The Design Process
Stage 1: Consultation & Design Brief
The consultation meeting is designed so that I can introduce myself to you and discuss your vision and aspirations for your garden. I will bring along my portfolio to show you and explain the design process with you and also discuss the budget. You may want to use this time to show me any pictures you have of planting/design styles you particularly like so I get a better understanding of the style and feel you want to achieve.
I will also take time to look around your garden from a design perspective discussing with you what you like and enjoy about your garden and what it is that you want to alter. It is also a great opportunity for me to fully appreciate your desires in terms of functionality, aesthetics and structure. I use this information to create a design brief from which I can formulate a design for your garden which is sympathetic to the house and its surroundings and which you will be able to use and enjoy.
Shortly after this meeting I will send you a letter outlining the design brief and my fee structure for the work.
Stage 2: Survey
A site survey and analysis is necessary to enable me to draw up a scaled plan of your garden and also to record all the relevant information necessary for the design.
During this process I will measure and plot all buildings, trees, existing hard-landscaping, manhole covers, drains, levels etc. I will also log such things as the aspect, views that need to be either enhanced or obscured, existing plants/features, drainage, soil type and local building materials and style. I will also photograph and sketch the site.
Stage 3: Concept Plans
The next stage in the design process will be for me to produce one or two concept plans outlining the main areas of hard and soft landscaping and general layout and feel of the garden taken from the information gained from the design brief and survey. The concept plans will be discussed with you thoroughly as this is an opportunity to ensure that you are absolutely happy with the layout and ideas of the proposed garden or if any amendments need to be implemented before the final design is drawn up. Once agreed with you, this forms the basis of the final detailed design.
Stage 4: Final Masterplan
The final scaled plan of the proposed design will then be drawn up in 2D. This will detail areas of hard-landscaping, planting and features. It will encompass all the information gathered from the design brief and concept plans to create a beautiful outside space for you to use and enjoy. Specific building materials and any information pertaining to the design build will also be detailed.
I can also provide construction drawings and scaled drawings of specific features to enable accurate quotations from landscapers
Stage 5: Planting Plans
A comprehensive planting scheme can be produced taking into consideration soil type, conditions, aspect, and desired colour schemes giving you interest throughout the year. This will be designed with considerable thought and care so as to beautifully enhance the hard-landscaping and house and bring the whole concept together to create the ambience and feel you require. All plants will be detailed giving their full botanical name and quantity required.
"Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years"