F A Qs For Your Design Meets
THE REVISION PROCESS | GETTING READY: STARTING POINTS + BUDGET | BIG PICTURE + DETAILS | MAIN ELEMENTS TO CONSIDER
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We Will Meet 2-3 Times + Follow The Same Simple Steps
3 Steps
+
3 Focal Points
1) Initial Design + Review
• Look at General Layout + Broad Strokes for loosely defining Hardscape + Softscape Areas
2) Version 2 Design + Review
• Look at More Specific Use of Space + Preferences for Specific Materials + Plant Species
3) Version of Final Design + Confirmation
• Make adjustments as needed to confirm preferences and requirements for your final design deliverable file +/or printed scroll.
WHAT’S IN A MEET
GOT IT? GREAT!
IN A NUTSHELL
DESIGN REVIEW SEQUENCE: We will schedule to meet either in-person or by Zoom. In total, we usually have 2-3 sequential design review meets. This is typically ample time to complete our goals. Of course, additional meets can be added for an small additional fee.
WHAT TO SHARE: Up front, you will be invited to share information and experience about your property as well as your goals or concerns.
We will present you with an initial visual design at the first meet. You will then be guided to consider the 3 FOCAL POINTS = LAYOUT/ MATERIALS / PLANTS in regard to this version of the design. We will revisit these for each revised design version in subsequent meets.
We will listen to your preferences and decisions in response to the design images. You can think of them like an evolving visual reflection of our evolving conversation.
METHODS TO SHARE: You will be invited to share your thoughts, goals, and preferences however is convenient for you, eg. during each meet — and/or in between meets by Email, Text, Phone, Voice Mail, or Voice Note (whatever is natural or fits your schedule).
WHEN TO SHARE: DURING each meet, you will be guided to share your natural responses to the topics presented. IN BETWEEN MEETS You can self-pace by scheduling time to look at the design online before we meet, following the suggested considerations below for what preferences or feedback is most helpful at each step, and by optionally taking notes in prep for the meet.
YOUR DESIGN DELIVERABLE: You will receive a digital copy (PDF file type) of your full design and if need be, a print copy on a single large paper scroll. For some projects, it may also be helpful to receive a separate PDF ‘Installation Guide’ showcasing details or data essential to the installation team’s interpretation of the design, or as reference material.
Finding Your Goldilocks Zone
WORKING WITHIN AN IDEAL YET FLEXIBLE BUDGET RANGE
FINDING YOUR IDEAL ZONE An analogy for how we find your ‘goldilocks zone’, might be similar to how a music producer uses a mixing board to balance the various audio tracks to achieve the desired final sound. Each element works together with all others. As we adjust one, it affects another.
Similarly, for your landscape, making adjustments to plants or materials may shift labor or schedule, while brand preferences can impact availability, etc. We suggest the options or solutions, based on our expertise, that can help you find your ideal balance.
GOT AN INITIAL BUDGET IN MIND? If you already have an idea of your ideal budget range — you’ll start by viewing a landscape design set within the original estimate. General cost ranges will be highlighted and the layout will show how elements are allocated. From there, you can customize.
DON’T YET HAVE AN INITIAL BUDGET IN MIND? We’ll start with your ideal landscape preferences. Your initial design review will highlight general cost ranges up front, showing how elements are allocated. From there, you can customize.
HOW YOU CAN DISCERN YOUR IDEAL COST/VALUE RATIO: Your estimate is always scaleable. Your ideal value comes from finding your unique balance of elements.
In sum, your unique ‘ratio’ will be determined by how the elements of your design project actively fit together in relation to one another. Based on both requirements and preferences, we will look at; materials, plants, labor, delivery, vendors, volume, availability, seasonal schedule, project management, and more. This is how we can help you define your ‘goldilocks zone’ for your custom project. And if you are working with our installation team, your flexible project schedule.
3 Focal Points
HERE ARE SOME BASIC SUGGESTED INQUIRIES FOR EACH FOCAL POINT + YOU CAN ALSO SHARE YOUR OWN
SPATIAL LAYOUT
FORM | FUNCTION | USE | FLOW
• Is your overall intended use of space clearly defined + accessible?
• Are any favorite items or special features you’d like to see, clearly defined (or bookmarked on your wish list for a future time)?
