Landscape Architecture Design Process

Client Meeting and Scope of Work

• The initial meeting with a client usually entails discussing the client's needs. The client goes over what needs to be done, and decisions are made as to who provides which service and obtains information. A scope of work and contract is prepared to summarize the meeting, with some form of fee schedule in place. Types of fees may include lump sum, hourly billing rates, or time and materials not to exceed a certain cap amount.

Site Analysis and Information Gathering

• Gathering information and analyzing a site helps a landscape architect determine constraints, potential problems and significant features. Research should include at a minimum a site visit; obtaining maps and reports on the property; researching jurisdictional records for zoning and permitting activities; a topographical survey of the site; vegetation and endangered species analysis; and utility locations. A visual analysis of what is seen on and off the site and how that influences or impacts the use of the site is important.

Research Analysis

• After collecting information, a site analysis plan is generated to determine what impacts development has on the site, and how they are addressed. In some cases, the site may be determined to be unfit for the proposed use, and the project comes to a halt. If the project does move forward, a conceptual plan is prepared for several alternate designs for the project site, taking into account all of the variables and site constraints.

Construction Documents

• Once the concept plan is approved by the client, the plan is converted into a preliminary development plan. This plan is very detailed, and is used to generate a cost estimate in order for the client to decide if the project is cost effective enough to pursue. If the plan is feasible, it becomes a construction document from which building takes place.

Post Construction Analysis

• The best way for a designer to learn about how a project works (or does not work) and to improve skills for the next time is to observe the project over a period of time after it is built. While one is not always able to bill the client for this service, it does pay to dedicate personal time for career growth.