How we work, a step by step process
The studio approaches each garden or landscape design as a unique response to the site and to the client brief. A strong narrative is key to delivering a scheme which has real context and a sense of place.
Joe is personally involved with every project
How we work, a step by step process
The studio approaches each garden or landscape design as a unique response to the site and to the client brief. A strong narrative is key to delivering a scheme which has real context and a sense of place.
Joe is personally involved with every project.
Consultation
An initial phone conversation or video call to understand timescales, expectations and so we can explain and answer any questions you might have. We can also discuss budget and fees if you’re comfortable to do so, we find it’s usually best to do so as early in the process as possible so we can advise to the best of our ability.
Site Visit
A visit to see the garden/site and to take a client brief from you in terms of requirements and how you’d like the garden to look is the important first step.
We spend some time getting to know you and the garden, identifying any potential constraints or planning requirements that may need addressing. After the initial visit we will confirm the design fee proposal back to you together with the brief and process in writing.
Design Stages
1. Survey and information gathering – Once you have instructed us on the basis of the Brief and Fee Proposal we will organise for a professional surveyor to do a topographic survey to include the property footprint, boundaries, levels, trees and other existing features as this forms the basis of the design.
This is not included in the fee proposal but we are happy to organise this on your behalf.
2. Concept Design – A presentation of sketches in both 2d and 3d, with mood boards of precedent images, ideas for materials, plants and styles. This is the most collaborative stage where we work with you to define the concept.
3. Developed Design – An agreed CAD-drawn Outline design plan, or ‘General Arrangement’ plan with brief description of materials to show the agreed layout, including hard surfaces, walls, features, areas of lawn, planting and levels.
Depending on the project we can also produce detailed hand drawn perspective views or photo-realistic computer generated renders which can be a great help in visualising the design.
There will be a fixed fee for these stages, with stages 4 and 5 to follow once the Developed Design has been agreed.
4. Detailed Design
The detailed design stages are crucial to ensure that a project can be costed accurately and delivered as intended. The level of detail is what makes the design unique and enduring.
4.1 Construction Plans: Setting out plans, hard landscape plans which include levels, drainage and services, construction details, lighting and irrigation plans – the specific list will depend on the complexity of the scheme and how much detail is required.
4.2 Planting Design: We work with you to develop a planting strategy with visual references of the key plants. Technical drawings then include planting plans showing names, sizes, location and quantities of all plants as well as detailed schedules.
4.3 Tender: Bill of quantities and Scope of Works/Specifications – written specifications for the hard and soft landscape elements including standards of workmanship. The Bill of Quantities allows us to gather like-for-like quotes for the construction and analyse the submitted returns.
5. Implementation
Joe has many years of experience managing a construction company in addition to his experience as a designer, so project management is a key area of strength for the practice. This can include regular visits and assessments, administration of contracts and signing off of completed work.
Joe and his team work closely with chosen contractors and craftspeople to ensure the design is faithfully carried out. Making a garden or landscape is all about teamwork and having the right people with the required skills to achieve the best possible result.
4. Detailed Design
The detailed design stages are crucial to ensure that a project can be costed accurately and delivered as intended. The level of detail is what makes the design unique and enduring.
4.1 Construction Plans: Setting out plans, hard landscape plans which include levels, drainage and services, construction details, lighting and irrigation plans – the specific list will depend on the complexity of the scheme and how much detail is required.
4.2 Planting Design: We work with you to develop a planting strategy with visual references of the key plants. Technical drawings then include planting plans showing names, sizes, location and quantities of all plants as well as detailed schedules.
4.3 Tender: Bill of quantities and Scope of Works/Specifications – written specifications for the hard and soft landscape elements including standards of workmanship. The Bill of Quantities allows us to gather like-for-like quotes for the construction and analyse the submitted returns.
5. Implementation
Joe has many years of experience managing a construction company in addition to his experience as a designer, so project management is a key area of strength for the practice. This can include regular visits and assessments, administration of contracts and signing off of completed work.
Joe and his team work closely with chosen contractors and craftspeople to ensure the design is faithfully carried out. Making a garden or landscape is all about teamwork and having the right people with the required skills to achieve the best possible result.