EP 444 | Why Interior Designers Should Add Landscape Design to Their Scope with Steve Griggs
Outdoor spaces aren’t separate from interior design—they’re a powerful extension of it. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with landscape architect Steve Griggs, who has spent more than 40 years transforming backyards into beautiful, functional sanctuaries. Steve makes a compelling case for why interior designers should integrate landscape design into their scope of work (SOW) and partner with landscape professionals from the very beginning of a project.
By collaborating early with builders and landscape architects, designers can ensure cohesive, elevated results that clients are willing—and eager—to invest in. Steve shares practical insights on budgeting, hardscape planning, and how outdoor spaces can become a profitable addition to your services. If you’ve ever wondered how to expand your offerings or increase project value, this conversation will show you exactly why landscape belongs in the conversation.
In this episode you will learn:
- Why early collaboration between designers, builders, and landscape architects leads to stronger results
- How outdoor spaces function as a natural extension of interior design
- Why you should charge confidently for your expertise—clients will pay for value
- How to approach a blank outdoor canvas starting with hardscape
- When it’s better to delay a project than move forward with an insufficient budget
DESIGN INTERVENTION
Charge for your clarity — not just your creativity. The more confident you are in guiding clients, the more valuable your work becomes.
About Steve Griggs
Steve helps high-powered families turn their backyards into sanctuaries—without the headaches. He’s not your average landscape designer. For over 40 years, he’s led luxury outdoor transformations for celebrities, hedge fund execs, and elite homeowners across New York and the Northeast. Steve brings bold vision, white-glove precision, and a no-fluff New Yorker’s edge to every build.
From mountaintop pools to rooftop gardens, he helps clients uncover what they really want—before they can describe it.
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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Aquavato!
Aquavato is a trade-focused plumbing showroom in Toronto designed to support interior designers with expert product guidance, educational support, and concierge level service. Inside, the House of Rohl Studio has curated selections of Perrin & Rowe, Rohl, Shaws, Victoria + Albert, Emtek & Schaub.
Learn more about the Aquavato Trade Program at aquavato.com.
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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.
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