Author: Jake Aull

Aerial view of boardwalk through a forest, Firefly Trail, Woodstock, GA Photo credit: Ryan Ketterman Photography Modern builders are considering environmental stewardship more and more in their construction processes. As communities grow and outdoor recreation expands, conservation plays a vital role in providing access to nature while also protecting habitats. For builders, that means thoughtfully using methods and materials that allow people to experience the outdoors without disturbing the delicate ecosystem – in that location or anywhere else. Balancing Construction and Conservation Conservation-focused construction means that developers build with restraint. Every boardwalk or gazebo should serve people while preserving the […]

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Accessible dune walkover at Beach Club Plaza, Alys Beach, FL Photo credit: Ryan Ketterman Photography Outdoor spaces are meant for everyone to enjoy. These places allow families to gather and visitors to explore. With the right elements, communities can even connect with nature. Designing an accessible outdoor space ensures that those opportunities are open to all, regardless of age or ability. Through inclusive design and thoughtful material choices, your designer can carefully plan a public area that can be both beautiful and barrier-free.  Designing for Inclusion Accessibility starts with understanding how people move and interact with their surroundings. Several things […]

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Boardwalks at Coney Island and Rockaway Beach in NYC built with Structural Plastic Decking made from recycled milk cartons Today’s construction industry heavily depends on sustainability and innovation. More and more project managers look for ways to minimize environmental impact, and the creative use of materials in construction has become a defining practice. The use of recycled, reclaimed, or other sustainable materials helps conserve resources, reduce waste, and create structures that last for generations.  Turning “Trash” Into Value In order to incorporate recycled materials into projects, we need to think about how we view byproducts. Metals, composites, and reclaimed timber […]

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Timber walkway with sturdy handrails, Robinson Preserve, Bradenton, FL Photo credit: Ryan Ketterman Photography When visitors step onto a bridge or boardwalk, especially an elevated one, comfort and safety are important to shaping the experience. That’s why railing design and flawless construction are vital to the process of building these structures. The structure must be durable and strong, but railings serve as a visual frame. They guide movement, define boundaries, and enhance the appeal of outdoor spaces. Strength You Can Trust Every elevated structure must promise security, Durable railings are essential safety features for bridges, overlooks, and any raised walkway. […]

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Red-hued pavilion on a waterfront, WaterColor, FL Construction of outdoor structures like boardwalks, bridges, pavilions, and observation decks brings to mind several aspects of the build. Some of these are durability, safety, and ecological sensitivity. But another factor plays an important role in how visitors experience these spaces: color. Color can make art out of architecture and even influence emotions, impacting how communities and visitors interact with their environment. When designers understand color psychology in construction, they can design functional, inviting spaces. Light and Dark Tones Light colors create an open, airy feeling. A pale timber boardwalk, for example, reflects […]

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Informational sign on railing on scenic overlook, Debbie Lightsey Nature Park, Tallahassee, FL Photo credit: Ryan Ketterman Photography Nature trails guide us through forests, wetlands, and coastal habitats so we can experience nature. But, that experience can also provide us with an opportunity to learn more about the world. When we incorporate educational signage along a trail, a simple walk is transformed into an interactive experience, helping visitors connect with the environment in meaningful ways. These signs can highlight the plant and animal life surrounding the path while encouraging curiosity. Well-placed educational signage can immerse a visitor into the natural […]

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Multi-level pressure-treated wood decks at Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House in Destin, FL The right decking options can transform a simple space into a functional, beautiful, and long-lasting outdoor living space. A well-designed deck is much more than a simple platform. Instead, it’s an extension of your home or the highlight of your property, a gathering place for friends and family, and a feature that adds charm and value. Your new deck design requires several considerations, such as the size, shape, materials, and the details you’ll include. Many decks are rectangular, but depending on the location, you may consider a […]

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Dramatic sunlight over boardwalk, Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, Woodbridge, VA Photo credit: Lisa Dukeman Nature trails and photography go hand in hand. Every step on a path reveals an opportunity for a new image that captures the landscape, wildlife, and the seasonal beauty of a location. As more people explore outdoor spaces with a camera or phone in hand, thoughtful design can make a nature trail more engaging, accessible, and photo-friendly. Property owners and designers can include photography as part of the user experience, which adds value and encourages repeat visitors. Scenic Overlooks Scenic overlook at WaterColor Community’s Dune Crossover, Santa […]

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Boardwalk in the sun, Robinson Preserve, Bradenton, FL Photo credit: Ryan Ketterman Photography Summer is the perfect time to be outdoors, whether it’s the beach, park, or a scenic trail. But, just as it’s important to prepare your outdoor structures for winter, it’s critical to ensure the summer safety of your residents or visitors. This applies whether you’re designing, maintaining, or actively using the structure. Heat Protection Matters Whether you’re using a dune crossover to get to the beach, walking along a boardwalk with bridges, or lounging under a pavilion, long hours in the heat and sun can lead to […]

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