Windswept Landscapes LLC

Creating Gardens Inspired by the Natural Beauty of the Columbia Gorge

Home

About Us

Services and Fees

The Design Process

Portfolio

Drawings

Photo Gallery

Contact Information

Links

THE LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROCESS


STEP ONE:  INITIAL CONSULTATION.  The design process starts with meeting you, touring your property and discussing your needs and desires for your garden spaces.  This first meeting typically takes 1 ½  to 2 hours.  Standard consultation fees apply, however, the fee will be applied towards the design fee if a full landscape design is desired.

 

STEP TWO:  SITE ANALYSIS.  Photos and measurements are taken of the property and a site analysis conducted which examines architecture, microclimates, soil conditions, views, the health and placement of existing plants, possible problem areas, and potential assets.

 


STEP THREE:  CREATING A BASE MAP.  A base map drawing is created to scale showing the existing property features and conditions.


Sample Base Map

STEP FOUR:  CREATING A CONCEPT SKETCH.  A conceptual drawing is created showing the proposed changes to the property.  This sketch, drawn in color and roughly to scale, shows the shapes and locations of the various design elements such as pathways, patios, decks, water features, focal points, planting areas, etc. which address your desires for the property as well as solutions to possible problem areas.  Essentially, the ideas for your property are presented in a functional layout.  At this stage, plant material is only discussed in broad generalities.


Sample Concept Sketch

STEP FIVE:  SECOND MEETING.  The concept sketch is presented and ideas are shared for your property.  Hardscape materials for pathways, patios, walls, etc. are discussed and selected.  The ideas for your property can be fine tuned at this time and upon acceptance, a final plan will be drafted.


STEP SIX:  CREATING A FINAL PLAN.  The final plan is drafted by hand with precision and detail.  Depending on the complexity of the project, a separate Hardscaping Plan may be necessary, but often the Hardscaping Plan and Planting Plan are combined into one Master Plan.  All hardscaping elements are located, labeled and drawn to scale.  All plants are placed and labeled with both botanical and common names as well as quantities.  Usually, a perspective or elevation sketch of a key area of the design is included.  Additional perspective sketches can be requested at an additional cost.  All original drawings are retained by Windswept Landscapes LLC.


Sample Final Plan

STEP SEVEN:  DESIGN PACKET PRESENTATION.  The final plan is presented and discussed and the complete design packet is given to the client.  The client receives 3 black-line prints that can be used for bids or for working plans.  An additional print with some color added is also included for personal use.  A separate plant list with names and quantities is provided as well as brief plant reports, some general notes and pertinent information about design elements to help make the installation of the design successful.


FACILITATION:  Five hours of consultation time is included in the design fee which can be used to assist with the successful installation of your garden.  This time can be used for such things as answering any questions that may come up, working with contractors at key stages of construction, collaborating on design adjustments that maintain the design’s integrity or placing plants.