STEP 1: CONSULTATION & SITE VISIT
The first step is a design consultation. At the consultation we discuss what elements in your garden you would like to retain, what you would like included in the project, and what you do not like. At this meeting we define your overall desires for your garden and its short and long-term goals. We discuss general concerns such as privacy, and sight lines and a timeline for the design process. A consultation is typically an hour long and is best located in your garden so that I can see the space and gain first-hand experience of its unique characteristics.At the site visit I come back to your house to measure up the property. At the site visit I measure the property boundaries, the outside of your house (including important elements such as air conditioning units, and important vent locations) and the location of important trees and site elements that you wish to retain. This site visit measures the necessary information to develop the design drawings. The site visit is typically two to three hours depending on the size of your yard.
STEP 2: DESIGN
The design is an iterative process that develops your desired ideas into a viable design proposal. The design plan includes the general layout of landscape elements and an initial planting plan. It is during the design stage that we discuss material selections for all hard (pathways, fences) and soft (plants) elements of your garden
STEP 3: PRESENTATION
At the presentation I go through a step-by-step explanation of the design. The presentation is the opportunity to make final revisions to the garden design. If you are ready to move forward with construction this is a point where we can discuss contractors, and where I can give general advice on the processes of construction and critical elements of your design.
I am not affiliated with a specific contractor, after the presentation you are welcome to take the design and meet with your preferred build team.
STEP 4: CONSTRUCTION
I am available for site visits to periodically oversee the work and give general advice. Site visits are suggested for projects with complex designs (e.g. pathways, retaining walls, planting beds) and intricate planting plans.
Fees
For a typical city lot (50’x100’) within the Ottawa city limits a complete design for front and backyard starts $2000 fee or an hourly rate of $125/hr.