Our garden
design process
Our garden design process breaks down into four packages of work, which can be purchased and combined to suit your needs.
When working in collaboration with architects we align our process to the RIBA Plan of Works.
Concept design package
Concept design is all about understanding what you want from your garden and re-imagining the space.
Using a combination of technical drawings, illustrations and mood boards we build a picture of what can be achieved in your garden.
Initial consultation & brief
Getting to know you and your garden helps us clearly understand what you want and need from it. Discussing your likes, dislikes, wish list and priorities establishes the parameters for the design. This is summarised into a design brief and fee proposal which clearly defines the purpose and direction of design work.
Site survey & ‘The Big Idea’
Once the brief and fee proposal are approved, we begin to make a thorough assessment of your garden. We survey it to record and understand it’s precise size, layout and boundaries, level changes, existing vegetation and infrastructure. Depending on the size and complexity of your garden, we may request a topographical survey undertaken by an experienced land surveyor. This can be commissioned on your behalf.
Now it’s time to get creative. Drawing together critical survey information and our design experience we begin to craft a space that responds uniquely to your needs.
Design concept presentation
Here we share with you the concept design for your garden. Our presentation will encapsulate the inspiration and ideas which have informed the design concept, alongside a 2D plan illustrating potential garden layout. 3D perspective drawings help bring new ideas to life, supported with mood board imagery, plus possible material and planting palettes.
Together we’ll discuss the design and leave you with a copy of the presentation document. One round of design changes follows this presentation and is included within this package of works.
Detailed design package
Hard landscaping
Detailed design takes your garden design concept and translates it into a set of technical drawings and specifications, enabling your garden to be priced and built.
This covers hard landscaped areas such as: patios and outdoor kitchens, laying of paths and driveways, walls and steps, drainage, irrigation and water features.
It involves sourcing material options, producing the technical construction drawings, schedules and specifications necessary to direct the build phase.
We can also source bespoke sculpture and furniture.
Detailed design package
Planting
Taking inspiration from textural and shape combinations found in nature, our planting designs create all-important atmosphere and year-round interest for pots and borders.
Plant palette & plans
To help give a sense of how the planting in your garden could be enhanced, we produce a comprehensive planting palette document detailing plant species, combinations and ambiance.
To avoid unnecessary waste, we always explore how existing planting can be harmonised into a new design.
We’ll then produce detailed plans setting out precise plant positions. From this a schedule can be created, enabling pricing from nurseries.
Sourcing & planting
We can source all plants and trees on your behalf, organising delivery and setting them out correctly on site. We provide an optional planting service for climbers, shrubs and perennials.
Wherever possible, we work with local nurseries, landscape contractors and suppliers.
Working with care & responsibility
We believe in designing for wildlife and in doing our bit to help mitigate climate change, so we enjoy working with our clients to explore planting combinations that are sustainable and ecological.
The responsible sources of plants – such as adopting peat-free planting and protecting against the import of harmful pests and disease – is central our Practice ethos.
Garden build package
Appointing a contractor
We can help you find an experienced, trusted landscape contractor to deliver your garden build.
Our role is to collate the requisite information to enable a fair, competitive tendering process - giving you peace of mind that all quotations are provided on a like-for-like basis.
We operate with complete impartiality; our focus is ensuring clients and contractors experience a consistent tender experience.
Project liaison
During the build phase we can be a designated point of contact for the landscape contractor, visiting site at specific stages of work to ensure design intent is achieved.
Keeping in touch
We really like to keep in touch with our clients, to see how gardens mature once established. We are available by phone to answer queries and offer annual visits to provide ongoing advice.