The Design Process

Today, I'd like to take you on a journey, with the "A, B, C's of Design," as I take you step by step through the mind's eye of a Landscape Architect.  We all, basically, design both residential and commercial projects in the same way.  The main difference scale.  Commercial projects are usually done on a grander scale with larger groupings of plants which will quickly create a visual impact from a distance.  Residential projects are usually smaller in scale and are enjoyed at a more leisurely pace, up close and personal. 

Before we begin, here's and overview of the process.  Our journey begins with a client Analysis and then we create a Basemap of the project.  From there we apply our creativity and develop various Concepts to meet the desires of our client.  Upon approval, Design detailing, Estimating, and First phase planning fall right in line.  The only thing left is to "Go For It" and then sit back and enjoy "Home, Sweet Home."  I know it seems that I'm making light of the process but I do so for a reason . . . Landscaping is an art.  It's very creative and it should be, and is, fun!

Now let's get into a few details.  Our journey through the "A, B, C's of Landscape Architectural Design" naturally begins with an Analysis of the preferences and desires of the people involved in the project.  What do you, and others involved, dislike about your current landscape and what would you like to see done.  We encourage our clients to consider the needs of everyone that might be impacted by a new landscape.  For residential clients this is usually the spouse, family members, quests, neighbors, and even their pets.  For commercial clients this may involve employees, fellow workers, customers and those providing services to the enterprise.

To accomplish this step we provide a questionnaire to gather this information before we visit the site.  We also ask our clients for a layout description of the property involved.  Residential clients usually send us a copy of the "platmap" of their property that they received when they purchased their home. For commercial clients this may involve obtaining a survey of the property. 

With the completed questionnaire in hand, and an enlarged layout of the site, we get together and discuss your goals, expectations, timeline and available resources for the project .  After getting your input we often add some exciting visions of our own and do a little brainstorming with you of what might be possible.

With the analysis complete we proceed with the creation of a Basemap of your site, or your highest priority areas.  This process involves five basic areas:  structures, property lines, easements, utilities, and existing plants and materials.  In some cases there are grading and drainage considerations as well.

With the analysis and base plan completed we fine tune the Concepts we previously discussed and begin the creative process of sketching out on paper specific ideas for what can be done to enhance the landscape, and meet both the aesthetic visions and functional requirements identified in the analysis phase.  

We then review the concepts and sketches with you to make sure we are "on the same page."  For some clients, this is all they need.  If you choose to proceed on your own at this point, the design process stops and we skip ahead to the installation tips and suggestions for periodic follow-up maintenance.

Most clients, however, want more detail such as names and locations of trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. so we proceed with the creation of landscape architectural Designs of the highest priority area(s), and fill in the detail required to fully implement the concepts presented.   In some cases this leads to a complete Master Plan (with written specifications for commercial projects).  Most residential master plans are created piece by piece, slowly over time, as high priority areas are completed.  By contrast, commercial master plans are generally designed in their entirety with installation in phases depending on their budget, timeline, etc.

For commercial projects, detailed master plans are usually drawn using computer software and overlaid with other architectural drawings and presented to the client as part of a larger project (i.e., house developments, shopping centers, industrial parks, office buildings, municipal buildings, etc.)

With the landscape architectural designs, details and specifications in hand we provide our commercial clients with a detailed Estimate of the implementation cost so that you will know what to expect when you send your project out for bid.  Most homeowners forego this step since they are either do-it-yourselfers, or they can wait to find out the price from prospective installers.  (A recommended list of installers is provided for all projects.)

We then help you develop a strategy on how best to proceed in completing the project.  For large projects, many clients prefer dividing the project into various phases.  With a strategy in hand, you are now ready to begin with your First Phase Planning by getting bids from contractors and deciding what you will do yourself and what you will have others do.

When you are ready to proceed, you "Go for it" by signing installation contracts and/or procure resources you will need to complete the portion of the project you have decided to do yourself.  

If you want assistance during the installation process we offer Installation Coordination Services to coordinate the process to assure that your goals and expectations are met and that the concepts envisioned at the outset of the project are fully implemented.

When the project is complete, you (as residential property owner) can sit back and enjoy "Home, Sweet Home" and you (as a commercial property owner) can likewise enjoy "How people respond to the beautiful landscape we have provided!"

Loretta

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