Our Process
Our process begins with high level 1) Schematic Drawings for planning and project phasing purposes, as well as 2) Design Development, where we dial in on details such as Planting Design and Material Selection. Contractor-Ready Drawings could also be needed, depending on the complexity of the design. Finally, we offer 3) Construction Support services, where we see the project through every possible hiccup until completion. All three phases of design are outlined below.
PHONE INTRODUCTION
On this brief call, we’ll learn about your project—your goals, priorities, and any potential constraints. We’ll then reality-check the scope against current construction costs and your budget. If everything aligns, we’ll walk you through our process and fee structure. From there, we can schedule a Free Site Consultation.
FREE SITE CONSULTATION & ESTIMATE
During the Free Site Consultation, we'll have a look at the property, hear the ideas you have in mind, and offer thoughtful suggestions. From there, we'll send you a fixed price estimate for Phase 1 Schematic Design. With a 50% Deposit, we can start work, beginning with a Site Analysis, then a Base Plan, 2-3 design options and ultimately, the Schematic Design.
PHASE 1: SCHEMATIC DESIGN
This rough, sketchy plan drawing is developed through several rounds of communication, and documents all the design intentions for the space. Circulation is worked out, spaces are designated for specific use, trees are located, and paving materials are generally specified (e.g. concrete, gravel, steel edging, etc). Note that plants are still 'green blobs' in this phase. In Phase 2, Planting Design has its own iterative process of conceptual design, plant selection and placement onto a plan. Note that a Schematic Plan is ideal for an initial conversation with Landscape Contractors and ballpark estimating, but does not have enough detail for construction. However, it could be sufficient for do-it-yourself homeowners that plan to install the design themselves. The drawings on the 'Plans' tab are examples of what you can expect for Phase 1 Schematic Design.
On this brief call, we’ll learn about your project—your goals, priorities, and any potential constraints. We’ll then reality-check the scope against current construction costs and your budget. If everything aligns, we’ll walk you through our process and fee structure. From there, we can schedule a Free Site Consultation.
FREE SITE CONSULTATION & ESTIMATE
During the Free Site Consultation, we'll have a look at the property, hear the ideas you have in mind, and offer thoughtful suggestions. From there, we'll send you a fixed price estimate for Phase 1 Schematic Design. With a 50% Deposit, we can start work, beginning with a Site Analysis, then a Base Plan, 2-3 design options and ultimately, the Schematic Design.
PHASE 1: SCHEMATIC DESIGN
This rough, sketchy plan drawing is developed through several rounds of communication, and documents all the design intentions for the space. Circulation is worked out, spaces are designated for specific use, trees are located, and paving materials are generally specified (e.g. concrete, gravel, steel edging, etc). Note that plants are still 'green blobs' in this phase. In Phase 2, Planting Design has its own iterative process of conceptual design, plant selection and placement onto a plan. Note that a Schematic Plan is ideal for an initial conversation with Landscape Contractors and ballpark estimating, but does not have enough detail for construction. However, it could be sufficient for do-it-yourself homeowners that plan to install the design themselves. The drawings on the 'Plans' tab are examples of what you can expect for Phase 1 Schematic Design.
PHASE 2: DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
For smaller projects, Planting Design may be all that is needed. If the project is large and complex, additional thought and detail may be required. This can include paving design, material selection, lighting design and fixture selection, and the design of custom features (e.g. bench design, gate and fence design, etc.). Prior to the construction start date, all materials need to be ordered, custom features need to be fabricated, lead times need to be coordinated, unavailable items need to be substituted, etc. All of the steps below help transition the conceptual design into a physical reality, moving towards specificity and selection. Each step is optional and may be pursued as budget allows.
Contractor Bidding Administration (billed hourly)
With the Schematic Plan in hand, we meet with several local Landscape Contractors (we can suggest some of our favorites). We walk each of them through the design on-site and answer bid-related questions. This competitive bidding process allows you to compare different contractors before making a decision, with the goal of getting bids that are 'apples-to-apples'. Best practice is to have at least 3 bids. Together, we choose the contractor, based on cost, experience, availability, communication, organization skills, etc. Once the bid is formally signed, our project gets placed on the contractor's construction calendar, which is typically a few weeks/months into the future. While awaiting construction, we identify aspects of the design that need additional detail and specification (such as Planting Design). Together, we make these design decisions, with a close eye on the budget.
Planting Design (fixed price)
Based on the Schematic Plan, we'll offer a fixed price for Planting Design. Once we receive a 50% deposit, we identify a planting style to complement the Schematic Design and narrow in on a Plant Palette. We love meeting clients at a local nursery to better understand their preferences. Once plants are selected, we place them on the plan, based on color, texture, sun/shade conditions, water requirements, and experiential qualities. Once the Planting Plan is completed, plants can then be sourced. On-site Plant Placement (at the time of planting) is offered for an additional flat fee. This allows us the flexibility to respond to on-site conditions before final plant placement.
