PROCESS
PLANNING AND DESIGN
1. Program Meeting: We meet with you and your team (architect, interior designer, etc) to discuss your outdoor needs, desires and aesthetic preferences.
2. Study of the site: The design process starts with a detailed analysis of the site, its views, northern and southern orientations, seasonal microclimates, soil, existing trees and other flora, as well as fire hazard and animal ecology.
3. Schematic Design: We create a set of clear hand drawings, which include grading information and specific sizing of land, structures and planting. Overlaid on these plans are different schematic options or landscape design solutions.
4. Preliminary Cost Evaluation: We send the finalized schematic design plans to contractors, who provide ballpark figures. Clients may then request budget-driven revisions to the schematic design. Once these additional revisions have been completed, the schematic design is finalized.
5. Planning Approval: Most municipalities require submission of drawings for review by the planning department. We submit the required documents and information and make every attempt to expedite the process, including attending Planning Commission meetings, etc.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
1. Research: We develop and substantiate the details of the schematic design, verifying the construction methods, materials, plant suppliers, etc.
2. Design Development Documents: Using the information gathered during the research, we draft detailed plans and sections. We start specifying materials and realizing the forms of all the elements in three-dimensions.
3. Building Approval: We submit bid documents and have them signed off on by relevant municipal departments, including Water and Fire.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
1. Draft Construction Documents: We draft a complete set of construction documents that provide details of the exact location and construction method for every element within our scope of work. These documents specify the following:
a. Demolition and tree protection.
b. Layout
c. Planting
d. Irrigation
e. Lighting
f. Structures
2. Consultants: We send the construction set to the relevant consultants, including structural engineers, civil engineers, arborists, fire and security consultants, lighting designers, irrigation and fountain consultants, etc.
3. Building Approval: We submit construction drawings to the municipal building department to obtain a building permit. Very often, building departments require documents from consulting engineers. The building department process, like the planning department process, is unpredictable and can vary in its duration.
4. Pricing Bids: We send the detailed construction documents out to contractors for pricing. These bids are accurate representations of the cost of the project and help determine the selection of contractor.
EXECUTION AND ADMINISTRATION
1. Review detail of general contractor’s contract.
2. Do final edit of the site: Identify plants and trees for protection.
3. Demolition.
4. Mock up structures in situ. Lay out items for planting.
5. Inspect ongoing construction and planting process through site visits.
6. Completion: create punch lists through series of final site Inspections.
MAINTENANCE
1. Set up: Meet with existing staff or new gardening crew to instruct on landscape systems and plant species, irrigation, pest control, fertilization, pruning, weeding, etc. The first year is principally about watering and weeding, while the second year involves pruning and irrigation adaptation. We are “on call” for gardeners with questions.
2. Natural growth: Seasonal site visits to maintain health and shape of garden. When trees grow, an area that was sunny may become shady. Raccoons, gophers, deer, birds, squirrels may disrupt plant life. Modifications to the hardscape and plantings may be needed.
3. Cultural changes: When babies, grandchildren or new pets arrive, adjustments to existing gardens or the creation of a new use-specific areas may be welcome. We also can help site outdoor sculptures, light them and/or create plantings around them.
4. Special events: For weddings and other special events, we can spiff up or intensify the garden with extra plantings, amendments to the color scheme, advice on event siting.
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