Residential garden design

Every client and every garden are unique and so I work from first principles. I select the right plant for the right place, using my spatial thinking and design skills to make your garden work for you. Most projects follow a similar process:

Initial consultation:

We start with a meeting for you to talk about your requirements, and for me to find out more about you and your garden. I will help you to prioritise your objectives and to think about how you want your outdoor space to look and feel. Notes from this initial meeting will form the basis of your project’s brief.

Following this initial meeting, I will send a proposal setting out your requirements and my confirming fees.  

Surveys:

Depending on the scale and complexity of your garden, a topographical survey will be needed. If this is required, I can help arrange this for you.

Concept design:

We develop a concept design, using mood boards, plans and sketches to bring to life the vision for your space and to communicate the mood and character of the planting in your garden, taking into account sustainability and environmental issues.

Detailed design:

When you are happy with the concept, the next step will be to prepare planting plans, schedules setting out quantities, botanical names and size of plants required, and construction details.  I am able to use the technical skills and understanding of materials learnt through my work as an architect to allow me to develop precise details for your project. If your garden project is part of a larger refurbishment/ redevelopment, I will communicate and coordinate with the other consultants involved.

This is a sensible time to submit for any approvals required such as local Trust approval if you live in an area of special architectural interest, or Conservation Area Consent for tree works.

The Build:

What happens next depends on whether this is a planting project alone or a wider redevelopment of your garden. I can source plants and install a new planting scheme myself or, if the scale of the scheme / nature of the work demands, I can help select a landscaper who will prepare an estimate based on the detailed design drawings. If a landscaper is carrying out the works, you may wish me to carry out site visits, to answer queries from the contractor, to monitor progress and quality of finish. I can check the plants as they are delivered and set out the plants in place in the garden for the landscaping team to install.

Aftercare:

I provide a full range of aftercare services to all clients.

Fees:

I usually charge a fixed fee for developing concept proposals. Beyond this, we will agree a fee structure appropriate for the scope and scale of the project either a fixed fee or work on an hourly rate.  I am as transparent as possible about costs keeping you informed so there are no surprises.

Design Consultancy:

I provide bespoke design consultancy services, book a consultation to find out how I can help.