With a portfolio that spans residential, institutional, and civic architecture across several U.S. states, Steven Rugo, AIA (principal, Rugo/Raff Architects Ltd.) has built a decades-long career exploring the challenges and opportunities presented by the Continental Climate. “People often assume that an outdoor space is just some appliances, a countertop, and maybe a fabulous grille,” he observes “but in this climate, that idea quickly falls apart.”

He is especially drawn to the urban courtyards and rooftop terraces of continental cities. “Urban outdoor spaces hold a particularly important place in my heart,” he reflects. “They’re an oasis from the madding crowd—like a Marrakech riad. A rooftop view of city skylines as the evening lights come on, or a carefully landscaped enclosed courtyard, provides the perfect sanctuary.”

In architectural terms, the Continental Climate is a designer’s paradox. It presents a full range of environmental extremes—deep freezes, high humidity, gusty springs, and golden, temperate autumns. Snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles aren’t just background noise; they shape what materials can be used, how systems must drain, and when and how people will use the space.

Yet this variability is also what makes the region so compelling.

“For architects, landscape designers, and homeowners alike, the Continental Climate opens a world of experiential richness,” Rugo explains. “Each season provides its own atmosphere—transforming an outdoor kitchen from a summer grilling station to a cozy, fire-lit gathering space in autumn, or even a sculptural focal point beneath winter snow.”

Designers working in this region must engage in what Rugo calls “story-based programming.” Rather than leading with products or finishes, he guides clients through scenarios: What will you do here in October? How will you host in June? Will you use it at all in January? Through building an understanding of clients’ lifestyles and clarifying their expectations at the outset, the design process becomes more focused, intentional, and efficient.

Among the most persistent misconceptions Rugo encounters is the idea that outdoor kitchens - especially urban rooftop kitchens-  are prohibitively expensive or simplistic in scope. “There’s this assumption that it’s either unaffordable or easy to pull off,” he says. “But outdoor kitchens in our region require real planning—for serving, storage, cleanup, and connectivity.  And often, [with rooftop kitchens] the main household kitchen is floors below and maybe not accessible by elevator.”

This complexity is only magnified by seasonal needs. “The challenges of cold-weather spaces,” Rugo explains, “are often snow removal and element protection. It’s not just about use—it’s about maintenance, safety, and longevity.”

This doesn’t mean stripping things down. In fact, with the right approach, the Continental Climate becomes a design opportunity rather than an obstacle—a chance to embrace layered functionality, seasonal identity, and material richness.

Rugo is particularly interested in how outdoor kitchens function in dense urban settings. “A rooftop kitchen in Chicago might not be usable in February—but it’s still beautiful,” he notes. “Even dormant, it can be a sculptural element, a visual extension of the home.”

By designing for all four seasons—not just the usable ones—architects can create spaces that feel intentional and inviting year-round. It might mean building in areas for containerized winter plantings, creating sightlines that enhance snowy vistas, or windbreaks that allow for shoulder-season grilling.

It also means designing for storage and protection. Cabinetry must be weather-proof. Water lines must drain fully before winter. Appliances may need to be covered or even removed. The best systems anticipate the off-season as part of the experience—not an interruption to it.

When clients approach Rugo with ideas for an outdoor kitchen, he begins not with renderings but with narrative. “We ask them to tell us how they imagine using the space: who is there, what are you cooking, what’s the weather like, how far are you from the house? That’s when the real design work begins.”

This storytelling approach allows for design that’s grounded in experience—not just aesthetics. “It’s the only way we see the process,” he says. “Once we understand how it’s meant to feel, we can layer in the functional requirements and the cost.”

And those costs, he’s quick to point out, are not always sky-high. “When the program is clear, we can solve the budget like a math problem. It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about making sure every dollar works toward the vision.”

Ultimately, outdoor kitchens in the Continental Climate are an evolving expression of place, time, and ritual. They require a nuanced, layered approach—one that acknowledges the cyclical qualities of life itself.

As Rugo puts it: “When done right, an outdoor kitchen becomes a sanctuary. A place to retreat, to gather, to mark the rhythms of the year.”

In this sense, designing for the Continental Climate isn’t about fighting nature—it’s about celebrating it.