Our Process to Build Perfect Outdoor Spaces

I frequently get questions about what sets me apart from other providers in the industry. I firmly believe in the philosophy of "trust the process," which has evolved into a refined approach to creating customized outdoor living spaces that I take great pride in perfecting. My commitment to excellence is influenced by the ever-changing market and the continuous advancements in outdoor finishing products. My team stays informed about the latest innovations and technologies within the industry. My focus on the application and maintenance of high-end materials not only ensures ease of operation but also provides low-maintenance solutions for luxurious outdoor spaces. This proactive approach allows me to stay ahead of the competition, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to enhance your outdoor living experience.

While design trends may circulate over time, I strive to assure my customers that they are investing in the most advanced options available on the market. My goal is to create unique outdoor environments tailored to individual preferences, utilizing the finest products. This process begins with actively listening to you and drawing from my extensive knowledge of outdoor living solutions, which allows me to present a wide array of options that harmonize with the existing materials on your property. With my diverse selection of materials, I am able to design exceptional solutions that seamlessly fulfill any outdoor aspiration you may have.

About Us

Our approach prioritizes both our customers and the design process. We are dedicated to guiding you from conception to completion, offering expert support throughout the journey to realize your vision. Each project is approached with a customized strategy, allowing us to become better acquainted with the project's unique characteristics. Our expertise involves the creation of high-end structures, custom pools, landscape design, outdoor kitchens, and living spaces that harmoniously integrate with their natural surroundings.

With over 15 years of experience in custom outdoor construction and landscape design, we recognized the need for a fresh perspective and a more refined approach. We understand that a pool is not merely a hole in the ground filled with water—a common feature in many Northern Virginia homes. Instead, we embrace creativity, meticulously manage the design process, and harness the natural elements of the landscape to craft vibrant spaces.

Our mission extends beyond the mere construction of a pool or patio; we strive to design immersive outdoor experiences that epitomize the essence of refined outdoor living.

We believe that a backyard is not just an outdoor space, but a professionally curated experience. We design and build luxurious hardscapes that incorporate natural elements such as plants, stone, glass, wood, and fire. Each project is unique and designed to create an immersive environment. Our commitment lies in the pursuit of growth, leadership, and innovation, as well as the inspiration to cultivate outdoor living spaces that exude beauty.



We promise to transform ordinary areas into meticulously crafted outdoor living environments that are both functional and visually stunning.

“Pride”

With nearly 16 years of experience in site development design, we utilize the latest 3D AutoCAD software to deliver efficient solutions in the luxury outdoor living sector. Our collaborative approach ensures that we transform your vision and requirements for your outdoor project from concept to reality.

By leveraging advanced design tools, we ensure that our pricing is both accurate and competitive, empowering customers to visualize their projects while allowing for minor modifications and adjustments as needed. We excel in generating precise construction budgets, providing confidence that our proposals not only meet industry standards but are also reflective of the quality craftsmanship delivered by our specialized assembly team.

The Rivas Brothers will enable you to experience a distinctive level of service. The three brothers tackle an array of high-end projects, drawing on over a decade of collaboration and expertise in various composite and natural materials. Our team is well-versed in installing all types of natural stone and porcelain products, and we possess the skills necessary to operate machinery that shapes and transforms unique outdoor spaces.

The majority of our property development is conducted in-house by our experienced team, and we are committed to supporting you throughout the project's duration. The meticulous attention to detail and pride we take in our work is why we are entrusted with some of Northern Virginia's finest real estate, including custom Gunite swimming pools and spas—crafting exceptional outdoor environments is our passion.

Our extensive portfolio reflects the breadth of our capabilities, from elegantly designed, modest pools to complex and sought-after infinity-edge pools and spas. The collaborative nature of our team ensures that you receive nothing less than an award-winning outdoor space when you choose to realize your vision with Outdoors by Neptune.

Furthermore, our office staff, who have been with us since our inception, ensures seamless communication and collaboration between design, purchasing, and project coordination, making the process of bringing your vision to life effortless. We take pride in consistently delivering exceptional results and look forward to helping you transform your inspiration into reality. If not now, tell us when!

“Concept to completion"

Our skilled designers work in tandem with experienced project managers to optimize collaboration among our craftsmen, ensuring that our 3D concepts are brought to life efficiently while adhering to established timelines. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise on job sites; consequently, we maintain a dedicated team member on-site to promptly address any issues that may occur.

