The Residential Landscape Design Process
Many homeowners looking to start a residential landscape project view it as an overwhelming task, however it doesn’t have to be. Regardless if you’re looking to revamp an existing yard or start a new project, this overview will provide you with a better idea of the process. A residential landscaping project can be broken down into two phases: design and construction. We will cover the steps that go into the design process of landscaping projects.
The Landscape Design Process: 5 Important Steps
Establishing a landscape design process is essential for any landscape project. The process simplifies the planning and implementation of the landscape project by working through the following steps:
- Project Site Analysis
- Consulting with the Client on Their Needs
- Creating a Functional Diagram
- Creating the Conceptual Design
- Putting the Design Plan Together
Project Site Analysis
The site analysis is arguably the most important step during the landscape design process. This step consists of looking at the grounds and overall conditions of the site. This step takes many things into account, such as the soil analysis to sun exposure, the amount of shade, amount of wind exposure, drainage, flooding, the landscape size, and the amount of maintenance required to upkeep the landscape.
Although analyzing the project site is critical, a landscaper must also understand the limitations, assets, and attributes of the space they are working on for the landscape design project. The designer needs to be familiar with every inch of the site in order to create a design that meets the homeowner’s expectations.
Consulting with the Client on Their Needs
The next step in the landscape design process is to have the homeowner write a list of everything they need or would like to have in their yard. Based on the amount of space and the homeowners budget, the designer will be able to dictate whether everything on the homeowners list is achievable or not. They will also be able to prioritize which items on the list are most important.
Every landscape designer should get to know the people who intend on using the space being designed. There’s a big difference assessing one’s needs from a list compared to speaking with them one-on-one. A one-on-one conversation allows the landscape designer to connect with the homeowner on a deeper level and understand what they value most in their yard. TurfTitanZ takes pride in building relationships with our clients and understanding their needs.
Creating a Functional Design
Addressing the functionality of the landscape space and what is required to make that space meet every purpose or use the landscape design needs to fulfill is the third step. This step is an important part of the design process because it allows the landscape designer to figure out where to place different activity spots and how much space each spot will need. For example, If a homeowner is looking to have an outdoor eating area constructed along with an outdoor kitchen, it’d be in the best interest of the landscape designer to place these as close to the home as possible. If there are particular areas of the landscape that require more sun and water, this is another thing for the designer to keep in mind.
Creating the Conceptual Design
During this stage, the landscape designer is able to experiment with placement of plant elements, activity areas, hard scapes, and other features the homeowner specified they wanted in their landscape during step 2. Important decisions like the grass installation are made during this step, and all other conceptual ideas that are discussed with the homeowner are finalized for installation during this phase.
Tying it All Together
Once the previous four steps are completed, a landscape designer will have a clear understanding of the scope of the project and how to best use the space for the homeowner when finalizing the outdoor activity, living, and entertainment areas of the project. The next process consists of putting the final drawing together, which includes measurements, plant spacing, accurate measurements for the grass installation area, and how all the other components of the landscape will come together.
Contact Turf TitanZ for Your Next Wake Forest Landscape Design Project
If you’re looking to start a landscape design project, whether that be adding functional activity, entertainment living and dining space, you’ll need to have a realistic and flexible budget in mind. Many homeowners who are interested in landscape design find their wishlist to exceed their budget, however this is quite common and shouldn’t come as a surprise. This often happens with interior home design projects as well. Our landscape designers at Turf TitanZ will work with you to turn your yard into whatever you dream it to be. We take pride in developing a plan that meets your needs and stays within budget. We can implement a plan that meets your entire wishlist over time, and we’re confident that we can make the most beautiful and challenging landscape project affordable for you. Contact us today at (919) 562-0771 for your next landscape design project.