Professional Landscape Architecture involves a balance between exact biological science and cultivation expertise, and creative vision. Landscape Architects provide a strategic legacy plan that builds a balanced ecosystem of plants, trees, water, shrubs and stone that will continue to evolve as a visually appealing outdoor environment.
Planning the perfect outdoor space requires a strategy, and expert knowledge that pairs the right elements together for both aesthetic purposes, and for the propagation and health of the living plant components. Some plants thrive when placed close together in a community of species, whereas other types of plants can be invasive or destructive when placed with non-complimenting flora.
That is just the start of the expertise that homeowners and commercial businesses access when they decide to work with a professional landscape architect. We want to share the steps involved in customizing your landscape design, and how we help our clients expand their living or business space organically with our creative vision.
- Generating Ideas and Expectations of Use
The preliminary phase, or where we start with our residential or commercial landscape clients, is to meet with them to discuss their plans for the outdoor space. This important first consultation helps us to grasp the activities that will be conducted in the area, and the anticipated traffic (or number of people) that will be using it.
The method of intended use is a very important factor that will determine many of the design and spatial elements. From square footage of decking or patio areas, to the width of paths, built in seating and the installation of an outdoor kitchen for entertaining.
- Are there members of the family that will require specific types of access, as for individuals with assistive devices such as walkers or wheelchairs?
- Does the space need to focus on being child friendly, in anticipation of children under 12 frequenting the space?
- Does the home owner have seasonal allergies? If so, it will influence the types of plants that are selected for the landscape and include low to zero pollen options to help reduce allergens and improve enjoyment of the space.
- Will a water feature (or more than one) be included in the landscape design? If so, what depth and size are desired by the client? Contemporary or nature inspired?
Creating an outdoor oasis takes a clear understanding of what our client envisions as the ideal space. It also includes a discussion on maintenance expectations as well; will they be maintaining it on their own, or hiring a landscaping service provider for upkeep?
Expect to answer a lot of questions on your first consultation with a Landscape Architect. From that discussion will come a three-dimensional rendering and design with incorporates all the client’s “must have” elements and the ‘like to have’ inspirations that may be added to the design scheme.
- Establishing the Landscape Project Budget
Unless you are a landscape professional, estimating the costs associated with your landscape design can be difficult. Consumers only have access to retail prices, and while business owners may be able to purchase some items and supplies at wholesale rates, the installation and cost of labor can be unknown factors.
A Landscape Architect is networked within the local community, to help negotiate the best wholesale costs for supplies including plants, concrete and paving materials, outdoor lighting fixtures and more. And with an experienced team of contractors, the professional designer can reduce waste by accurately ordering only the materials required to get the project done.
Be ready to discuss your budget for the landscape design project, so that decisions regarding types of materials and the scope of the design can be tailored accordingly. And remember, any change to the design once the work has started can (and will) increase both the length of the project and the cost for labor and materials.
- Site Analysis and Measurements
The next step is for the Landscape Architect is to make an evaluation of the area where the new landscape design will be built. Measurements are taken, and a review of soil conditions, drainage and other environmental considerations is completed.
During this phase, the Landscape Architect will also review the design to ensure that it is in compliance with municipal ordinances pertaining to water use and distribution, structure height and other considerations.
- Construction and Materials Planning
Each project element in the landscape design is costed separately, to keep the client’s budget on track. That administrative work is conducted by the Landscape Architect and his/her team, which use local sources to negotiate both building supplies and materials.
The process of picking the right building materials can take a great deal of time. For instance, if the project requires that stone is matched to an existing patio area or other pre-existing features on the property, it may require visiting many quarries and masonry providers to find the right fit.
- Organizing the Team of Contractors
Landscape Architects work with a dedicated group of experienced contractors that they trust. The investment for the business or residential client is substantial, and so only qualified laborers are used. And that group of professionals can include:
- Electricians
- Plumbing professionals
- Gardening experts
- Paving and concrete laborers and masons
- Irrigation specialists
- A landscaping crew for pruning and clean up
Remember that a professional landscape design is accomplished in phases. From measuring to purchasing of materials, then site preparation and gradient work, to planting and fertilizing new trees, shrubs or perennials. And everything happens on schedule (weather permitting) and to the specifications outlined in the blue print or CAD plan approved by the client.
- Project Management and Completion
You will see the Landscape Architect on site constantly, supervising the work and dealing with any issues that may arise, such as drainage and irrigation issues, or other obstacles. Trained and certified as a Landscape Architect, clients find these professionals to be very scrutinizing about the work. We have built a business reputation on providing exceptional results to our clients, and we make a career out of transforming the client’s vision into a beautiful outdoor space that they can enjoy for years. Having a perfectionist on the team is a good thing; it means you will get the results you want in your new landscape design.
When you choose a professional landscape Architect, you are entering into a partnership where the end result is ultimate satisfaction with your outdoor space. Incorporating organic elements into both outdoor landscapes and interior designs helps create a healthy and relaxing atmosphere that restores both body and mind.
It is one of the best investments you can make in personal enjoyment, and property value for your home. Hiring a professional Landscape Architect can also assure you of an integrated outdoor design that will continue to grow into a beautiful exterior space, for your long-term enjoyment.
Contact our team at Pure Landscape Design and Construction for a free consultation, and start creating your outdoor paradise.
