Master Plans and Garden Design

"The major benefit of the Master Plan approach is affordability.
Once the Master Plan is completed, you have the option to build the outdoor environment in phases rather than all at once"

The Master Plan approach is at the core of our design and build process - 

Our garden design concepts are innovative, creative, artistic and responsive to our Client’s needs. We take an overall design approach to the outdoor living spaces. Builders won't construct homes one room at a time without the benefit of a plan for the entire house. We approach landscape construction and planting the very same way. With the Master Plan, we create the outdoor living environment that enhances your indoor living spaces. We’ll develop a Plan that aesthetically blends the architecture of the site and the surroundings to create a design that is elegant, functional, sustainable, and most importantly, compatible with the life style of our Clients.

There are many benefits to this unique landscape design strategy - 

The major benefit of the Master Plan approach is affordability. Once the plan is completed you have the option to build the outdoor environment in phases rather than all at once. In the traditional all-at-once approach to landscaping, shortcuts are often taken to stay within a construction budget that just doesn't allow for quality implementation. With the Master Plan, you can budget and
implement your production in phases while maintaining the highest standards in quality. 

With over 35 years of experience, we have a thorough knowledge of plants, materials, prices, availability and the construction process that we bring to every project. We prepare the Master Plan with your input and feedback. In fact, incorporating your lifestyles and values are the most important part of the plan! We take pride in our ability to incorporate the specific needs and expectations of our clients with the opportunities and limitations of the property. 

With our completed design in hand, you’ll know exactly what type of hardscape elements are to be constructed and where, what types and sizes of trees, shrubs, and perennials will be planted with no more guessing at supply or nursery centers and no more money wasted on the wrong choices.

We can also make provisions for each phase of production to be implemented independently while still preserving the integrity of the complete design.

We have established a step-by-step creative process for working with our clients -

By using this procedure that emphasizes the interaction between client and designer, we are able to define and design a plan that is unique to each of our clients. 

Here is how our process works...

 We Request Execution of the Questionnaire:
  • A successful landscape or garden begins with a Plan based on your individual needs and
    preferences. Every successful landscape project is best defined by the designer to be observant and to take the time not only to visit the project site and talk to the Client in person, but also to collect careful notes. Intuition plays a significant role when employed by a skilled designer and always reveals more about our Client's needs, the direction and scope of our work and the ultimate success of a Project. Listening, observing, and interacting with a Client ALWAYS tells us more than any questionnaire ever will, however...       
  • Ahead of our meeting, this "Questionnaire"  helps to provide us with a framework to focus on your needs and desires, and also the special character of your site. These questions are not meant to be comprehensive, but to stimulate your own thinking about how you might derive the greatest satisfaction and enjoyment from your outdoor living spaces. 
  • Please take the time to fill out what applies to you. These questions are designed to give
    an overview of your property, your lifestyle, and identify specific design challenges that we will work through together to help produce just the right landscape plan for you!  
  • see/download our Questionnaire -here-                        

Initial Design Consultation:
  • We meet with the Client to establish the scope of the design work, formulate design objectives, set aesthetic requirements, discover site opportunities and limitations, and establish budget parameters.
  • Collect any necessary materials available that are required for initiation of the plan (Completed Questionnaire, Site Plan, Topographical Surveys & Architecturals).

Site Survey and Analysis: 
  • Conduct a thorough site analysis to document and verify property lines, existing architectural elements and locations of existing trees, shrubs and planting beds. 
  • Identify site conditions such as exposure, prevailing winds, views, drainage patterns, topography, soils and any additional factors that need consideration for developing the Master Plan.
  • Take photographs

Research Property Development Codes and Preparation of Base Plan:  
  • Look at setback requirements, community architectural guidelines and any regulations that will influence the direction of the design. 
  • Assemble all surveyed information and prepare a base plan showing all existing conditions within the scope of the project design.

Schematic Conceptual Design of the Preliminary Plan: 
  • Preparation of the Schematic Conceptual Design based on initial design consultation and collected site survey and analysis information. This 'Concept Plan' defines and lays out spaces and use areas, hard surfaced areas (drives, decks, patio, walkways, etc.), proposed general bed areas and plant masses, and general grade changes. 

 Presentation and Review of Preliminary Plan: 
  • Presentation of a rendered Preliminary Conceptual Design.
  • We can include overlays of proposed project phasing.
  • Review estimated budgets per phase as well as plant selection options.
  • Plan for any changes necessary with your input
 
Refine Schematic Design:
  • Refinement of Preliminary Conceptual Design to the completed Master Plan suitable for use as a construction document that includes proposed planting lists (with linked descriptions) and schedules (sizes and unit costs).

Construction  Details (if required):
 
  • Pull together any construction details and drawings necessary to complete any hardscape applications included in the plan

Lighting Plan  (if required):
  • Provide a separate overlay lighting plan detailing fixtures, switching and proposed electrical runs.

Irrigation Plan  (if required):
  • Provide a separate overlay irrigation plan detailing designated bed and turf zoning with complete specifications.

 

* The cost for the design of a Master Plan is driven by the scope and complexity of a given project. Our fee is based on an hourly rate and will include all site visits and board time necessary to complete the plan. We will submit an estimate for your design costs based on our initial meeting and determination of your specific planning and site design objectives.


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