• Are the defined areas for hardscape (patio/walkways) and softscape (gardens) clearly defined?
• Are the transition areas defined (eg edging, cobble, step stones, etc)?
• Is there a balance to the ecology? eg Overstory (trees / tall shrubs) — understory (shrubs / flowers)— ground cover (low plants / mulch) ?
HARDSCAPE
MATERIALS | STONE | PATIO | WALKWAYS
• Is your material preference confirmed for each hardscape feature (patio pavers, decorative rock, mulch, fence, pergola, etc).
• Is your ‘Architectural Style’ reflected in the design? (Eg Outdoor Extension, Modern, Mountain, Eclectic, Wild, Budget Friendly, DIY?
• Are your preferences for specific materials and plants clearly defined — or options for natives or alternatives given?
• Are permits pulled where necessary (confirm with your installer)?
SOFTSCAPE
SOIL | BERMS | MULCH | PLANT LAYERS
• Is your aesthetic preference confirmed for the plants you’ll see in your garden or landscape?
• Are your preferences for specific plant species included — or options for natives or alternatives?
• Is your ‘Garden Style’ reflected in the design? (Eg Formal Garden, English Garden, A Good Balance of What Grows Well Here, Specifically Native Plants, or Keeping it Wild)? And is it in use in the design?
• How does your design meet or include essential requirements for sustainability and ecological function? (Low water use, carbon sequestration, soil structure and drainage, % or all native plants, building local ecology through layered plantings).
KEY PERSPECTIVES WE SUGGEST
What To LOOK FOR When Reviewing Your Design:
The Big Picture + The Detail
SUCH AS
YOUR ROSE COLORED GLASSES
STEP BACK + LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE
• Take A Wide View (Suggestions / Flexibility)
• General + Broad Strokes (Ideas / Intentions / Directionality)
• See How Everything Fits Together ( Options / Symbiosis)
YOUR GOLD LENS
FIND YOUR PREFERENCES IN THE DETAILS
• Take A More Focused View (Identify Your Choices / Yeses)
• Specifics (Decisions / Placements / Material Names / Plant Species)
• Is Everything Confirmed (Decisions / Preferences / Availability)
Another good rule of thumb: “How Do I Want To FEEL In My Yard?
√ “Thank goodness for this sanctuary from the world” — this is relaxing / inspiring / uplifting / sensory-calming and nourishing!
√ “Omg, I can’t believe I live here” — this is amazing / stylish / leading-edge / so desirable / adds to our property value!
√ “I feel better knowing my yard is both ecologically sustainable while being beautiful” — pollinator friendly / microclimate appropriate!
√ “My backyard is a unique experience, an experiment with plants, animals, and elements” — backyard permaculture, raised bed foods, or small plot regenerative agriculture practices!
√ “My expectations are met knowing the yard is efficient and cost saving — xeric / low water use / sustainable!
• • • Share your unique experience / goal / environment…
ADD A FEEL GOOD LAYER (OPTIONAL)
LAND HARMONIZATION
FOR THE HOME | FOR THE PROPERTY OR GARDEN
A POWERFUL SUBTLE APPLICATION OF STONES, ELEMENTS + OTHER TECHNIQUES OF ALIGNMENT TO ALLOW THE EARTH TO NATURALLY REBALANCE
THE EXISTING ELECTRO MAGNETIC DISTRIBUTION + MOVEMENT OF ENERGY UNDER YOUR HOME + ACROSS YOUR PROPERTY
MANY HAVE REPORTED BENEFITS SUCH AS
BETTER SLEEP | LESS PHYSICAL STRESS | LESS MENTAL STRESS | FEELING GOOD FOR NO REASON | RELIEF FROM INCREASING HEALTH ISSUES
THIS APPROACH IS USEFUL FOR
TIMES WHEN YOU’VE TRIED ALL ELSE, AND YOU CAN’T EXPLAIN WHY CERTAIN STRESSORS, PAINS, THOUGHTS, OR EMOTIONS KEEP APPEARING
YOU FEEL CALLED TO BEGIN A MORE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE
YOU WISH TO INTENTIONALLY HEAL THE LAND AND THE CONNECTION POINTS BETWEEN THE ELEMENTS, LOCAL ECOLOGY + HUMANITY
EASILY ADD TO YOUR PROJECT SCHEDULE
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