Summary

We offer a bespoke service tailored to the demands and requirements of each client and the project but the basic process and stages of each project remain broadly the same; we work closely with clients to understand and agree a clear brief, devise and present creative ideas and designs that meet that brief, undertake detailed design work to summarise all that’s required to realise the design through hard and soft landscaping working with qualified landscaping companies to confirm costs before overseeing on site works and final snagging.

An end- to-end service scaled to meet the brief and budget.

Stage 1

DESIGN

We spend some time on site to understand the conditions and location and importantly invest time with our clients to understand what they want from their garden in terms look, feel and style alongside practical demands like access, storage, power etc. We summarise, share and agree the brief.

Before we can undertake any design we need to know the detail of the site in terms of dimensions, elevations, drain runs, boundary lines, neighbourly concerns. For some small projects we can measure up ourselves but for most, a full topographical survey will be required. We manage and instruct this work for the client.

Armed with a brief and a survey we undertake designs. Most often a full Masterplan of the garden which will include plans with detailed annotations, elevations were required, proposed materials and proposals for the style of planting. In some instances initial sketches may be shared to test ideas and prompt discussion. We present, discuss and revise drawings with the client typically in 2 to 3 iterations, incorporating more detail as we close in on a final vision.

Stage 2

Detailed Design & Costing

With a completed design we undertake detailed design work which is required for costing and construction which encompasses the following tasks.

Production of a detailed scope of works for hard landscaping and a detailed planting plan showing pot by pot the proposed planting set out including varieties and quantities proposed.

We’ll identify qualified and vetted Landscaping companies, arrange and host a site visit, discuss the scope of works and agree solutions and approaches to the build and invite quotations. Depending on scale and complexity of the project a competitive tender between Landscapers may be required. We advise and oversee.

Following a review of costs and the project we’ll advise on appointment of a contractor and agree a project start date with a final budget.

Stage 3

BUILD IT

Liaising with your appointed contractor we attend site for regular project meetings ensuring work is undertaken to agreed standards and spec. There are there to work through solutions to on site problems as they occur ensure and changes to design are considered and agreed.

We attend and oversee the soft landscaping and planting.

At the end of the project we work through final snags and finishes before sign off. We will also look to ensure maintenance plans are agreed and understood.

Planning, Architects etc

Projects may from time to time require us to work with or along-side Planning consultants, Architects and other experts such as tree surgeons and structural engineers. We enjoy team work and understand projects may demand multiple skillsets along-side our own.

FEES

After initial meetings and prior to a commission we’ll produce a Fee proposal for a project, typically based on the three basic stages above but not rigidly. Our fees will be scaled to the complexity and scale of the project alongside what’s required. If all you want is a soft landscaping planting plan we can work to that brief etc. Many garden designers charge fees calculated on a sliding scale percentage of the ‘contract’ value (the total amount spent realising the design). Often clients find that approach overly complex and don’t like the uncertainty of the final cost. Our preference is to agree the work required and agree a fee. If additional unforeseen or extra work is required, we’ll discuss and agree a reasonable fee.