DESIGN PROCESS

INITIAL CONSULTATION

This involves a visit to your garden to discuss your ideas, requirements and preferences. I will look at the space and explain the site limitations and potential. I will then write up the brief and send it to you for approval. This is a great time for you to start putting together a Pinterest board, or saving pictures and clippings of particular plants or garden styles you like.

SITE ANALYSIS

I will take a site survey to establish measurements and levels, along with a series of photographs for reference. For larger or complex sites, a full topographical survey may be required; this will be sub-contracted to a trusted surveyor. I can organise this for you at cost.

DESIGN CONSULTATION

We can now start to talk about the design concept in depth and establish a detailed brief. This will involve discussing how you want the space to function, any existing features you wish to keep and elements you’d like to incorporate into the design, as well as planting and material preferences. Don’t worry if you’re unsure how you want your dream garden to look (or don’t know a Heuchera from a Hosta!); I’m here to advise you and give you a range of options that I’m confident will work with your space, budget and lifestyle.

PRESENTATION DRAWINGS

With a detailed brief to work from, I can now prepare plans and drawings to illustrate how the garden will look. This may include: a scaled sketch plan, perspective drawings, a CGI render and mood boards depicting features and finishes.

Either at this stage, or following approval of Master Plans (see below) I will provide a detailed planting plan for client approval. Garden styling can also be provided, from sourcing furniture to bespoke commissions; the implementation of planting and much of the styling process will take place once construction has been completed.

MASTER PLANS

Once the final design is approved by the client, I will prepare a master plan including specifications and any additional working drawings. If the work involves primarily soft landscaping and planting, this will be carried out by my own team of RHS qualified gardeners under my supervision. Any major site clearance and construction work will be undertaken by a trusted contractor; I will provide them with plans and tender documents so they can prepare a quotation.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT & CONSTRUCTION

The translation from paper to reality relies on ongoing communication between the contractor, designer and client. I will oversee the construction phase of the project through to completion, in the capacity of either project manager or project consultant. This will involve undertaking regular site visits to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible and that my design plans are being meticulously followed. I can also liaise, or collaborate, with other specialists during both the design and construction phase of the project - for example, I can work directly with your architect if you are in the process of adding an extension to your property.