The
TO HIGH PERFORMANCE Professional Guide
Outdoor Construction Outdoor Construction
SUPPORTING BUILDERS, ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, AND DESIGNERS AMERICA’S ONLY CERTIFIED CLASS 1 CONTRACTORFOR LUXURY OUTDOOR LIVING
Understanding the Complexity of Luxury Home Building
Luxury residential construction requires an extraordinary level of coordination. Architects, engineers, builders, and specialized trades must align across hundreds of decisions while balancing design intent, structural integrity, scheduling pressures, and the expectations of the family who will ultimately call the home their own. By the time a project reaches the outdoor environment, much of the team’s energy has already been invested in bringing the architecture and interior spaces to life. Yet the exterior environment —often the final and most visible expression of the property—can become one of the most complex and fragmented portions of the entire build. At High Prairie Outdoors, we recognize this challenge. Our role is not to complicate the process, but to simplify it. We exist to support the work of the architects, engineers, and builders already guiding the project while also protecting the experience of the family who will live there. By approaching the outdoor environment as an integrated system rather than a collection of unrelated trades, we help reduce coordination burden and deliver environments designed to perform long after construction is complete. Our focus is simple: help the project team deliver a smoother build today while ensuring the outdoor environment performs reliably for decades. Robyn Schmitz Founder, High Prairie Outdoors
Supporting Luxury Residential Construction Through Integrated Outdoor Performance
www.highprairieoutdoors.com.com
6116 Johnson Dr. Mission, Ks. 66202
+816-398-2901
Builder Advantage
High Prairie Outdoors is America’s only certified Class 1 contractor for luxury outdoor living, operating at the Highest Performance Global Standard through our Legacy Program. This guide outlines the systems we use to support builders, architects, and engineers while delivering outdoor environments designed to perform for decades. Class 1 – Highest Performance Global Standard High Prairie primarily builds at Class 1 construction standards, the highest level of durability and performance in outdoor environments. Through the Legacy Program, we integrate advanced construction systems, hydrologically intelligent drainage, and performance-based assemblies designed to exceed conventional engineering and code standards.
Integrated Performance Construction Traditional outdoor environments often require 16–23 contractors.
High Prairie simplifies this through an integrated construction model, self-performing most scopes and typically reducing the project team to 6–8 coordinated partners, improving accountability and coordination. Site Intelligence & Precision Execution Using LiDAR site scanning and millimeter-level elevation modeling, High Prairie develops accurate grading and drainage strategies before construction begins. Precision installation technology ensures systems are installed exactly as designed.
Use without written permission is strictly prohibited
Builder Advantage
Structured Project Management Each project includes a dedicated High Prairie project manager coordinating closely with the builder and design team. This structured process keeps architects, engineers, builders, and homeowners aligned throughout construction. Stewardship & Long-Term Aftercare High Prairie provides ongoing stewardship for planting systems, irrigation, pools, and landscape health. This proactive care helps protect the homeowner’s investment while reducing long-term callback risk for builders. Together, these systems allow High Prairie to simplify the most complex portion of the build while delivering outdoor environments designed for long-term performance.
HIGH PRAIRIE Leading the Way
OUTDOOR CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATIONS A Framework for Understanding Performance Standards
Class 1: Highest Performance (Global Standards) Maximum durability, integrated systems, longest lifespan.
CLASS 1
Class 2: Engineered Beyond Code Engineered improvements above minimum code requirements. Class 3: Meets Code or Standard Meets basic safety and inspection standards.
CLASS 2
CLASS 3
Class 4: Sub-Code (Caution) Below accepted standards; prone to failure.
CLASS 4
Certified methods based on science and performance
AMERICA’S ONLY CERTIFIED CLASS-1 CONTRACTOR FOR COMPREHENSIVE OUTDOOR CONSTRUCTION
Kansas City Just Became Home to a National First
High Prairie Outdoors is now the nation’s only Class 1 Certified contractor for luxury outdoor living within the Quality Crusade classification framework.
This distinction is powered by the company’s Legacy Program and delivered by an in-house artisan team using European construction methods designed to outperform conventional industry standards. The recognition reflects decades of research and global study. Over the past decade, the High Prairie team has traveled extensively throughout Europe and South America, studying regions where outdoor environments are built to perform for generations with greater durability, craftsmanship, and lower lifecycle maintenance. Those insights became the foundation for the Legacy Method—a disciplined construction approach designed for clients who value outdoor spaces built far beyond minimum standards. Today, homeowners and design professionals are beginning to recognize the value of having world-class outdoor construction methods and artisan craftsmanship available locally in Kansas City.
