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.