Process & Services

Every project is different.  We offer a tailored approach addressing the needs of each client.

On-Site Consultation
For smaller projects many clients are interested in generating ideas without without initially committing to a full design process.  For these clients, we are happy to begin by scheduling less formal site visits, walking the site and discussing design objectives. During these meetings we can provide verbal direction and follow up with notes summarizing the consultation.

Schematic Design or Site Master Planning
Project sizes range greatly from small backyard designs to large scale master plans for private residences or public entities.  This process usually begins with a discussion of client goals coupled with site analysis and acknowledgement of existing site conditions.  Using the information gathered during this process, a plan will be developed reflecting the synthesis and/or distillation of ideas.  This plan is somewhat general in nature, but will indicate and call out the programmatic elements, basic materials and plant massing.  For some less complex sites and programs, this plan can even be used to generate preliminary pricing or to request estimates from contractors.

Children’s Play Areas
One of the great joys in life is watching children play in the spaces created by one’s own imagination.  The design of Parks and Playgrounds can for that reason be one of the more rewarding areas of Landscape Architecture.   With roots and recent work in this aspect of our discipline, diversity in design between the residential and commercial world and this segment of our practice can be enjoyed.

Shoreline, Steep Slope & Critical Areas Enhancement, Restoration & Mitigation
The challenge and opportunity afforded by work in our once native and now disturbed environments is of great interest in this practice.  It has long been believed that the ultimate success would be to exactly emulate what nature does all on its own.  It is with this notion that all enhancement, mitigation and restoration is approached.

Permit, Design Development, Bid & Construction Documents and Project Administration
For larger or more complex projects with teams of consultants,  it is often required that plans quickly be moved from hand drawings into an electronic format.  AutoCAD has become the industry standard or software used in this process.  It is typical to see projects move through various stages or levels of permitting from Local to State and Federal, and into design development where the "nuts and bolts" are first explored.  From there Bid and Construction documents can be provided where the details of the design are fleshed out and coordination between disciplines takes place. The ultimate goal is the development of a cohesive construction set that facilitates project implementation.

Construction Administration & Observation
Prior to and during construction our services can be retained to insure that the project is properly implemented and plans followed.  During this phase site visits will take place to observe conditions in the field and provide any necessary direction to contractors.  At times, especially on more complex sites, field conditions are different than plans may indicate.  In these instances, clarifications or even revised drawings or details and be provided to help further inform the intent of the design or the required means of correct implementation.