HIGH PRAIRIE Leading the Way
The Legacy Program integrates: Performance-based structural systems
Hydrologically intelligent drainage systems Advanced hardscape installation methods Elevated pool construction methodologies Precision site intelligence and installation practices Long-term stewardship and aftercare planning
Rather than treating outdoor features as isolated elements, the Legacy Program approaches the outdoor living environment as a coordinated system. Drainage, structural assemblies, material performance, and long-term care are designed to work together rather than as standalone components installed by multiple unrelated trades.
This systemized approach allows our projects to: Perform reliably for decades Reduce lifecycle repair and replacement Simplify long-term maintenance Deliver a more refined and luxurious outdoor environment Provide a lower overall cost of ownership over time
Our goal is not simply to build outdoor spaces that look complete on the day of installation. Our goal is to create environments that continue performing, aging gracefully, and serving the homeowner for decades beyond completion.
HIGH PRAIRIE OUTDOORS CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATIONS
Class 1 – Highest Performance Global Standard Legacy Method TRASS Bedding System — Structural hardscape system integrating hydrologic drainage, load distribution, and freeze- thaw resilience designed for multi-decade durability. Thermally Insulated Concrete Pools (Legacy Method) — Custom-built structural pool systems with enhanced drainage planning and insulation to improve shell durability, efficiency, and long-term performance. Integrated Site Hydrology System — Property-wide drainage strategy designed using LiDAR-based site scanning and millimeter- level grading precision. Integrates permeable TRASS systems with comprehensive water management.
Class 2 – Engineered Above Code
Class 3 – Code- Compliant
Method
Concrete Overlay Systems — Engineered overlays applied over structurally prepared bases, improving durability and aesthetics compared to conventional methods.
Conventional Aggregate Base Hardscapes — Crushed aggregate bases supporting pavers, brick patios, or poured concrete slabs meeting typical industry standards but more prone to settlement and repair over time. Conventional Gunite Pools — Standard industry construction meeting engineering and code requirements but typically without enhanced structural reinforcement or advanced drainage planning.
Hardscape Construction
Engineered Gunite Pools / Hand-Sculpted Mineral Resin Pools — Gunite shells reinforced with approximately 30% additional steel and expanded drainage systems, or mineral resin pool systems offering improved durability and reduced chemical reliance. Engineered Drainage Network — Structured drainage planning with multiple pathways and targeted water management supporting key outdoor features.
Pool Construction
Conventional Surface Drainage — Basic slope management and isolated drains addressing immediate runoff without site-wide hydrologic integration.
Drainage Systems
Shaded boxes indicate High Prairie’s current approved certificagtions
HIGH PRAIRIE OUTDOORS CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATIONS
Class 1 – Highest Performance Global Standard Advanced Soil & Root- Zone System — Lab- grade soil testing, soil- building programs, root- zone stabilization exceeding university standards, and planting methods minimizing root- ball disturbance to ensure long-term plant health. Horticulturally Optimized Irrigation — Systems designed around microclimates, soil type, and plant-specific needs to maximize plant health and water efficiency.
Class 2 – Engineered Above Code
Class 3 – Code- Compliant
Method
Enhanced Professional Planting — Improved soil amendments and stabilization techniques
Standard Landscape Installation — Conventional planting methods meeting minimum horticultural guidelines without advanced soil analysis or long-term soil-building strategies. Conventional Irrigation Systems — Basic timer- based irrigation distributing water across zones with minimal environmental optimization.
exceeding baseline industry practices.
Planting Installation
Environmentally Tuned Irrigation — Systems adjusted by plant category and environmental conditions to improve water efficiency compared to conventional systems.
