Top Outdoor Living Experts 2025

Bill Ferris is the President and Design Expert at Decor Outdoor. He has an MBA from Duke University and started his professional career with the Coca-Cola Company in brand management. His love of mid-century modern furniture can be traced to Hans Wegner chairs brought back by his family from Europe in the early 1970s. He's developed a passion for the Art Deco period and French Country shabby chic style. Truth be told, he's become a bit obsessed with industrial steampunk designs in movies like Hugo, 12 Monkeys and City of Lost Children.

Laura Williams is the Founder and Principal Designer of Living Oak Interior Design, a luxury design + build studio based in Austin, Texas. What began as a creative pivot during the pandemic, remodeling her own homes and investment properties, has grown into one of Austin's most recognized interior design firms, completing 25+ projects annually and serving clients nationwide. Before launching her design career, Laura built a decade-long track record in corporate marketing, holding leadership roles at Estée Lauder in New York and directing marketing for a beauty brand in Miami. Her background also includes positions at Disney Music Group and Clear Channel Communications. This foundation in brand strategy, project management, and client experience now shapes how she runs her design firm with the same rigor and polish she brought to global brands. Laura's design philosophy centers on homes that work as beautifully as they look. Her signature style, refined, functional, and cozy, prioritizes timeless choices over trends, with a focus on natural materials, architectural detail, and spaces that feel layered and lived-in rather than staged. Every project is tailored to how clients actually live, never a copy-paste of someone else's aesthetic. Her work has earned national recognition, including a 2025 HGTV Designer of the Year nomination and inclusion in Architectural Digest's prestigious AD PRO Directory in January 2026. Living Oak has been featured in House Beautiful, Martha Stewart, Elle Decor, Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, and Apartment Therapy, among others. Locally, Laura has appeared on Fox 7 Austin and been profiled in Tribeza and Business of Home. In late 2024, Laura expanded the brand with Living Oak Home Decor, a curated retail shop in Austin's Brentwood neighborhood that has quickly become a community hub for design lovers. She also hosts "Here With Laura," a podcast featuring honest conversations with creatives and entrepreneurs about building intentional lives and businesses. Laura lives in Austin with her family and continues to grow Living Oak with ambitions she describes as "Magnolia-size," a future that includes television, a national product line, and additional retail locations.

Anton grew up in a family deeply rooted in the bathroom industry, gaining early exposure to its logistics and operations. His natural interest in creativity and innovation fuel his focus on the aspects that give a product its soul: material, design, functionality, and emotion. Leveraging his extensive experience with leading architectural firms on hospitality and multi-family residential projects worldwide, Anton ensures Watrline remains a leader in the outdoor shower and bathroom industry. By collaborating with groundbreaking manufacturers, Anton and his team bring cutting-edge, bold designs to life, setting new standards and providing a platform for innovative storytelling in the market.

Ben Zook is the owner and NABCEP Certified Master Electrician at Belmont Solar. He specializes in solar installation, including grid-tied, off-grid, and solar battery backup systems. With a solid commitment to good work and good customer relationships, reflected in the Belmont Solar motto "From Workmanship to Friendship," Ben provides expert insights on solar technology, energy independence, battery storage, and the future of renewable energy.

I have an extensive background in Landscape Design and Installation Practices and Principles. Plants, Turf, irrigation systems, outdoor lighting, structural design and installation. Graphic design and CAD graphics, Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Products, Sales, Cost estimation, running a seasonal business, Management, Various CRM Systems, and more. over 25 years in the industry. Ex-Military

Tana Hoffman Cook is an outdoor lifestyle expert, venture-backed entrepreneur, coach, and formerly sponsored athlete who's spent her career proving that the outdoors are the best MBA program you never knew you needed. She believes the skills you learn when decisions have real consequences - like in uncontrolled outdoor spaces - translate directly to building the life and business you actually want. Named to the Forbes Next 1000 List in 2021, she has spoken at SXSW and is the founder of ILLA Adventures, where she's helped 3,000+ women embrace uncertainty through outdoor pursuits. Her perspectives on entrepreneurship and adventure have been featured in Business Insider, Forbes, Thrive Global, and Teton Gravity Research. Based in Jackson, Wyoming, Tana continues to practice what she preaches by committing to the outdoor lifestyle year-round and helping high-performers discover why the outdoors might be the missing piece to stronger leadership, deeper connection, and a more fulfilling life.

