Residential Design is a Multi-step Process

There are four phases to the design process:

Phase I
Program development: In this step the client’s goals and wishes are clarified and documented. This is developed during the first meeting after the contract has been signed.  

Site Measurement Drawing: At this point the designer takes accurate measurements of the site and creates a rough on-site drawing of the house footprint, property boundaries, existing structures and plants. Complicated sites require a land survey to determine elevations and property lines (extra charge – done by professional surveyor.)
Site Analysis: The designer evaluates site (and sometimes neighborhood) for the influence of climate, topography, soil profile, existing plants, views, adjacent structures and use patterns.  This information impacts the choice and placement of plants and conceptual hardscape structures.  This step is typically performed at the same time as the site measurement drawing.

Base Map: Here the designer drafts an accurate, plan-view, base map from the site measurement drawing.

Phase II
Rough alternatives: Using the base map and information gathered during site analysis the designer creates rough sketches showing different ways the client’s ideas can be expressed in a landscape design.  The best three sketches are presented to the client.  One alternative or a combination of all three can be used for the final, conceptual design.

Phase III
Conceptual Plan: At this point the designer creates a final conceptual design consolidating the best features of the rough alternatives into a plan showing general layout, plant materials, major plant massing and overall design character.  This conceptual plan is typically presented to the client in a final meeting.

Phase IV
Working Drawings: The designer prepares working drawings showing detailed plant layout, plant lists, materials/product specifications, and planting notes.  Conceptual hardscape comments may also be provided.

Installation Observation: (Optional) The designer visits the site during installation to see if contractor is complying with the drawings, to help resolve questions of layout and detail, and to assist in the approval of materials and plants.  Designer’s role is of ‘observer’ and not ‘supervisor’.

This design process is based on a typical front or back yard. If the client’s design objectives are simple and the site is small enough it might be possible to reduce or eliminate some phases.

Note: Karen Boness of Wild Willow Landscape Design is an unlicensed landscape designer.  Unlicensed landscape designers may, by law, prepare detailed planting plans and planting drawings for single-family dwellings. Drawings of tangible objects or hardscape features (if created by a landscape designer) are conceptual only. Detailed hardscape drawings and specifications can be provided by a licensed landscape contractor or a licensed landscape architect