Our Process & Consultations
At Rowhouse Growhouse, the design process starts by understanding how you want to use your space and how it might become part of your daily life. Some clients imagine a quiet rooftop retreat filled with greenery. Others want a welcoming terrace for entertaining friends, or a patio garden that brings nature a little closer to home.
Our outdoor design consultation in Philadelphia gives us the opportunity to explore those ideas together while understanding the specific conditions of your space. Whether you're planning a rooftop garden consultation in Philadelphia, a patio design consultation, or exploring ideas for terrace garden planning, the first step is simply talking through the possibilities.
Every outdoor space begins with a conversation.
"[Kristin] thoughtfully rearranged the furniture and plants I already loved to improve flow, added new lighting that makes the space magical at night, installed overhead fans to keep mosquitoes at bay, and devised an irrigation system for the stoop plants. She even conducted a sun study and handpicked plants that have since thrived in my shady space.
— Sarah R.
Our Procedure
very outdoor space comes with its own set of conditions — sunlight, exposure, structure, and how you want to live in it day to day. Our process is designed to begin with a clear understanding of those elements, so that every decision moving forward feels grounded in the space itself.
At Rowhouse Growhouse, outdoor living design is approached as both a creative and practical process. Whether you’re working with a rooftop, patio, or terrace in Philadelphia, the goal is to create something that feels natural to your home while remaining functional for city living.
Complimentary
Phone Chat
We begin with a complimentary 15-minute consultation to better understand your space, your goals, and what you’re hoping to create. This step is optional, but recommended.
This initial urban garden design consultation is a relaxed conversation — a chance to talk through your ideas, ask questions, and start identifying what’s possible within your environment. We’ll also walk through general expectations around timeline, scope, and investment so everything feels clear from the beginning.
For many clients, this step helps bring direction to a space that hasn’t fully come together yet. It allows us to determine whether we’re the right fit and how best to move forward.
One Hour Site Visit $175
The next step is scheduling a one-hour site visit so we can experience the space in person.
During this visit, we evaluate sunlight patterns, measure the layout, and take a closer look at how the space is used throughout the seasons. Urban rooftops, patios, and terraces each come with their own considerations — wind exposure, drainage, structural limitations, and sun patterns all play a role in how the design should be approached.
This stage is essential for thoughtful roof deck design planning and terrace garden planning, ensuring that what we design is not only visually cohesive but built to perform well over time.
If we decide to move forward together, a design deposit allows us to begin developing your outdoor living design plan.
Installation & Enjoyment
Once the design has been finalized, our team brings the plan to life.
Rowhouse Growhouse manages the installation process from start to finish, coordinating everything needed to transform your rooftop, patio, or terrace into a complete outdoor environment. This may include container garden design, architectural planters, seating areas, shade structures, and the finishing details that make the space feel cohesive.
Each element is placed with intention, with long-term performance and day-to-day use in mind. By the time installation is complete, the space feels settled — comfortable, grounded, and ready to be enjoyed.
Creating a Sense of Sanctuary at Home
It can be hard to imagine a lush, inviting outdoor space in the middle of the city, especially when you’re starting with something that feels small, exposed, or underwhelming. With a thoughtful approach to layout, container gardens, and plant selection, those spaces can begin to shift in a way that feels gradual and natural, becoming more settled, more usable, and more connected to how you actually live.
At Rowhouse Growhouse, the work is in guiding that process alongside you — paying attention to what’s already there and helping shape it into something you can return to over time. A place that feels grounding, a little quieter, and more in rhythm with the natural world. Something you can grow with, find inspiration in, and watch evolve season after season, bringing comfort, color, and a connection to the earth just outside your door.