OUR DESIGN-BUILD LANDSCAPE PROCESS

Landscape Design Process

EASTROCK LANDSCAPE

"Life Is Short, Enjoy The View"

INITIAL CONSULTATION

STEP 1

The initial consultation usually takes place on site and is where the client explains the scope of the project.   The client will usually outline his/her objectives,  likes and dislikes, and generally convey to the landscape architect / designer what he wants.  A completed Design Questionnaire (link above) will help expedite the first meeting but is not necessary.  It is also helpful if a client has photographs of designs or styles that he/she prefers. Frequently a client only knows in general terms what he/she wants to accomplish and is relying on the landscape architect / designer to present him/her with several alternatives. These responses are explored in the “Conceptual Design Phase”.

CITY / COUNTY PLANNING REVIEW

STEP 2

Depending on the complexity of your project and specific needs we check with the city/county departments to review any planning or setback issues that might have an impact on the design and installation of your project.  In some cases we must supply a basic design to satisfy the city/county requirements for a thorough review.

SITE SURVEY

STEP 3

If a comprehensive plan is needed, the next step toward that goal is to create a drawing that shows the site as it currently exists.  In most cases a property survey plot plan exists and is usually part of the homeowner’s deed (residential). The plot plan details the location and size of existing built elements (buildings, walks, etc.) and the location of setback lines and easements (utility, access, drainage, etc.) What it typically does not show is the location of existing vegetation (trees, shrubbery, etc.) or topography (the contours or slope of the ground). Depending on what the intent of the design is, topographic information may not be necessary. For example, a planting plan that will not involve any built structures (retaining walls, steps, walks, fences) would not require a topographic survey. If the desired landscape design will involve built elements, we strongly recommend gathering the additional topographic information. Due to the high cost of construction, having complete site information will more than pay for itself by allowing the design to accurately describe the elements to be created. Our estimators can then precisely determine the cost of those elements, without having to account for unknowns.

CONCEPUAL DESIGN (Finished Design In Some Cases)

STEP 4

This is the first response from the Landscape Architect / Designer to propose a variety of possible solutions to the problems the client and the site have presented. The ideas represented by this design will be based on the client’s needs and desires presented during the Initial Consultation and the information developed subsequently during the Site Survey.  Arriving at a final design is a process and dialogue between the client and the Landscape Architect / Designer.

The design at this stage is not a complete plan; it represents a “concept”. Clients frequently can visualize the design intent thoroughly at this stage.  However, the conceptual design at this point does not always have enough information to do a complete estimate or installation.

Although the Conceptual Design at this stage is not 100 percent ready for estimating, it can allow preliminary budget analysis. The design at this stage can also act as a long-range blueprint in the event that the overall project may involve stages to be implemented over time. Subsequent stages frequently require more detailed information than what has been developed up to this point. The conceptual design is intended to be flexible. Once all parties have agreed that the conceptual design represents the direction they want to pursue, then additional details can be developed to allow the design to be accurately implemented.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT / ENGINEERING

STEP 5

This phase involves the production of the plans and details that allow a project to be accurately estimated and installed.  Research and selection of products, materials and color palettes are very time consuming.  Code changes and variations between city/county regulations demands clear and frequent communication with city planners and inspectors.   Engineering is usually consulted or completed during this time.   A complete package of landscape plans can include some or all of the following:

       Site plan

       Construction Details and Specifications for Hardscape elements

       Grading plan

       Layout plan

       Planting plan

       Irrigation plan

Drainage plan

Lighting plan

Engineering

Bidding specifications and instructions

Not every landscape project requires, or can justify the cost involved in planning to such a complete degree. Small-scale residential projects can sometimes be installed without all the specifications and details.  However, this process relies heavily on your contractor's experience and expertise.

DESIGN / ESTIMATE REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE

STEP 6

Upon approval of the design and acceptance of the estimate you are ready to get your project scheduled for installation.  The advantage of working with an experienced Design-Build Landscape Company like Eastrock Landscape is that you are now ready to start your project instead of waiting weeks or months for other contractor's estimates.  Additional, our company is extremely familiar with your design and very capable of producing a quality product.   If you have an HOA the design will require approval before the construction can begin.  Your HOA may require material samples, color selections and a small deposit for the review process.

PERMIT PROCUREMENT / START CONSTRUCTION

STEP 7

After all necessary designs, specifications and engineering is completed we are ready to obtain the necessary permits, order materials and start your project.  See our "Construction Process" for more information.