The Design Process

A good design of any kind is a combination of many ideas, brought together into one cohesive plan. Below is an outline of the steps Dig Landscape Design will take with clients while designing their landscape. We take efforts to make this process as straightforward as possible. Exploring many ideas, materials, etc. all relying on collaboration between client and designer.  Over time we have found the best outcome when we follow the process outlined below. This process leads to a custom design - one that is unique to your space and needs.

INITIAL MEETING

During this meeting at the site, information will be gathered about the client, the existing landscape, and surrounding conditions. We want to determine what the client likes and doesn’t like about the existing landscape, how they hope to use the space, and how involved they want to be in the design process. With this information, we will be able to create a design proposal.

DESIGN

Conceptual Design; A look at a few design variations which solve problems and create spaces. These schematic drawings will show how different ideas can be incorporated into the space. Then, based on feedback and what seems to be working best from the conceptual design, we will start to create a final design.

Final Design; Includes the layout of the outdoor space and material specifications. We plan on two phases of the design development, with a client meeting at each phase. This allows for the layers of the design to be added and looked at in detail without overwhelm. A drawing package is at the end of this process. This includes measurements, notes, details such as elevations and sections (if necessary), and plant specifications. These are the “blueprints" for shaping your exterior space. 

INSTALLATION

At this phase, the approach can vary from client to client depending on how involved they prefer to be. The initial estimate will not include time toward installation - due to the nature of this part of the process. It is up to the client to establish how Dig will be involved. In most cases, clients find they are not up to taking on the work themselves and are interested in working with a landscape contractor for the installation of their project. Dig is able to refer contractor(s), and will provide plans for estimates. It is our recommendation that 2-3 estimates are collected. Dig would like to remain involved through installation with the contractor to answer questions and help maintain the integrity of the design. This is up to the client as well as the schedule of Dig and the contractor. 

Some clients would like to do the installation themselves but may need some assistance. Dig can provide resources and instruction on the process, helping with information regarding where to purchase plants, get soil and other supplies. While we have some construction know-how, it should not be assumed Dig will be available to be present during install, or able to answer all questions that may be encountered, and will not take on any liability of the final product. 

  If the client is interested in having Dig’s involvement during installation - we will provide an estimated fee based on the hours we expect to spend on the project, or charge by the hour, based on the client’s chosen approach.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A proposal for the Conceptual & Final Design is provided after the initial meeting and the cost is based on a $100 per hour fee. It is always best to have an idea of the total budget for your project and to discuss this with the designer. This helps to set realistic expectations as well as provide a proposal that keeps the budget in mind as we create the design. A signed proposal and retainer are requested before beginning design work. The retainer amount will be deducted from the final invoice. We will work to stay within the estimated fee, but this will often depend on the client or other factors not controlled by Dig. If more time is requested for re-design, or if the scope of the project changes, so will the fee. The nature of the decision-making process, Owner's directives, and the level of design input requested, all affect the overall fees. Therefore, fees can only be estimated at the start of a project-based upon the potential size and complexity of the project and intended work.