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Southern Outdoor Design

Landscape designer · Atlanta, GA · reviewed since 2022

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%97+56.9Reliability 26%94+24.5Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty98−0.2Experts Score= 96Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.96SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#3 of 23 outdoor living servicesPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 91%
5.0 ★★★★★ 42 Google reviews · 24 photos
100%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★, last 20 reviewsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
98%reviews answered by the owner
Oct 2026latest review

Southern Outdoor Design at a glance

Google reviewers rate Southern Outdoor Design five stars based on forty-two reviews, with the owner responding to ninety-eight percent of them. Clients frequently cite punctuality, transparent communication, and adherence to budget and timelines as key strengths. Services described include patio construction, landscaping, outdoor lighting, and permitting assistance. The excerpts provided contain no low-star ratings, so no common criticism can be identified from the available data.

  • Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 42 reviews (100% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 42 Google reviews (42 with written comments, 2 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 98% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: October 5, 2026.
  • Service: Outdoor Living Service serving Atlanta, Georgia.

Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.

Score profile vs other outdoor living services

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: reliability.

Satisfaction97Reliability94Craft & service98Value100Momentum100Replies to reviews–Satisfaction: 97 (median 88)Reliability: 94 (median 83)Craft & service: 98 (median 94)Value: 100 (median 96)Momentum: 100 (median 100)
Southern Outdoor DesignOutdoor Living Services median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Southern Outdoor Design: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 88.A
97
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Southern Outdoor Design: 94/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.A
94
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Southern Outdoor Design: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.A
98
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Southern Outdoor Design: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
100
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Southern Outdoor Design: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 78.–
–

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

42 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars42100%
  • 4 stars00%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star00%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 42 written reviews

  • Praise11198%
  • Complaints22%

PriceGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price563%
  • Reasonable338%
  • Overpriced00%
  • Not sure00%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Would recommend2522%
  • Communication2421%
  • Staff & attitude2018%
  • Speed & response1816%
  • Quality & results1614%
  • Honesty & trust65%
  • Price & value44%

What customers talk about

We read 42 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “While we haven't yet executed on the design, it perfectly captures our vision and we highly recommend working with Jason!”
    “I can't recommend this team enough for anyone who needs quality work from an honest and reliable company.”
  • “…poor experience with another outdoor design firm, and from the first communication to the last, Jason was wonderful, responsive, transparent, helpful…”
  • “Jason is professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated to his clients.”
  • “They are very professional and timely with everything they do.”
  • “Jason brings creativity, care, and attention to detail to his work, and I would gladly choose his company for my own outdoor projects.”
  • “…the first communication to the last, Jason was wonderful, responsive, transparent, helpful and friendly.…”
  • “On top of their top-tier talent, their prices are extremely reasonable and competitive, especially considering the level of care and detail they put i…”

People customers mention

  • Jason 11 reviews
  • Flake 3 reviews
  • John 3 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Reviews for your job

Customers hired Southern Outdoor Design for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent reviews

JENNIFER2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★

I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with Jason Flake and Southern Outdoor Design as the variance consultant and permit expediter on several local projects. Jason is professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated to his clients. I appreciate working with someone who takes his business, the services he provides, and his…

Great priceWalkway landscapingConcrete masonryGardening services
Mary5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

This is our second time using Southern Outdoor Design and it always is a pleasant experience! They are very professional and timely with everything they do. Looking forward to doing our next project with them!

Reasonable priceLandscape installationsArtificial turf installation
MichaelLocal Guide · 19 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★

The Southern Outsoor Design team did a tremendous job for us. They delivered a stone paver patio with a stone fire pit. A beautiful gravel path was installed to the patio and back into our wooded area. Several plantings, landscaping work and outdoor lighting made a spectacular outdoor retreat for us. Jason and team…

Great priceWalkway landscapingLandscape installationsStone masonry
Matt4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★

Jason and his team were great to work with, from our initial meeting to the final walk through. We had a tight time frame to get the work done, but they completed everything, including add-ons, on time. The crew maintained a tidy and safe work space. The reimagined outdoor space at a special events venue is stunning.

