Planning

Stage One

During this meeting your goals and expectations for your property will be addressed, initial site-data will be collected, timeframes will be discussed and a cost of the design will be verbally presented.

Once information has been collected, surveys are read and building management and town boards are contacted in order to make sure all elements of the project are in compliance with the policies and rules of the project location. Also, an engineer may visit the site in order to assess drainage and structural requirements, and/or necessary alterations.

When necessary, a project manager will then visit the property and obtain elevation measurements, drainage requirements, photographs, and any other relevant data needed to properly plan for the project. During this time period, the head designer will be outlining the project’s phases, preparing the initial budget and briefing key individuals who will later play a major role.

Stage Two

Once initial site-data, elevation measurements, drainage requirements and goals are recorded the designer will meet with all individuals who will be included in the project. Based on the requirements of the project the following individuals may be present: Project manager, engineer, landscape architect, permit/variance expeditor, mason, carpenter, irrigation designer, lighting designer, horticulturist and arborist.

After this meeting, the designer will prepare the initial lay-out of the property. This draft will include all existing structures and elements, which will remain on the property.

The draft will also include all proposed hardscape elements and all proposed planting areas and lawn areas. At this point, the design will not include plant material or specific choices for hardscape material.

 

Stage Three

During this stage, plant material and specific hardscape materials are chosen, and a project budget is prepared along with a timeline that outlines the project from start to finish. After a revised plan is presented and changes are discussed the designer will present the budget and timeline. The budget and timeline are discussed and recommendations are made as to which portion of the project should be addressed initially and which should follow based on the client’s financial commitment, goals and priorities for the property.

The designer now will finalize the design and transfer the budget into proposal format. During the next meeting with the client, the final design is presented with a proposal.

The proposal will include such items as: description of work, timeline, payment terms, warranty information, and final price on specified work. The proposal is discussed and barring any changes or additions the client will now move forward with their project.

Design Preview