Every project moves through the same clear stages, so you always know what's happening, what we need from you, and what you'll receive next.
Most projects begin with a brief phone conversation. From there we set up an on-site meeting to discuss your project goals and review site conditions in person. This meeting forms the basis of our initial Landscape Architectural Proposal — most often for Conceptual Design Drawings.
Upon proposal approval, we create Conceptual Design Drawings — layout options, alternatives, and sketches, supported by material samples and images that communicate design intent. Most projects require a professional survey and architectural drawings before this work begins, and it helps if you can share a list of goals and any images you find appealing. Once a direction is approved, a cost analysis is often prepared to help further define the project scope — and that direction carries forward into every later phase.
As required, the conceptual drawings are modified — or new drawings created — to satisfy Planning Department and Design Review submittal requirements. Projects of limited scope can sometimes avoid the Planning approval process altogether.
Per building-permitting requirements, we prepare Landscape Construction Documents covering demolition, construction layout, irrigation, lighting, planting, and construction details. These drawings are often coordinated with civil engineering, structural engineering, and architectural drawings. Projects of limited scope can sometimes avoid the Building Permit process.
Following Building Permit approval — or often during the review process — we coordinate competitive bidding. This includes developing a bid sheet, instructions to bidders, bid analysis, and negotiation. Your contractor is hired at the end of this process.
During installation there are site meetings and ongoing construction coordination, including on-site plant placement — a step that's critical to the success of the project. Every project is unique in scope; our goal throughout is to keep the design process as simple, efficient, and cost-effective as possible.