Great priceWalkway landscapingLandscape installationsGrading & resloping
JillianLocal Guide · 33 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★

I came to Jason after a poor experience with another outdoor design firm, and from the first communication to the last, Jason was wonderful, responsive, transparent, helpful and friendly. He took the time to really understand our vision, suggested some great ideas that we never would have thought of, and co-created…

Andrei6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★

Jason and his team did an excellent job with the design and implementation of our backyard transformation at our home in Barkley Square, in Duluth, GA. The advice of the Arborist in his team was very valuable to us as well. The new stone walkways with stone slate steps, the 16 feet diameter fire pit with sitting…

Reasonable priceWalkway landscapingGardening servicesLandscape installations

Photos

Customer reviews

5.0 ★★★★★ 42 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
JENNIFER WOLFE2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews JENNIFER has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with Jason Flake and Southern Outdoor Design as the variance consultant and permit expediter on several local projects. Jason is professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated to his clients. I appreciate working with someone who takes his business, the services he provides, and his clients’ needs so seriously. Having seen his work firsthand, I can confidently recommend Southern Outdoor Design for landscape design and outdoor improvements. Jason brings creativity, care, and attention to detail to his work, and I would gladly choose his company for my own outdoor projects. If you have a vision for your outdoor space, Jason can help make that dream a reality! 5 STARS!!!

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Walkway landscaping, Concrete masonry, Gardening services, Grass seeding, Landscape installations
Mary Ashley Lentz5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Mary has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

This is our second time using Southern Outdoor Design and it always is a pleasant experience! They are very professional and timely with everything they do. Looking forward to doing our next project with them!

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Landscape installations, Artificial turf installation
Response from the owner · 2 months ago

Mary Ashley, Thank you so much for the kind words and for trusting us with another project. We’ve truly enjoyed working with you and look forward to the next one!

Michael YorkLocal Guide · 19 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Michael has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The Southern Outsoor Design team did a tremendous job for us. They delivered a stone paver patio with a stone fire pit. A beautiful gravel path was installed to the patio and back into our wooded area. Several plantings, landscaping work and outdoor lighting made a spectacular outdoor retreat for us. Jason and team went to great lengths to make everything perfect. We highly recommend Southern Outdoor Design!

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Walkway landscaping, Landscape installations, Stone masonry
Response from the owner · 5 months ago

Michael, Thank you so much for the thoughtful review! We truly enjoyed working with you to bring this space to life. From the patio and fire pit to the path, lighting, and landscaping, everything really came to life from the master plan. We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with you and your family and appreciate your trust in our team. Thank you again for the recommendation!

Matt Thompson4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Matt has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Jason and his team were great to work with, from our initial meeting to the final walk through. We had a tight time frame to get the work done, but they completed everything, including add-ons, on time. The crew maintained a tidy and safe work space. The reimagined outdoor space at a special events venue is stunning.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Walkway landscaping, Landscape installations, Grading & resloping, Garden design, Stone masonry, Driveway or walkway paving
Response from the owner · 6 months ago

Matt, Thank you so much for the kind words. It was a pleasure working with you from start to finish, and we truly appreciate the trust you placed in our team, especially with the tight timeline. We’re glad everything came together smoothly and that you’re enjoying the transformed space. It’s especially rewarding to know the improvements will enhance the experience for your outdoor events, that means a lot to our team. We’re grateful for the opportunity to create something special for your venue.

Jillian Tellez HolubLocal Guide · 33 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jillian has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I came to Jason after a poor experience with another outdoor design firm, and from the first communication to the last, Jason was wonderful, responsive, transparent, helpful and friendly. He took the time to really understand our vision, suggested some great ideas that we never would have thought of, and co-created a fantastic design. He also coordinated with several others including a turf company, a landscape architect and a couple installers to make sure we had the best design and value for our quote. While we haven't yet executed on the design, it perfectly captures our vision and we highly recommend working with Jason!

Response from the owner · 6 months ago

Jillian, Thank you so much for the thoughtful review, we truly appreciate you taking the time to share this. It was a pleasure working with you, and we’re so glad the design came together in a way that really reflects your vision. Those early conversations and collaboration are always such an important part of the process, and we’re grateful for the trust you placed in us along the way. We’re excited for you as you move toward bringing it to life, and we’re here whenever you’re ready to take that next step. Thanks again for the recommendation, it means a great deal to our team.

