Landscape Design Hawkes Bay

The Design Process -  from Concept to Construction

Meeting
This is the first stage of the design process where an opportunity is provided to meet each other.
 
We can begin to understand more about the landscape you would like to achieve, the ambience your home projects and the atmosphere you desire within your garden.
This initial meeting is the same for any site whether it is a private home, a school, an industrial or commercial property or even a public space, it is important to discover what the site and your requirements are.

It is always preferable to meet with you on the site where possible for this initial consultation however this should not be suitable for one reason or another it would be important to visit the property before the design is begun.

The opportunity is here for you to describe what you would like to achieve, any requirements you may have or elements you would like incorporated into your design.
By meeting at the site we can start to look at the qualities the land holds, the different aspects and views within the property and its surroundings, sounds, smells, how the wind and sun impact on the site, how the landscape feels, and how the spaces of the property flow and interconnect with each other . We then use this information gathered and assess the opportunities and constraints within and surrounding the site. It is a good idea to be indicating at this stage a budget for the landscape should you have one.

The basis of this meeting is to listen to your thoughts, visually gather information about your property and what you would like to achieve.

Site Measure and Information Gathering
This is started once you have accepted our Letter of Engagement which will outline the process and work involved with your property.

It is essential to measure the site accurately and include boundaries, house dimensions, services, existing features and plants.

This information provides us with the basis for the design to begin.

Developing the Landscape Concept
All concept plans are drawn to scale in pen and are A1 size; this is charged at the hourly rate specified in the letter of engagement. The development of the concept can take anywhere between 2-3 days and 2-3 weeks depending on the scale of the project and previous commitments already undertaken by the business.

The initial concept illustrates the proposed design and is accompanied by relevant written information. This plan will have a perspective drawing usually of a feature area within the site/garden.

 
The concept plan is presented to you at your home or property. Books and material samples are used where possible to illustrate the proposed design, planting suggestions and its elements.

It is a good idea for all the members involved within the decision making in the household or your business to attend this meeting.

At this stage we go through the plan and either the ideas are approved by you or we will consider an alternative.

Concept to Master Plan Completion
Once the concept has been approved and the choice of materials confirmed a master copy will be drawn to scale in ink at A1 size.

The plan will be accompanied by a written report which corresponds back to the master plan specifying details of the proposed design.

Detailed drawings may be required for the construction of structures and or features within the design. These are required for various reasons including Council/Resource Consents, costing and the construction of features within the design.

Planting Plan
A planting plan is also drawn up to accurately specifying plant names, locations and numbers.

Specifications can accompany the master plan if using an alternate contractor for the construction process, this aspect of the process can be discussed as required.

Construction of the Design
Once the plan is completed you may decide you would like Espaso Verde to install the design and project manage the construction process.

 
By doing this we can achieve we can ensure that the landscape you would like is installed in a professional manner and incorporates all the elements and the layout which you have worked towards.

We use our own team of landscapers who will do the majority of the works.
It is required to use specialist contractors in some cases as required for example, engineers, sculptors, metal workers and joiners.

We can supply a quote free of charge for the entire job combining all the necessary contractors’ prices in keeping with the overall budget.

There is the potential for modifications and adjustments during the instillation of any landscape and we work with the contractors so to achieve the best outcome in keeping with the overall design.

At Espaso Verde we assist you by managing the construction process coordinating the timing of each contractor and insuring the job runs smoothly.

All correspondence with contractors and material suppliers is taken care of by us while keeping you informed as much as possible and free to continue with your day to day activities.

Project Management
The management of the construction process and overseeing the design is important.
The instillation of the design can often involve various different contractors and will need to be coordinated. At Espaso Verde we work with the contractors on your behalf coordinating the timing of each contractor and insuring the job runs smoothly.

All correspondence with contractors and material suppliers is taken care of by us while keeping you informed as much as possible.

Contractors and suppliers need to be updated on the site progress to ensure timing of their part, and we keep in contact with all parties.

During the construction of the landscape there is the potential for hidden obstacles to arise and by project managing the process we are available to act quickly solving any issues which may come to fruition during the process.

 
Any modifications to the design which may be needed are always consulted with the project manager, designer and when appropriate with yourself also.

Timing and organizing of various contractors and the entire construction process are of great importance ensuring that the job runs smoothly, materials are available and delivered when required and that the landscape is installed in the correct sequence.
Project management is the key to success and quality. At Espaso Verde we take out the headache of organising all of this and do it for you, we work swiftly and efficiently to provide this service free of charge.

We provide a full professional service that takes care of all areas from the landscape design through to the landscape construction, plant sourcing, planting and ongoing maintenance if required.

We work with you to achieve a landscape of high quality that is generated through skilled craftsmanship and good design; gardens are spaces to evoke the senses, at Espaso Verde we help you achieve the sense of style, atmosphere and feeling which you desire within your garden.

 

» Download a pdf of The Design and Construction Process