The Design Process

I meet with you on-site to discuss your requirements. This is an opportunity to discuss your aspirations and desires, assess the area, and talk about how you wish to use the space. There is usually no fee for this meeting. This is the basis upon which a design brief and fee proposal can be submitted to you.

The site survey is the foundation of the design. Unless the site is very straightforward, I would recommend that a surveyor is appointed to carry out a survey of the garden. This will record the boundaries, levels, services, trees, shrubs, and any other features so that we can then work with accurate details. An existing survey can be used if you have one as long as it is accurate. Photographs are taken, and a site analysis is done, including a soil survey and research from which we can then work.

Using the survey and information gathered above, an Outline Design proposal is produced to convey the design intention.  This usually includes scaled 2D plans, 3D perspective visuals, a mood board, and planting and material suggestions to demonstrate how the space can work. The Outline Design is loose in form so that it can be delivered in a realistic timescale. This stage of the process is an opportunity to discuss the design and its different elements, and agree to any changes or amendments.

Once the outline design has been agreed and signed off, we then go into the details of the design. This could involve construction drawing and detailing, specification and tender documents, planting plans and schedules, lighting and irrigation. This phase of the project can be very collaborative between client and designer allowing discussion and selection of planting and materials.

Specification documents can be produced, and help is available to find contractors/landscapers and put the project out to tender. A monitoring service can be provided to oversee the development of the project and ensure that it runs smoothly and is built to the specified design.

A range of nursery contacts ensures that the best quality plants can be sourced and delivery arranged. 

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A maintenance schedule can be provided so that moving forward your plants get established, and your garden has the best chance of success.