Andrei Csipkes6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Andrei has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Jason and his team did an excellent job with the design and implementation of our backyard transformation at our home in Barkley Square, in Duluth, GA. The advice of the Arborist in his team was very valuable to us as well. The new stone walkways with stone slate steps, the 16 feet diameter fire pit with sitting area and designer stacked stone wall, as well as the new vegetable garden for our family came out great! We recommend Southern Outdoor Design to anyone interested in a high quality landscaping project. Best regards, Andrei and Arianna

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Walkway landscaping, Gardening services, Landscape installations, Grading & resloping, Outdoor step construction, Garden design, Stone masonry
Response from the owner · 7 months ago

Andrei & Arianna, Thank you so much for the thoughtful review—it means a lot to our team. We really enjoyed bringing your backyard vision to life, and I’m glad everything from the stonework to the garden came together in a way your family can enjoy for years to come. Appreciate you trusting us with your space!

Andrew Baird3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Andrew has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Jason and the team at Southern Outdoor Design totally transformed our backyard. It was a project with a huge scope and required many layers of design, permitting, inspections, earth movement, construction, landscaping, sod installation, fencing, etc. Their team's attention to detail and quality for the work done is outstanding we're thrilled with the outcome of our project.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Landscape installations, Grading & resloping, Garden design, Sod installation
Response from the owner · 10 months ago

Andrew, Thank you so much for the kind words and for trusting our team with such a large-scale transformation. Projects with this level of complexity are exactly where our design-to-delivery approach shines, and we’re thrilled to hear how happy you are with the outcome. This was a big one, and we’re glad it’s now a place your family can really use and enjoy.

Kleon K3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kleon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I’m extremely impressed with the backyard design Southern Outdoor Design created for us. From start to finish, they were thorough, professional, and really took the time to understand our vision. The design process was fantastic - they listened carefully to our ideas and needs, asked all the right questions, and came back with a thoughtful plan that perfectly captures what we were hoping for. Their attention to detail throughout the design phase was outstanding, and they were great about keeping us involved and informed every step of the way. Communication was excellent, and they made sure we were completely satisfied with the design before moving forward. We’re excited to move into the installation phase and can’t wait to see our new backyard come to life! Highly recommend this company for anyone looking for quality landscape design. We’re confident the final result will be amazing based on how professional and thorough they’ve been so far.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Landscape installations, Artificial turf installation, Garden design
Response from the owner · 10 months ago

Thank you so much for the thoughtful review! We truly enjoyed working with you through the design process and appreciate the trust you placed in our team. Your feedback on our communication and attention to detail means a lot. We’re excited to move into the installation phase and can’t wait to bring your backyard to life!

Raquel Asencio10 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Raquel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We were blown away from the start when the team gave us a beautiful rendering of the project. They really got the vision. We had a few hurdles - found a septic tank in the yard 🫠, and lots of back and forth with the county - Jason and his team were there every step. They did all the heavy lifting with the permitting and inspections. Jason is very communicative and the installation team is professional, and of course, skilled! The final result is just incredible, the vision really came off the page. We enjoy our space every day. Totally worth it.

Response from the owner · a year ago

Raquel, Thanks so much for the wonderful review! From the rendering and formal design work to bringing the custom decking and above-ground pool to life, we’re glad we could be there every step of the way through the permitting and approvals process. The whole team loved seeing the vision come together — and finishing it off with the lush new plantings really gave it that extra special feel. Enjoy your new space for years to come & we hope it brings plenty of amazing memories!

Brandon Gentry6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Brandon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We recently hired Jason to redesign and rebuild our outdoor patio area, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. From the start, his communication was clear and timely—he kept us informed at every stage and was quick to answer any questions. The project was completed exactly within the quoted timeframe and budget, which we greatly appreciated. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in the finished patio exceeded our expectations, creating a beautiful and functional space that we enjoy daily. We highly recommend Jason to anyone looking for a reliable and skilled contractor.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Concrete masonry, Outdoor step construction, Yard drainage
Response from the owner · a year ago

Brandon, we're so grateful for the generous words and positive feedback. It was a real pleasure working with you on this transformation. Seeing the old screened-in porch turn into an open, inviting space with panoramic views—and a custom outdoor kitchen to match—was one of our favorite recent projects. We’re so glad you’re enjoying it, and truly appreciate the trust you placed in us from start to finish.

Southern Outdoor Design on Google Maps →

Business details