Design. What in the world is it? What does design involve? More often than not our clients are completely unsure about what it is we are doing for them back at the office.  In order to create a cohesive landscape that you are going to love, the designer, homeowner, and installation crew need to all be on the same page.  Having good, solid design helps everyone understand what the final outcome should look like.

So for all you non-designers, please give a warm welcome to --- THE DESIGN PROCESS! (applaud)

1. Consultation:

This is the initial meeting between client and designer at the property. During the consultation the client will walk the designer around the property and explain what their goals are for the landscape. This is the time to show the designer any pictures of landscapes you like and to discuss the activities you and your family wish to enjoy in order to create appropriate outdoor “rooms”. The designer will need a copy of the site survey in order to draw up a design. At this point the designer will present the homeowner with a design agreement which will explain the fees and expectations as well as the timeline. For more information on preparing for the consolation meeting, see previous blog “Help your Designer Help You”.

2. Site Survey Visit:

The designer will return to your property with an enlarged copy of the site survey. At this point the designer will check measurements, take any additional pictures needed, mark trees and any existing beds, mark drainage issues, slopes, sun and shade, windy spots, good and bad views, and any other information necessary for creating an appropriate design.

3. Conceptual sketches:

Once the designer has surveyed the property he/she will return to the studio. Typically trace paper gets laid on the site survey over and over and over again while the designer brainstorms the “bones” of the garden. First they will create a “bubble diagram”  (photo enclosed courtesy of David Beaulieu)that marks out the use areas (outdoor rooms) of the garden and help them figure out the flow of the landscape. They will then layout the flatwork (patios, walkways, etc) and mark site lines so they can set focal points. Next the beds will be placed. Once the layout of the design is finalized and all kinks are worked through, options explored, tossed away, and re-visited, the designer will move to the conceptual drawing.

4. Conceptual drawing:

Now that the design layout is set, the designer will either make an AutoCAD (digital) or hand drawing, also called a hard-lined concept. If it is a small design the plants will then be chosen and laid out in the beds. If it is a larger project, the plants are chosen after the designer finalizes the layout with the client’s approval. This should be labeled with clear notes so that the client can still understand the design long after the designer has handed it over and left the home.

5. Concept Presentation:

The designer will meet again with the client. He/she should present the client with a colored copy and a black and white copy of the design. The colored copy will be used for presentation. It will help the client understand the color scheme as well as help them read the overall design. The client needs to be upfront about what they like and do not like – don’t worry about hurting the designer’s feelings.  Kindly review the changes that need to be made.You may want to spend a few days “digesting” the design. Look at it, stand in the yard and try to picture it, visit a nursery and look at the plants the designer picked (if the planting plan has already been decided on).

6. Changes:

The client will mark any changes you have on the black and white copy. Make sure the pen color you use is easy to read – red is always a good choice – and write down suggested modifications and shifts in the layout. If there is time, review these changes with the designer so you both understand the next steps. Usually there are additional fees for the time the designer takes to make changes and he/she should give you an estimate for how long they expect to spend on redraws. If this is a larger project, the designer will create the planting plan at this time, unless the changes are substantial and require another review.

7. Finalize the plan:

The designer will return with a new copy of the design. If all changes are made and the client is happy, then the design will be finalized. A few remaining details, such as materials, paving patterns, and plants that haven’t been decided yet, will be finalized at this point. Also, construction details that specify the appearance and structure of elements such as walls, fountains, and fire pits will be added at this time.

8. Execute:

Once the design is finalized, cost and time estimates can be made for the installation. Without a design, these estimates may not be accurate. Good design can eliminate frustration about expectations for your landscape.  If you are doing an installation in phases, having a finalized design is crucial! It encourages flow and integration in your garden. Proper design done in the beginning can make all the difference in the entire process.

Bon designing!

Kate