Landscape Architecture
Comprehensive site design consultation resulting in a landscape that satisfies Client and project needs and vision. We work closely and collaboratively with the owner and design/construction team (architect, engineer, builder, landscape contractor, etc.) to prepare drawing packages that can vary in scope and detail, depending on complexity, project partners, design concept, and budget. Drawings are suitable for pricing and construction by qualified, licensed, and insured contractors.
We provide:
- Residential/commercial/institutional landscape architecture design and drawings
- Site analysis and assessment plans and reports
- Planting plans and plant lists
- Bid document preparation and management
- Permitting documents
- Construction observation
- Project administration
The Landscape Architecture Design Process
DESIGN PROCESS PHASES
From conception to creation, we are dedicated to listening to our Clients’ unique vision and translating it into beautiful design solutions. We are responsive to your goals, needs, schedule, budget and program/design preferences throughout. We strive to make the design process fun, stress-free, and fulfilling. Although unique to every Client and project, the design process typically unfolds in the following stages:
Phase 1
Initial Client/Site Meeting and Project Launch
Basic Elements: Meetings, introductions, discuss Client preferences and program elements, brainstorm design vision,
Client / Site Meeting And Project Launch
Phase Description: This is when we “meet and greet” each other and get the “lay of the land”. We come to you to discuss the project, understand the big idea and outline the process. We will ask you to present us with a survey plan and architectural drawings to help inform creation of our base plan. We will have rich conversation with you about your ideas, preferences, goals, needs, and vision for the land and for your life. We will seek clarity on your communication style and preferences, decision making process, budget, and time frame. We will outline the design process, expectations, targeted milestones, and reach an agreement on a contract for services.
We provide:
- Introductions
- Site visit and review of Client vision, goals and design program preferences
- Development of project profile
- Collection of survey and architectural plans for incorporation into base plan
- Coordination with project partners
- Preliminary site analysis/measurements (site survey plan and architectural drawings provided by Client)
- Preliminary budget discussions
- Consideration of permitting requirements, if any
- Execution of a design services contract agreement
- Design launch
Phase 2
Conceptual Design
Basic Elements: Conversations, dreams, ideas, conceptual diagrammatic sketch(es), precedent images, modeling
Conceptual Design
Phase Description: This is the “big idea” phase during which we explore how best to solve your design challenge, using site specific data and information provided by the Client and our own design expertise. We meet with you to discuss you vision, visit the site and learn about your program, budget and timeline. We create a base plan and develop multiple preliminary sketch concepts for consideration and refinement. We choose the preferred concept and discuss revisions to be incorporated during the next (Schematic Design) phase. We provide a rough idea of budget and discuss project timeline.
We provide:
- Initial site meeting
- Review and refinement of Client design program and preferences
- Site investigation; Photos & detailed measurements; collection of survey and architectural plans.
- Base plan development
- Development and presentation of Conceptual Design Sketches (1-3 hand rendered conceptual sketch plans and design imagery for review and response by Client)
- Meeting with Client to present plan(s), review concepts, and gather feedback
- Rough ballpark construction cost estimate
- Forecast of project timeline
Conceptual Design Sketch 1
Conceptual Design Sketch
Conceptual/Schematic Design Sketch
Phase 3
Schematic Design
Basic Elements: Scaled, annotated sketch with preliminary notes on materials, plants, grading, layout, and preliminary pricing.
Schematic Design
Phase Description: This phase is innately creative and establishes a solid framework for the project, serving as the precursor to the enhanced detail provided during subsequent phases. For some projects with simpler design programs and lighter budgets, the Schematic Design can be augmented with additional detail and used as a stand-alone final product (Schematic Landscape Master Plan), provided HLD, the Client and contractor can work together to develop and manage details in the field. Most often this phase is the beginning of a deeper dive into design and a more comprehensive and thoughtful process culminating in Construction Drawings.
We provide:
- Meeting with Client to review concepts
- Refinement of preferred concept into a Schematic Landscape Master Plan (hand or computer generated) including 1-2 drawing sheets with simple notes regarding materials, plants, layout and dimensions, preliminary grading)
If you choose the Expanded Schematic Design Package or Comprehensive Design Package (detailed at the bottom of this page) this will conclude the Schematic Design phase.
Schematic Landscape Plan 1
Schematic Landscape Plan 2
Schematic Landscape Plan 3
Housing Complex
Phase 4
Apply for Permit Approvals
Basic Elements: Research, application preparation (including drawings and narratives), submittal, presentations.
PERMITTING
Phase Description: Some projects require permits before they can be built. We have extensive experience preparing, presenting and closing on permit applications brought before governmental permitting authorities. This phase sometimes requires working with other project team members including architects, engineers, surveyors, builders, attorneys, and other specialists. This phase is highly unpredictable given the multiple people and parameters involved. Although we cannot guarantee approval we have extensive experience, a well-established professional network, and are proud record of accomplishment.
