The Design Process

From the first time we talk, you’ll know we’re not an ordinary landscape company. We’re not out to sell you an off-the-shelf design or push certain landscape features your way. Right from the start, we take time to know you. We ask about your ideas, your dreams, your likes and dislikes. We dig into all possibilities relating to the type of project you have in mind. When you visit us, we’ll ask you to bring photos of landscapes and spaces you like as well as any plans or thoughts you have about your project. We’ll ask questions about your lifestyle, outdoor activities and any other things that are important to developing the surroundings you’ll love. Then, we’ll meet with you at your site, walk the land and fully explore all viable options. Some of the things we’ll cover include:

• Your favorite outdoor activities
• Pedestrian and vehicle traffic patterns
• Climatic conditions like wind, sun, microclimates, and climate control
• Developing viewscapes including enhancing good ones and screening those that aren’t so good
• Maintenance of the grounds
• Grading and drainage
• Soils
• Your plant and material preferences
• Watering systems and wise water use

Consultation

Our first consultation is at no cost to you. It’s an opportunity for us both to set the groundwork for a great working relationship. We’ll get to know you and talk about your project possibilities, our design services and your budget. We’ll get an idea about fees and timing of the project. Once you decide to go ahead with the project, we’ll begin our in-depth analysis and set up a time for a personal interview. We invest time in you and your project. But, it’s time well spent as it gives us the detailed information necessary to go to the drawing board, create a base plan and begin work on conceptual drawings. This plan addresses every part of the design program with complete specifications about materials and plant types. It pinpoints sizes and shapes of spaces, climate advantages and disadvantages, traffic patterns and other functional aspects. Getting the plan right is important so, we may visit your site several times to make sure every aspect is buttoned down.

Concept Plans

Once we’ve completed the concept, we will meet with you, fully explain our plan and discuss how well this fits with your style and needs. If you’d like, we’ll produce a digital colored rendering of the plans so you can view a likeness of the finished project. We are looking to create the perfect environment for you so we will do what it takes to make the concept meet with your desires.

Master Plan

When we are confident that we share a vision for your property, we will create the master plan. We will consider any covenants or codes for your property, and use our horticultural expertise and resources to select perfect plants for your site. We specify hardscape and other construction materials based on your preferences and budget. Every detail will be clearly labeled and identified so the completed drawing is a realistic, fully functional guide to the implementation of your project. We’ll also produce any additional plans needed including lighting, irrigation or construction drawings.

Contracting

We’re as careful with our estimating and scheduling as we are with every other phase of your project. Clients have come to depend on us to complete their projects on time without financial surprises. Our estimates give you an accurate price that includes all the materials and labor required to complete your project. Once you’ve agreed to our proposal, we will begin construction of your new landscape while you sit back and watch your plan take shape and your vision come to life.