Process

Consultation

All landscape design services begin with an initial consultation. During the consultation, the clients discuss their needs with the designer and they walk the property together. The designer outlines the range of services that would suit the scope of the project. At the end of the initial consulation, the designer should have a good sense of the clients' needs, the current and intended use of the land, and any constraints or possibilities that the clients may be aware of.

Proposal

Following the consultation, the designer draws up a proposal that outlines his understanding of the scope of the project and a contract that sets a schedule for completion and a fee for the project. The scope of the project is open to discussion, but changes in scope may require a change to the contract.

Services

A wide range of services is available, but common to all is some form of analysis, based on a survey or existing maps. The analysis provides a reliable basis for establishing the constraints and assets of the land. What is the quality of the soil? How does water flow on the property? What role do sun and shadow play? Depending on the scope of the project, all these questions and more must be answered in order to offer a range of solutions that meet the clients' needs and that promote the ecological health of the land.

If the scope of the project provides for it, several solutions may be offered in conceptual or schematic form. Once these have been discussed, a preliminary plan, based on the schematics, is proposed and discussed with the clients. A final plan incorporates any issues discussed at the presentation of the preliminary plan. If required, it is supported by a planting plan, a layout plan, a grading plan, and construction details.

Not all projects have a scope of services as large as those outlined above. Some analyses may be combined or not considered. The range and number of solutions may be more limited. Clients may wish to create their own design, but need some help in selecting plants. Please check out the services page to see the full range of services.