Garden Design Process

Step 1 - Introduction and video call consultation

This is our first point of contact where we will discuss your vision and aspirations for the garden, time frames, limitations and your investment budget for the design and build. Following on from this stage and based on what the vision of the garden is, it may mean that I will need to conduct a feasibility study to ensure that the proposed plans for the garden are indeed possible to bring to life. Assuming all is good to go, we will provide a written design brief for you to approve along with a design fee proposal for the project. This will all serve as the foundation for the conceptual design.

Step 2 - Topographical survey

Depending on the complexity of the site, it may be required to commission a third-party surveyor who will conduct a full survey of the property detailing and providing precise data on all the physical features and elevations of your piece of land, ensuring that the design works harmoniously with the land’s natural terrain and that the design accommodates certain permanent features such as trees with a preservation order or drainage access points.

Step 3 - On-site consultation

Once I have received and analysed all the data from the topographical survey, I will visit the site to get a true 'feeling' of it and, most importantly, to meet you in person to discuss the information shared in the initial video call consultation. This stage is crucial for ensuring I get as much insight as possible and the best overview of your vision for the garden so that I can begin working on turning that into reality.

Step 4 - Conceptual design

Now that I have all the information that I require, I'll begin the creative stage of designing the garden by drawing up a 2D conceptual design explaining all the elements of the design and presenting this to you so we can discuss if there are any changes or additions that need to be considered.   

Step 5 - Design details

At this stage, a few revisions may be needed until we agree on the final conceptual design. We will also discuss and agree on details such as the desired or recommended material choices, and with the budget in mind, we may also discuss considerations such as value engineering to keep within the desired budget. The completed and final 2D design will then be rendered into a 3D realistic design so we can get a very clear look at how the garden will look when the build is complete. 

At this stage and after your approval, the design is officially complete and a decision needs to be made on which reputable landscaping contractor will be used for the build phase.

Step 6  - Landscaping build commences

This stage is by far the most exciting part of the process as we slowly see the 3D visualisation coming to life. As with all build processes, we may encounter unexpected issues that may delay things or require some additional troubleshooting. Communication will be key to managing expectations and to ensure informative decisions are made efficiently as not to delay the process too much.

Step 7 - Project managing / monitoring

I can provide project monitoring and inspections during the build process to ensure that the project is being built according to the design and specifications. It also allows for fast resolve on any snagging issues and a smooth transition throughout the build process keeping you informed of progress along the way. This service would be offered on a hourly rate basis.

Step 8 - Maintenance schedule

The design build is only one aspect of the project but the one factor that would have the biggest impact, is the aftercare. For the best aftercare results, I will prepare a full annual garden maintenance schedule for you which can be handed over to your garden maintenance contractor for them to follow.

Step 9 - Handover

Officially the project will complete after we do a final inspection of the site with you to confirm your approval with the overall finish. The design gets signed off and you get to take full advantage of your new space.