design services
CREATING BEAUTIFUL SPACES
Concept garden design
Why a concept garden design ?
Gardens evolve over time... An originally sunny site has become a shady jungle, that trampoline is no longer used or you never use your garden as planned... Maybe it is all tired, or your taste has changed.
Perhaps you've just moved into a new house and you have great ideas but just don't know where to start. Life changes and so does what you want and need of your garden.
A concept garden design will give you a plan for how you might build a new garden, reclaim your outdoor space or bring new life into your existing garden.
Working with you to understand your needs and aspirations, we will create a design that delivers a tailored concept garden design. With this, you can either work towards building yourself or take it to a landscaper to discuss the details of how you might build and bring the design to life - or even a bit of both!
Step 1: Preparing for your design
Sachi will do prepatory work before you meet so that she arrives with a draft map of your block and how your house is positioned on it. To do this, and make your first meeting efficient, you'll be asked for a block survey and house plans. These will form the basis for the design.
At this point, providing photos, pictures, idea books and mood boards is a great idea. They help us understand your ideas, preferences and style. All of these inform the development of your design and ensure we tailor your plan to deliver your vision.
Step 2: Site consultation
Sachi will meet with you at your site to talk through your ideas, needs and preferences and look at your space. This includes: what you might want to retain (or not), how you plan to use the space, what you like and dislike, and identifying any particular challenges.
She will take photos and measurements of your space. The consultation usually takes around 90 minutes (depending on your site size).
Visiting your site is an important step in the design process. It allows to really understand the unique features of its potential, opportunities and challenges.
Once a draft plan is prepared, Sachi will meet with you again to talk your through the design. This ensures you have an opportunity to fine tune the design to meet your needs.
The design process
Your concept design
What is included in the concept garden design?
After the consultation, the work begins to prepare your concept garden design which usually take a few weeks. Your concept garden design will provides a suggested layout, hardscape and softscape materials, garden features and a plant list.
Depending on your needs, it can include decks, lawns, paving, pergolas, ponds, pools and retaining walls. Specific materials or products may be specified to ensure the finishes are clear for you.
Plants will be selected based on your needs and preferences. They will be placed so that they flourish and you can see their likely mature size. The design also provides a detailed plant list with quantities.
It is drawn from a top down view (in 2D) and to scale so it shows clear proportions. It will include photos and/or images to help you see your garden's potential. You can see examples of concept garden designs here.
You will receive a printed and PDF version of your plans.
Concept garden design fees
You will receive a garden design agreement to set up the partnership to work with Sachi. It sets out costs and key information. Base fees are:
Site consultation $230/hr (usually 90 min)**
Concept plan and plant list from $2300*
Additional time $230/hour
*price based on 600sqm site. The cost will be confirmed once your site's size and complexity is known.
** this is the first step of the service and a requirement. Minimum charge is for one hour.
Fees are GST inclusive, set in advance and not negotiable. A 50% deposit is required.
Variations to any services or additional requirements are agreed up front and priced separately.
