The first step is to meet the client, visit the site, and discuss the vision of the garden they want made. This meeting normally lasts an hour or so, depending on the size of the garden. The meeting is followed up by a Site Report, a written confirmation of the ideas discussed at the meeting, an Illustrated Document or Mood Board to show that both client and designer are thinking along the same lines. It also contains a report on the condition of the garden itself.
The next stage is to commission a Site Survey, a detailed ‘map’ of the garden, showing all the levels and existing planting. This is an important document as a surveyor can send a document of the garden to the designer with all relevant measurements providing a template they can work from.
The designer will then draw up a Masterplan, showing how the Designer proposes to transform the garden.
At this stage, there is room for discussion and changes until a definite plan is agreed upon.
The finished plan, together with a detailed Specification of Works will then be sent out to a contractor or, if a tender is required, to several contractors who will provide a quotation.
The designer will then draw up a Masterplan, showing how the Designer proposes to transform the garden.
At this stage, there is room for discussion and changes until a definite plan is agreed upon.
The finished plan, together with a detailed Specification of Works will then be sent out to a contractor or, if a tender is required, to several contractors who will provide a quotation.
The next stage is to appoint a contractor and build the garden. The contractors almost certainly will require further detailed or Construction Drawings from the designer. Whilst the garden is being built, the designer will make visits to oversee the Works.
The next stage is the planting: Another plan will be drawn up – a Planting Plan. The designer will be in charge of ordering all plants and trees from their recommended nurseries, giving a quotation for their costs, oversee their delivery, place them in position and oversee the planting. The designer will make as many visits to the garden over the forthcoming year as the client requires to ensure that the client is happy and to advise on the garden’s maintenance. A Maintenance schedule can also be drawn up if the client wants to oversee the future of the garden themselves.
Finance. The designer will want to be paid in stages on completion of:
1) The Site Report
2) The Masterplan
3) Detailed Construction Drawings
4) The Planting Plan
All Work will be charged at an hourly rate, including any site visits. The Designer will not make any site visits without prior agreement with the client.