Garden Design
Garden Design in London
The first visit:
After a brief visit to the area to be landscaped, a full discussion is essential to assess how the garden is going to be used, the preferred style, likes and dislikes, colours, practical necessities, budget and much more.
I also bring my portfolio and pictures of previous assignments, as well as books and magazines in order to help create the perfect garden for each client.
The first visit is free. The visit takes between 60 and 90 minutes.
A quotation for the design work is then sent by post. A fixed fee will be agreed based on the size of the project (plus sundry costs). Or in case of contracting design and project management, I charge a percentage of the whole project.
The second visit:
Once the quotation has been accepted, a second visit is arranged where the following activities will be performed:
-Site survey - the area is measured and levels are checked. If the survey is estimated to take more then 4 hours, a professional surveyor has to be contracted (this will be informed on the first visit).
- Site analysis - information on local conditions, soil test, orientation, good or bad views, prevailing winds.
-Photographic reference.
30% of the agreed fee is paid on this visit.
Start the design work:
Creation process, Outline plan and Colouring.
The third visit:
This is the presentation of the Outline Plan (coloured drawing) for the client's approval.
40% of the agreed fee will be paid at the end of this visit.
Back to the drawing board:
Now it is time to detail the drawings. A Planting Plan is created with a choice of plants that suits the different areas of the garden, respecting the style chosen and the client's preferences.
The Planting Plan is followed by:
-Planting Schedule (numbers, spacing and size of the species)
-Construction Drawings and Drainage (required by contractors)
-Setting Out drawing (required by contractors)
-Axonometric Drawing (3D) in colour - optional
The fourth and last visit:
Planting Plan presentation and delivery of all the plans.
The remaining 30% plus sundries (processing of reference photographs, printing of plans and other documents, plus handling) are paid at the end of this last meeting.
Documentation:
I normally indicate 3 contractors to price the work, or if there is already a contractor chosen by the client, a meeting is arranged at the place to be landscaped. Once the quotes are sent, it is up to the client to choose the contractor. Note that having the option to choose the best quote can save the client thousands of pounds.
Budget:
The design process is done with a budget in mind. A realistic budget is crucial for the success of the project. Bear in mind that a well designed garden add as much value to the property as an extension does. Therefore it is common to say that a garden would cost as much as a new kitchen or, even more accurate, between £100 and £200 per square meter, depending on the type of materials used (lawn being the cheapest surface and and a real stone paving being the most expensive).