It can be difficult for homeowners to find a company that seamlessly handles the design and installation of a landscape. When the work is piecemealed out, the designer is often over budget, and the client only becomes aware of this after handing off the finalized plans to a landscape company that provides an installation estimate. Unfortunately, this process can create even more issues— often with multiple grading oversights, incorrect plant material sizing, neglected drainage concerns, and other costly mistakes.
With our design process, we seamlessly offer design to build under one roof, creating a consistent and cohesive finished product. Some clients have a clear vision, while others need guidance to shape their ideas. Regardless, every consultation starts the same way: getting to know you, your lifestyle, and your landscape goals. This enables us to determine necessary solutions, aesthetics, budget, and preferences. Landscapes are highly personal and customizable, hence why our designers work diligently to understand your specific needs and vision, all while keeping your budget at the forefront of all consultations. This meeting is your project's framework; it sets your design's tone. With years of experience, we listen carefully to understand our client’s goals and assess their landscape.
Site analysis and assessment is the next critical step in transforming your landscape. Our designer will carefully evaluate your yard by measuring dimensions, noting slopes, and looking for drainage issues or concerns—our team also asseses existing plant material, soil conditions, and hardscape quality. This critique step takes specific expertise and is crucial to having a successful project that works for you and your family.
Next, our designer carefully drafts your design based on the conversations and the site analysis. Your design will also contain a detailed plant material list (if you have plants included in your design), pictures of hardscape materials, and any other materials that will be used for visualization purposes. We also carefully consider zoning laws and permits if needed.
The next step is your design brought to life on paper. Many other designers present on an iPad, and we have tried to do so ourselves. However, find the most visceral presentation with a 2-D rendering with a paper design. We feel that the old-fashioned way is best practice for us and our clients. We provide a paper and a digital copy if our clients find a digital copy helpful. At this stage, we comb through the design, ensuring it's what you have envisioned. This meeting is an opportunity to discuss every detail thoroughly and how it works for you. We note any revisions if needed and will present the design again with the changes (if any).
This is when documents are signed, and we take over and begin implementing your project. We will get you on our schedule, contact suppliers, and order any specialty items that could take a while to get. Once the work begins, you will have contact with the onsite project manager, who can answer any questions you may have. Clients pay for the design upfront, but at a low cost because it directly benefits the construction team by making them more efficient.
This process gives the client peace of mind, knowing exactly what they’re getting and the final cost before the project begins. Based on this, we typically provide a project budget. A 10% down payment secures their spot in our schedule, removing the stress of approvals while allowing us the time to craft a design that’s aesthetically, horticulturally, and budget-friendly.
A final walk-through is a crucial step in the landscape design-to-build process, ensuring every detail aligns with the client's vision. During this step, the designer and client review the completed work, checking for quality, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. This is the time to confirm that all features, from plant placements to hardscape installations, meet expectations and address adjustments needed. It’s also an opportunity to provide care instructions, answer questions, and ensure the client is completely satisfied before the project concludes.
Many design-build companies entice clients with promises of “free” or discounted designs, which ultimately get rolled into the project cost. This results in rushed, cookie-cutter designs and a high-pressure push for immediate sign-off. We take a completely different approach:
Our non-pressure service is unique in the industry. We give clients time to review and make changes to their preliminary design. I encourage clients to take up to a month to sit with the design, make notes, and share feedback before the next design review. This thoughtful, collaborative process ensures the best decisions are made and clients genuinely enjoy the journey.
We give clients time to review and make changes,; we are a no-pressure company. Our ultimate goal is to provide a landscape you'll love and use for years to come.