Outdoor design: a surge in restorative spaces – trends and lighting pitfalls

The demand for outdoor spaces that transcend mere aesthetics is exploding. AD PRO’s latest trend report, ‘The Outdoor Design Trend Report 2026,’ dissects this shift, revealing how landscape architects and designers are crafting environments deliberately engineered for psychological well-being – from opulent backyard retreats to meticulously scaled urban oases.

Navigating the client’s evolving needs

Brook Klausing, of Brook Landscape, emphasizes a focus on ‘restorative’ design, blending classic materials with modern sensibilities. Kathryn Herman, from Kathryn Herman Design, echoes this sentiment, drawing inspiration from European landscapes to create spaces that feel both familiar and strikingly new. But don’t be fooled by the polished surface; the reality is a need to adapt to increasingly specific client desires.

Lighting mistakes – orsman’s candid warning

Adding a potent dose of realism, lighting specialist Nathan Orsman – a name whispered with reverence in AD PRO circles – warns against common pitfalls. He’s calling out a fundamental misunderstanding of how to integrate architectural lighting, suggesting many are simply ‘getting it wrong.’ His insights are particularly timely as we move towards more complex, layered outdoor environments.

Meyer davis shapes the luxury landscape

Co-founder Gray Davis of Meyer Davis, responsible for defining the aesthetics of Four Seasons, Auberge, and W Hotels resorts, highlights the crucial balance between contemporary sophistication and a grounding connection to place. It’s a delicate equation – a misconception that can easily diminish the impact of even the most ambitious project. His firm’s approach is about crafting spaces that genuinely feel like home, even when grand.

Beyond the surface: orsman’s craft

Orsman Design’s reputation rests on meticulously tailored lighting schemes – atmospheric, nuanced, and deeply collaborative. They don’t just illuminate; they sculpt the experience of a space, enhancing materiality and mood with a precision that’s becoming increasingly vital in a world saturated with visual noise. The focus is on subtle, impactful enhancement, not simply filling a void.

Register now for the virtual event on June 23rd to gain exclusive access to this critical analysis and the AD PRO archive. Don't miss Orsman’s crucial insights on outdoor lighting – it could save you a significant amount of time and budget.