All these sketches, concepts and plans came together to create a design for one project: a cloud of possibilities that condensed into a detailed concept ready for construction.
It’s been a while since we invented a new workflow and adapted hybrid old school and digital creation for more flexibility. The goal was to get more nimble, where we can adapt everything to our clients needs. We threw out the design packages and replaced them with flexible estimates. So far, it seems better for everyone.
This is one of our first projects carried from consult to plans (and beyond), a reality check to see how things are working. We’ll add photos once it’s built – and in time showcase other project workflows.
We don’t worry about how many meetings we allowed for. We can revise a design until everyone is happy, no upcharges (as long as we don’t exceed our original estimate – and that hasn’t happened yet! – quite the opposite, in fact).
Consults: a wide brush for possibilities
In the past, there were two flavors of consults: verbal and sketch. With verbal consults, the client didn’t get anything back. With sketch, they did. Thanks to new and better design apps coming online, we realized that we now had rough conceptual pdf files at the end of each consult. These were for our records, but since we already had them, why not send them back to our clients and eliminate the two types of consult.
Annette is not into all that digital stuff, so she takes notes, roughs on plan concepts and sketches on paper, just black and white. Mike uses an iPad for a bit of digital magic. When we’re done, he simply scans Annette’s drawings into the iPad, adds some color for clarity and assembles the consult file. The combination of schematic plans and simple sketches illustrates key features quickly, so we get feedback during the consult. It’s a great way to find what people like (and don’t – but narrowing things down is a good thing)!
Our clients get an inspirational pdf file that prints on letter size paper, with all kinds of notes, an initial design program, and lots of alternate designs and sketches. Sometimes they’re even more or less to scale, thanks to more technology: a laser that gives quick distances.
The next step: Pick your favorite things
Some people stop with a consult – mainly when they want to look at possibilities or just get ideas. Others will move on to more complete plans – using one or more ideas from the consult as a jumping off point.
Biddable plans: crafted plans for detail
To move forward, we agree on a maximum design price, then move everything into a more precise design program, one that can generate schedules, create 3D models and create conceptual views from various points in the design. In short, all the things that take more time than we have during a consult.
Moving from the consult, we select one or more favorite features and combine them in a working concept, then refine that concept into something that can be used for bidding: dimensioned plans, a planting plan with each plant, size and quantity shown. A lighting plan gives the design character by night. A schematic drainage plan shows how to deal with runoff, mounding or on-site water collection. Details show structures, custom gates, outdoor kitchens and other features, indicating their height, size and construction – all precious information for a contractor to price out the project.
Consult: information page
The first page of a consult lists desired features and has notes on style. This is so everyone starts on the same page – it can be modified later if we move towards biddable plans.
Three alternate concepts from a consult
You might see elements of all three concepts in the detailed plans: the freeform organic layout, patio and sitting area, vegetable planters at the back of the garden, the tall hedge screen and the repurposed door to a secret garden shown in a sketch.
Biddable plans
Construction hasn’t started – except for the spa installation. The new landscape will grow from these plans. It will likely evolve a bit – often because of hidden things buried in the dirt, sometimes from a flash of insight.
