Design Process

Consultation
The starting point for all clients is a one to one consultation which lasts around an hour. This time should be inspiring and informative as the potential of the garden is discussed together with the needs and wishes of the client. It is also an opportunity to view a portfolio of past and present projects. For some clients, who perhaps need advice on planting or tweaking their garden, the consultation can be seen as a trouble-shooting visit and may fulfil their requirements. For others we provide a written fee proposal after the meeting for whatever other services are needed, ranging from a simple one-off planting plan to a full design contract, as detailed below.

We offer an Ideas and Inspirations Hour in your own garden. The cost is £65 plus mileage if more than 15 miles from Stratford. This is refunded against any future design plans which are requested.

Briefing & Site Survey
Once the fee proposal is accepted a detailed briefing takes place with the client, covering all practical and aesthetic aspects of the garden, including budget. If the garden is within a certain size we undertake a scaled survey plan at this time. If large or complex, a professional survey will be needed and a price provided.

Concept Plan and Presentation Plan
With large projects a simple concept plan is produced to show graphically how the garden can be developed using the survey and the information obtained at the briefing. Once this is agreed a coloured presentation plan is developed, showing the detail of the garden, the materials to be used and the general planting themes.

Construction Plans and Design Details
These are larger scale drawings to enable the construction details of the garden to be clear and accurate. They include setting-out measurements, levels, elevations, cross-sections, lighting plans and specified materials.

Planting Plans
These plans take into account the aspect of the site, soil type, drainage, shape, texture and size of plants, fragrance, flower colour, flowering season, maintenance levels and hardiness. The planting plan clearly shows the exact layout and number of plants specified. A schedule of plant numbers and appropriate size is included. Should the client wish, we can provide full costs to supply the plants from reputable wholesale nurseries.

Specifications and Tender Documents
Once the necessary plans are complete, a detailed specification document can be drawn up and sent out with appropriate plans to up to three hand-picked contractors, all of whom we know and trust to do an excellent job. Construction estimates are obtained and discussed with the client.

Project Monitoring
With construction of the garden underway we will monitor the work on your behalf. This is a valuable service for more complex projects or when clients are too busy to manage the process themselves.

Design fees vary depending on size of the garden, the nature of the garden required and the number of plans needed to fulfil the project accurately. The fee proposal itemises all the key likely expenses so there are no nasty surprises along the way. Budgets for any new garden construction are always discussed from the outset.

The Studio, Smiths Lane, Snitterfield, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks, CV37 0JZ

Office: 01789 731478 Mobile: 077426 37144