Why engage a Landscape Designer

Projects that employ both architect and landscape architect from the outset are visually cohesive and present a more united vision for a property. Working as a design team with the client, we are uniquely qualified to get the best out of your site or the exsting building and infrastructure.

You may not be given a chance and planning approval may be granted on condition of a landscape plan being submitted. More relevant in conservation areas or surrounding listed properties, these documents are not too difficult to produce but can be the difference between a project proceeding or not.

With a good landscape plan and estimate, we are able to ensure that many groundworks and structural elements can be built by on site building teams at a much reduced cost than bringing in the landscape contractors. Bulk materials can be ordered and excavations can be co-ordinated with the house to reduce overall rates.

If landscaping is left to the end of a project it can often add months to the programme as you wait to implement the patio or access to buildings. Builders have long gone and the place is still a 'mess'. When you plan ahead, jobs can be undertaken in parallel to the house and provided your teams are well co-ordinated we can be finishing up as the house is completed. Also your planting can be established well in advance of 'move in'. Boundary screening and trees in particular can be settled up to a year in advance.

Building projects are a continual cycle of problems and questions, builders rightly asking for decisions on patio levels and materials every day. If you have a working plan for the landscape from day one these questions are reduced and work can proceed efficiently.

Every site worked on has exsting features, plants or buildings present. Involving a landscape architect early in the process will ensure that elements of value are protected, that existing plants worth keeping are utilised and that opportunities to enhance existing buildings are pursued.