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Our design process unites your needs and requirements with my artistry and experience. This collaboration will result in a realistic plan of action that will lead us to a solution that truly works for you.
At our first meeting, I want to hear the desires and visions that you have for your space. I’ll also listen to your thoughts about any practical design constraints or usage concerns –for example, privacy from neighbors, ease of access to specific areas and low-maintenance needs.
Then I will do a site assessment, where I look at grades and slopes, drainage and wind patterns, sun and shade, soil conditions, scenic view corridors, and integrating the larger natural environment with your home.
Because water is precious resource in the high desert, my primary focus will be on assessing water usage. We will look at passive and active water catchment, berming and swaling for infiltration, and irrigation and water conservation methods. As much as possible, my goal is that all water that falls on your property stays on your property. And we will avoid the liabilities that come from erosion and flooding.
Using your property platt, google earth and photos, I create a base plan. From there, I combine my design expertise with information gained during our first visit into an initial design sketch, that I will present to you. We can meet as many times as necessary to refine the design until you are happy with it.
Upon your approval and if needed, I can translate the design sketch into more formal design documents, such as digital drawings, landscape blueprints and 3D renderings. These design documents include legends and details that clarify project specifications.
One of the things that we consider are the plant choices for your property. These plants are integrated into your design as symbols and a corresponding legend. If you need help understanding the legend, I can create a Plant Portfolio PDF (PPP) that shows real images of the plants along with their names.
Included in the design package is a preliminary estimate that correlates with the approved final drawings. This involves demolition work, drainage, hardscape, planting, and irrigation. We can complete your project in phases, as the season and your budget permits. We can also include material options and prices. The preliminary estimate is based on average costs for our team to install the whole project.
Once important decisions have been made and you are ready to enter into the installation process, we will firm up the estimate into a formal proposal with a final cost and timeline for completion. Our installation team will visit the site to determine the exact specifications needed to provide you with these firmer numbers, and if necessary refine the design with more details.
At any point in the design and installation process you may make changes and modifications as necessary, and we will provide updated costs accordingly. Sometimes the installation team needs to make changes, and we will always keep you informed.