Irrigation Systems
Shaded boxes indicate High Prairie’s current approved certificagtions
LIFECYCLE PERFORMANCE
Metric
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
Longest lifespan; multi-decade Lowest long-term maintenance Lowest lifecycle cost
Standard industry lifespan Higher maintenance over time Higher long-term repair/replacement
Expected Lifespan
Improved durability
Moderate maintenance
Maintenance Needs
Cost of Ownership
Balanced cost
Technical Data HARDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION
Aspect
HPO’s Trass System Concrete Slab Base + Overlay
Crushed Rock Base
~5,000 psi ; bonded, permeable slab-like Up to 40-ton rating ; handles heavy traffic Highly permeable ; rapid drainage through layer
3,000–4,000 psi; rigid but cracks under stress Strong initially; brittle failure if cracked Impermeable; water trapped beneath Vulnerable; cracks common Mirrors soil movement; cracks or slab movement
Relies on compaction; no true beam strength Adequate for patios; thick base for vehicles Semi-permeable; dense base holds water Moderate; dense base freezes and heaves Requires extra prep and geogrid Moderate; re-sand, re- level
Structural Strength
Load Capacity
Handling of Water
Freeze-Thaw Resilience Excellent ; tested through 50 cycles with zero
Bridges minor soil shifts; keeps clay dry
Clay Soil Adaptability
Minimal ; stays level, joints sealed
Difficult; cutting and patching
Maintenance
Built-in lime neutralization
Efflorescence Control
Low
Low
30–50+ years , warranty- backed
Expected Lifespan
10–20+ years
10–15 years
POOL CONSTRUCTION
HIGH PRAIRIE’S INTEGRATED PERFORMANCE MODEL
Many outdoor environments are installed through a fragmented trade structure involving 16–23 separate companies performing different scopes. While each trade may perform their role well individually, this fragmented model often leads to: Trade overlap and scheduling friction (or total schedule chaos) Inconsistent installation standards Drainage conflicts or elevation discrepancies Diffused warranty responsibility Increased builder coordination burden High Prairie approaches the outdoor environment differently. Through our integrated performance construction model, we self-perform the majority of outdoor scopes in-house, allowing projects to operate with approximately 6–8 coordinated partners instead of 16–23 independent contractors. This integration allows the outdoor environment to function as a coordinated system, where drainage, structural assemblies, planting systems, and irrigation work together rather than as disconnected installations. The result is: Simplified project coordination Clear accountability Reduced construction risk Higher performance environments Easy warranty or after-care Our goal is not to replace the builder’s leadership on the project. Our goal is to support the builder’s success by simplifying one of the most complex portions of the build. From 23 companies to 6: Real simplification
Case Study
THE PROJECT Comprehensive, 6 Acre Design: High Prairie Outdoors Custom Gunite Pool, Sundeck, Infinity Spa: High Prairie Outdoors Renson Louvered Pergola, Glass Walls, Wood Screens, and Hidden Bathroom: High Prairie Outdoors Hardscaping: Patio, Steps, Walls, Kitchen, Masonry: High Prairie Outdoors Planting and Irrigation: High Prairie Outdoors Lighting: High Prairie Outdoors Challenging convention begins by seeking to improve broken systems or processes. At High Prairie Outdoors, we’ve listened to thousands of people when it comes to what frustrated them about “contractors” and “building”. We believe in the idea of helping others and perpetually improving, not just following status-quo. You’re about to discover just how different HPO is, by using this incredible Blue Springs, Missouri project as an example. You don’t have to settle for the “norm” and you don’t have to be fooled by low-ball contracts that skyrocket once construction starts.
Scan for a tour in winter!
LEGACY PROGRAM Integrated Performance: Higher Standards. Easy Mangement. How Many Companies Did it Take to Build the Project? Why Should you Care? By self-performing most of our work, our clients benefit in several ways: Consistent quality and standards, which are higher than the industry’s. Less production gaps waiting for the next company.
Control over the caliber of staff, their training, and how “Family-Safe” they are. Less mid-project change/orders and scope creep resulting from multiple companies trying to work in the same area. “Surprises”.
1
ENGINEER Used HPO Design to create hydraulic and structural renderings/scope.
2
ELECTRICIAN Electrical work for pool, pergola/room, and kitchen.
