Design Process

Every design is bespoke and caters to the client individually.

Initial consultation -

This is essentially a meet and greet and to get an understanding of what you want to achieve with your space to ensure that we can provide the right service for you.

After the initial consultation a scope of works and a fee proposal will be provided. Following your acceptance of the fee proposal a design consultation will be booked.

Design consultation -

The design consultation is the first step of the design process. It is a meeting on site to gain a deeper understanding of how you are wanting to use your garden, your style preferences, potential issues with the site, ongoing maintenance and budget. The information provided from the design consultation will go towards creating a strong ‘client brief’- which will be used throughout the design process to create your garden.

After the design consultation your ‘client brief’ will be provided for review - A mood board will be created to identify possible styles and vision for the garden.

The mood board will remain the source of the design’s inspiration throughout the process and the more input from the client, the better. The mood board is usually created on Pinterest as it allows easy collaboration from designer and client. Once a strong client brief has been achieved the next step of the process will be to further understand the site.

Site analysis -

Another site meeting will be booked for further site analysis. This usually takes a whole day and will determine site boundaries, land levels, location of services, aspect, site measurements, key views and features, potential problem areas and soil analysis. Previous site surveys and architects drawings are helpful with this process, if available.

For smaller sites I can achieve this myself however large or complex sites may require a qualified land surveyor- this will be priced separately and not included in the design quote.

Draft Concept Design -

After the site measure is completed a draft concept design is created. This will have a focus on layout of the garden and style. This is where potential options can be discussed, and changes can be made prior to starting the final design. The draft concept design will be presented in person.

Depending on the number of changes to the draft, it may be necessary for a second draft which will be finalised and presented again in person. Minor changes to the draft may be completed and reviewed via email. On approval of the draft the final concept design will be commenced. Up to 2 drafts are included in the design quote, if more changes are necessary the additional work will be charged at $75.00 per hour.

Final Concept Design -

From there the final concept design will be created. The final concept design will be presented as a 2D plan, including planting lists and hardscaping details. Sketches or elevation drawings will be included in the presentation. A 3D render can be provided at an additional cost if required. A lighting and irrigation plan can also be provided if required at an additional cost.

Implementation -

The final concept design can then be implemented, either by yourself or with the help of a landscaper. If detailed hardscaping plans are required, this can be completed at an additional cost. An engineer may be required to specify drainage and retaining walls over 1 metre and council approval may be necessary for some aspects such as permanent structures. Although not necessary, it is my preference to be part of the construction process to ensure the design is carried out to specification.

Plant Procurement and Placement -

Once the hard landscaping has been completed, it is recommended that we supply and position the plants- this is so we can ensure top quality stock and can oversee any substitutions if required. After physically seeing how plants will work together on the site fine tuning and adjustments can be made prior to planting. Planting supply is charged at a percentage of the wholesale cost of the plants.

On-going Maintenance -

Having spent time and money on creating a beautiful garden, it is worthwhile maintaining it to ensure it reaches its full potential. I offer a maintenance program for my design clients.

This process is priced from $4000 +gst.