GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF LANDSCAPE PROCESS
The following is a guide to help you understand the design process and the general timeline of your project.

There are specific phases of development, as follows:
1) Conceptual Design
2) Design development / Design Review
3) Construction Documents / Building Permit
4) Bid coordination / Construction Observation

Conceptual Drawing Package
The conceptual design drawings provide creative ideas and a comprehensive master plan for your garden. We request from my clients to provide me a list of desired elements, such as a pool, spa, fireplace, BBQ, etc. Often, clients provide me garden images that represent a style that is appealing. These images include pictures tagged in garden books and pages from magazines. Our belief is that we are helping to create your garden and that your input is critical to the success of the final garden design and installation. The Concept drawings include the layout of spaces, circulation, and garden elements. Lighting will also be included on a conceptual level. All major plant materials will be identified as they relate to the design objectives.

Design Development Package / Design Review
After a final design is approved, we will create a overall Landscape Master Plan. This drawing will accurately layout all landscape elements, give critical spot elevations, include notes on construction, lighting and irrigation. Planting design will be accomplished with a Planting Plan or list depending on complexity. Design development drawings may be adequate for Design Review on the larger projects depending on scope. Since the documents are not as comprehensive as the Construction Documents package, more time for construction observation may be beneficial. This is a great way to facilitate the landscape construction if you are comfortable with a Landscape contractor and want to be involved in the construction process. These drawings are not meant to be competitively bid. This level of documentation typically requires 20 -30 hours.

Construction Documents / Building Permit
Following the conceptual design package completion, we will refine the design based on the Design Review comments and your input. After a final design is approved, we will create a set of Landscape Construction Documents that will include the following: 1. Demolition Plan 2. Construction Plan 3. Irrigation / Lighting Plan 4. Planting Plan 5. Construction Details These drawings are comprehensive construction documents and will allow the project to be competitively and accurately bid. These drawings will also be the documents used for the building permit process. It is in the best interest on large scale projects (projects that have complex decks, swimming pools, spas, retaining walls, drainage, etc.) to do complete construction documents. Also, complex projects will likely require a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer and Architect. This coordination will require time and effort as necessary. This level of documentation typically requires 40-100 hours.

Bidding Coordination and Construction Observation
Based on the approved Construction drawings, a bid sheet will be prepared to simplify and provide a format for competitive bidding. We will help analyze and negotiate a construction implementation cost following the completion of construction documents. After a contractor has been selected, we will be available for site visits and construction coordination. Questions inevitably arise on the project during construction. Imprints can be of great assistance to you and the contractor throughout the construction phase. We will assure the quality is maintained and that the design intent is adhered to. Construction observation is invaluable to the success of your project. Adequate supervision time can range from 10 -30 hours.

THIS IS A GENERAL OUTLINE FOR THE DESIGN PROCESS. EACH PHASE WILL BE DEFINED PER YOUR SPECIFIC AND UNIQUE PROJECT. PLEASE DONÕT HESITATE TO CALL WITH ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE DESIGN PROCESS.