience,” says Berriz. “Constant learning is essential to keep up with products, materials and regulations.”
