SCHEMATIC DESIGN PHASE

Also known as the exploration phase and encompasses the initial project tasks necessary to develop a site and client responsive program.  Information gathered in this phase plays a key role in keeping conceptual continuity and foundational design elements and constraints throughout the design-build process.  Primary areas of information gathering for each projects includes; detailed site measurements and photographic mapping, development of client's programmatic needs/wants for each major zone of the landscape, environmental conditions such as mapping for sun/shade patterns, wind patterns, viewshed preservation or vice versa, screening needs, , slope and terrain, soil compositions, existing plant material to be preserved/removed, visible existing infrastructure such as outdoor lighting, irrigation or gas utilities, micro-climate anomalies, etc..  

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Once the Schematic Design phase is completed, hard line design exploration begins. In most projects a computer generated layout for the site is developed which includes buildings, site walls, plant material to be preserved, pathways as well as any utility easements discovered.  This base map is then printed and transparent overlays are used to sketch major design layout alternatives in order to refine the design concept into specific client layout preferences.   Elements included in these alternatives are pathways, planting areas and call outs of major plant material, pools-ponds-fountain features, sculptures, shade structures, outdoor gathering spaces, etc. 

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

After the design alternatives are presented to the client and a single or hybrid layout is determined to be the most suitable for their needs/desires, a final hard line drawing will be completed to display the entire design intent.  When no HOA or City Planning review is necessary, the construction document package can be stream-lined to the design build process, however if detailed blueprints are required, the construction document phase becomes significantly more nuanced and process and billing for this phase are negotiated on a by project basis.  If need be, a full set of landscape construction documents can be prepared.   

CONSULTANCY 

Some clients may not be sure what level of design they need or may need advice on only a specific part of their property for now.  Lee is happy to schedule a site visit meeting free of charge to determine if your project wouldn't make better sense to approach as a general consultancy with an hourly charge.  If you would like to learn more about Lee's consultancy work, please contact him via the link below.