The design process starts with a site visit and initial consultation. The priority here is to get a clear understanding of your aspirations and needs for your space, as well as carefully assessing your current landscape. After our visit, I’ll create a written brief that summarizes our shared vision, outlines the project goals, and details my design process and fee structure moving forward.

Before diving into specifics, we must first lay the groundwork for the project. Creating an accurate basemap is essential for developing a successful design. Using information gathered on-site, satellite imagery and existing utilities, a topographical survey is created. This process ensures that the final design maximizes the site’s potential while considering the environmental factors at hand.

The basemap is then used to create conceptual designs in both 2D and 3D. These renderings focus on the overall layout, rather than the specific details. This design stage will show how the landscape will flow and function as a whole. At this time mood boards are created to show the overall aesthetic of the design. Including color schemes, plants and suggested hardscape materials.

Now that the concepts have been discussed, the chosen layout is agreed upon which will be used to create the masterplan. This involves establishing plant and material palettes that align with design goals and site conditions. Spatial arrangements are finalized, balancing functionality and aesthetics. This phase marks a crucial step in bringing the landscape vision to life, with details coming into focus.

After finalizing the master plan, detailed drawings are created to guide the implementation of the landscape design. These drawings encompass various aspects of the design including the plant layout, elevation, lighting, hardscape materials, and furnishings. These renderings visually communicate how each element will be integrated into the landscape at scale, and they provide crucial information for engineers and contractors during installation.

The planting plan specifies the layout, arrangement, and selection of plants within the landscape. It outlines the plant species, sizes, quantities, spacing, placement, and planting instructions. Considerations such as plant size, growth habits, and seasonal interest are carefully weighed to strategically position plants. This ensures that they meet aesthetic, functional, and environmental goals while creating a cohesive and visually pleasing landscape composition.

At this point the project is ready to get sent to contractors to quote. We can supply suggestions, or you are welcome to use a contractor of your choosing. Once the project is underway, we offer the option for regular site visits to monitor progress, and to ensure that the project is progressing according to the plan. The level of presence is entirely up to you, but the designer is required to be onsite to set out the plants according to the design.

Landscapes naturally evolve over time, so we provide a long-term maintenance plan to preserve their health, functionality, and beauty. This plan outlines tasks and schedules to maintain ecological balance. With any Williston H&D design, we remain committed to your landscape’s long-term success and are always available to discuss adjustments as needed.