Before answering this question, let's define a few terms. DESIGN is an information gathering and problem solving "process" which is intended to culminate in a plan of attack for completing a project (see WHAT IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?). A landscape PLAN is a communication device (it can be written, verbal, graphic, computer generated, etc.), which attempts to translate the results of the design process into a set of instructions for completing a project. The terms design and plan are not synonymous, nor are they interchangeable.
Our experience is that many people who ask this question, in fact, really don't know what they want. They may think they do, but in going through the design process, come to understand that many of their ideas just won't work on their site. Others may say they know what they want, hoping to shorten the design process, and thus reduce their design fees. Ironically, design fees for this type of client are usually higher because they try to skip vital steps in the design process, which leads to many time-consuming dead ends. They don't realize that good landscape design does not cost, it pays. The bottom line is that if a person has the education, experience, talent, and creativity of a professional landscape designer combined with the installation, construction, and maintenance experience of a veteran field supervisor, then they don't need our services; they can and should develop their own landscape. When told this many people realize they really do need our professional help. At this point, we have a client who is committed to working honestly through the design process with us, and the end result is usually a very well developed landscape.
A professional landscape designer asks questions about the site and the client that the client might not think to ask. These questions are the basis of the design process.The key to the development of a good landscape is the design process; this is the basic and founding premise on which Wayside Landscape Services, Inc. operates.
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