Meet the Landscape Architect

CONSULTATION WITH CRAIG RICHMOND, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

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Typically, after our initial phone call and after we have mutually agreed to move to the next phase in the process, we schedule an on-site consultation. We aim to understand your lifestyle, desires, style, dreams, and goals by asking specific questions. We also want to know about your current challenges on your property.

 

During the on-site consultation, we like to discuss the project scope, timeline, and budget and assess achievability.  We discuss ideas and directions for your project. Then, we'll provide you with a summary of what you can expect during the design process. 

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DESIGN FEE PROPOSAL

 

We will prepare a detailed Design Fee Proposal/Agreement for your review. This document details the scope of work for the complete project, our design intent and goals, the design fee, the payment terms, the estimated timeline, and the terms and conditions. 

 

After the proposal is approved and the initial payment is received, we will contact you to give you a date for the site reconnaissance. During the site reconnaissance, measurements, spot elevations, and photo documentation occur. 

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SITE RECONNAISSANCE

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During the site reconnaissance, measurements, spot elevations, and photo documentation occur. We carefully assess and document the existing conditions and take accurate measurements and many photographs so we can later refer to them during the design process.

 

SITE ANALYSIS AND CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

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In this phase, we review current codes and restrictions with the client where applicable. We then prepare a site base map in AutoCAD based on site reconnaissance and survey information provided by the client. Finally, the base map shows existing conditions as an underlay for the concept and construction drawings.

 

A land survey in AutoCAD format prepared by a licensed land surveyor is mandatory for significant landscape improvements.  

 

Landscape concept drawings are a series of hand-drawn sketches based on information gathered during the informational interview. Ultimately, we suggest two or three concepts to study the design possibilities with the client.

 

The landscape concept drawings are color drawings that include layout hardscape materials, trees, and plant masses overlaid onto the base map. In addition, 3-D computer modeling and graphic montages are used as supportive design tools if needed to communicate design intent. 

 

Once the landscape concept is approved, we can begin design development drawings, discuss material selections, and visit nurseries. Stone yards are great for seeing hardscape examples.

 

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

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During the design development phase, we begin to study the project in more detail. Critical dimensions and material labels are drawn onto plans. The final construction drawings' format is starting to take shape now. In addition, 3-D computer modeling and graphic montages are used as supportive design tools if needed to communicate design intent. 

 

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS AND PERMIT DRAWINGS

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Construction documents are technical drawings and specifications for submission to local planning, reviewing authority approval, and construction permits. They're also used to communicate the landscape architect's design intent to the landscape contractor in the field.​ Our construction document set consists of some or all of the following sheets:

• Demolition Plan

• GAR Plan (Green Area Ratio Plan)

• Tree Conservation Plan

• Alignment and Material Plan

• Grading and Drainage Plan

• Planting and Lighting Plan

• Irrigation Schematic

• Site Construction Details

• Construction Specification Manual

 

BID SERVICES

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Following acceptance of the construction drawings and specifications, we prepare Final Bid Documents and a comparative bid sheet if the client chooses. For private clients, we typically send out a request for proposals to three contractors in each specialty.

 

If necessary, we will make changes to drawings and specifications and provide pricing options to get within budgets without sacrificing the overall design. Sudden changes in material cost and availability may cause the need for adjustments.

 

We will then work with the client to select the final contractor(s) for the landscape construction project.

 

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION

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We like to conduct a Kick-off Meeting with the client and contractor at the start of construction. In addition, site visits are conducted to answer client and contractor questions as they arise during construction.

 

It's essential to keep the client informed about the progress and quality of the work and report any deviations from the contract requirements. In addition, reviewing the contractor's construction schedule and completion dates to aid in meeting project deadlines.

 

If the client desires, we will assist the contractor in material selections and field tag trees and shrubs for the project at local nurseries.

Toward the end of the project, we will develop a final checklist with the client and review it with contractors. 

 

When the final checklist items are complete, the landscape architect will sign off on the checklist of completed tasks and authorize final or partial payment.

 

Visit our On-Site page to see landscape projects being built. 

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LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE PLAN

 

We can develop a landscape maintenance program tailored to the project if the client desires.