Design process

  • 1. First meeting

    A first meeting starts the design process. An initial fee is always charged for this first meeting. This fee is refunded if the fee proposal for design work is accepted and the project goes ahead.

  • 2. Baseplan

    A survey of the site is made in order to produce a scale plan of the site. A baseplan, used as the foundation for subsequent design work, is produced from the survey plan. Following discussion with the client, a written design brief is produced.

  • 3. Concept

    At this stage the initial brief is developed in more detail following discussions with the client. Hard (built) and soft (planting) elements of the garden are discussed, often with visual material supplied by both client & designer in the form of articles and books. Suggestions will be made for garden features, levels, choice of surfaces and planting themes.

  • 4. Sketch plan

    The sketch plan is a less detailed design proposal favoured by clients who would like to develop a garden over a period of time. It shows a strategic overview plan, enabling the detail of the garden to develop on a project by project basis.

  • 5. Master plan

    A master plan is required when the garden is being established in one phase, as opposed to over a period of time.

    In this case, a master plan with more detail than a sketch plan is required. Planning authorities also require a written landscape strategy document to accompany the master plan for any planning application.

  • 6. Design detail

    After a final plan (Sketch plan or Master plan) has been produced and agreed on, we will produce supporting documents to implement the design.

    These are the working plans, drawings and written specifications that form the basis for construction and planting of the garden. Contractors' quotations are based on these documents.

  • 7. Tender

    Unless the client has already selected a contractor, the design detail documents are sent to two or three contractors for pricing. We will then go over the contractors' quotations with the client and advise on selection of a contractor.

  • 8. Construction

    When all final construction details have been worked out with the contractor, construction on the garden can begin. Built elements - paving, walls and structures - are constructed first. Following hard landscaping the soil is aerated and improved, before trees, shrubs and herbaceous plant material are planted.

    On large projects, construction and planting of the garden may be phased over a period of years.