The GRC Design Group Landscape Design Process

1. Initial Client Interview and Consultation - The first step in our design process is to meet with the client in response to an initial contact. This is when our designers begin to gain insight as to client wishes and agendas. Our design team members are trained to develop an overview of the project at the initial interview. We have also developed a Client Interview Checklist, to aid both client and designer in the design process.

2. Site Analysis and Site Inventory - A thorough investigation of prevalent site conditions is the next step in our design process. At this stage, our designers gather any pertinent information about the site. Factors we normally consider are: existing vegetation, slope aspects, exposures, boundaries and easements, existing site utilities, and other existing structures.

3. Conceptualization - Once most of the 'base information' is compiled, our design team begins to conceptualize design solutions. Education and experience are what our designers rely on to visualize design solutions. Feasible design concepts are not merely pretty pictures in our heads — they are the brainchild of developmental sketches, 'bubble diagrams', photographs, and our clients' expressed wishes.

4. Design/Solutions - Now is the time to Design. With all the pieces of the puzzle before us we can begin to draft specific design solutions. Typically, the designer will create a preliminary planting plan which graphically depicts the proposed design solutions. This step allows the designer to discuss plant material selections and other site material selections and the reason for selecting such materials. Finally, the designer produces a fully labeled, ready-for-print Planting Plan. The Planting Plan graphically depicts the proposed design solutions. Clients can read our plans and gain a small glimpse into the future of their landscape. The footprint(s) of all major structure is shown with the new surroundings including: new plantings, custom constructed features like fences, trellises, walls, water features, and landscape lighting. All construction details necessary for successful completion of the project are furnished with the Planting Plan. Other key elements to our Planting Plan are: custom plant lists, graphic or equivalent scales, north arrows, and written specifications. Of course, when multiple sheets of drawings are warranted we can produce as many drawings as necessary to relay design intent.

5. Follow-up Interview/Revisions - Client and designer reconvene and 'walk through' the proposed plan. At this time we ask our client to read and study the plan. All of our designs must meet with the approval of the client. We ask that our clients read and study the plan; then, we can make revisions and corrections if necessary.