THE LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROCESS

With over 20 years experience in the landscape industry I am passionate about designing beautiful gardens and functional spaces. 

"Lee I can’t thank you enough. Inspiring, knowledgeable, practical and efficient. The perfect combination of skills. So talented! It is clear that you not only do your job extremely well, but you truly love what you do and it shows.  Sincere, genuine and personable. We had previously sought the advice of a number of other landscape designers and were disappointed by their lack of vision or sense of practicality. You listened to what we wanted to achieve and then came up with a concept that was perfect for us. You were truly inspirational and backed it up with an amazing depth of knowledge on all aspects. Always quick to respond and genuinely invested to get the best results. I could not recommend anyone more highly. I mean it when I say that you are simply amazing! Thank you again for all that you did."
Sandy
Stage 1 – Initial Consultation
This is an opportunity for us to meet, view the existing space, consider the project and discuss your vision, ideas and preferences for your new landscape.
 
Stage 2 – Design Review and Project Estimation
Provide Quote
Once we’ve established your project needs I will provide a quote to draw up your Landscape Design Plans. These can be provided to you in a 2D or 3D design depending on your preference and budget.
Typically, 2D designs range from $3800 - $4800.
3D designs range from $2200 - $3200. (3D designs are always optional.)
Check out a Project Focus here.
Design Review
The design review involves us meeting to walk through your draft plans. We will be looking at the general layout, landscape materials, levels, landscape lighting and plant selections.
If a Landscape Design has a special feature such as a pool, we will start the discussions on the step layout, pool heating, pool covers and location of steps. 
During the meeting we start to discuss the construction process, project scheduling and which construction teams would be a good fit for our landscape.  
Project Estimate 
The Project Estimation is best reviewed during our Draft Stage. During our Draft Meeting we will go through a intensive estimation that will outline the constructions costs of the project in it's entirely. 
While not all Landscape Designers provide Project Estimations, Lee Gray Landscape Design prides itself on the additional details. By completing project estimations, all required information is laid out for both my client and landscaper. When project works are broken down into smaller sections, this leads to better educated decisions for the future of the project. My clients expectations regarding project costs and budgets are clear while landscapers are more inclined to provide quotes for the project.
The Estimation covers: Earthworks, Demolition, Lawns, Garden Beds, Concrete Surfaces, Paving Surfaces, Pool Works, Retaining Walls, Steps, Garden Lighting, Irrigation, Plantings, Fencing, Screens, Storm water,  Decking, Water Features, Pots and Planters, Sheds, Tanks and Project Administration. 
Design Changes
Now that we have looked over the landscape layout, materials and construction costs we can make well informed decision about what changes we would like to make to the design.
Every project and client is different. Some situations the changes are identified during this meeting, often we touch base the following week to discuss the changes.
I will leave you with the scaled plans, so you can spend time reviewing the design, discussing the ideas and pacing out the layout.
 
Stage 3 – Final Plan Development
Once any changes identified, it’s time for the development of working drawings. An electronic version of these drawings will be send through to you and can then be provided to your desired landscape construction team to begin works on the project.
 
Stage 4 – Landscape Construction
If you haven’t already engaged a landscaper for your project, I can introduce you to my network of professional Landscapers.
I work collaboratively with a range of teams and can make a recommendation on a landscaper which will be best suited to the project. This includes holding any relevant licenses required to complete the project and any timeframes that you may be working within.
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​Landscaper Introductions- $640
LGLD prides itself on the quantity of construction achieved throughout completed landscape projects. Pairing the most suitable construction crew with the project is key to the success of a Landscape Project. LGLD offers a Landscaper introduction that includes;  
  • Organising and attending initial meeting with the landscaper, client or relevant parties.
  • Liaising with the landscaper regarding landscape elements assisting with their Construction Costings
  • Providing the Landscaper with a hard copy, scaled set of Landscape Plans
  • Adding any additional notes to the Landscape Design and ensuring these changes are communicated with relevant parties.  
  • Documenting any further meeting notes for review by relevant parties.
 Meet some of the Landscape Professionals here.
 
Stage 5 – Ongoing Designer Involvement
For best results, many clients opt to keep me involved throughout the construction of their new landscape. This gives the added benefit of consulting with clients and contractors throughout the installation, ensuring a smoother process. My ongoing designer involvement can include;
Continued Project Involvement- $110/ hour
Meeting with Clients, architects, builders, or landscapers will be charged at an hourly rate of $110, with a minimum of 2 hours. I will also drop into site from time to time, these visits are purely to bring a smile to my face and are not charged.
Landscape Design Amendments- $110/ hour
The Landscape design Process takes you through a Draft Plan and 1 round of changes. These changes are represented in your Working Drawings. There are many reasons we may look to change our plans, scope, or design brief. We have a charge out rate of $110/ hour to cover the time for these amendments.