We provide:
- Identification, coordination, and preparation of applicable Permit Application (including plans, diagrams, calculations, and narratives) for permitting authorities (Conservation Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board, Historic District Commission, Regional Planning Commission, State permitting authorities, etc.)
- Presentations of relevant project components at Public Hearing(s) for permitting authorities reviewing the project
- Incorporation of design/plan changes to meet permitting requirements
- Permit administration
Permit Plan Submittal
Phase 5
Design Development
Basic Elements: Refined design, exploration of materials, finishes and connections. Development of plant palette and exploration of site furnishing. Presentation of plan, elevation, and section drawings to illustrate design advancements (roughly 40% completion of CD’s). Review materials samples and images. Discussion of details.
Design Development
Phase Description: During design development we refine the4 Schematic Plan, exploring dimensions, materials, details, site furnishings and amenities and custom elements that will make this design unique to you and the site. We may engage other specialists and assist with components such as irrigation, lighting, structural engineering, ponds, pools, etc., if needed. This phase is rich with imagery, sketches, refined drawings, materials samples, precedents, and you will see your project evolve immensely. It is iterative and cyclical as each individual decision affects every other one, and the initial design gradually evolves into a cohesive whole.
We provide:
- Elevations, sections, plan enlargements and details
- Samples of materials
- Reference photos
- Plant images, descriptions and lists
- Images of light fixtures, irrigation components, site furnishings and other amenities
- Additional design detail for specific areas
- Site visits to project sites, stone yards, plant nurseries, etc. to browse and choose materials.
Design Development Sketch
Phase 6
Construction Documents
Basic Elements: Refined design, exploration of materials, finishes and connections. Development of plant palette and exploration of site furnishing. Presentation of plan, elevation, and section drawings to illustrate design advancements (roughly 40% completion of CD’s). Review materials samples and images. Discussion of details.
Construction Documents
Phase Description: This is where the design gets articulated at the finest levels of detail so that it can be priced and built accurately. We will provide information on materials, finishes, dimensions, articulations, expressions, location, etc. so that no stone is left unturned. Detailed landscape architectural drawings are provided in Plan, Section, and Elevation format. This is an iterative process resulting in a Final Construction Document drawing set suitable for bidding and construction. Number of drawings and degree of detail is customizable.
Construction Documents drawing package consisting of:
- Site Demolition Plan
- Tree Protection Plan
- Permitting Document(s)/Plans
- Layout and Materials Plan
- Grading and Drainage Plan
- Planting Plan and Plant List
- Construction Details (drawings articulating specific elements to guide contractors as they price, source and build it)
- Progress reviews at 50% and 90% complete
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT PLANTING PLAN
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT LIGHTING PLAN
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT LAYOUT AND MATERIALS PLAN
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT GRADING PLAN
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
Phase 7
Bidding
Basic Elements: Negotiated or competitive bid process, Bid comparison worksheet, competitive contractor bid solicitation, site meeting, bid analysis and clarification, bid award, management and administration.
Bidding
Phase Description: This is where the design gets articulated at the finest levels of detail so that it can be priced and built accurately. We will provide information on materials, finishes, dimensions, articulations, expressions, location, etc. so that no stone is left unturned. Detailed landscape architectural drawings are provided in Plan, Section, and Elevation format. This is an iterative process resulting in a Final Construction Document drawing set suitable for bidding and construction. Number of drawings and degree of detail is customizable.
We Provide:
- Construction Documents drawing package consisting of:
- Site Demolition Plan
- Tree Protection Plan
- Permitting Document(s)/Plans
- Layout and Materials Plan
- Grading and Drainage Plan
- Planting Plan and Plant List
- Construction Details (drawings articulating specific elements to guide contractors as they price, source and build it)
- Progress reviews at 50% and 90% complete
Phase 8
Construction Observation
Basic Elements: Construction start-up meeting with Client and contractor, regular site visits and field reports, photo documentation, invoice review, final punch lists, maintenance plan.
Construction Observation
Phase Description: This is the final phase of your project during which the design intent is brought to fruition as a real-life landscape. Our primary focus during this phase is to make design decisions in the field, monitor the contractors as they carry out their duties, review invoicing, and keep the Client informed. Site meetings, field notes, photos, change orders are done as needed. This phase is complete when the work is done and you are enjoying your new landscape.
We Provide:
- Start-up meeting
- Demolition and site protection monitoring
- Site visits
- Field reports
- Photo documentation
- Design changes/direction, if needed
- Invoice review
- Punch lists
- Maintenance plan
Design Package Options
Option 1:
Simple Schematic Design Package:
Includes Phases 1 through 4, as detailed above.
Option 2:
Expanded Schematic Design Package:
Includes Phases 1 through 4, as detailed above, as well as components of Phases 5-8, the number of which is determined by project scope and Client needs.
Option 3:
Comprehensive Design Package:
Includes Phases 1 through 8, as detailed above.