Our Process: Gardens
Introduction
This guide outlines the stages of a typical garden project, the services that we can provide as your designer, in part or as a whole, and information about our fees and appointment.
Work Stages
Every garden is different, and our process and involvement are tailored to suit your needs. Our projects are generally developed from concept through to completion, as detailed below:
Stage 1 – Preparation & Brief
We will meet you to talk you through your project with the aim of fully understanding and interpreting your brief, timescale & budget. A detailed design brief is agreed between client and designer and is based on this initial consultation and a study of the site. Additionally, we will identify the need for any approvals and other consultants, most commonly a tree surgeon.
Stage 2 – Survey
Before the start of the project a measured or topographical site survey will be required. Depending on the site and scale of the project, this may be outsourced to a surveyor, or for smaller sites, completed in house.
Stage 3 – Concept Design
Using the initial design brief, we will develop outline proposals which will include a sketch plan of the garden, 3D visuals, material and planting themes. We will meet to present and discuss the proposals, then make changes, as necessary, until you are fully satisfied with the design.
Stage 4 – Detailed Design
Once the proposals are agreed, we will prepare the technical drawings, a specification and/or a schedule of works that will be used to price the tender and construct the garden. This will include any joinery and electrical requirements. We will oversee tenders from landscape contractors/builders.
Stage 5 – Planting Plans
When planting areas are finalised, we will produce planting plans, schedules and accompanying photos.
Stage 6 – Construction/Project Management
Throughout the construction phase, we will monitor progress on site, deal with queries, instruct any additional work required and attend site meetings as required. We will work closely with the contractors and the supply chain to achieve the successful implementation of our design along with the installation of all soft landscaping and procurement of plants and trees.
Aftercare
A new garden takes time to settle and our involvement does not stop when the garden is built and planted. We love to see our gardens mature and to answer any questions that may arise. We offer plant care guides personalised to your project.
Appointment
Our appointment with you as the Client forms the contractual basis for our agreement and the scope of services we will provide.
We will advise if/which other external consultants will be required to deliver your project, to be appointed client direct, with your own contractual agreement.
Fees
As your garden designers we enter into contract with you to provide design services for the work stages set out in that agreement.
If the brief and budget are well defined, our fees can be provided at the start of a project. If this isn’t the case, we work on a time charge basis for the initial concept stage, until the build cost, size and complexity of the project can be better estimated. Our fees are charged either as a percentage of the contract build cost, or lump sum fixed fees by work stage.