Landscape Design & Build
* APLD EMERGING PROFESSIONAL (Bay Area)
* Design & Install projects in progress (see below)
* References & Examples available
Coffee Park 2019 (above)
OUR DESIGN PROCESS
Our design process encompasses all aspects of the garden / landscape. David begins by laying out hardscape elements such as patios and pathways in a way that maximizes circulation, complements the home and encourages outdoor living. A palette of high impact, low water plants completes the design. While your design experence may vary depending on the scope and complexity of your project, most follow these basic steps.
Initial Consultation and Site Visit
This meeting is an opportunity to tour your existing landscape and to determine requirements and objectives. This is a working session, and David will provide specific ideas on how your new landscape can be laid out. To help you prepare for this meeting (or any designer), please complete the “ideas & dreams” survey.
Site Analysis and MeasurementAfter the proposal has been accepted, a second visit is an opportunity to measure the property and gather specific site information such as sun and shade patterns, evaluation of existing plants and the influence of surrounding properties. Measurements and photographs are used to create a base map, which becomes the basis of your design. Depending on the complexity of the site, you may be referred to a professional mapping service.
Preliminary Concept PlanThese plan view (overhead) drawings will convey alternative ideas for the style and overall layout of the garden. Sketches or photographs may be included to help you visualize the design. These may be hand-drawn or prepared on the computer. Clients may elect to skip this step on less complex projects.
Design Documents All documents are prepared in the CAD program Vectorworks. While every design is different, most design packages include the following:
Landscape Plan – Provides a detailed, scaled, working drawing that your contractor uses to install the design.
Planting Plan – Indicates botanical and common names of all plants, location, and quantities. notes on planting and irrigation follow environmentally sound principles.
Hydrozone Plan – Groups plants by water zone usage for efficient installation (note: this is NOT the same as an irrigation plan).
Lighting Plan – Shows location and fixture type for low voltage lighting plans. Lighting is one of the most under appreciated elements in a garden, and extends and enhances your enjoyment of the garden.
Contractor Selection and Installation ServicesAt the end of this process, you’ll have everything required to work with a contractor on installing your design. David stays involved with most projects to provide assistance with design details, plant placement and site observation (in consultation with the contractor). If you need help in finding a licensed contractor, David is happy to provide recommendations.
Initial Consultation and Site Visit
This meeting is an opportunity to tour your existing landscape and to determine requirements and objectives. This is a working session, and David will provide specific ideas on how your new landscape can be laid out. To help you prepare for this meeting (or any designer), please complete the “ideas & dreams” survey.
Site Analysis and MeasurementAfter the proposal has been accepted, a second visit is an opportunity to measure the property and gather specific site information such as sun and shade patterns, evaluation of existing plants and the influence of surrounding properties. Measurements and photographs are used to create a base map, which becomes the basis of your design. Depending on the complexity of the site, you may be referred to a professional mapping service.
Preliminary Concept PlanThese plan view (overhead) drawings will convey alternative ideas for the style and overall layout of the garden. Sketches or photographs may be included to help you visualize the design. These may be hand-drawn or prepared on the computer. Clients may elect to skip this step on less complex projects.
Design Documents All documents are prepared in the CAD program Vectorworks. While every design is different, most design packages include the following:
Landscape Plan – Provides a detailed, scaled, working drawing that your contractor uses to install the design.
Planting Plan – Indicates botanical and common names of all plants, location, and quantities. notes on planting and irrigation follow environmentally sound principles.
Hydrozone Plan – Groups plants by water zone usage for efficient installation (note: this is NOT the same as an irrigation plan).
Lighting Plan – Shows location and fixture type for low voltage lighting plans. Lighting is one of the most under appreciated elements in a garden, and extends and enhances your enjoyment of the garden.
Contractor Selection and Installation ServicesAt the end of this process, you’ll have everything required to work with a contractor on installing your design. David stays involved with most projects to provide assistance with design details, plant placement and site observation (in consultation with the contractor). If you need help in finding a licensed contractor, David is happy to provide recommendations.
Misc. Projects in the works...
