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Design Process

I work hard to make my Design Process as collaborative and productive as possible.  Every job is different, which is why designing landscapes is so fun.  This is the process that we go through which has been proven to have great results.

Initial Site Visit + Design Proposal

For our initial site visit we will walk the property so I can get a feel for your project and put together a realistic Proposal for the design.  During our walkthrough we will go over the scope of the design, collaborative design ideas, realistic budget expectations for the construction and the process that we will follow throughout the design.  Once the proposal is approved I will move forward with the planning.

2

Design Discovery

To get started I will ask you to fill out my design survey.  This will help in gathering some general information about your lifestyle, desired features to be included, likes and dislikes of design elements, materials selections, colors, plants etc.  In addition I will send you a link to a collaborative Pinterest or Houzz board that we can each contribute to throughout the process.  These concept photos help me to shape the design specifically to you.  They also allow me to share my ideas so you can get a feel for the direction I am leaning towards and feel comfortable that we are on the same page.

3

Conceptual Design + Meeting

This is where the fun begins!!  Prior to our first design meeting I will put together a conceptual design that shows the general layout of the landscape.  This will incorporate the ideas we have shared and may include some conceptual plant locations.  We will also discuss hardscape material options and begin to narrow down the selection.  In addition, as we work through the plan, we will discuss adjustments to the layout as necessary.

4

Plan Revisions

Following the first concept meeting I will revise the plan accordingly.  The revised plan will be sent over email for your review.  At that time we can decide if a meeting is required to ensure the plan is good to go.  My goal following these revisions is to be able to finalize the layout and move forward with the planting plan.

5

Planting Plan

By now I will have a good idea of the direction to take the planting plan and will put together a plant palette for you to take a look at.  At this time we will add or delete plants that you like or dislike and I will work off of this list to create your planting plan.  Again, the final planting plan will be sent over email for you to review and finalize prior to moving to the next step.

6

Final Plan Set

At this point in the process, the details have all been ironed out and it is time for me to put together the final plan set for installation.  Plans that are usually included but may change according to the details of the job are as follows.

Landscape Plan- This will show the general layout of the design.  Includes concept photos for visualization. 

Hardscape Plan-  A more detailed look at the layout that includes some dimensions and notes on proposed hardscape materials.

Planting Plan-  Includes all proposed plants at their 5-10 year size, labeled with the name and quantity.  A final plant list is also included.

Irrigation Zone Plan- A proposed layout of irrigation zones according to specific plant mico-climates or site conditions etc.  This does not include exact head placement.

Lighting Plan- Low voltage landscape lighting plan includes recommendations for outdoor lighting locations and type of fixture.

7

Design Add-ons

Below is a list of common add ons to the Final Plan Set.  If not included in the original proposal, these can be added al a carte following the completion of the Final Plan Set or deemed necessary during the design process.    

Detail Drawings- Custom features such as outdoor kitchens, decorative screens, pergolas or custom fire pits often warrant a more detailed drawing. This step is important in conveying the design elements of the custom feature to the contractor who is going to build it.  Clients appreciate working through those details and seeing the layout prior to the installation.

Client Liason- Construction projects can be tough at times.  Clients who choose this option really appreciate having my design eye available throughout the construction process.  

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