In his five years with Architectural Concrete Design (ACD), Adam Myers has learned that clients are often surprised by their options.

"A lot of people are still unaware of what they can do with concrete," says the company's director of residential sales. "They'll pull pictures from Pinterest or Google and say, 'I love how this looks but I don't know how to get there.' ... That's where we can come in and make them aware of any material limitations and how decorative concrete can give them a similar look in their backyard."

That commitment to educating customers separates ACD from the competition. Whether the team is working on a customized pool deck, driveway, patio or walkway, one thing remains the same: Every job is rooted in respect.

"It should feel like a partnership from the beginning," says Myers. "We want the homeowner to understand we're listening to them. Their first form of contact comes from the office, they'll be contacted quickly by our design team. From that point, it's setting up an appointment, getting some face time, and having a design professional walk around your yard with you and really listen to what your vision is. Very few hardscape contractors open up a conversation like we do at the design phase."

Transparency supersedes netting a sale, he adds. "The designer doesn't leave until they understand exactly what the homeowner wants. Every decision we make throughout the process can easily be justified or explained because we're doing everything in the homeowner's best interest."

Getting to know each client and their expectations, lifestyle, property, budget and vision allows ACD to deliver completely customized results every time. And with concrete options that go beyond pavers to offer a seemingly infinite multitude of finishes and color combinations, the team knows exactly how to deliver an elegant, impressive final project guaranteed to last.

"With stamped concrete, we have versatility of color, texture and pattern selection – I'm confident you can find a fit for any home," Myers says. "We've done projects on new-construction homes that are incredibly modern-looking, all white and black; we've done 5,000-, even 10,000-square-foot driveways; we've done 300-square-foot patios with a designated space the client wants to look decorative, but the space is so limited that you have to be really intentional about what you pick… It's incredibly adaptable, and you can't get that look with any other paving material, only concrete.

"That's one of the coolest parts of being in this space: There really are no limitations on the product," he continues. "The designers can be creative, the guys in the field can be creative, it's something new every day."

Designers' creativity and homeowners' visions must work hand in hand, though, for a smooth installation phase. Collaboration and communication are critical, ensuring clients know their voices are heard and that the ACD team can get the job done in a timely fashion while also meeting their high standards.

"We want that mutual respect where the homeowners know the feedback and perspective we're offering all work toward the same goal: making sure they're getting something they're going to love for 20, 30 years," Myers explains. "It should feel like we're working with you.

"Homeowners are encouraged to be onsite during the first building phase: They can see what we're doing, and we can inform them immediately of unforeseen changes our installers may need to make. After breaking ground, there's always a chance something unexpected happens—you want someone experienced in your corner to best handle that. We know how to navigate those circumstances, come up with effective solutions and illustrate that to the homeowner."

ACD's expertise and a variety of options mean the team always knows how to arrive at the design that perfectly complements a home and is in harmony with the project's surroundings. Working with the existing colors, patterns, textures and materials already present onsite is a win for the homeowner, since they won't need to redo their whole yard's aesthetic to still have the space "flow," even with a brand-new concrete project.

With ACD's 30th anniversary coming, it's a milestone the entire organization is proud of. But it's not just the company that can boast longtime success in delivering dazzling results, as much of its team has called ACD home for over two decades.

"What really sets us apart is the installers and their experience," Myers notes. "We have multiple guys who have been here for over 20 years – I don't know too many places that can say that. With concrete, our guys are physically crafting the product in the field so it's a new product every time – that's why it comes down to the guys forming and making that material. This is an industry where there's a direct correlation between the installers' experience and the product's quality."

Architectural Concrete Design
3001 New Falls Road, Levittown, Pa.
(215) 946-5039 | ACDConcrete.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 23, Issue 9 (July 2023).
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