Professional garden design – what should it include?
The decision to invest in a garden is often a decision for years, comparable to building a house. As in cubic architecture, the key to success in landscape architecture is not spontaneous action, but a well thought-out plan. A professional garden design is documentation that takes the investor from a loose idea to precise implementation. What exactly should be included in it so that the process goes smoothly?
In our studio, we divide the design process into two fundamental stages: conceptual design and detailed design.
Stage I: Conceptual design – vision and functionality
This is the creative phase in which the character of the space is shaped. This is the moment to discuss the needs, aesthetics and how the householders will use the garden. A professional concept consists of two key elements:
- Spatial-functional layout – defines the zones in the garden (e.g., resting, representative, household) and the communication between them. This is the foundation that determines the ergonomics of the use of the space.
- Photorealistic visualizations – the standard of our studio are high-quality daytime renderings. We also offer night renderings as a premium option.
Why are visualizations key? The “from above” (2D) projections are necessary for the designer, but for the investor they are sometimes unreadable. Spatial imagination is an individual trait and is sometimes unreliable. Photorealistic visualization acts as a “translator” – it translates the technical line into an understandable picture. It allows you to see the proportions, the textures of materials and the relationship between the greenery and the architecture of the building. Thanks to visualizations, the investor is sure that his ideas coincide with the vision of the landscape architect. This is the most effective tool to prevent disappointment at the stage when changes do not yet generate construction costs.
Stage II: Detailed design – instructions for the contractor.
Once the garden concept is approved, we move to the technical stage. The detailed design is a set of precise instructions, drawings and diagrams, which are the language of communication with construction and gardening teams.
Professional garden design includes complete technical documentation:
- Pavement design – a precise scheme of the layout of paths, driveways and terraces, along with the selection of materials.
- Design of Minor Architectural Forms (DFA) – details of small architectural elements, such as water features, seating, terraces, pits, hearths, screens and decorative panels, garden sculptures, fences, as well as larger structures like gazebos and pergolas.
- Planting design – the location of each plant on a plan, along with a tabular list. This table is crucial when ordering nursery stock – it includes species names, varieties, number of pieces and seedling size specifications.
- Lighting scheme – the arrangement of light points that build mood after dark and ensure the safety of communication.
Why is a detailed technical design necessary?
Many investors wonder whether the detailed design stage is necessary. The answer is that it is crucial to the financial security of the investment.
- Reliable valu ation – Without a detailed design, the valuation of the implementation is only an estimate. Only a precise breakdown of the amount of materials (square meters of paving, tons of aggregate, number of plants) allows the contractor to present a binding offer.
- Elimination of hidden costs – Detailed design of the garden avoids situations in which during the work unforeseen expenses arise due to the lack of a plan (e.g., the need to redesign installations, to buy material).
- Avoiding execution errors – The design is the instruction. The contractor does not have to guess how deep the foundation for the retaining wall should be made or at what spacing to plant ornamental grasses. Clear guidelines minimize the risk of mistakes, which are costly and time-consuming to correct in a finished garden.
Professional garden design is not just pretty pictures. It’s all about engineering and planning that protects the investor’s budget and ensures that the end result is as expected. If you are looking for a company that will guide you through this process safely and professionally -. feel free to contact us.