Our Process
Our projects follow a very particular set of steps when developing your custom landscape design. Please view a step-by-step example of a project from the first step through to the final optional stage of preparing the renderings.
1: . Site Inventory and Base Plan
The first step of the design is to produce a scaled base plan of the area to be designed as a computer file. The base plan is then used as the blank canvas in the development of the design. A site visit shall be required to collect the existing site measurements and grading. If “blueprints” or digital files (PDF/DWG) can be provided by the client or architect/designer, they will used in conjunction with the on-site measurements and will reduce the design budget required.
2: .Concept Sketch Development
The second step is to develop the concept sketches for the proposed design. A minimum of 3 concept sketches shall be prepared. These hand sketches shall include the hard landscape elements (walks, patios, etc), and all areas of soft landscaping (planting, trees, and lawn). There may be one concept that can be used for the basis moving forward, or there may be portions/ideas from the various concepts that may be pieced together. The aim of the concept sketches is to establish the "big picture" of the basic layout. Once the feedback has been provided on the concepts, the next phase is the completion of a computer draft that will be completely
3: . Master Plan and Dimension/Grading Plans
This phase of the development includes the creation of two separate plans – the Master Plan and the Dimension/Grading Plan. The Master Plan is a scaled overhead plan view of the project indicating all the proposed design elements, existing elements to remain, be augmented, or removed. The Master Plan will also include all material specifications for hardscape elements. The planting areas will be designated, but the specification of the actual plants will be done in the Planting Plan. The Dimension Plan is a simplified version of the Master Plan with written dimensions and existing and proposed grades also indicated.
4: . Planting and Lighting Plan
The goal of the well-designed Planting Plan is to provide year-round colour and/or interest. The means used to obtain this goal are much more complex than just choosing colour. The key aspects to be considered when designing a planting plan are: flower colour, leaf/foliage colour, bark colour, blooming times, exposure, proper spacing, correct layering of heights, and leaf size and texture. Once the plant and tree locations have been finalized the lighting plan will indicate the location and fixture type for both the soft and hard landscaping.
5: . Construction Details
Some elements incorporated in the Master Plan may require construction details. Detail drawings help ensure a soundly constructed project, but also include all the fine details to be incorporated to elevate the custom look of the project. The detail drawings will include dimensions, construction process annotations, and expanded material specification information. The detail drawings package may one or more of the following views: detailed plan views, sections, and elevations.
6: . 3D Renderings
Construction of a detailed 3D model of the proposed landscape design for the property, or a portion(s) of the design that may be tough for some clients to visualize. The model allows “snapshots” of the project from any conceivable angle and will closely represent final construction and material styles and colors. Truly the best method for clients to make sure they fully understand what the final product should be before breaking ground.