Jeremy is the CEO of Willow Gates Home & Landscape. With over 20 years of experience, he is an expert in patio and hardscape design and installation, including outdoor kitchens, landscaping, lighting, and more!

Barrett Oswald Designs is a nationally recognized interior design studio known for creating refined, livable homes grounded in function, longevity, and thoughtful detail. Founded in 2015 by Barrett Oswald and MaryBeth Long, the Larchmont-based firm serves clients across New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, and beyond. The studio is frequently sought out for expert commentary on residential design, lifestyle, and home trends, with contributions appearing in The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, and other leading publications. Their work balances sophistication with practicality, always prioritizing how people truly live in their homes. The firm’s work has also been featured in Luxe Magazine, Modish: The Book of Great Design, Serendipity, and Westchester Home, and has received numerous industry honors, including Design Innovator of the Year from Serendipity, four Best of Westchester awards, and Best Whole Home Design recognition from Houzz and Westchester Magazine. Barrett Oswald Designs is a proud member of the Interior Design Society, with Barrett Oswald serving as an active industry judge. Longtime friends and collaborators, Barrett and MaryBeth bring a shared vision, mutual trust, and a sense of humor to every project. Their approachable style and genuine enthusiasm make the design process feel effortless, resulting in homes that are not only beautiful, but a pleasure to live in.

Josiah Stoltzfus is the 3D Design Specialist at Sauder Hardscape Supply, offering an expert eye on all things hardscape and outdoor living design. Josiah specializes in walkway and patio paver design, driveway pavers, patio walls, fire and water features, outdoor kitchens, and outdoor lighting design.

ModernPools successfully manufactures and installs turnkey plastic pools, sand pools, concrete pools, composite pools, hydromassage spa hot tubes, bathhouses, saunas, hamams. It also supplies safety cover, solar sheeting, heat pumps, outdoor pool fencing, other pool equipment and accessories, which are installed both in the residential segment and in hotel complexes, recreation centers and restaurants.

I am Agnes, the co-founder of Handy Beach Goods. My journey began not in a lab, but on the sand, where constant frustration—as a mother of sun-sensitive children wrestling with flimsy, complicated beach umbrellas—drove the demand for a better solution. I mandate heavy-duty, verifiable gear that elevates the coastal experience for everyone, from families to long-time beach bums. Expertise & Media Angles: 1. Verifiable Wind-Resistance (ASTM) in beach umbrellas: I can provide deep insight into the ASTM F3681-24 wind-resistance standard, explaining why this third-party validation moves our anchor system beyond simple marketing claims. I speak to its design as a true coastal investment piece, resolving the complexity of current sandbag/auger systems.   2. Superior Sun Protection & Comfort: I can speak authoritatively on the need for advanced shade. Our beach umbrella canopy is made from a durable 160 gsm RPET fabric and features a UPF 55+ reflective silver lining that is engineered not just to block UV, but to actively reflect radiant heat. This specialized construction provides a noticeably cooler, lower-glare shade zone vital for consumer health and comfort. 3. The Convenience Revolution: I led the mandate to simplify the process. I can provide details behind the core innovation: the 10-second, tool-free setup. This hammer-in system means finally you can avoid the sandy mess, lost parts, and achieve stability in record time. It resolves the complexity that has plagued the beach shade category for decades, positioning our umbrella perfectly for 'Best Shade Guide' features. 4. Sustainability & Durable Goods: I champion our environmental mission. I can detail how our RPET canopy—made from approximately 80 recycled plastic bottles—delivers a durable, high-quality textile that supports conscious purchasing decisions. Achievement & Availability: The Handy Beach Umbrella and Anchor System is a proven category success (4.9★ site rating; sold out multiple times) and is fully restocked for 2026 testing.   I am available for interviews on: best beach umbrellas, durable coastal gear, the business case for verifiable standards (ASTM), family-focused product development, and female leadership in the outdoor space. I can immediately provide test samples for your editorial and commerce teams. We are affiliate-ready.

