The Process

The design process begins with a ‘no fee’ initial client meeting to discuss your project requirements and to form a ‘client brief’.

This can be a short meeting or an in-depth discussion to determine your ‘must haves’ & ‘must NOT haves’ …all depending on the level of detailing required.

Further meetings are often required to go through various ideas/concepts/materials and costs.

Tip! It is useful to collect images or photos of gardens and features you like. This will assist me in interpreting your thoughts and understanding your ideas. These can be used to create the mood for your garden. Also visiting public gardens for ideas but remember to take some photos!

How much does it cost?

After my initial visit I will drop you a line to confirm my fee structure, which is based on £45perhour + expenses. NOTE: It may be difficult to provide an exact fee due to not knowing, at the outset, the complexity of the design and timeframe of the eventual build. Where possible I feel the fairest way is to agree a fixed fee ‘in principle’. Fees are paid as work progresses by means of interim payments.

Site survey:

Depending on the complexity of the site an outline pencil and paper survey can be carried out on my first visit, alternatively a full CAD survey provided at a later stage.

Designs drawings:

For basic schemes, a simple sketch and scope of works may be all that’s needed.

Moving on from sketches comes accurate ‘to scale’ setting out plans/elevations and scaled working drawings in order for contractors/fabricators to be able to build your garden.

3D: Hand drawn visuals can be provided to assist us in seeing the finished product.

Whether it’s a complete garden design or a simple garden make-over, I pride myself on providing a professional yet personal service.

Budget:

It is important to get an idea as to the eventual cost by means of an outline budget. This insures there are sufficient funds available for the build before proceeding too far!

Mood Board:

A ‘mood board’ helps to set the scene! They show images and features that are integral to the design. Samples of hard & soft landscaping are also provided and therefore can be seen ‘in context’ with the existing site and forms an important presentation tool/aid as part of the design package.

Project Management:

To ensure the design comes to life with a minimum of hick-ups, I would strongly recommend I manage the building works. From experience managing the contract takes much of the pressure away from the client. Details and finishes can then be adapted/re-modelled to suit the site, with the costs closely monitored. Contractors’ accounts will be approved and signed off on completion.