The Design Process for Residential Landscape Architecture
If you are considering hiring someone to design landscaping and other amenities for your home, you may be wondering what to expect. Will they tell you what they think you should do, or will they listen and implement what you want? Educated landscape designers follow a design process, and understanding that process will help alleviate any fears you have about the designer's role in preparing a design. The designer will come to your home and should provide, at minimum, a discussion about your needs, wants and wishes, an analysis of your yard, a base plan, a concept design and final landscape plan. Other services such as a construction plan and details, layout plan and irrigation plan are options that can be included. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Interview
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The designer will come to your home and discuss what you are looking for. He will ask you questions about entertaining outdoors, plant preferences, maintenance concerns and other amenities you would like to have. For example, he will want to know if you need a patio with outdoor seating for guests, or an outdoor kitchen. He will ask if you have plant allergies. If you like a specific plant, tell him. Provide clippings from magazines so the designer will see what you are envisioning.
The Site Analysis
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The designer will take an inventory of your property. He will note good views, bad views (like your neighbor's AC unit) and existing plants. He will note the location of utilities, especially electric and water sources, in case you need an irrigation plan. He will note the home's sun orientation. Another important item he will check is how rain water drains in your yard and if it poses any problems.
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Drawing the Base Plan
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The designer will measure your yard including your house, where doors and windows are located and all existing features and plants in the yard that will impact or influence the design. This plan will be used as the basis for your landscape design. The designer will take photos for reference.
Drawing the Concept Plan
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Armed with the base plan information and notes from the interview, the designer will create a concept plan. This plan is not meant to be a final drawing. You and the designer will go over the plan and discuss the design. Changes will be made, if needed, and a final landscape plan will be made.
Final Plans
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At a minimum, this plan will contain all of the new features including plant locations, species, size and quantities. It will show the location of any hardscape features, such as patios or paths. It will include notes addressing either the removal or preservation of existing plants or features. This plan is usually all you will need for installation and provides enough information for you to obtain quotes from the landscape contractor of your choice.
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