Every landscape project is different and this is obviously reflected in the
services we provide and fees we charge. Typically, however, most
projects fall into several distinct phases:-
Initial
discussion
– Often on the telephone, this allows us to clarify certain key
issues such as the plot size, location, and your broad
objectives. A convenient date and time would be arranged for us
to meet.
Initial
Meeting
– The purpose of this is to gain a proper understanding of your
needs and thoughts and the unique features of the plot, the
style and period of your property and the surrounding
environment. We discuss what your garden will be used for and by
whom. During this meeting examples of previous designs are
presented to give you a better understanding of the scope of our
work and to further explain the design process.
Following this meeting, we give you a detailed and itemized
breakdown of fees for the design of your garden, in writing. On
receipt of your written instruction and acceptance, we proceed
to the next stage:
Site Survey – Before commencing the design, a fully detailed,
digital topographical survey is prepared, which includes the
position of the property, boundaries, trees and all of the other
existing elements and ground levels.
Second Site
Visit and Meeting
– We visit with a paper copy of the survey and discuss again the
design intent, before commencing with the concept design. During
this visit a site analysis is undertaken, which includes taking
soil samples and site orientation, etc. A video recording of the
garden is made to assist us in the preparation of the design.
Concept Design
– This is the point at which we commit the design ideas to
paper. Our proposed design for the garden is presented to you,
in person, in sketch form. It gives a very clear indication of
how things will look and we explain any areas of uncertainty. We
take time at this stage to listen to your reactions to the
design and note any particular concerns or preferences.
Detailed
Design
– Following your approval of the concept design, allowing for
modifications should they be necessary, the design of the garden
is worked up into a highly detailed and accurately scaled
drawing. This drawing is presented for your final approval
before proceeding to the planting design. During this
presentation, we will discuss the planting. This allows us to
understand your preferences, i.e. plants and colors that you may
like or dislike, etc.
Planting Plan – Taking into account site conditions, i.e. soil
conditions, aspect and your preferences, a detailed planting
plan is designed and presented to you.
Construction
Drawings
– Detailed construction drawings are prepared for all of the
hard landscape elements, ie, steps, walls, pergolas and ponds,
etc. Drainage, site section and setting out drawings are
prepared at this stage.
Specifications
– Essentially, we prepare, in addition to the design and
construction drawings, written specifications and scopes of
work, to enable landscape contractors to submit itemized
quotations, on a like for like basis, for the building and
planting of your garden.
Building and
Planting the Garden
– We do not undertake the actual implementation of the garden
but work in a similar way to an architect. All of the drawings
and documentation is forwarded to at least three reputable
landscape contractors, who are invited to visit you and your
garden and provide their itemized quotations.
Contact us
to receive a FREE professional site survey and estimate.
Or Call us at 973-696-0978
