General Consultation

If you just need some ideas or guidance to get started on your own creation, I can offer consultation to help you formulate your thoughts, build a sound foundation for your project, and avoid expensive mistakes. If you need an informal design to guide you in your do-it-yourself project, that can become a logical extension of the consultation process. I am equipped to complete a design sketch for you on the spot, complete with rough dimensions and plant lists. I can also assist you in estimating your materials and installation costs, and revising as necessary to meet your preferred budget. This can often be accomplished in just one meeting, with perhaps a side trip to a nursery to assist in plant selection.

Remember, the first hour for every client is always $20. I understand that tastes vary, and not every designer is a good fit for every client. You deserve the opportunity to discover how my style can implement your dream. There will be no sales pitch. I will be happy to discuss any aspect of landscaping, help you select plants, solve gardening problems, or even draw a small design on the spot; anything at all I would offer during normal consultation. You will never be billed for the first hour, regardless of whether you make further use of my services.

Standard Design

I can create detailed planting designs for single-family dwellings, as well as conceptual design of hardscape features. I am well-equipped to provide scale conceptual drawings which provide all necessary details for proper installation of plant materials.

Design Process

Since the standard design process is fairly complex, an overview of the process will probably be informative. When you consider that a complete landscaping project can cost as much as 25% of the value of your entire home, it makes sense to adopt a structured process to ensure that you will be realizing the greatest return on your landscaping investment.

The initial visit lays the foundation for the design. The dual objectives of this visit are to develop your own desires while establishing the relevant facts of the project. We will cover these general topics:

• Establish project scope and budget.
• Review of portfolio to help identify your preferences.
• Horticultural analysis.
• Proposal and quote.

Upon your acceptance of the proposal, I will perform any necessary measurements, photography, and sketches of the area to be designed. This may be at the initial visit or a later date, depending upon circumstances. I will then use this data along with our prior discussion to produce a concept sketch.

The concept will be presented to you at my second visit. This is an important opportunity for you to ensure the design is proceeding along the path leading to your greatest satisfaction. The visit will continue until I am certain you are well informed and fully satisfied with the concept. Normally, I find that this process takes around 2 hours. If necessary, I will take whatever time is necessary to completely rework the concept to fit your desires.

Finally, at a third visit I will present the finished drawing. You will receive two paper copies and an electronic version on CD which you are welcome to reproduce as you wish. Alternatively, I can provide additional paper copies. You will receive:

• 24"x36" paper copies of the complete concept.
• Plant materials list.
• Estimated budget.
• Notes and documents regarding installation and care of the plantscape.

At this point, the standard design service is concluded. If you like, however, I can help with contractor referrals. I also am available on a consulting basis to help coordinate with your contractor to assist you with clear communication of your desired concept. I can also go with you to assist in plant selection at the retail outlet. Whatever you need, feel free to ask. You and I share the common goal of seeing the design come to fruition.