A backyard swimming pool with a gray water slide, a waterfall feature, and a person floating on a pink and white inner tube. There is a wooden deck with a child on a slide, and outdoor furniture including chairs. The background has a fenced yard with trees, bushes, and a small play area.

Crafted with Care.

COS, Distinct by Design, founded by Ray Ditmeyer, a craftsman with over two decades of experience designing and building outdoor living spaces across Northern Virginia.

Ray’s work is guided by a simple belief — every space should be built to last and designed for how people actually live. He combines creative problem-solving with precision craftsmanship, turning backyards, patios, and decks into functional extensions of the home.

What sets Ray apart isn’t just the finish — it’s the foundation. He’s known for tackling complex sites, refining drainage and grading, and creating seamless transitions between indoor comfort and outdoor durability. Every detail, from material choice to lighting placement, reflects an eye for both beauty and longevity.

COS isn’t a big crew or a franchise. It’s personal. Ray leads every project himself — from the first design sketch to the final clean-up — ensuring each build carries the same standard of quality, pride, and care he’s known for.

Distinct by Design. Built to Last.