HIGH PRAIRIE OUTDOORS Internal Team of Certified Experts for Each Specialization
3 SHOT-CRETE SHELL The spraying of shot-crete pool shell
PLUMBER Gas Lines and Pool Connection
4
5
ADD A HEADING Briefly elaborate on what you want to discuss. PLASTER/TILE Plaster truck and tile for pool waterline/infinity/swim ledge
6
GRANITE COUNTERS Install of Kitchen Counter-Top
Self-Performing with our HP Pro’s: Family-Safe Background Check, Certified and Trained, Specialized in Luxury Outdoor Living
THE INDUSTRY NORM How Does the “Contract Holder” Ensure Quality, Stability, and Accountabilitly? Wait.... How Does a Company Make Promises for 22 Other Businesses? Subcontracting can be okay, BUT more subs = more risk for you. Here’s why: Less Stability- Presuming all 20+ companies are able to stay in business, fully staff, and manage their finances is a risk. Quality “Guessing-Game” - 20+ companies do not have the same quality standards. Ever. More “Costly Surprises” - More companies = more unclear areas in the scope. This results in less accountability, more change-orders, and the “blame-game”.
23
1
12
2
TYPICAL “OUTDOOR LIVING” CO. Relies heavily on sub-contractors, but makes promises on things they can’t control
3
4
8
13
14
5 20
6
10 9
7 Pool Company
15
21
22
11
19
It takes up to 23 companies to build the same project
16
18
17
See Key on Next Page!
The “Norm” = Longer project times, Less Quality Consistency, Less Peace-of-Mind for Warranty/Issues, Higher Project Cost
THE INDUSTRY NORM
Years of Sub-Contracting Together Doesn’t Equal a Guarantee.... Staffing: How many of the companies perform background checks to ensure no violent history or theft? Staffing: How do those companies train and certify? Schedules: More gaps in production as your project stalls waiting for the next company to show up. WHO ACTUALLY TAKES CARE OF YOUR WARRANTY WITH 23 COMPANIES??? How does your “Contract Holder” manage quality when they don’t build it or possibly know how? What happens if even one of those companies gets sued?
KEY
0. Contract Holder
8. Irrigation
16. Plaster and Tile
1.Designer
9. Masons- Veneer
17. Soil Analysis
10. Hardscaper - Pavers/Walls
2. Engineer
18. Shot-Crete
3. Electrician
11. Granite Counters
19. Pool Jump-Start and Maintenance
4. Carpentry & Fencing
12. Low Voltage Lighting
20. Landscape Maintenance
5. Landscaper
13. Excavation
21. Artificial Turf
6. Renson Dealer
14. Plumber
22. Water Features
23. Bathroom: (Pergola/Pool-House with Hidden Full-Bathroom.
7. Pool Company
15. Foundation and Re-Bar
SITE INTELLIGENCE & PRECISION EXECUTION Lidar Site Scanning
Outdoor performance begins with accurate understanding of the site. High Prairie utilizes LiDAR-based site scanning technology to generate millimeter-level point cloud data that can be integrated directly into CAD platforms. This site intelligence provides the project team with: Highly accurate elevation modeling Improved drainage strategy development Reduced risk of grading conflicts Better coordination between architecture and exterior environments By working from measurable site data rather than approximation, the entire project team benefits from improved planning and fewer mid-project corrections. In the field, our installation teams utilize precision rover-guided layout systems to ensure structural assemblies, grading, and drainage systems are installed according to the design intent. These technologies support: Accurate slope management Precise excavation depth
Consistent structural base preparation Improved long-term system performance In short, engineering ensures something stands. Precision ensures it performs correctly over time.
SITE SCANS AVAILABLE TO PARTNERS
HIGH PRAIRIE Project Management
High-performance construction requires disciplined coordination. Each High Prairie project operates under a defined management structure designed to provide clarity for both the builder and the homeowner. TEAMS TAILORED FOR COMPLEX EXECUTION AND HIGH-EXEPECTATIONS
Every project includes:
A dedicated High Prairie Project Manager Structured communication with the builder’s project management team Clear documentation of scope and responsibilities High Prairie 3-Step Project Planning System Defined project milestones Coordination meetings as needed during key phases
HIGH PRAIRIE Stewardship & Long-Term Aftercare
Through our stewardship and aftercare programs, High Prairie provides ongoing care for: Fine Gardening Programs Turf performance Irrigation optimization Pool care and water management Seasonal color installations Outdoor system maintenance This proactive approach helps: Preserve long-term performance Reduce builder callback exposure Protect homeowner satisfaction Maintain the integrity of the project over time Rather than reactive warranty service, we focus on preventative stewardship.
