Overview of Design Process

Initial Client Meeting

The design process starts with an initial client meeting. During our meeting, we’ll discuss your needs, hopes and concerns and I’ll take a look at the space you wish to transform. During that time, I’ll gather enough information to draw up a bid. Following our meeting, I’ll send you a letter detailing the fees and process for your particular project. If you decide to work with Node Landscape Design, the next step will be the site analysis.

Site Analysis

During the site analysis, I’ll consider all important elements of the site that could influence the design. These may include: microclimates, soil quality, water drainage, existing vegetation and hardscape, views, projected garden uses, and circulation patterns. As part of this analysis, I will visit the site to take measurements and photos, draw up a base map of the property, and create a list of important factors that must be included in the design. Once the site analysis has been completed, I’ll move on to the conceptual stage.

conceptual stage

Using all the information gathered thus far, I’ll look for practical solutions and creative uses for the space. Once, I’ve established two or three good alternatives, I will create some simple drawings and we will meet to discuss them and decide on a final design direction, which will include a plant palette.

Plant Palette

The plant palette is the selection of plants that are suitable for your space. We can work on the plant palette together, or you can rely on me to make the choices I believe will best fulfill your needs and desires for your space. I always encourage clients to send me photos of plants they have seen and liked. Plants are selected that will do well not just in our climate but in your particular garden.  Within that context, palettes and planting plans can borrow from many styles including traditional asian, formal mediterranean, naturalistic native, and modern desert.

Final Design

The hardscape and planting design will be assembled into a set of final drawings that can be taken to a landscape contractor for installation. With the completed drawings, we will meet to go over all the details and to walk you through the next steps. Throughout the installation process, I am available to you and the landscaper for any questions. After installation, I will visit your beautiful new garden and we can discuss landscape maintenance.