|
|
Gardens by Design Our Services
|
|
|
First, you will meet with the Designer for a consultation to discuss your goals and objectives for your outdoor space. During this meeting, we will walk the property and evaluate existing plants, existing topography, privacy concerns, lifestyle issues, and major projects, such as a swimming pool. I may utilize computer-generated photo images to examine possible changes either at this meeting or at a future meeting. An hourly fee is charged, which is then deducted from the Design Fee should you choose to continue the design-build process. Should you decide to pursue a design project with our team, the Designer will first submit a Proposal for Design Services for your property. Next, the Designer will conduct a site analysis of existing conditions to evaluate any problems and provide suggestions for improving the site. In order to do this, the Designer will request a plot plan or any other architectural or engineered drawings that you may have. If property lines are not clear, it may be necessary to obtain a survey, depending on the scope of the work. An engineered topographic plan may be required where there are large changes in topography - such as the building of walls higher than 4 feet, or the need to evaluate grade and soil composition at sites where extensive excavation is necessary. Finally, the Designer will measure to locate existing beds, trees, shrubs and hardscapes on the property. Soil testing will also be conducted. The site analysis is utilized to create the first design document, the functional layout. Also known as the concept plan, this drawing locates patterns of circulation and arranges spaces based on how they will be used by the residents and what the site conditions will allow. The master plan refines the functional spaces and identifies masonry and plant layout for the design. The design specification document identifies plant cultivars, including size, and finalizes the hardscape specifications. It serves as the working document for installation of the design by our Landscape Contractor, Chris King. Please note that the final design can be implemented in phases depending on time and budget. Once the scope of the work is determined, we will submit an Installation Estimate. At project completion, you will receive a disk containing photos and care instruction for each plant in your landscape. |
