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.

Please note that due to extensive visual references during our reviews, plan to meet indoors or in a shaded outdoor seated location.

1: Vision

This initial phase is two-fold: Lauren will conduct a site analysis including evaluating existing features, soil conditions, drainage patterns, sunlight exposure, and views. Surveys are recommended.

Then, she will develop a conceptual design that outlines the overall style, feeling, and key elements of the landscape.

We will meet for a collaborative review session with the goal of providing inspirational references, a color palette that you love, and a vision for what is possible.

Typically discussed…

  • Plant selection preferences

  • Design feedback

  • Any work required by other vendors prior to installation

  • Desired level of homeowner involvement

  • Installation estimate

  • Ideal phasing and timelines

2: DESIGN

Once the conceptual design is approved, we will develop a detailed design plan that includes (1) scaled drawings, (2) plant selections, and (3) materials. The design plan will serve as a blueprint for implementation of the project.

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

Always includes…

  • 2D Drawing

  • Planting Plan

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

May include…

  • Historical research on home ownership or architecture

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

  • Proposal for ongoing maintenance

  • Irrigation

3: PLAN

After decisions and any changes discussed during our last review, Lauren will deliver an implementation plan & estimate.

This is always shown transparently including materials, labor, and any subcontractor fees.

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

  • Revised measurements

  • Refined material volumes

  • 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 $600-$1500 depending on size, complexity, and timeline of projects. As part of our consultation, I will provide a design fee bid for your project.