THE DESIGN PROCESS PART 5 - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

In the world of professional landscape design there are three phases of the actual process in which a designer completes the work.  The first phase is design development which includes the designer measuring the site, creating a site plan, doing site analysis and creating concept drawings.  This is an important phase as having an accurate site plan of your space makes the other phases come together much more smoothly.  The site plan needs to be detailed as it represents what your space is like and has accurate dimensions of the various components of your garden.

The site analysis is also key in understanding the nuts and bolts of your site like soil condition, sun/shade and various other factors.  There might be elements in your garden that you might be keeping that would be important to note.  The concept drawings are also equally important as they allow you to get a first hand look of what is possible in your garden.  This is where the designer will meet with you to go over the concepts and you get to voice your opinion.  This video explains that entire process and much more.  

THE DESIGN PROCESS PART 4 - DESIGN BIDS

You might be thinking that getting a bid from a designer is unnecessary.  But the truth is that design bids and contracts are a very important as they protect you from getting taken for a ride. It is also a great way for you to have on paper exactly what the designer is going to do for you.  This means several things...  First the price tag that the designer has listed in the contract is exactly what you are going to pay and not a cent more.  Second, this makes the designer obligated to perform the tasks that they said they would.  Lastly it ensures that you are genuinely interested in working with this designer and not just trying to get a free design.  Truth be told us designer do designs not only as our passion but also as our primary source of income. As much as we love doing designs, we also love being able to pay our bills and eat a well balanced meal. This video explains all you need to know about design bids.

THE DESIGN PROCESS PART 3 - HIRING YOUR IDEAL DESIGNER

It's stressful enough thinking about your garden and what you may be able to do with it, but add the stress of hiring a professional and it can become overwhelming.  Where do you go to find the right pro?  What exactly will the designer do for you?  These are all questions that you need to know before hiring the ideal designer.  This video is all about hiring the ideal designer.  Anything and everything you need to know.

This also continues week 3 of the 8 week design process, designed to help you on your landscape design journey so that you can get it done right the first time.



Watch part 1 - what to know before hiring the designer & part 2 - rebates and agency restrictions.