SERVICES:
I offer several levels of service depending on your needs and budget from a one-off consultation to the preparation of full outline plans, construction details and planting schemes. I can also manage the tendering and construction phases, producing detailed specifications and co-ordinating the work of the construction team. Contractors are chosen ensuring that they have the appropriate skills to implement the design.
How I work:
Consultation: This first visit is where we discuss what you want from your garden. I will assess the site, what your garden will be used for and by whom in order to get a clear picture of your needs. I will show you examples of my work and drawings to give you a better understanding of the scope of my work and the design process. Following this meeting I will write to you setting out my proposal for your new garden based on our discussion and give you a firm quotation for all the design work discussed. There is a minimum charge of £75 for this initial 2 hour consultation to be offset against any commissioned design work if you decide to proceed. Charges for visits are based on time spent on site, mileage incurred and travelling time. However, for visits within a 30 mile radius of Bristol, there are no charges for mileage or travel time.
Design work
A firm quotation in writing is always provided after the first visit for the design requirements of your garden and the services you would like me to provide for you. If you decide to proceed, the next stage would be:
Site Visit and Survey: Prior to commencing the design I survey the plot to ascertain the position of house, boundaries, existing trees and ground levels. If the site is especially large or complex the survey may need to be done by a Chartered Land surveyor. There is an opportunity to discuss the design proposals; a site analysis is done, including soil samples and site orientation. I will also take reference photographs.
Outline Plan: I prepare the design of the garden as a detailed and accurate scaled drawing that shows the location of all proposed site elements and materials plus existing features that are to remain.
Final Plan: Following the presentation of the Outline Plan the design details are finalised. Construction drawings are prepared where required for elements of hard landscaping in the new garden i.e. steps, walls, pergolas and ponds.
Further to the Final Plan I am able to offer the following services:
Planting Scheme: Once the Outline plan has been designed a planting scheme can be created taking into account soil type, aspect, situation and any preferences you have expressed.
Setting out Drawings: If required I can also prepare Site Sections, Setting Out Plans, a Specification and a Scope of works schedule that would enable landscape contractors to submit tenders that can be compared on a like for like basis for the building and planting of your garden.
Appointing a Contractor: I can provide you with a list of reputable contractors for you to ask to tender. I can prepare tender documents, collate tenders and summarise details allowing you to compare and choose the preferred contractor.
Monitoring of Works: Once the plan has been approved and a contactor is appointed I am able to monitor the implementation of your garden. This is of value for more complex projects and is also helpful for clients who are too busy to manage the process themselves. All the above is charged at £45 per hour.
Please contact me if you have any further questions or you have an specific requirements you would like to discuss.
