These plans are for bidding a project with contractors, with minimal client participation in the design process.

We develop a single concept chosen from our initial consultation into working drawings.

These plans omit the colored illustrations from the concept, focusing on providing a clear set of drawings for bidding. We don't spend time on looking at options, and there is only one meeting to review and modify the design. They are more technical than Illustrated Conceptual drawings, with dimensions and construction details so that contractors will have a clear idea of what to build.

If you just want ideas, Set A is a better choice; if you want to participate more in the design process and review options, Set C would be better.

Included services:

• site measurement & scaled base plan for design development
• one conceptual plan, computerized drawing only. No perspective drawings or colored sketches
• one meeting to present and finalize concept (brainstorm). We trace out the final design over the concept in this meeting. This design will be used to produce the final construction drawings.
• schematic drainage plan
• layout, lighting and planting plans
• three custom construction details included (our choice)
• standard details for planting, etc. included
• meeting to explain construction drawings
• revisions included during brainstorm session. Additional revisions can be done as extra services on an hourly basis

1. First Step: Site Measurements for design

Once we've received an approved proposal, we normally measure the areas of your landscape to be redesigned, along with the exterior of your house. These measurements often include heights so we can determine drainage and steps.

This is the base plan used for this design, with elevation numbers for the front yard. Base plans are done in CAD (on a computer) for optimum accuracy. We use a transit to measure elevations & positions of objects - not just a tape measure.

Larger & more complicated sites require professional surveying.

2. Conceptual Design presentation & brainstorming meeting

Using the base plans created during the site measurement phase, we work out a design, then transfer it to our CAD system. Only one design option will be presented.

We have one meeting where we adjust the design according to your input. We trace over the design, noting whatever adjustments are agreed upon, then scan the traced plan back into the CAD system for use in creating the construction drawings.

3. Final drawings for bidding & construction

These plans contain virtually all the information needed by a contractor to bid and construct your new landscape. Typically, they include schematic drainage, layout, planting, lighting and construction details.

We do not typically do irrigation plans for residential projects. We found that contractors typically can do irrigation design themselves. Irrigation is often something that is modified by a contractor to lower the overall project cost.

All plans are 24" x 36".

The first drawing (top left) shows the hardscape with dimensions (concrete, decks, retaining walls, koi pond, etc.) and details of how the shade structure and walls will be built.

The second drawing (top right) shows the planting and lighting. It also has details on the construction of the koi pond. There is a plant legend listing the name, size and quantity of all proposed plants.

The third drawing shows how the plants and rocks should be installed, along with notes pertaining to the quality of the work, clean-up, and material information.