The design process starts with a site visit and initial consultation. The priority here is to get a clear understanding of your aspirations and needs for your space, as well as carefully assessing your current landscape. Following this, I will complete a written brief which outlines a summary of goals, my fee structure, and my design process moving forward.

Before diving into the specifics, we must lay the groundwork for the project. Creating a basemap is essential for developing a successful design that fits seamlessly with the site's existing elements. This map serves as a reference for accurate and contextually appropriate design plans, enabling thorough site analysis and generating site-specific solutions. This approach ensures the final design meets client expectations while maximizing the site's potential and considering environmental, aesthetic, and functional factors.

Utilizing the insights gained from the site analysis, I will craft a series of conceptual plans tailored to your unique landscape. This visual will focus very much ln the layout, rather than the specific details. This initial design stage focuses on capturing the functionality of the landscape, while allowing flexibility for adjustments and refinements as the project progresses. These plans will serve as the foundation for developing the master plan.

During the Preliminary Design phase, we refine conceptual ideas into tangible concepts, shaping the landscape's appearance. This involves establishing plant and material palettes that align with design goals and site conditions. Spatial arrangements are finalized, balancing functionality and aesthetics. This phase marks a crucial step in bringing the landscape vision to life, with details coming into focus.

After finalizing the master plan, detailed technical drawings are created to guide the implementation of the landscape design. These drawings encompass various aspects of the design including the plant layout, elevation, lighting, hardscape materials, and furnishings. These technical drawings serve multiple purposes: they visually communicate how each element will be integrated into the landscape at scale and they provide crucial information for engineers and contractors during installation.

The planting plan is a comprehensive document that specifies the layout, arrangement, and selection of plants within the landscape. It outlines precise information such as the plant species, sizes, quantities, spacing, placement, and planting instructions. Considerations such as plant size, growth habits, and seasonal interest are carefully weighed to strategically position plants. This ensures that they meet aesthetic, functional, and environmental goals while creating a cohesive and visually pleasing landscape composition.

At this moment the project is ready to get sent to contractors to quote. Documents from the designer typically included detailed plants specifications and instructions necessary for the construction and installation of the design. These documents provide essential guidance in order for the project to be executed accurately and efficiently. Once the project is underway, we offer the option for regular site visits to monitor progress, response to any changes, and ensure that the project is progressing according to the plan. Additionally, the designer will be onsite to personally set out the plants according to the design.

Over time, all landscapes will experience natural changes and evolutions. Following installation, a long-term maintenance plan is offered to ensure the ongoing health, vitality, and evolution of the landscape. This plan will outline the necessary tasks, schedules and practices suggested to maintain the landscape’s aesthetic appeal, functionality, and ecological balance of the landscape over time. With any Williston H&D design, we are committed to the long-term success and health of your landscape and are always available to discuss modifications to better suit your lifestyle.