Initial Meeting
Our process begins with an on-site meeting with you to discuss the scope of your landscape project. We'll take a walk around your property and explore your ideas, needs and goals. A tour through the interior spaces of your home can show us the layout of the house and how it relates to the exterior, provide us with a glimpse of your lifestyle that may be reflected into the landscape design, and determine significant views of the surrounding landscape through the architectural openings. A written proposal for our design services will be prepared and sent for review and approval. Upon approval, our design process will continue.
Site Analysis and Base Plan
Detailed measurements and notes of your existing landscape are compiled to locate the house, property lines, existing hardscape, and established trees and shrubs. We will also identify the sun/shade areas, views, privacy/exposure, noise, drainage, and topography of the site. These measurements and notes will then be transferred to a base plan.
Conceptual Design
Using the data gathered from the existing site conditions, our designers will explore a variety of preliminary design options that would best accomplish the goals and requirements that you had initially prescribed. This phase of the design process is the most creative, generating custom design ideas for each individual project. We will draw a schematic site plan that will show the shapes and sizes of the major circulation routes, hardscapes, structures, trees, and defined planting beds. Upon completion of the schematic design, we will meet with you to present the plan and review our progress. This is the time that we can also provide you with a rough construction estimate that will help establish a general budget for the project.
Design Development
After our meeting, your feedback will guide us in the development process of the design. During this phase, we will concentrate on accurate spatial dimensions, choosing materials for specific areas, grading, and site details. If required, we will investigate additional design options and redesign specific areas of the plan. Some projects require the expertise of architects, engineers, and other industry design professionals. At this phase we would introduce these professionals into the project. Sketches and drawings will be developed that will aid in the visualization of the key elements of the design. Another meeting will be scheduled with you to review these refined ideas. If the project will require special permitting through the town or city, this is the time that we would begin the process of meeting with officials to review the project.
Construction Documents/ Specification Development
Construction documents consist of a detailed site plan that specifies planting, hardscape, lighting, grading, construction details and notes as required. These documents are presented to contractors for competitive bidding and are used to promote a fair and equal cost comparison. As the bids are received, we will assist you in selecting the appropriate contractor that will best fit your project. As the construction phase begins, necessary permits can be obtained. During this time, the number of meetings with you will depend on the complexity and needs of the project. The meetings will revolve around the final plans, material selections, construction scheduling, and contractor negotiations.
Construction Observation
During the construction phase, we will work together with you and the contractor, so the design is fully understood and properly executed. We can differentiate quality craftsmanship, make timely decisions, and maintain open communication with all parties. Our priority is to make sure the contractor follows through with his contract in a timely, professional, and responsible manor. We will monitor work with periodic site visits and phone calls to the contractor, and keep you informed of the progress. At the end of the construction phase, we will perform a final walk-through of the site, take notes, and, if necessary, issue a punch list of final items for the contractor to complete.
