During the pre-design stage, I work with you to plan out the project. Together, we focus on anticipating potential issues that could impact the budget and timeline as the landscape project progresses. It's essential for me to discuss costs upfront and establish a clear investment range for the project. This phase allows me to explore the relationship between the project and its surrounding environment to help guide the best choices for you and the site. As part of this planning step, my priorities include:

• Researching the market

• Conducting site analysis and evaluation

• Performing feasibility studies with potential outcomes

• Defining and optimizing the vision

• Creating a realistic budget and timeline

The conceptual or schematic design stage builds on the vision we developed during the pre-design phase. This is the time for thinking "outside the box." We’ll explore concepts and review references working towards the broader goals and objectives set in pre-design. During this step, I often present several design options to find the right one without getting bogged down in too many details. The process is heavily influenced by the site analysis and the budget to ensure the conceptual design is feasible.

At this stage, the project is really starting to take shape as I develop the design direction you've chosen and guide you through a series of key decisions ultimately leading to final design approval. The first part of this step involves refining the overall look of the design, taking it to the next level. Then, I dive into the details—finalizing the layout, focusing on finish levels, and selecting materials. Once these decisions are made, I coordinate with other design consultants to ensure everything works together seamlessly.

Construction documentation is the final design step in the project delivery process. During this stage, I focus on finalizing a comprehensive set of drawings and specifications for all the landscape components. These documents serve as the foundation for the project's building permit application and approval. The construction documents outline in detail the requirements for building your landscape elements, including the quality of materials and building systems needed. They also provide the necessary information for estimating costs and guiding the construction process.

In this phase, the main design plans come to life. A lot of factors need to be considered to ensure that the project goals are carried through to successful completion. I help select qualified contractors, set up communication procedures, and work with the expanded team to turn the vision into reality. It's important to stay focused on the design intent as we navigate the inevitable changes and adjustments that come up during the construction phase. During this time, I assist clients with:

• The bidding process

• Reviewing contractor material submittals

• Responding to addenda, ASI (Architectural Supplemental Instructions), and RFIs (Requests for Information)

• Conducting site observation visits

• Providing supplemental information

• Payment application reviews

• And confirm construction completion, both before and during the turnover of the project from the contractor to you, the client