Introduction. It begins with a 30 minute phone call—we'll preview images of your garden and your visual inspirations; we’ll discuss your budget and goals. I’ll describe my services and fees. If we think we might be a good match, we’ll schedule a site visit.

Site Visit. We’ll walk through the space together reviewing your goals, objectives and style. We’ll address questions you may have, access problems, and discuss your budget. We’ll note the garden’s sweet spots and black holes.

Proposal. After this meeting, we’ll develop a detailed Design Proposal for you. Part One will include the project scope and your design program. Part Two will include a breakdown of time required for each stage of the design process, including time allotted for creative iterations.

Site Analysis. Once the contract has been signed, we’ll launch into a thorough site analysis to create a detailed map of the property and existing conditions. Sometimes a site survey is required. We’ll pay special attention to sun, shade and wind patterns; identify established plants that are to remain; note key views from inside the house towards the garden and elevation changes; complete soil testing; and we’ll take a photo inventory.

Concept Design. Using the information collected during the Site Analysis we will create Conceptual Designs. This takes into consideration potential building codes and other site variables that may impact your design. If applicable we will coordinate with other design partners such as architects, interior designers, engineers to bring the work together. At this point we present a few design options to you, frequently with variant themes, elements or layouts. Next up: Once decisions are made, we’ll move to Design Development.

Design Development. Here we’ll refine the chosen design. We’ll continue to share drawings, sketches and 3-D renderings to allow you to visualize the spaces. We’ll dig into hard-scape material options, frequently reaching out to industry partners for stone, metal or concrete work, BBQ inserts, specialty lumber, masons, etc.

The Preliminary Plant Palette is created in this stage. Our planting recommendations are not selected on aesthetics alone, but are based on "The Right Plant for The Right Place" principle, information gathered from the Site Analysis, their suitability to your site’s soil type, growing conditions, and climate appropriateness.

Master Plan. Hardscape materials are specified and the Planting Plan is completed. The final drawing set will include a Demolition Plan, Hardscape Plan, and Planting Plan. The details included in this plan are Conceptual only. Depending on the complexity of the project, construction details are to be provided by various licensed contractors, engineers, etc.

Preliminary Budgeting. Once a comprehensive plan is produced, we can get preliminary pricing by having a contractor review the site and plans. These numbers, although not final, will provide a formula to use as a planning tool. Clients may decide to scale back or add design elements based on this figure.

Note that, once in the construction phase, numbers can change as elements are built, sometimes due to unforeseen site conditions, weather delays, structural issues, or other factors.

Construction Oversight. Once the design phase is complete, we can assist you with selecting the contractor(s) who best suits your needs. You will enter into a separate contract with them.

We are available for construction oversight to troubleshoot issues that may arise.

In all phases of the project, we like to stay connected with our clients. In this phase we work on an hourly basis. We are dedicated to you and the work we have done together, so want to remain linked to your project and act as an advocate throughout implementation. We love to see the projects realized and want to do our best to assure our clients can enjoy the landscape as designed.