Process

Why choose DesignSpace?

each project is treated with a unique approach to a creative design
I always listen to clients’ wishes and help them with decisions about their future garden
during the design process, as well as construction, we’ll always be on your side
* we offer a range of service levels from a single consultation to a full detailed design

What to expect from a landscape architect?

1. First Meeting (free of charge)

The first consultation offers a great opportunity to meet and discuss your vision and requirements. Together, we’ll make sure we both understand what your dream garden should look like. We can agree the extent of work that needs to be done and I’d like to roughly know your budget. Based on the meeting, I’ll then send you a quote to cover the work discussed.

2. Site Survey

Should you accept the quote, we can agree a site visit, where I can take some photos and do the site survey (on a large site or one with difficult level changes, it may be necessary to have a professional survey). I’m always grateful for any documentation (building plans etc.), which you can provide.

3. Concept

Based on the survey and your requirements, I’ll create a conceptual layout, which usually includes inspirational images and mood boards with plant types and colour palette. The concept represents a fundamental layout of different garden zones and their role within the outdoor space. This is also a starting point for our discussion.

4. Masterplan

After consulting about the concept, I’ll make any agreed changes and work up the concept plan into the masterplan. The masterplan includes more detailed information about your garden such as hardscape materials, garden structures and the cost estimate. At this stage, you can decide whether to take the project on yourself or whether you would prefer the contractor to do it. I can help you choose or recommend the best contractor.

5. Visualization

For more complicated spaces or areas of a client’s special interest, a CGI (Computer Generated Image) visualisation can be created, which usually involves 3D modelling.

6. Detail Design and Construction Drawings

Final project documentation includes everything the contractor will need to give you a quote and to build the garden. The documentation also covers the future garden maintenance. I can recommend a good local contractor.

7. Tender Documentation and Maintenance

8. Site supervision

You may wish to monitor the progress of the build yourselves but it is usually helpful to have the involvement of the garden designer. The designer on hand ensures that the integrity of the design is maintained and can help to resolve any queries during the construction. This usually takes 2 – 3 visits a week during the construction.