Design Process

Initial consultation

A FREE initial consultation takes place at your property to discuss your thoughts, identify opportunities or constraints and to discuss the need for any possible third-party involvement, such as contractors.

A quotation for the design will be given at this stage. This meeting normally takes about 90 minutes and allows me time to explain the whole design process through to the completed build. A deposit is taken at this meeting to secure my time for the design.

Survey

After agreeing to proceed, I will arrange a further meeting to return and take lots of photographs, produce a site analysis and survey, establish a feel for the garden, it’s surroundings and sun direction. I will also ask you many questions and ask you to fill in a questionnaire. This enables me to gather as much information as possible to then summarise in a client brief which will give you a detailed outline of everything we have discussed on your wish list. We will also discuss any possible hinderances that may require planning or a detailed professional survey.

Concept & Technical plans

It all begins with an idea. I will present my hand drawn concept plan together with a mood board and 3D visuals. At this stage we make any adjustments as necessary. I then take great care and many hours producing a detailed final technical plan together with construction drawings of the design. Extra copies will be provided together with a scope of works document to provide contractors with enough detail to submit an accurate and detailed quotation. A planting plan will also be completed at this stage.

NB: Concept plans are normally at a scale of 1:50. They are hand drawn and are a particularly favourable feature as they become a lovely keepsake for the clients and are often framed and displayed somewhere in the property. Having an artistic ability is an added advantage, as these designs are given a unique edge and finesse by this feature. I am also blessed with having a natural vision for seeing how plans will come to life and transferring them to 3D sketches to explain my vision in further detail. Technical plans are generated digitally to enable accuracy with scale and measurements. Copies are provided for both the client and contractors.

The build!

After deciding on the ideal and trusted contractor to carry out the build, you may wish for me to oversee the project. If so, I will liaise with the contractors and ask them to supply an industry standard contract and make sure all the relevant insurance is in place. Once the work is underway, I will make regular visits to ensure everything runs smoothly and according to the design.

Planting

After the landscaping is complete, we can think about the finishing touches! Planting plans are commissioned as a add-on service as some clients are very keen gardeners and look forward to taking charge of this aspect of the project and are confident to undertake the work themselves. If not, I’ll be there provide you with a detailed planting plan, order the plants, to arrange delivery and to plant them in your garden too.

Lighting plans

Lighting design is also a specialised area and can greatly enhance a garden creating a wonderful ambience and atmosphere. This is an add-on service and quoted separately, starting from £225 as part of a full design project.