With nearly 16 years in construction design, building, and renovation, we specialize in translating construction plans into reality by engaging the right craftsmen to deliver projects within a consistent timeframe. Our extensive experience enables us to successfully complete a wide range of projects, ensuring that we meet your vision for an exceptional outdoor space. As your consultants, we are committed to achieving your objectives in property development.

Our production team is dedicated to delivering quality that will result in your 100% satisfaction with the talents and craftsmanship of our team. We believe in perfection.

“Getting started” 

Our portion of this process starts with meeting with your family to determine the best forms of communication. In today’s ever-changing technological landscape, communication is the first step in how we can begin delivering the services you desire from our firm. Once we establish the best way to communicate and share inspirational possibilities, the fun can begin!

“Discovery”

The fun phase of this process involves your input in the design journey. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us refine details and finishes within the various aspects of the design. We encourage you to explore inspirational platforms such as Pinterest or create an account on Houzz.com.

These resources allow us to gain insights into your vision, taste, and style, enabling us to craft a personalized design for your outdoor space. We have found that understanding your unique style is the key to creating an entertaining environment that distinguishes our vision from others.

By obtaining your feedback during this discovery phase, we can ensure the development of an efficient and luxurious layout for any outdoor features you wish to create. With over a decade of experience in the design-build industry, we are committed to making the process enjoyable and efficient while transforming your custom spaces to meet your family's needs.

Our goal is to establish long-lasting relationships by demonstrating the limitless possibilities available for your outdoor areas. We take great pride in every project, regardless of its size, and are passionate about devising design solutions for challenging spaces and a wide array of custom outdoor features, all integrated into a cohesive master plan.

How to Begin

Determining whether this is a ”one phase” or “two phase” build process

We aim to determine whether your project will be implemented as a single-phase or two-phase build, as this decision often hinges on budget considerations. During our initial discussions, we will focus on identifying the design services you are interested in, ensuring that we account for the development and allocation of these services. This preparation will enable us to have a productive and informative initial meeting for both parties.

The distinction between a "one-phase" and "two-phase" build process will be clarified during the initial meeting, where our experienced designer will guide you through a series of questions. Our goal is to create a complete outdoor living experience that rivals a resort, allowing you to enjoy luxury living year-round while maximizing the unique offerings of all four seasons in the metropolitan area.

The decision on how to proceed will depend on whether the project can be completed in a single construction effort or if it will be divided into phases. We understand that transitioning between project phases can be challenging, as you may find yourself eager to move forward with the next stage once each portion is completed. Our aim is to ensure a seamless and enjoyable process as we work together on your outdoor transformation.

At the initial stages of planning your outdoor space, our goal is to determine whether your project will be a "one-phase" or "two-phase" build. By assessing where your family currently stands in this process, we can guide you toward the starting point of our “process to perfection” formula. The objective is to design your backyard in a way that is both affordable and functional, allowing you to enjoy a completed portion of the project for several years while you plan for the second phase.

We also take into account Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) requirements as part of the overall design. This ensures that the yard will be adequately prepared for a seamless transition into the second phase, making sure the enhancements achieved in Phase I are sustained and complemented accordingly.

Unfortunately, we often encounter projects where previous contractors have only addressed MEP requirements related to the swimming pool. If these systems are not appropriately sized for the second phase, it can lead to issues such as needing to upsize gas lines or run additional power, which can divert significant funds from your next budget. This situation frequently arises when previous contractors fail to discuss the implications of future phases.

Since this is your family's home, we are committed to providing the best options to serve your needs, even if it means encouraging patience to ensure that the process is executed correctly the first time.

One-Phase Build

A "one-phase build" refers to your commitment to designing and developing your property as a cohesive, continuous project until its completion. This approach encompasses all hardscape amenities, ensuring that there is no need to disturb the yard again. We will craft a design that includes all the features you wish to bring to life, relying on Neptune's decades of experience for the proper guidance and expertise.

Our team will develop comprehensive construction budgets for each amenity, along with selection choices throughout the process, ensuring that your outdoor spaces are tailored to your unique taste and style.

In a one-phase build, the construction budget is structured to facilitate continuous progress as you witness production being completed.

With nearly 15 years of experience in property development, we understand that effectively managing cash flow is just as crucial as creating your ideal oasis. We will establish timelines to manage your expectations and coordinate the release of funds in a manner that aligns with project milestones.

