We’ve been streamlining measurement, sketch, brainstorming and presentation techniques for landscape concepts and quick initial plans, using an iPad to fill in for a desktop based CAD system. We can create base plans, sketch out options, do photo overlays, create illustrated design sketchbooks and export all this as pdf files (or print everything out).
Here are two quick videos: developing a plan and quick perspective sketching (yes, the videos were put together on an iPad, too!)
Mike, really cool tech on the fly. Why do I not think this means less expense? :). This will be great when we get to phase 5 of our home project. Landscaping.
Yes, less expense, at least for rough initial concept development. This service is for quick, rough concepts that can be used to guide projects going forward. They can also help discuss ideas with contractors and others since they do list features and are more or less to scale. Sometimes a guiding set of ideas is really all you need or want.
Although they show the overall look and feel of a proposed concept, quick concepts don’t go into a lot of detail. They do provide a good general feeling of how the design will work that can be developed and tweaked as the design process continues.
Some people have built from these conceptual sketches, but they needed to add the necessary level of detail with their contractors during the construction phase.
Full construction plans include things lacking here: plant species and quantity, labeled dimensions, schedules for materials (types of stone, brick, tile…) and equipment (outdoor kitchens, fire and water features, shade structures…). They don’t show lighting, drainage or scaled elevations and sections, either – so generally not enough information there to submit to picky homeowner associations.