The Landscape Design Process - Professionals Work With Clients To Create Their Vision

As soon as a client makes the first telephone call to a professional landscape designer

, the landscape design process has begun. This initial communication is the first of several important steps toward turning a property owner's vision for his or her yard into a reality. Of course, a complete design is a lot more challenging and complex than just selecting foliage and garden elements. However, a reliable expert will make an effort to work through the process to guarantee the client's satisfaction for years to come.

As mentioned above, the initial consultation is the first step in the design process. Having this discussion lets the client clearly describe their main goals for their yard, detailing what they want and don't want. This is also the time to set budget and time frame limitations that are clearly understood by all parties involved. Elements that are must haves in your yard should be clearly communicated now - such as a water feature or children's play area. All the planning will have to take these features into account, and other elements will be worked around it.

Following the consultation, a site survey and inventory is important. The designer needs to know what structures or features currently exist in the space, where the property lines are located, and where the utility, drainage and access easements are in relation to the new design. A client can further help this process by telling the professional if any existing structures, trees or shrubs that are already present are to be kept or removed.

Following the site survey, the landscape architect will roll out the first of what might be many conceptual designs, posing a variety of solutions for the client's property and disclosing any problems that may arise. Most designers also offer to do the landscape construction and installation. But a property owner might first choose to collect estimates from other landscape contractors. Depending on the size and scope of the project, this would either be the time to get those bids - or to gather more in-depth information that may be required. Be sure to follow the advice of the landscape designer to know when and how to proceed from here.

If necessary, the next step, design development, can be one of the most costly steps in the process, and is usually reserved for large commercial projects rather than backyards. Construction details, specifications, planting, irrigation strategies and bidding guidelines are a few components that might be included with design development.

Installation is the final step, and whether implemented by the landscape designer, subcontractors or the client themselves, having the designer monitor the project throughout construction is really wise. This will ensure that the end result is not only close to what the home owner first envisioned, but also that the work is completed properly, which should bode well for a landscape that will thrive for many years to come.

Homeowners should look for a professional who really listens. This person should do all that is possible to understand a customer's vision, but should also be pointing out problems that could arise during the process. A client should be at least a little flexible in budget and time frame, because last-minute changes are common as the project evolves. Also, the client must be reasonable in expectations. The designer/contractor cannot control the weather or soil conditions, so expecting the unexpected will help you avoid a lot of potential frustration and stress. When all is said and done, both property owner and designer are looking for the same happy ending - a pleased customer with an attractive yard that fulfills his or her desires and requirements.

by: Stephen Daniels

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