THE DESIGN PROCESS

What To Expect During The Design PROCESS

Creating an outdoor space that you love is often the most rewarding part of owning a home, but the process is opaque.

What does it mean to hire a designer? What goes into designing a space? What kind of feedback should you give? Can you participate in the planting? What kind of ongoing maintenance should you expect?

My work before a project begins includes three phases, which I’ve detailed below for transparency.

(CREATIVE vision)

During this phase, Lauren will synthesize your home’s architectural style, your personality, and the realities of your property into a creative vision for your outdoor areas.

Always includes…

  • Site Measurements & Analysis

  • Visual Moodboard

  • Planting Collection

  • 2D Drawing

  • Site Needs (soil, mulch, paths, etc)

  • Installation estimate

May include…

  • Historical research on home ownership or architecture

  • Prioritization of multiple areas

  • Styling of exterior elements eg. fencing, roofing, paint colors, planters, trellising, arbors, etc.

  • Proposal for ongoing maintenance

  • Irrigation

(DESIGN REVIEW)

During our on-site review, we will explore all elements of the Creative Vision document together. This is always fun and has even been known to be emotional!

Please note that due to extensive visuals being reviewed, plan to meet indoors or in a shaded outdoor seated location.

We also will take the time to walk the property to help visualize the removal, editing, or addition of any plantings.

Typically discussed…

  • Plant selection preferences

  • Design feedback

  • Any work required by other vendors prior to installation

  • Desired level of homeowner involvement

  • Ideal phasing and timelines

(refinement)

After decisions and any changes discussed during our review, Lauren will finalize the design plan before work begins.

There are small details that need to refined during this phase, such as…

  • Revised measurements

  • Refined material volumes

  • Planting Plan

  • Specific variety selections

  • Any additional elements requested

Please note that multi-area projects that are phased over an entire year will require additional refinement.

Any ongoing design work is simply billed at an hourly rate.

Design Fees

Design fees range from $550-$1500 depending on size, complexity, and timeline of projects. As part of our consultation, I will provide a design fee bid for your project.