Garden Design, Planting Design
With over twenty years of experience working and designing in some prestigious gardens, Blue Green Studio can help you create a garden that is full of movement, year-long interest and structure.
A garden can reflect its host landscape wherever possible, but it should always reflect the owner. This is where I particularly enjoy the process of developing the brief (Stages 0-1) together with the client.
Typical project stages are summarised below. Stages 0-4 are design stages, prior to construction. These design stages help the design to evolve, from the first spatial ideas, to detailed, buildable forms. Each design stage is presented as an itemised cost at the initial fee proposal, and so they act as checks along the way, to ensure client approval prior to proceeding to the next stage.
Stages 0 - 2: to Concept Design
The Brief is set: this should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the client wishes for the garden, of the management and maintenance needs, and of the physical realities of the space.
Site Analysis: early opportunities and constraints are established as a response to a full analysis of the site.
Review of budget and project timescales, in order to base the creative work in reality.
Concept designs: An illustrated plan, design iterations (showing development of ideas) moodboards (image galleries) and illustration help to communicate the important ideas at this Concept stage. This stage allows plenty of conversation, and client feedback: allowing the designs to be as personal and relevant as they can be.
Stage 3 - Developed Design
Detail (such as ground levels and further materials development) is added to the approved concept plan - as well as perhaps some detailing of individual landscape elements. This stage gives a level of detail sufficient for planning approval, should it be required for your project.
Stage 4 - Technical Design
This is the stage at which construction drawings are produced. Surveys (topography and services surveys particularly) if not already complete, are required for accurate technical design and construction. This stage creates all the detail required to enable accurate pricing for a project - and as such it allows competitive tendering between landscape contractors. The creation of tender documents/pricing bills facilitates a clear comparison of prices: meaning the client can secure best value/quality, and make adjustments to suit budget if required.
Stages 5 - 7 Construction and Completion
Ensuring that the project is built to a high standard. As well as having a good set of easily understood drawings, this is done by creating and maintaining good working relationships with contractors and is rooted in extensive practical experience. This stage includes construction supervision, and 'sign off' - once everything is finished as specified. An agreed defects period (often 12 months) is usually agreed, and monitored, within the contract.
Whether your project requires extensive detailing, planning approval, or is simply a renovation of existing planting borders, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
