We pride ourselves on being excellent problem-solvers for unique outdoor living challenges, a vastly different set of needs from indoor living. The renowned Albert Hadley summed up Munder-Skiles’ influence when he observed that “John Danzer has done more to integrate exterior and interior design than anyone working today.” In 1998, House Beautiful recognized John as “America’s 1st Exterior Decorator.”
We created this service for the discerning client who sees the selection of furniture and ornament for any exterior as a priority. We solve problems, be it for a garden, patio, pool, or terrace of a residence or commercial location.
A collaborative effort
This service is for those who make carefully considered purchases which visually enhance the exterior. Often we are introduced to a project by trade professionals – landscape architects, garden designers, architects, interior designers – many value our specific knowledge of the market.
The spirit of the place
Our goal is to capture the spirit of the place, acknowledge the architecture, the circulation, understand the landscape as well as meet the particular lifestyle needs of the client. Years researching and lecturing about the history of gardens and their design has provided us with the relevant perspective which we apply to current trends, material adaptability and usage.
Reversing the design process
We believe the setting defines the furniture rather than the furniture defining the space. This approach is logical, yields a better solution and thus it is essential to make at least one site visit. Remember, the different garden areas may require different styles. Not unlike indoors, the best outdoor spaces mix and match designs and materials which give it your unexpected personal style.
We are always on the lookout with our worldwide contacts – antique dealers, shops and auction houses – who handle Garden Appointments. Our 30 years of garden travels has resulted in a library which includes thousands of slides, scrapbooks in 87 categories, reference books as well as vintage and commercially available product catalogs worldwide.
Our resources
We have a very impressive archive and remain open to ideas about what will work at a site. Thus, we regularly purchase from competitors if their designs best suit the project’s needs. We acknowledge that our competitors make terrific things and we prefer to think of them not as competition but as an invaluable resource. We track 300+ companies that sell garden furniture in the United States.
Custom Design
30 years as garden furniture designers have taught us a few “tricks”… we work on houses from Historic to Ultra-Modern. The furniture firm of Munder-Skiles with its 150+ designs has a hands-on approach with design, production and distribution all under one roof. This preferred approach gives us great control and the experience to supply unique design ideas if necessary. Logically, we try to schedule custom design work for the cold off-season months.
On-Site visits consist of a complete walkthrough, a review of past and future plans for the house and landscape, and comprehensive photography which includes all views from inside and outside the house.
A learning process
We study the architecture and the circulation needs. This groundwork is followed by a discussion to understand the client’s style of living and particular requirements. The gathered information and preliminary ideas are then compiled into a summary reviewed with the client and/or an appointed Design Trade Professional.
An informed choice
We prepare a selection of appropriate choices in various seating types, tables, and ornaments. Depending on the project size, a written program by area is prepared with photography, drawings, and the preliminary budget/timetable.
