Design Process
Brief and Survey
The initial visit or Consultation is an information gathering exercise. Lucy discusses with the client their needs and wants - known as 'the Brief'; she will take pictures of the site and may make some rudimentary measurements. Sometimes the measurements will allow Lucy to draw up a Concept Plan but a return to Survey might have to be arranged and charged for separately. Accurate measurements are always needed for a Layout Plan later in the process.
If the client has any pictures or images of styles that they like it will help Lucy to understand their taste. It can also be useful to say what you do not like.
Concept or Master Plan
The Concept or Master Plan is the creative part of the Process where ideas are visualised. The site is sketched, broadly to scale with a Design drawn on and supporting Overlays or Elevations sketched to show the plan as seen from standing on the ground.
These are presented, along with a slideshow to discuss variations on the suggestions made. For example, to show different options of materials which could be used to achieve a similar visual impact. Budget is also discussed at this meeting and any finer details or issues which need to be considered.
Changes can be made at this point before the Layout Plan is drawn up.
Some clients are able to take over the project from here and they will be advised of the decision making and checking which will be necessary before a build can start.
Layout Plan
This is the scale drawn Design Plan where material choices and sources have been finalised. It is the Plan which can be given to Landscapers so that they can accurately quote the cost of the work. It is at least twice the work of a Concept Plan and this is reflected in the price. A full and detailed survey will need to have been completed so that measurements may be taken from the drawing(s) and be correct. Changes in levels and supporting Construction Diagrams may be included too where relevant.
Supporting Drawings and Documents
The following are all additional drawings and documents which may be necessary on larger projects. These can all be quoted for as required.
Survey Plan: A scale drawn Plan of the existing site. If the property is very large or complex an outside party may need to be hired for this.
Setting Out Plan: Similar to the Layout Plan but with only information relevant to marking the Design onto the ground.
Construction Diagrams: Scale drawn details of any unique structure to be built in the new garden.
Cross-section Elevation: A scale drawn cut through of the garden from the perspective of someone standing on the ground. These are included in the cost of a Layout Plan but are only drawn where necessary.
Specifications: This document outlines all aspects of the work required to ensure that the new Design is met. Items are grouped into related tasks and an order of execution is advised where relevant.
Bill of Quantities or Project Costing: This document is often drawn up with and cross referenced to the Specifications. It includes details of materials and work so that landscapers or builders can give a like-for-like quotes.
Build
Lucy likes to do as much of the work that she can but heavy landscaping or preparation work will need a landscaper or builder. Lucy can help select the best person/company for the job or draw up Specifications so that the work can be put out to Tender.
Planting
Planning, sourcing and installing new plants are all in addition to the Design costs. Style and key plants are suggested at the Concept stage, but the budget and final choices are left until after the landscaping is completed.
Lucy is happy to place plants for the client to install or work with the client, putting plants in. This is often the best way to get to know and understand your new garden or border.
Maintenance
Lucy does not offer a regular Maintenance service, but can put together a Maintenance or Management Calendar specific to your garden. This will contain enough detail for someone else to use. A Plant Guide alongside the Calendar may be necessary to aid identification of plants. See Maintenance Calendars in Services.
