- Initial client meeting at project site. Determine: scope of work, design criteria, issues, concerns, feasibility.
- Begin budget and maintenance discussions.
- Site analysis – problems to be solved, often involving drainage or unsavory views.
- Hire and coordinate with any consultants needed. For instance, if there is a tree that may not be healthy, now is the time to hire an arborist and figure out if keeping / removing that tree will be feasible / necessary.
- Code research – investigate and determine governing agency ordinances, codes and review process. If the governing body won’t allow your design concept to be built…do I really need to finish this sentence?
- Survey and base sheet preparation, coordination with architect or other consultants’ files as needed. This can be anything from a paper napkin sketch to a rendered site plan. I like something inbetween. The schematic design phase cannot be started without a measured site plan, I strongly recommend having a professional site survey performed to the specifications of your design team (to ensure that the survey team gets all the information needed on the first try).
- Develop conceptual designs with alternatives.
- Discuss possible materials, lighting, plantings, and site furnishings.
- Client meeting to review design and receive client feedback.
- Revised designs (as needed).
- Approval by client of conceptual design. The conceptual design describes an intention or an idea, not exact sizes, materials, or finishes. This phase can be the best, most fun part!
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