A past client reached out to let me know they wanted to build a deck in their backyard so they could expand their living space and have somewhere comfortable to host outdoor get togethers. While they initially felt a single monolithic deck would provide the most flexibility, it began to feel oversized and lacking a clear design intent. A refreshed design scheme separates the deck into dedicated zones and provides a more deliberate connection to the house. A new poured concrete planter acts as an anchor point for an upper deck to step down to either a dining or family deck, both of which center on an existing brick fireplace.