The Design Process
Step 1 - Initial Meeting
The initial meeting provides the opportunity to meet and become acquainted. It is a time to see your property, to understand how you interact with your personal environment, to learn about what inspires you, and to discuss the features you’d like to see included in your new garden. This first meeting will provide the information needed to understand your lifestyle, what direction your design will take, and what type of documents you need to get you there. This meeting is followed with a proposal detailing the cost of design services.
Step 2 - Preliminary Design
With your approval to proceed, an accurate plot plan of your site is generated. Two alternative designs for your project are then developed. The design meetings will cover discussion of the options and the selection of features to be further developed and carried through into the final preliminary design.
Step 3 - Preliminary Cost Estimate
As the plans are developed, you will be provided with a preliminary cost estimate. This represents a reasonably accurate cost analysis and allows you the opportunity for adjustment prior to the conclusion of the final preliminary design.
Step 4 - Construction Documents
Construction documents elaborate on all decisions made during the preliminary design stage. These documents detail in drawing and writing, the specifics of how the project is built and the materials to be used. Construction documents are necessary for accurate bidding and construction by contractors. Noted below are the standard construction document sheets. Upon completion of your preliminary design you will be advised which of the following would be useful for your project.
- Hardscape & Paving – Delineates, dimensions and specifies hard-surface areas and elements.
- Grading & Drainage – Indicates site elevations, the channeling of drainage water on the property and drainage system design.
Planting – Provides plant information by use of plan symbols cross-referencing to a schedule of plant names. - Irrigation – A schematic plan indicating the sprinkler system and listing equipment.
- Landscape Lighting – Indicates fixture styles, placement, lighting effects and circuits for garden illumination.
- Details & Specifications – as needed for all plans.