Although every landscape project is unique, the process (i.e., design process) used to develop landscape plans is the same for all. For a more complete discussion of the landscape design process, see the answer to the question, WHAT IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?
One of the most important parts of the design process is the initial site visit by the designer. The designer's first impressions are most important. In order for the designer to take advantage of these first impressions, he/she must be mentally and physically prepared when they visit the site for the first time. Part of the mental preparedness is knowing that their time and efforts will not be wasted. This is accomplished by means of the LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT.
Many people think that a designer has to visit their site as the first step in the development of their landscape. This is not the case. Many very important questions need to be asked and answered before the designer makes the initial site visit (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN QUESTIONNAIRE). These questions and answers are the backbone of the design process. A good designer will gather a great deal of information about the client's needs and wants, as well as the site, before the first visit. This information makes the initial visit all the more productive. The information the designer collects must come from the client for the most part, and the willingness and cooperation of the client in providing this information is crucial to the success of the design process. The client must be confident in the designer's abilities before they begin working together. At Wayside, we try to instill this confidence by showing potential clients how we have developed other, perhaps similar, landscapes. We do this best by holding a free consultation at our office where we have abundant resources available for this purpose. This consultation takes place before we make our initial site visit. By showing how we have successfully handled other landscape challenges, we feel the potential client receives the best information for making a hiring decision. Once we are hired, then we can confidently put a total effort into the project.
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