DESIGN PROCESS
Creating an outdoor space which achieves your desired outcome is an exciting and collaborative process. The first stage of any project involves understanding how you envisage the space being used and by whom, and how it relates to its surroundings. This is translated into a design which will be agreed, evolved and, finally, realised on site. Every project varies and I always aim to tailor the design process to your individual needs. Typically, it comprises the following stages.
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1. CONSULTATION: YOUR BRIEF AND SITE ANALYSIS
The first part of the design process involves us meeting to discuss the project. You describe your needs and aspirations; we talk about timescales and whether any other specialist consultants are required.
I spend some time getting a feel for the space and its surroundings. This helps me to understand the potential of the site and prepare a scope of works and fee proposal.
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2. CONCEPT: SKETCH DESIGNS
Having obtained a topographical survey of the site (showing existing layout, levels, utilities and vegetation), I prepare a number of sketches/ concept designs, showing proposed layouts and positions of planting, for us to discuss to inform the masterplan
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3. DEVELOPING DESIGN: MASTERPLAN
I then progress the sketch designs, turning our agreed concept into a masterplan. This shows the preferred layout with approximate levels, information on hard materials (including surfacing, edging treatments and lighting), and the character of the planting. We discuss and agree our final design.
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4. TECHNICAL DESIGN: CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
I prepare construction drawings, as required, based on the agreed masterplan.
These drawings detail the way in which the hard and soft landscape come together. They typically include setting out plans, levels plans and cross-sections, details of paving, steps, and walls. Where necessary, I collaborate on these details with specialist consultants such as engineers, architects, and artists.
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5. PLANTING PLANS
I prepare plans with schedules of plants, including information on positioning, quantities, sizes, and preferred suppliers. This is accompanied by a management and maintenance plan to ensure that the planting evolves in the way that we have envisioned.
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6. SITE WORK
Depending on your project requirements, I can prepare a tender package to send out to contractors for them to provide a quotation on. I can also help appoint the contractor and make regular site visits to monitor progress and ensure that the project is being built according to the plans. It may be that you prefer to appoint a contractor yourselves, in which case I am happy to work with them. Where possible, I like to set out the plants on site and oversee the planting.
NB. Unlike architecture, a planted landscape is continually evolving. Managing and maintaining this is very important. Ideally, I like to be able to provide maintenance checks on planting over the first few years, while the planting is becoming established. This enables me to replace plants that are unhappy, split perennials into multiple plants to fill out planting areas and cut back/ shape plants as necessary.