Our Design Process

We have put together a description of our design process to help guide you through our typical phases of design.  Your project will be unique to your needs and vision, so the following process can, and usually does, vary.

Questionnaire and Phone Consultation

After sharing your project information and vision via our convenient website questionnaire link below, the next step is a phone consultation so we can learn more about your vision for your property and you can determine how our design process might fit with your needs.  During this call, we can schedule an initial on-site consultation and site analysis. 

Initial Site Consultation / Site Analysis

The initial on-site consultation is our chance to see your property in person and get to know your goals and dreams for your new space.

After evaluating the scope and services needed, and with your approval, our designer will begin a site analysis which may include site measurements, noting elevation grades, and site photos. Any additional project information you can provide such as surveys, as-builts, easements, septic layout, HOA regulations, etc. will be very helpful at this stage.

  • We understand that verbalizing your design ideas can be difficult, which is where a visual tool like an idea board comes in handy and helps us draw a much quicker connection between your vision and feasible design possibilities.

  • We can assist you in setting this up. When looking for images to build your idea board with, it’s a good idea to focus on how the images make you feel vs what you like and dislike.

  • We are dedicated to providing a final product in which every last detail will be considered and will be well used for generations to come..

Concept Designs

During this phase of the project sequence, we explore preliminary design ideas and the best ways to accomplish your landscaping vision and goals.

  • Our second scheduled meeting will be to review two conceptual layouts along with idea photos for material and style options including an initial vision for the plant palette.

  • During this phase we may also provide material samples for your review.

  • We will also establish and review a rough construction cost estimate to assist in establishing a general budget for construction.

  • We will work with you to refine the concepts into one cohesive layout that can be further developed in the final plans stage.

Final Plans

This phase is devoted to finalizing the design layout, materials and program requirements. Our third meeting in the design process will be to review final presentation plans.

  • These plans typically include hardscape layout, planting layout, material selections, and details of design elements, as necessary.

  • Lighting and irrigation layout can also be included, as needed.

Construction Observation / Administration

We continue to develop relationships with local landscaping contractors that we can recommend for providing bids and implementation of the design. Depending on the site's complexity, once the design process is complete, you may choose to phase the construction process over time, or to have all construction and planting completed altogether. This last phase is when the final design intent for the project is carried out. We bring years of experience and expertise in discerning quality craftsmanship, anticipating and minimizing trouble spots, and understanding the optimum sequencing of events to guide a smooth and timely construction phase.

  • Our primary responsibility during this phase involves working with your chosen landscaping contractor to ensure the install goes according to plan, and keeping you informed of the progress on a regular basis.

  • We monitor work with periodic site visits (two to three visits / week) and phone calls.

  • We work with the contractor to assure all work and materials used meet the approved design intent and details.

  • At the end of the construction period, we can issue a punch list of final items for the contractor to complete.

We look forward to collaborating with you throughout the design process to create a landscape exclusively for you. Please let us know of anything we can do to make the process more enjoyable.