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how we work Our process is simple - we design a garden taylored to the tastes and wants and realities of our clients.
On the first meeting, David will gather thoughts, offer advice, toss around ideas and assess the possiblities. Our first meeting is always the most insightful.
After this initial conversation, David will take some time to consider and imagine a viable design and will then meet with the client a second time to offer the possibilies of a new design and the realities of a general budget.
Upon approval of the project, the work begins and the garden is made.
Our process may be a little different from the typical "landscape" company...
First, as garden designers, we are not legally allowed to sell plans to be implemented by others. We are obligated to implement the plans we devise.
Second, we don't always produce drawings. This part of the process is about communication, and drawings may only be appropriate when there are significant structural changes to the site, etc. Planting plans are often not necessary and can burden the budget. Garden designers aren't landscape architects and aren't bound to follow the same protocols for communicating design concepts. Our work is generally more creative, more intimate and more oriented toward expert planting design than that of the typical landscape architect (there are, of course, always exceptions!) Please refer to the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (on this site's links page) for further information on our profession.
Finally, over many years of experience, we can confidently assert that a beautiful garden is never designed at the drawing board. A garden is a made thing - something that needs hands on and eyes on and hearts in. A drawing can't embrace the multidimentionality of outdoor space. There are no icons to symbolize soft morning light, or shimmering autumn water, or long winter shadows. We work, like our ancestors, with the earth and soil, rock and sky and strive to transform and elevate a sense of place.
The Nuts and Bolts
Our fees are simple - David charges $100.00 an hour for design and consultation time. Since our goal is NOT to sell plans, but rather create gardens, this fee will be waived upon the acceptance of installation proposals. We occassionally encounter unscrupulous people who solicit free design ideas with no intention of paying for these services. This fee structure is intended for them.
Our bidding process is based largely on the price of materials, using standard industry mark-ups and fair labor estimates. Our pricing is generally in the center of the range of pricing in our industry. Our quality, however is among the best. Our labor fee for gardening services is $35.00 per hour, per person. We usually run a 2 person crew and we prefer to bill in half-day increments. |