Rooted in Dripping Springs · Serving the Texas Hill Country

About Solstice Outdoors

From Art to the Outdoors

What began as an artistic vision has evolved into a landscape design-build company grounded in creativity, craftsmanship, and a unique connection to Central Texas.

About Our Landscape Design-Build Team

Rooted in Dripping Springs since 2007, our team brings art, craftsmanship and practical construction knowledge to every landscape. Meet the people and principles behind our work.

Longhorn sculpture on the lawn outside the original Solstice storefront
The original Solstice storefront, where art and gardens came together.

Our story · A business with a sol’

Rooted Here Since 2007.

Before Solstice, Christopher “Chris” Sol Smartt worked in marketing in Europe and the United States. He eventually left corporate life to bring his interests in sculpture and gardening together in Dripping Springs.

In October 2007, he founded Sol's Texas Institute of Creative Expression - the name that became Solstice. What began as a nursery and art gallery grew to include landscape design and installation, always rooted in community, integrity and respect for the local environment.

Today, Solstice Outdoors carries that original creative spirit into complete landscape design-build projects across Dripping Springs, Austin and the Texas Hill Country.

Sculpture garden with metal artwork, planting and gravel paths
Art and planting in the sculpture garden at Solstice’s original home.
Cheshire Cat sculpture with the original Solstice storefront in the background
The Cheshire Cat — part of Solstice’s creative story.

The people behind the work

An Artist’s Eye for the Landscape.

Founder Christopher Sol Smartt connects the shape of a path, the rhythm of planting and the way a space is used, giving each project a character that belongs in the Texas Hill Country.

Christopher Sol Smartt outdoors beside a rocky creek

Founder · Owner · Designer · Artist

Christopher Sol Smartt

Chris approaches both art and landscape design through balance and flow. His work considers how people move through a space and how its lines, forms and planting relate to the setting.

That artistic perspective takes different forms in each landscape: clean lines and changes in height for a contemporary space, or flowing curves and varied textures for a more natural setting. The aim is a distinctive outdoor space that feels as though it has always belonged.

At Solstice, this creative approach is grounded in the practical needs of the Hill Country, bringing hardscapes and native or adapted planting together into landscapes that mature over time.

A closer look

Art, Craft and
Life Outdoors.

An artist’s eye finds possibility in the details.

Natural forms, textured stone and crafted materials bring character to the garden. This small glimpse of our work shows how art and landscape can belong together.

It’s the same thoughtful approach we bring to your outdoor space: considering each detail, and how it connects to the whole.

Meet the artist behind the work

Selected work

Designed as One Composition.

Every element of the landscape is designed to work together, creating a space that feels cohesive, natural, and connected to its surroundings.

Our mission

Thoughtful Outdoor Spaces, Made to Live Beautifully.

Solstice Outdoors transforms Texas Hill Country properties into artful, enduring landscapes that reflect each client's vision and deepen their connection to the land.

We design and build outdoor spaces with the Texas Hill Country in mind, using durable materials, water conscious planting, and practical construction. Every element is considered to create a space that feels natural, works well, and lasts in our unique climate.

What guides us

Four Principles. One Considered Landscape.

Through collaboration and developing a clear sense of space, we create outdoor environments shaped around the people who use them.

01

Design

Thoughtful spaces, intentionally connected.

02

Craft

Built with skill, care and purpose.

03

Quality

Made to endure.

04

Life

Created for living.

Our evolution

From a Local Art Gallery to Hill Country Landscapes.

The nursery and gallery chapter built the materials knowledge, community ties and artistic language behind today's landscape design-build practice.

2007

Solstice Begins

A creative business blending art, plants and landscape work opens in Dripping Springs.

Early years

A Local Destination

The nursery and gallery cultivate relationships, materials knowledge and a distinct visual language.

Today

Landscape Design-Build

Solstice focuses on designing and installing complete outdoor environments.

Next

More Life Outdoors

Each project extends the studio's connection to the Hill Country landscape.

Why clients choose Solstice

Design Vision and Construction Knowledge, Together.

SinceServing Central Texas since 2007
ApproachLandscape design and installation as one coordinated process
Tools2D and 3D visualization for clearer decisions before construction

A clear design-build process

One Vision, Carried from Concept to Completion.

From the first conversation to the final walkthrough, our team guides the design and installation of your outdoor space.

Explore our process
  1. Consult

    We meet at your property, listen to how you want to use it and identify opportunities, constraints and priorities.

  2. Design

    2D plans and 3D visuals bring together circulation, masonry, planting, lighting and custom features before construction.

  3. Build

    Our installation process translates the approved vision into an enduring outdoor space with clear communication throughout.

Client stories

Trusted from First Ideas to Final Installation.

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 89 Google reviews · Checked October 6, 2026. Read reviews on Google ↗

Where we work

Rooted in Dripping Springs. Designed for the Hill Country.

We focus on a deliberate service area so each project receives the attention it deserves.

See where we work

Our local communities

  • Dripping Springs
  • West + South Austin
  • Driftwood
  • Bee Cave
  • Lakeway
  • Wimberley

Contact Solstice

Begin with a Conversation.

Tell us what you have in mind. We’ll discuss your priorities, project scope and investment to see how we can bring your outdoor space to life.

Call or text512-915-0205
HoursMonday–Friday · 9am–5pm

A comprehensive transformation of your outdoor space.

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