The Landscape Design Process – Professionals Work with Homeowners to Create Their Vision
A landscape design begins once a client makes the first telephone call to a professional landscape designer. This first contact begins a process that involves a number of important steps toward developing and applying the ideas a property owner has for their lawn. A full design is a lot more challenging and involved than just selecting foliage and garden elements. A professional will take the time to work through the process to ensure the client’s satisfaction for many years to come.
As mentioned above, the first discussion is the first step in the designing process. This dialogue enables the client to summarize their primary objectives, what they want and what they don’t want in the final product. This is also the time to establish budget and time constraints that are fully grasped by all parties involved. Components that are must haves on your property should be clearly communicated now – for example , a water feature or kid’s play area. All the preparation will have to take these features into account, and other elements will be worked around it.
After the consultation, a site review and inventory is crucial. The designer must know what structures or features currently exist in the space, where the property lines are located, and where the power, drainage and access easements are relative to the new layout. A client can further help this step by informing the professional if any current structures, trees or bushes that are already in place are to be kept or removed.
Following the site review, the landscape architect will roll out the first of what could be several conceptual designs, posing a range of alternatives for the client’s property and disclosing any issues that may arise. Many designers also offer to perform the landscape construction and installation. However, a property owner might prefer to solicit bids from other landscape contractors. Based on the size and scope of the project, this would either be the time to get those bids – or to gather more detailed information that may be required. Be sure to follow the recommendation of the landscape designer to know when and how to move forward from here.
If needed, the next step, design development, could be among the most expensive steps in the process, and is typically reserved for large commercial designs rather than backyards. Design development can include construction details, specs, planting, irrigation strategies and bidding instructions.
Installation is the last phase, and whether carried out by the landscape designer, subcontractors or the client themselves, having the designer review the project throughout development is really wise. This should make certain that the end product is not only similar to what the homeowner first imagined, but also that the job is carried out correctly, which should bode well for a landscape that will thrive for years to come.
Homeowners should look for a professional who truly listens. This individual should do all that is possible to fully understand a customer’s plans, but should also be pointing out issues that might come up during the process. A client should be at least somewhat flexible in pricing and timing, because unexpected changes are typical as the project evolves. Also, the client must be realistic in expectations. The designer/contractor cannot manipulate the weather or soil conditions, so anticipating surprises will help you avoid a lot of possible frustration and stress. At the end of the day, both property owner and designer are interested in the same happy ending – a satisfied customer with a beautiful backyard that fulfills the homeowner’s wishes and needs.
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