HOW I WORK

INITIAL CONSULTATION

If you are unsure about how to go about your landscape project, or if you want to talk to an expert to decide if you need a design or perhaps only a few how-to suggestions, I offer a free half-hour phone consultation.  This could answer your questions and help you move forward in your renovation project.

However, I feel that projects move along much more smoothly and get installed far more accurately and cost effectively when a design plan and a design professional is part of the team.  I therefore encourage my clients to hire me for a design consultation, at their site, before moving forward with a contract.

In this meeting with you I would:

  • review your vision and objectives in greater depth;
  • review your responses in the detailed project questionnaire that I send to you before our meeting;
  • respond to your wish-list with creative suggestions;
  • make observations about any site conditions that I might find on your site, such as existing landscape features, possibilities or constraints of the physical site, and possibilities that present themselves at first sight;
  • give first review and feedback on budget questions.

I will also explain my design process and philosophy in more detail, and we can both see if we might be able to work well together.  This way it’ll be a real productive meeting.

Following this meeting, I will draft a detailed design proposal outlining our shared objectives along with the design fees involved and all deliverables clearly defined.  This proposal will also outline, in detail, the design process and the different steps so you will know exactly what to expect during the design process.  I will proceed to the first design phase upon your acceptance.

SITE MAP

In order to analyze the site and its conditions, Black & White Concept Design ExcerptI create a site map of the property.  This is an inventory that includes measurements of your home, visible property boundaries, and other existing elements (driveways, existing features, plantings and structures, etc.). In most cases, I take a soil probe with a shovel to be analyzed by an agricultural laboratory. This soils analysis is an inexpensive operation that will give us valuable information about the composition, fertility or special needs of your soil and guide in the preparation of the soil for planting and long-term maintenance.

 PRELIMINARY CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

Brunton rendering 1 croppedBased on my analysis of the site map and our initial consultation, I develop one or more conceptuals drawn to scale, including colored renderings, rough sketches and photos to assist you in gaining a clear understanding of the proposed design solutions. After you select and approve a conceptual, I design a final master concept plan for your garden.

MASTER CONCEPT PLAN

The master concept plan is a blueprint that spells out the design ideas and revisions discussed during the previous presentation of the preliminary conceptuals.  It shows the conceptual  ”hardscape”  layout, such as patios, walks or pools, and the desired materials. Depending on the scale of the project, it incorporates the planting plan where plants are drawn “to scale” showing their expected mature size; for more complex projects the planting plan is a separate plan.    It also contains a plant legend that itemizes the specific plant varieties with common and scientific names, sizes and quantities for your garden.

PLANT BOOK

If desired, I prepare a plant book of all plants used in your design with their photos and descriptions, water & light needs and maintenance instructions. This way you can envision the mature appearance of the plants used in your design even when planted at a young (small) size, identify them when they are in bloom and direct your maintenance and irrigation efforts to their best health.

CONSULTATION DURING CONSTRUCTION

In order to assure execution of your design to its full intent, I offer the following post-design services:

  • Recommend/help selecting an experienced and reputable landscape construction company for your project and explain design intent to landscape company;
  • Review the construction proposal for completeness and explain it to you;
  • Facilitate communication between homeowner, landscape contractor and designer, and perform project observation;
  • Consult regarding any unforeseeable circumstance that may arise during the construction phase;
  • Assist with the selection of garden art, accessories and furniture;
  • Help with, supervise or perform plant selection and plant placement in your garden;
  • Check on irrigation performance and maintenance.

FOLLOW UP

Because gardens are dynamic and forever evolving, I like to follow the maturation of your garden. Annual visits to evaluate its progress and to make recommendations regarding maintenance will assist you in successfully reaching the full promise of the design.

FEES

The half-hour phone consultation is free.  Onsite consultations are $150/2 hours of which 1 hour is free if you contract with me for a design.  Fees for a master concept plan can range from $1500 to $3500 and more depending on the number of desired amenities.

Download my questionnaire to get started today!  It’s free, and it can help you “tune in” into the design process and define your project needs.

CONTACT ME TODAY FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

Christiane Holmquist Landscape Design              [P]760.586.6065                                                    [E] cholmquist@adnc.com