Layla Zulfa
The professional design community is preparing for a comprehensive exploration of the future of exterior environments as Architectural Digest’s AD PRO division announces its upcoming virtual symposium, The Outdoor Design Trend Report 2026. Scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. ET, this exclusive event is designed to provide industry professionals with a forward-looking roadmap for landscape architecture and outdoor living. As the boundary between interior comfort and exterior utility continues to blur, the panel aims to dissect the evolving demands of high-end clientele who increasingly view their outdoor acreage as a primary living zone rather than a secondary amenity.
The event features a curated panel of industry leaders, including Brook Klausing of Brook Landscape, Kathryn Herman of Kathryn Herman Design, and Gray Davis of the internationally recognized firm Meyer Davis. Accompanying these designers is architectural lighting specialist Nathan Orsman, whose expertise in illumination has made him a staple for AD100 firms. The conversation will navigate the intersection of restorative aesthetics, resort-level luxury, and the technical complexities of lighting and small-space optimization.
Contextualizing the 2026 Design Forecast
The focus on 2026 reflects the standard lead times inherent in high-end landscape architecture and construction. Large-scale residential and hospitality projects often require eighteen to thirty-six months from initial concept to final installation, necessitating a predictive approach to material sourcing, plant maturation, and lifestyle shifts. By projecting two years into the future, AD PRO provides its members with the strategic foresight required to advise clients on investments that will remain relevant and aesthetically sound through the end of the decade.
This report arrives at a pivotal moment for the outdoor industry. Following the global surge in outdoor renovation that began in 2020, the market has transitioned from reactive "panic-buying" of patio furniture to a sophisticated, architecturally driven approach to site development. Data suggests that the global outdoor furniture market, valued at approximately $20 billion in 2023, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% through 2030. This growth is increasingly driven by the "luxury-resortification" of private homes, a theme that the AD PRO panel is expected to address in depth.
Profiles in Landscape Innovation: The Panelists
The diversity of the panel ensures a multi-faceted view of the 2026 landscape. Brook Klausing, the founder and creative director of the Brooklyn-based Brook Landscape, brings an urban-centric yet restorative perspective to the discussion. His firm has become synonymous with site-specific designs that utilize classic materials—stone, wood, and steel—to create modern sanctuaries within dense metropolitan environments. Klausing’s work often emphasizes the "restorative" quality of green space, a trend that aligns with the growing wellness movement in residential architecture.
Kathryn Herman, founding principal of Kathryn Herman Design in New Canaan, Connecticut, offers a counterpoint rooted in classical European traditions. Her work is noted for its poetic use of geometry and its deep respect for the historical precedents of British and Continental landscape design. Herman’s inclusion suggests that the 2026 trend report will likely highlight a return to "soft-scaping" and the use of formal garden structures to create a sense of permanence and timelessness in an era of rapid digital change.
Representing the bridge between residential and hospitality design is Gray Davis, co-founder of Meyer Davis. The firm’s portfolio includes some of the most prestigious names in luxury travel, such as the Four Seasons, Auberge Resorts, and Rosewood. Davis’s contribution is critical for understanding how the "resort-inspired" backyard is evolving. As clients travel to world-class destinations, they bring back expectations for integrated amenities—infinity-edge pools, professional-grade outdoor kitchens, and sophisticated lounging pavilions—that require a hospitality-level approach to residential planning.
The Technical Edge: Lighting as an Architectural Foundation
A significant portion of the symposium will be dedicated to a commonly overlooked aspect of outdoor design: architectural lighting. Nathan Orsman, founder of Orsman Design, will provide a technical critique of current lighting practices. Orsman is widely regarded as the "speed dial" consultant for the AD100, a prestigious list of the world’s top architects and designers. His approach treats light as a material in its own right, used to enhance the texture of stone, the translucency of foliage, and the overall mood of a nocturnal environment.
Industry data indicates that while homeowners are spending more on outdoor living, many fail to allocate sufficient budget or planning to lighting, often resulting in "flat" environments or excessive light pollution. Orsman’s segment is expected to address the "right and wrong" of lighting plans, focusing on layering, color temperature (Kelvin), and the integration of smart-home technologies that allow outdoor lighting to shift in intensity and tone throughout the evening.
Emerging Trends: From Restorative Sanctuaries to Small-Space Schemes
The 2026 report is anticipated to emphasize several key thematic shifts in the market. First is the concept of the "Restorative Outdoor Space." This involves more than just planting trees; it encompasses biophilic design principles intended to lower cortisol levels and provide a sensory escape from digital fatigue. For 2026, this may manifest in the use of soundscapes (water features), scent-focused gardens (lavender, jasmine), and "wilder" planting schemes that encourage local biodiversity.
Secondly, the report will address the "Small-Space Scheme." As urban density increases, the challenge for designers is to maximize utility in limited square footage. This requires multifunctional furniture, vertical gardening, and the clever use of mirrors and lighting to create an illusion of depth. Klausing’s experience in Brooklyn rooftops and courtyards will likely provide the blueprint for these high-density solutions.
Thirdly, the "Resort-Inspired Backyard" is moving toward a more integrated, year-round functionality. Rather than having a separate pool area or a standalone grill, the 2026 trend points toward "seamless transition zones." These are spaces where the indoor flooring continues outside, and climate-control features—such as infrared heaters and automated louvered roofs—extend the usability of the space across all four seasons.
Economic and Social Implications for the Design Industry
The implications of these trends extend beyond mere aesthetics. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that professionally designed landscapes significantly increase property valuations. According to real estate analysts, high-quality landscape architecture can add as much as 15% to 20% to a home’s resale value, particularly when it includes permanent structures and integrated lighting.
Furthermore, the 2026 forecast must account for environmental sustainability. As climate patterns become more volatile, the demand for drought-resistant native plantings and permeable hardscaping is no longer optional. The panel is expected to discuss how designers can balance luxury expectations with ecological responsibility, ensuring that the "restorative" nature of the garden extends to the local ecosystem as well.
Chronology of the AD PRO LIVE Series
The Outdoor Design Trend Report 2026 is part of a broader commitment by Architectural Digest to foster professional development through the AD PRO platform. Since its inception, AD PRO has served as a B2B resource, providing designers with access to business tools, exclusive industry news, and the extensive AD Archive.
The timeline for this specific event began with the identification of a "knowledge gap" in long-term outdoor planning among residential designers. Following the announcement of the event, registration was opened exclusively to AD PRO members, reflecting the high-value nature of the insights being shared. Following the live broadcast on June 23, the report’s findings are expected to circulate through the design community, influencing upcoming commissions and manufacturer catalogs for the 2026 season.
Conclusion and Industry Outlook
As the design world looks toward 2026, the consensus among leaders like Klausing, Herman, Davis, and Orsman is that the outdoor environment is no longer an "extra." It is a fundamental component of the architectural whole. The upcoming AD PRO LIVE conversation will serve as a critical touchstone for professionals looking to navigate the complexities of this evolving field. By combining high-level aesthetic theory with practical technical advice on lighting and space management, the report aims to elevate the standard of outdoor design to match the sophistication of the world’s most refined interiors.
For the professional designer, the takeaway is clear: the future of the home is outside. Those who can master the technical requirements of lighting, the ecological demands of the modern landscape, and the lifestyle aspirations of the luxury client will be the ones defining the visual language of 2026 and beyond.
