A design build contractor brings two worlds together—creative design and precise construction—under one accountable team. As a Design build contractor focused on luxury outdoor living, AY Luxury Designs turns that integrated approach into real‑world backyards that feel like fully custom extensions of your home, not just projects bolted on after the fact.
What a design build contractor actually does
Instead of hiring one company to design and another to build, a design build contractor handles both. This unified model reduces miscommunication, speeds up timelines, and gives you one expert team responsible for the entire outcome.
With a true design build contractor, you get:
A single point of contact from first idea to final walk‑through.
Designs created with real‑world construction methods and budgets in mind.
Fewer change orders and surprises because the same team that designs also builds.
A smoother, more predictable experience from concept to completion.
For homeowners, this means less juggling between firms and more confidence that what you see in the design is what you will actually get in your finished space.
AY Luxury Designs: a luxury exterior design build contractor
AY Luxury Designs is a full‑service backyard construction and design company based in Jacksonville, Florida, specialising in custom exterior living. As a design build contractor, the brand focuses on patios, pergolas, luxury gazebos, fire features, outdoor kitchens, driveways, stonework, screens, and complete backyard overhauls.
Their core belief is simple: the best part of your home should be the one waiting just outside your back door. Every project is approached as a holistic transformation, not a single add‑on, so your outdoor areas feel intentional, cohesive, and tailored to how you actually live.
Concierge construction: everything managed under one roof
One of the clearest signs that AY Luxury Designs is a true design build contractor is its concierge construction service. The company does not just design and build; it manages all the crucial steps in between, so you are never left chasing paperwork or contractors.
AY Luxury Designs handles:
HOA paperwork: Custom, neighbourhood‑specific HOA packages that align your project with community rules and guidelines.
Permits and inspections: Coordinating building permits, revisions, and inspections with local authorities from start to finish.
Crew coordination: All crews are organised in‑house under a systematic, step‑by‑step process to keep timelines tight and budgets on track.
As a homeowner, you enjoy the benefits of a full design build contractor who treats your project like a white‑glove experience, not a DIY management test.
3D precision previews: design you can actually see
AY Luxury Designs believes you should see your dream space before it is ever built. That is why the brand offers complimentary, state‑of‑the‑art 3D renderings to every client—a defining feature of its design build process.
These to‑scale 3D previews:
Show your exact home and layout with the new design in place—patios, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, fire features, and more.
Help you understand flow, proportions, and sightlines before construction begins.
Allow you to adjust features, finishes, and details early, instead of making costly changes in the field.
For a design build contractor, this level of visual clarity is a game‑changer: you and the team share the same vision from day one, which makes the build phase far more efficient and predictable.
Custom craftsmanship: from pergolas to outdoor kitchens
AY Luxury Designs doesn’t “plug in” standard packages; everything is tailored. As a design build contractor, the company combines creative design with meticulous building practices.
A few examples of how this shows up:
Pergolas: Every pergola is custom designed, with lumber delivered to your home, then sanded and stained on site for a hand‑crafted finish.
Gazebos: From classic shed‑style to hip‑roof and privacy‑focused gazebos, each structure is custom‑built, often in premium cedar, to match your home and lifestyle.
Outdoor kitchens: Clients work with their own designer to choose brick style, appliance layout, and countertop materials, creating a fully bespoke cooking and entertaining hub.
Paver patios and driveways: Layouts, borders, and even custom shapes or initials are available, blending function, aesthetics, and durability.
Because the same team designs and builds, all these details are planned from the beginning—no guesswork, no shortcuts.
Led by a licensed building contractor with a designer’s eye
Behind AY Luxury Designs is owner and licensed building contractor Amany Youssef, who founded the company as a luxury exterior design and build firm. She became a licensed building contractor at a young age and has since been recognised for breaking barriers as a woman in construction.
Her leadership defines the design build culture at AY Luxury Designs:
She personally meets homeowners, listens to their goals, and explains what is truly possible on their property.
Her motto, “Less chores, more chill,” guides design decisions toward low‑maintenance, high‑enjoyment spaces.
She blends structural precision with a strong sense of style, ensuring each project is as solid as it is stunning.
Having a licensed building contractor lead a design build team gives homeowners an added layer of confidence: the designs are beautiful, but they are also buildable, safe, and code‑compliant.
Radical transparency: clear pricing from a design build partner
Custom work can feel risky if you do not know what things cost until it is too late. AY Luxury Designs addresses this with radical transparency in every proposal—a key strength for any design build contractor.
The brand’s estimates:
Are fully itemised, breaking down materials, labour, design, permits, and more.
Explain what each line item covers, so you understand exactly where your money goes.
Empower you to prioritise features and phases based on your budget and long‑term plans.
This transparency builds trust and aligns expectations before construction begins, which is critical in a full design build relationship.
Why AY Luxury Designs is the ideal design build contractor for your yard
If you want your backyard to feel like a true extension of your home—not just a basic patio or a random add‑on—you need more than separate designer and builder. You need a design build contractor who can own the vision, details, and execution from start to finish.
AY Luxury Designs offers:
Integrated design and construction under one experienced, licensed team.
Concierge handling of HOA paperwork, permits, scheduling, click here and inspections.
Custom outdoor environments—from kitchens and poolsides to pergolas and fire features—built for beauty, durability, and low maintenance.
A “Less chores, more chill” philosophy that keeps your lifestyle at the center of every decision.
Choosing AY Luxury Designs as your design build contractor means your next project will be more than just a renovation; it will be a carefully orchestrated transformation that turns your backyard into the best seat in the house.