In my years as a designer, I’ve learned that, often, the most profound luxury isn’t a statement piece or an opulent finish—it’s the feeling a space can evoke. For some, it’s a sense of inner peace and balance. For others, it can be the jolt of energy injected by shared moments. Intentionally-designed spaces have the power to make us feel, connect, and recalibrate. Nowhere is this truer than in outdoor living areas, which hold the unique potential to be more than just an extension of our homes, but a true sanctuary for the soul.
Recently, my team at IMI Design and I were honored to win first place in the Outdoor Living Space category at the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Design Excellence Awards. The project, a bespoke sanctuary for a Tel Aviv DJ turned successful entrepreneur, perfectly illustrates a core design philosophy: that creating sacred spaces is, above all, an exercise in personal expression. It’s where the client’s journey—their story, their passions, their rhythm—is translated into physical, sensory, and spatial experiences.
It All Begins with the Narrative
Before a single sketch is made, it’s essential to understand the story and the intention. In this case, the client’s life is marked by beautiful contrasts. He thrives in both the vibrant, communal energy of a crowd and the deep, restorative power of quiet introspection. As such, the space needed to mirror this duality, serving as both refuge and stage—an outdoor sanctuary that could seamlessly transition from a meditative morning with a book to an evening celebration with friends.
This duality became our guiding principle as we went beyond matching design elements that made sense on paper and into curating zones for different energies. The custom lounge seating, for instance, was tailored for relaxation and intimate conversations, while the integrated DJ station stands by to deliver the evening’s soundtrack. A Dedon swing offers a moment of playful solitude, gently swaying between the pool and the Arizona sky. Each spot invites you to linger and tune into the rhythm of the moment.
A Symphony for the Senses
To reflect the client’s creativity and spiritual journey, we embarked on weaving a tapestry for the senses. It starts underfoot, where the cool, honed limestone grounds you in the effortless elegance of the desert. We contrasted this with the interior of the reimagined pool house, cladding it in warm Douglas fir slats to create a cocoon of organic texture.
As one of the most emotive elements, we treated light as a sculptural material, incorporating backlit brass wall and ceiling accents, laser-cut in sacred geometrical patterns to embody the client’s personal growth and development. This transforms the space, casting dancing shadows that create a celestial ambiance. The interplay of light and texture—layered with cool stone, warm wood, smooth surfaces, and intricate patterns—creates an environment that subtly engages all the senses.
The Architectural Harmony of Asymmetry
Great design often arises from solving a problem. For this project, the design puzzle came in the form of an awkwardly proportioned poolhouse—an odd hat on the property that felt disconnected. Since cosmetic changes alone couldn’t compensate for its flawed silhouette, we decided to re-envision its form entirely, aiming to create a structure that could serve as the architectural backdrop for the backyard sanctuary and the design choices required to bring it to life.
To achieve this, we utilized asymmetrical balance—extending the roofline down to become the rear wall, anchoring the structure to the earth, and giving it a well-defined purpose. Every material, line, and fixture was crafted to support this reimagined anchor. The stucco exterior speaks the language of the landscape, while the sharp black metal fascia and vertical louvers introduce a graphic, modern edge. The balance between organic and man-made, soft and sharp, gives the space its unique character.
Much like the client, it’s a space that honors nature’s rhythms while celebrating a bold, individualist spirit.
Outdoor Spaces for the Life Within
Crafting spaces that resonate takes an unwavering commitment to intentionality and an understanding that every design choice must adhere to the larger story. This allows the space to unfold as deeply personal reflections of the people who inhabit them. Designing with this level of personalization and sensory detail helps to create sacred spaces that make nurturing the soul, restoring clarity, and cultivating well-being an accessible part of daily life.
When creating an outdoor sanctuary, every element of design should be carefully considered, including lighting, materials, texture, functionality, and mood. Layering natural elements and designing with the senses in mind feeds your whole body and mind, making an outdoor sanctuary feel immersive rather than just pretty. Maintaining a deep respect for place, materiality, and meaning will reflect in the design and inspire the human spirit.
Author Bio
Anita Lang, founder and creative principal of IMI Design, is an award-winning luxury interior designer known for creating refined, emotionally resonant spaces. With over two decades of experience, her work is shaped by global travel, color psychology, and a keen sense of architectural sensitivity. As a design icon given the distinction ‘Master of the Southwest’ by Phoenix Home & Garden, Anita’s work is recognized for enduring excellence and raising the bar for what refined living can be. She serves on the boards of ASU Art Museum’s Creative Impact Board, Artlink, and The Walter Hive. Anita is also the founder of The Inspire Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to elevating the human spirit through art and design.
