Garden design : my approach

Most garden design projects follow the same process and so will consist of most, if not all, of the following stages, starting with a 20min phone consultation to establish the project outline, budget, timescales and location to make sure that I am a good match for what you have in mind.

Stage 1: Information gathering

Initial consultation

Meet clients at home to discuss project
Duration dependant on project/garden size and complexity
Brief desk investigation for planning designations, etc.

Client brief & fees

Written document produced stating client brief based on the initial consultation
Fees, payment structure & terms & conditions provided
These are discussed, agreed & signed before moving on to next stage

Site surveys

A number of surveys may be required & undertaken by other professionals for several reasons – professional knowledge, skills and equipment, indemnity insurances & time & financial economy
May include: site survey, tree survey, landscape and visual impact assessments, environmental & ecological surveys

Site Analysis

I visit site to study in detail for design development

Stage 2: Conceptual Design

Masterplan

Document package produced including:
Site layout plan in blocky format showing intent of use of areas & features
‘Mood boards’ for garden or garden zones to give a sense of the look & feel of the garden/garden zones
Client meeting to discuss & agree conceptual design
Includes one opportunity for minor design amendments