There are six steps in the process of designing a garden:
STEP ONE Initial Consultation & Site Visit
This step provides the opportunity to talk with you about your vision of the project and your needs, as well as allowing for the free flow of ideas and information.
STEP TWO Site Evaluation & Survey
This involves the gathering of as much information about the site as possible, from the physical conditions, through to cultural and historical factors. The genesis of a design may stem from an aspect of the site that is not immediately apparent. The more information you can provide in terms of architectural and engineering plans, the better.
Another important aspect of this step is the evaluation of the relationship between the house and the garden. If the house is yet to be constructed, consultation with the architect is always valuable.
STEP THREE The Brief
Once you have described your needs and wants, and the site has been surveyed, a brief for the design is generated. This is in written form and sets out the framework for the design.
After the brief has been considered, consulted upon and agreed a design fee can be quoted.
STEP FOUR Initial Concept
Often simply sketched, this is a loose idea for the style and form of the garden - with little detail, but providing an overview of the complete design. Several drafts may be required to develop a satisfactory concept.
STEP FIVE Developed Concept
Once the initial concept is agreed upon, a developed concept is prepared. This involves more detail. It is drawn to scale, with a clear indication of the materials to be used, the types of plants to be used, and gives the look of any structures such as swimming pools or pergolas.
A developed concept will contain sufficient information for you to be able to visualise the finished garden. There may be rendered drawings, cross sections and thumbnail sketches involved.
STEP SIX Construction Drawings
To be able to precisely estimate the cost of, and arrange construction, very detailed drawings are often required. These can include such things as earthworks, drainage, construction of features and planting.
Often consultation and input is required from a range of experts, such as engineers, to complete this stage of planning.
At the completion of this stage of planning the drawings are ready to be submitted to contractors to supply quotes.
We are happy to discuss any potential projects by
email or
telephone but there is a small fee for the initial on site consultation which typically lasts several hours.