Plant Sourcing (material cost)
While you can source the plants on your own, we recommend that we supply them for you, especially on large projects. This is often the easier path as we work with wholesale nurseries that offer large plant inventories and delivery services. Also, these plants are reliably high quality, healthy and uniform in appearance. We pass some of these discounts on to you, with prices that are intentionally lower than retail nurseries (taxes, delivery and plants purchased at retail are not subject to markup). We also manage plant substitutions (if necessary) and coordinate delivery. Then, as if by magic, all the plants appear on-site on Planting Day, ready for final plant placement.
Contractor-Ready Drawings (billed hourly)
Depending on the complexity of the design, CAD-based Contractor-Ready Drawings could also be needed. For instance, these drawings can include a Paving Plan indicating the location of paving elements in relation to points on the house, etc. Note that there can be an adjustment in the contractor's initial bid, based on these drawings. However, this cost differential shouldn't be too great, if we've made budget-conscious decisions. During the construction kickoff meeting, we walk the contractor through these large format drawings so all parties are on the same page. Note that all means and methods of construction (e.g. footings, retaining walls, deck framing, drainage, irrigation, etc.) would be determined by the licensed Landscape Contractor. Here you can see examples of Contractor-Ready Drawings (at the bottom of the page).
PHASE 3: CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT
Once construction has started, issues may arise on-site, requiring on-site meetings and adjustments in design. We see the project through any hiccups and last minute decisions, to ensure that the details come together beautifully, in a timely and cost-efficient manner. This last phase is billed hourly.
For smaller projects, Planting Design may be all that is needed. If the project is large and complex, additional thought and detail may be required. This can include paving design, material selection, lighting design and fixture selection, and the design of custom features (e.g. bench design, gate and fence design, etc.). Prior to the construction start date, all materials need to be ordered, custom features need to be fabricated, lead times need to be coordinated, unavailable items need to be substituted, etc. All of the steps below help transition the conceptual design into a physical reality, moving towards specificity and selection. Each step is optional and may be pursued as budget allows.
Contractor Bidding Administration (billed hourly)
With the Schematic Plan in hand, we meet with several local Landscape Contractors (we can suggest some of our favorites). We walk each of them through the design on-site and answer bid-related questions. This competitive bidding process allows you to compare different contractors before making a decision, with the goal of getting bids that are 'apples-to-apples'. Best practice is to have at least 3 bids. Together, we choose the contractor, based on cost, experience, availability, communication, organization skills, etc. Once the bid is formally signed, our project gets placed on the contractor's construction calendar, which is typically a few weeks/months into the future. While awaiting construction, we identify aspects of the design that need additional detail and specification (such as Planting Design). Together, we make these design decisions, with a close eye on the budget.
Planting Design (fixed price)
Based on the Schematic Plan, we'll offer a fixed price for Planting Design. Once we receive a 50% deposit, we identify a planting style to complement the Schematic Design and narrow in on a Plant Palette. We love meeting clients at a local nursery to better understand their preferences. Once plants are selected, we place them on the plan, based on color, texture, sun/shade conditions, water requirements, and experiential qualities. Once the Planting Plan is completed, plants can then be sourced. On-site Plant Placement (at the time of planting) is offered for an additional flat fee. This allows us the flexibility to respond to on-site conditions before final plant placement.
Plant Sourcing (material cost)
While you can source the plants on your own, we recommend that we supply them for you, especially on large projects. This is often the easier path as we work with wholesale nurseries that offer large plant inventories and delivery services. Also, these plants are reliably high quality, healthy and uniform in appearance. We pass some of these discounts on to you, with prices that are intentionally lower than retail nurseries (taxes, delivery and plants purchased at retail are not subject to markup). We also manage plant substitutions (if necessary) and coordinate delivery. Then, as if by magic, all the plants appear on-site on Planting Day, ready for final plant placement.
Contractor-Ready Drawings (billed hourly)
Depending on the complexity of the design, CAD-based Contractor-Ready Drawings could also be needed. For instance, these drawings can include a Paving Plan indicating the location of paving elements in relation to points on the house, etc. Note that there can be an adjustment in the contractor's initial bid, based on these drawings. However, this cost differential shouldn't be too great, if we've made budget-conscious decisions. During the construction kickoff meeting, we walk the contractor through these large format drawings so all parties are on the same page. Note that all means and methods of construction (e.g. footings, retaining walls, deck framing, drainage, irrigation, etc.) would be determined by the licensed Landscape Contractor. Here you can see examples of Contractor-Ready Drawings (at the bottom of the page).
PHASE 3: CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT
Once construction has started, issues may arise on-site, requiring on-site meetings and adjustments in design. We see the project through any hiccups and last minute decisions, to ensure that the details come together beautifully, in a timely and cost-efficient manner. This last phase is billed hourly.
About Christel
Christel Leung is the owner and principal designer of Outside Collective and has been designing outdoor spaces since 2010. She holds a BS in Design from UC Davis and a Landscape Architecture Certificate from UC Berkeley Extension. With a background in graphic design, she brings an enduring interest in contrast, graphic pattern, sculptural form, texture, and color. Let's do something really cool in your garden!