GARDEN DESIGN BRIEFING
We provide a free initial consultation as the first step of our garden design process. We meet at your property to see your garden and discuss the likely scope of your project. We discuss your aspirations in terms of:
- Functional requirements – what you need to have in your garden and how it will used (eg dining, entertaining, areas to relax, storage etc)
- Style – how you want the garden to look and how you want to FEEL as a result of spending time in it. We spend time getting to know you – your likes and dislikes in terms of style, materials, planting etc
Based on this, we produce a fee proposal to produce the concept design. On approval of this proposal we arrange for a survey to be carried out and send you a questionnaire to ensure that we have all the information we need to finalise the design brief and start to plan the project. Whereas some designers only include one meeting, we meet at your property a second time, as part of the next step, before starting design work, as we feel it is important in producing a design that we hope you will love.
Site Survey and Analysis
A full site survey, normally conducted by a qualified surveyor, is essential as it provides the detailed information required to complete a successful garden design solution. It provides accurate measurements of the position and heights of all existing elements within the garden and in relation to the house.
Following the survey, we would usually re-visit the site to do a site analysis. This includes taking photographs, soil samples, assessing views, how the sun reaches the garden, and spending time getting a good feel for the site and its surroundings. As part of this visit we have a follow up meeting with you to finalise the brief and clarify anything arising from the survey or site analysis. The emotional connection we get with your site, its surroundings and your aspirations are important influences on the design we create for you, which is why we like to visit a couple of times before starting the design.
Outline / concept design
Following the briefing, site analysis and survey an initial concept design package is produced. This includes plan or aerial views to show you the overall layout of the garden together with 3D perspective images to give you a feel what it might be like in different parts of the garden. You can see examples in our Portfolio pages. This is normally accompanied by ‘mood board’ images to illustrate the character of the planting and the types of materials we might use.
Together, these convey the design intention, but does not provide specific planting lists or the level of detail needed by a contractor to build the design – this comes at the next stage. Occasionally we produce alternative options, but more often than not a good deal of design thought will have gone into considering alternatives and arriving at a preferred design.
Detailed Design
Once the concept design has been agreed, we will provide a quote for producing all of the detail needed for how to build the garden, including:
• Design of bespoke elements such as water features
• Choice of materials and exactly how they will be used
• Sourcing suppliers for materials
• Guidance on lighting design, bespoke artworks, outdoor furniture and irrigation
• Construction drawings
• Writing a specification for how the garden should be constructed to achieve the required quality and desired effect
• Planting plans and plant lists (although this can be costed and done separately)
• Masterplan and layout plans for contractors
Our quote will also include our time to monitor the build of the garden by the chosen landscape contractor – ensuring the garden is built to the agreed quality and our design vision is fully realised.
Tender
The detailed design documents are sent to potential contractors to allow them to produce costings for building the garden. We can recommend landscape contractors who will deliver work to the required quality. We may either have a preferred supplier for your area or we would contact up to 3 contractors and invite them to tender for the contract. We would help you to assess responses to tender and recommend the contractor who is best placed to do the work. We will always look to make the best use of your budget and consult with you throughout the project.
Construction
Prior to the main contractor arriving on site, we offer an additional service of garden assessment and clearance. We only use experienced, horticulturally qualified gardeners who can 1) assess the plants you currently have and whether they are worth keeping 2) undertake maintenance work that may need doing, including pruning and clearing any perennial weeds 3) work with tree specialists to facilitate protection of trees we are keeping and clearance of those that are being removed.
Once construction commences, we oversee the build through to completion. We have regular site meetings with the contractors to ensure that the design is being built as specified. We are also on hand to deal with any issues that arise and make revisions to the design if necessary. If any proposed changes have a cost implication we would discuss and agree this with you before any changes are implemented. We oversee the finances, so that projects are always kept strictly within budget.
Planting design
We provide detailed planting plans, whether as part of a design and landscaping project or rejuvenation of an existing site. We plant according to your preferred style of planting – whether it’s chic and contemporary, a traditional cosy cottage garden, or a wildflower meadow. We can specify, select and source all plants, ensuring that they are delivered safely and in good condition. Planting can be a phased operation and is predominantly done in the autumn, winter and spring months in the United Kingdom. When planting is complete, regular site visits can be arranged to ensure all plants have taken correctly and are progressing as expected.
Aftercare
To ensure that you continue to enjoy your garden over the years, as well as take care of your investment, our services can include provision of a maintenance plan and long-term garden management advice.
We can provide maintenance schedules for you to follow after project completion. We offer an on line service, utilising a database of 25000 plants which provides you with tailored monthly emails giving care advice for the plants that have been used in your garden. If you would prefer professional help we can recommend expert maintenance teams and advise and assist in the on-going maintenance of your garden. We will remain on hand should you require any advice after the project completion. Regular site visits can be arranged to ensure all plants are progressing as expected as well as review how the garden might evolve with you.
Interested in finding out more?
Telephone: 01844 202261 / 07525 271590 or email: richard@richardrogersdesigns.com