FLEXIBLE ENTRY POINTS Determined by Your Needs
SUPPPORTING THE PROJECT AT ANY STAGE High Prairie is structured to join projects at multiple points depending on the needs of the builder and design team. We frequently collaborate with: Architects Landscape architects Civil engineers Builders Homeowners Our role can begin at several stages: Early Site Intelligence LiDAR site scanning Drainage analysis Elevation modeling Exterior design coordination Design Collaboration We can work with the builder’s preferred designers or provide in-house design services when needed. Performance Construction Executing outdoor environments under performance standards once plans are complete. Site System Integration Aligning drainage, planting, irrigation, and structural assemblies across the entire outdoor environment. This flexibility allows High Prairie to support the project team without disrupting existing professional relationships.
SETTING EXPECTATIONS Self-Performance
TRANSPARENT PROJECT INVESTMENT High Prairie Outdoors operates under two primary contract structures: direct agreements with homeowners or cost-plus partnership models with builders. Our financial structure follows common practices used by firms that self-perform multi-month projects. We invest heavily in planning, materials, and specialized labor before construction begins to ensure smooth execution and reliable operations. Comprehensive projects often require between 200–675 hours of planning and coordination prior to installation, including site intelligence, construction packet documentation, engineering coordination, permitting, procurement, and building the project plan. In addition, materials are frequently ordered weeks or months in advance. For this reason, our projects operate under a transparent investment structure, including retainers, where payments align with planning, procurement, and construction progress. Funds are applied directly to the labor, materials, and equipment dedicated to the project. (No hidden interest or finance fees)
This approach provides several benefits to the homeowner and builder: Reduced financial liability exposure for the builder Clear ownership of warranty and aftercare responsibilities Efficient procurement of materials and specialty systems Faster scope completion during the final stages of construction No hidden finance fees or interest
HIGH PRAIRIE’S HISTORY Our story is a classic ‘ David versus Goliath ’ tale steeped in the passion of our exceptional team members who deserve all the credit for the reputation we’ve garnered today. We started with nothing, no referral partners, and builders laughing our female founder out of their office because we weren’t part of the ‘ good old boys club ’. Today, we’re pursued as the preferred choice for finely designed, crafted, and nourished outdoor spaces for discerning homeowners. Humble Beginnings. Local Love. Humble Beginnings. Local Love.
Robyn Schmitz Founded the Company after witnessing corner-cutting contractors and limited career opportunties for landscape pros. The organization was founded to do better. With no money, she began designing and installing landscapes.
2010
2013 2019
The First Team Members Joined
Our first three team members were hired as the foundation to our hardscape and landscape maintenance divisions. They’re still with us today! High Prairie Becomes KC’s First National Award Winner for Luxury Residential Design/Build We won two national awards for our work chosen by an independent panel as the best work in US and Canada. (We’ve since won more!) An Alfresco Lifestyle Brand Emerges
A comprehensive organization for all things fine gardening, swimming pools, and outdoor living, We lead the way with our proprietary Legacy Program. How are we different? We build almost completely in-house. HP Pros: Year-Round, Local Professionals, Elite Teams Higher Standards and Exclusive Products for Clients A Proven Process: The Legacy Program earning Quality Crusade’s top certification- Certified Class-1 Contractor We’re national educators for both universities and trade organizations.
LET’S CRAFT AN EXPERIENCE THAT LASTS At High Prairie Outdoors, we believe our role in a project is simple: to help the builder and their team look exceptional while delivering an outdoor environment that performs beautifully for the family who will live there. Luxury construction is demanding work, and by the time a project reaches the outdoor environment, many teams are already experiencing what builders often describe as “build fatigue.” Schedules have been long, coordination has been complex, and everyone is ready to bring the project across the finish line successfully. This is where our approach can make a meaningful difference. By simplifying coordination, integrating performance construction methods, and managing the outdoor environment as a complete system, we help bring the project to completion with clarity and confidence. When the final phase of construction is delivered efficiently, with exceptional craftsmanship and long-term performance in mind, it strengthens the experience for everyone involved: The builder and their reputation The architects and engineers who designed the project And most importantly, the family who will call the property home Our goal is to help close the project on a strong note—faster, more coordinated, and to the highest quality standard possible. When that happens, everyone wins. We look forward to partnering with you and supporting the continued success of your projects.
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6116 Johnson Dr. Mission, KS 66205
www.highprairieoutdoors.com 816-398-2901
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