THE DESIGN PACKAGE
At MPW Landscape Design, I strive to create an enjoyable experience for my clients in the development of their dream garden. I will work with you to address all the aspects of your vision.
When a project is undertaken I can produce a concept package for you which includes some or all of the following elements below. Depending on the complexity of the design, it will determine the necessity of each process. Once the concept package is complete to your specification it can be passed on to a number of recommended landscape construction companies for quoting. I can provide trusted landscapers or you can source your own.
I can also provide a project management service and liaise with external landscaping teams on site throughout the construction process.
DESIGN BRIEF
The design brief is the first stage in a detailed journey to your dream garden. This is first discussed at our initial meeting on site. I will discuss with you the scope of the project including its function, aesthetics, timescale and budget. This information will then be presented to you in a formal document with a quote for your bespoke design package. This document also becomes a checklist for you to ensure I have understood your requirements and there isn't any aspect left out.
SURVEYING
Depending on the design requirements and the scale of your project, there are two options available for the survey of your garden. For smaller or simpler projects, I would undertake the survey myself in-house. This involves surveying your garden by hand and comprises of measuring up the boundaries of the site, plotting any major trees or shrubs that are existing and/or protected and a topographical survey using laser equipment.
If your project is larger or the levels are more complex then external surveyors will be required.
CONCEPT & MASTER PLANS
The concept plan is the initial phase of the design process, in which the broad outlines of function and form and addressed. The design includes potential interactions and experiences, suggested materials, key vegetation and rudimental level analysis. It may also include concept sketches and models where required.
The masterplan is drawn up once the concept design has been finalised. At this stage confirmation of materials, finishes, levels and some construction detail will be added to a scaled plan. This plan also allows for the further development of aspects such as planting, lighting and irrigation. This would all be included in a full design package.
3D RENDERS & VISUALISATIONS
3D visualisation is a process of creating a mathematical representation of any object or surface within a space. It allows the 2D plan to be brought to life for you to understand the spaces being designed. During this process it also gives a different perspective on the space and reveals opportunities to make changes and discuss features otherwise missed in a 2D plan. Environmental changes such as solar orientation and evening lighting can also be mapped to fully understand where natural light will be coming from, where artificial light may be needed and therefore the usable spaces within the garden.
PLANTING PLANS
A planting plan specifies the plants that will be put into your garden. It shows the position, variety and quantity of plants for each bed. Each plant has its own symbol and these are listed in a key with the plants Latin name to make it easy to search for plant care.
The planting plan will ensure that your garden is packed with year round colour and interest.
Plants are carefully selected to create the right look and compliment the hard landscaping. The plan will make sure you have the right plant for the right place and will be tailored to your level of expertise and the amount of time available to maintain your garden.
LIGHTING PLANS
All too often the lighting design scheme of a garden is left as an afterthought, at a stage in the project when it is often too late to incorporate certain fixtures and fittings without a great deal of disruption and extra expense.
They key to getting the perfect lighting scheme for your new garden is to plan early. In the concept phase of the design recommended lighting locations may be addressed such as under key trees or around social entertaining spaces.
These lighting plans can be given to sub contracted electricians and the landscapers for installation quotes.
IRRIGATION PLANS
Garden irrigation systems are fast becoming the must have addition for any new garden. The benefit of having an automatic watering system is that it can take care of the watering for you, freeing up your time for leisure, or even taking care of the garden when you're off on holiday. If installed correctly, they can also be much more efficient than watering by hand or using a garden sprinkler. There are quite a few varieties to choose from, each having their own uses and benefits. Whether it be drip, micro jet and spray or pop up, a plan can be used to arrange the network of pipes under the ground and maximise the efficiency by optimising coverage.
CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS & SECTION ELEVATIONS
The construction drawings tie hand in hand with the masterplans. They show a break down of the construction layers such as sub base and wall foundations. These drawings can be sent to external landscape contractors who can use this information to build your garden.
These drawings also provide valuable information about changes in level and retaining wall heights if required.
Bespoke items such as pergolas and water features can also have construction drawings included in this section.