The timing and pacing of cash flow can significantly impact project timelines. Therefore, if strict deadlines are a priority, it's essential to release multiple portions of project funding concurrently to minimize downtime and accommodate lead times for materials. These considerations are incorporated into our timeline and cash flow breakdown to ensure our team meets budgetary benchmarks while fulfilling your expectations throughout the build process.

The one-phase build approach consolidates all solutions for your project, ensuring that we complete the endeavor without overlooking any details. Sometimes, as the saying goes, "Your eyes may be bigger than your stomach"—a common challenge when envisioning your ideal backyard or outdoor space.

Two-Phase Build

If a one-phase build doesn’t align with your current financial situation, we offer a "two-phase build" option. This approach allows you to develop your outdoor space over time while working within your budget. Together, we will design a project that encompasses all your desired features, enabling you to tackle portions of the design in manageable phases. This ensures that each area can be completed in its entirety, with the flexibility to continue the project when the timing is right.

At Neptune, we stay informed on all relevant design requirements pertaining to utilities and structural integrity. By leveraging our expertise, we can accommodate both one-phase and two-phase builds, offering you a comprehensive view of the design and development process for your home's outdoor space. This strategy allows for timeless designs that not only function well within the current framework but also consider future developments for your second phase.

Whether your property is newly built or already developed, we can assist in transforming your outdoor spaces into a personal retreat. This comprehensive process begins and ends with a good designer who truly listens to your desires and understands the intended purpose of each space. As you navigate the selection process for your outdoor project, we at Neptune invite you to dream big, knowing that we have the right questions to guide you through every aspect of design.

With our extensive experience in delivering award-winning designs, creating exceptional outdoor spaces has become second nature.

Ready to Build Your Outdoor Space?

Imagining an outdoor space filled with various amenities but need assistance refining your vision? Whether it's that swimming pool your kids have been dreaming of, an outdoor workshop, an inviting BBQ area for parties, a sheltered spot for watching games on rainy evenings, or even a detached garage with a nanny suite for your growing family, we’re here to help.

Approaching your project is much like peeling an onion, where we will methodically uncover each layer, delving into details for every aspect of the process. The surface layers represent the different amenities and spaces you wish to create. As we peel back these layers, we will explore the finishes, design intricacies, and functional considerations for each component.

This includes structural and architectural elements, as well as the practicality of layout, sun paths for your yard, drainage from your home and surrounding areas, access points during construction, and considerations for finished access.

There are numerous layers involved in the production and design of each amenity we offer. Our extensive portfolio and testimonials from satisfied customers serve as the foundation for our expertise in delivering quality outdoor spaces. When it’s time to conceptualize your dream outdoor environment, we know precisely which questions to ask and how to facilitate the exchange of ideas to ensure that our concepts reflect your desires.

During our initial interactions, we take both mental and physical notes on these categories, ensuring that we take as much pride in our work as you do in creating well-crafted and functional environments tailored to your family's lifestyle.

Our commitment to providing solutions for all design elements ensures that, regardless of the stage of your project, the outcome will be your dream backyard. Our estimators are adept at identifying what it will take to advance your property, even picking up where a previous contractor may have left off.

While starting from scratch is sometimes the best route, our seasoned estimators can often save both time and money by evaluating existing conditions and leveraging what’s already in place to help you achieve the outdoor environment your predecessor may not have finished. Our mission is to transform your house into a place you can truly call home.

Each creation by Outdoors by Neptune is tailored based on the design insights gained throughout our interview process. Once we obtain your inspiration, we develop a comprehensive vision that brings together a team of skilled craftsmen who excel in their respective fields, ensuring that each category of amenities is executed to perfection, all rooted in our initial conversation about your dream space.

When we ask you to complete some preliminary research, understand that it is our goal to meet and exceed your expectations as we propose your outdoor living space. Our extensive experience encompasses a broad spectrum of outdoor designs that not only fulfill your wish list of amenities but also reflect your aesthetic preferences, material choices, and color schemes. Through trial and error, we have refined the formula for creating special spaces in your dream home.

Once we establish which areas to develop, we will discuss general budgets with you, ensuring the right materials and appropriate sizing for each segment, while determining whether your project will be a "one-phase build" or a "two-phase build." We are dedicated to fulfilling your vision for your outdoor amenities, and by adhering to our comprehensive A-Z process, we will guide you in transforming your dream into reality.