Lydia Beaumont is a go-to expert in interior design, known for her knack for stylish table settings, blending houseplants seamlessly with home decor, and designing inviting outdoor spaces. She has a real talent for making spaces look stunning while keeping them comfortable and livable. Lydia’s creative touch brings a fresh and vibrant feel to any room or garden she works on.

Because each situation is different, I enjoy finding unique solutions to the landscape objectives of inidvidual homeowners and business owners.

Chad Lipka is the founder and President of North Shore Sauna, a veteran- and family‑owned business based in Duluth, Minnesota, that sells portable sauna tents and accessories. A U.S. Army veteran, Chad is dedicated to supporting fellow veterans and promoting wellness and mindfulness through sauna culture. With a background in psychology, he understands the mental and physical benefits of sauna use, helping individuals slow down, relax, and reconnect with themselves and others. Drawing from his Finnish heritage and a deep appreciation for nature, Chad was inspired to bring affordable, mobile sauna experiences to a wider audience. Under his leadership, North Shore Sauna is committed to both quality and community impact, offering unique wellness experiences and expanding access to sauna therapy for all.

I'm Nancy Dow, an interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts. The team at Sierra Living Concepts, Adam Trevino and Nancy Dow in particular, were terrific to work with.

As co-owner of Senor Mist, a premier provider of outdoor cooling and comfort solutions, Debbie Yuhas brings years of expertise in water-efficient landscaping and outdoor living innovations to the forefront. Her deep understanding of outdoor comfort makes her an invaluable resource for individuals and businesses seeking to create beautiful and sustainable environments while conserving water.

Born in Yorkshire and now living in London, Charlie has been in the renewable energy industry since 2017, having worked as a writer and then editor of green technology advisor The Eco Experts. He now works at the solar subscription company Sunsave, on a mission to make the power of solar accessible to all UK homes. His work has focussed on educating UK homeowners about a wide range of residential power and heating solutions, including solar panels, storage batteries, heat pumps, infrared panels, and EV chargers. He has twice attended Grand Designs Live as a Green Living Expert, advising homeowners on how best to cut their energy bills and carbon footprint.

Phoenix Tent and Awning manufactures and installs custom fabric awnings and shades, including window awnings, retractable awnings, spear awnings, spear point awnings, Sunbrella awnings, canvas awnings, outdoor drapes, exterior drapes, outdoor curtains, exterior curtains, patio drapes, patio curtains, patio awnings, patio shades, patio covers, patio blinds, gazebos, cabanas, roll up shades, roll curtains, retractable shades, sun shades, replacement awnings, and awning fabric replacements. Other products include pop up tents and E-Z Up canopies. We offer free on-site consultations for all our installed products.

I started AnySauna with a simple belief: everyone deserves a daily moment of calm. From there, I’ve built an online store that blends wellness, design, and meaningful customer care. As a founder, I wear many hats—product sourcing, digital marketing, content strategy, operations, and everything in between. What motivates me is creating products and experiences that genuinely improve people’s everyday lives. I love connecting with others who care about wellness, entrepreneurship, and building things that last.

California based Interior designer with a decade of experience designing commercial and residential spaces for private clients, real estate investors and award-winning architecture firms. She is now specializing in bathroom design. Lisette is also a self taught baker and has a passion for the culinary arts often relaxing in the kitchen by trying new recipes.