Services vary to fit the needs of each
project; some projects might focus solely
on master planning, while others might progress
from schematic design and design development
through construction document preparation,
bidding and construction phase administration.
Following is an incomplete attempt to shed
light on some of the terms we use for the
process.
Project scope evaluation
We work with the client to determine the
precise scope of the project. This step
helps clarify goals, resources and expertise
required. On complex projects this might
include the formulation of a unique planning
process and staffing requirements.
Programming
A program is the specific set of activities
or spaces that need to be accommodated
within a design. It is important to begin
with a clear understanding of program
requirements. Determining the program
might be as simple as meeting with an
individual client or might require multiple
meetings with different user groups.
Master Planning
Master planning addresses an entire site
or group of sites within the context of
the surroundings. Master planning typically
addresses long-term development or conservation
goals that will be implemented in phases
over time. This step should include broad
visioning or brain-storming with the client,
in a process open to the ‘crazy’
idea that might be the difference between
a good project and a great one.
Conceptual Design
In conceptual design we explore several
different options for approaching design
issues. Fundamental parameters such as
circulation, views, drainage are incorporated
into several different creative solutions.
The basic framework and philosophy for
the design is explored and settled in
this step. The drawing product is frequently
hand-drawn diagrams and ‘bubble
drawings’ illustrating basic design
concepts and site relationships.
Schematic Design
Schematic design includes similarities
to conceptual design but is more detailed
and often used when a project site and
framework is fairly well defined. Many
building-based projects use this as the
first phase of a 3-phase design process.
In ‘SD’ as we call it, we
take the program and budget and explore
and establish the basic design approach
to the project. The products of schematic
design may include several plan options,
section drawings or perspective drawings
illustrating site relationships, narrative
explanation of design approach and a preliminary
estimate of construction cost.
Design Development
After review by the client of schematic
design drawings and budget, some projects
require further development of a design
before preparing construction documents.
In this stage we frequently transition
from hand-drawn sketches to computer or
CAD drawings. The ‘DD’ phase
enables us to take a client’s comments
and further refine the design to better
resolution and greater detail. This typically
enables us to better estimate probable
construction costs. Products of design
development can include a site plan, grading,
planting and lighting plans as well as
preliminary details describing construction
of hardscape components.
Construction Documents
After receiving approval of the design
and estimated cost of a project from the
client, we begin preparation of drawings
and specifications to fully describe the
requirements of a project for construction.
These are typically CAD drawings including
the full assortment of plans and construction
details. More complex projects require
specification books including technical
specifications as well as the bidding
forms and contractual requirements for
the construction of the project. The construction
documents are usually stamped and signed
with the seal of a licensed landscape
architect.
Bidding
Most built-projects should be priced competitively
by several qualified contractors, whether
a public-bid process required for our
governmental clients or a select, invited
bidders list for private clients. We assist
the client by preparing a list of appropriate
contractors in whom we have confidence
from past experience or researched reputation.
During the bid process we answer questions,
conduct a pre-bid meeting if needed and
issue clarifications as required. When
bids are received we typically evaluate
them and make a recommendation to the
client for award or further negotiation
with one or more of the bidders.
Construction Administration
The construction phase can ‘make
or break’ a built project. It is
a dynamic process that frequently includes
surprises from man, nature or machine.
We strongly recommend our continued involvement
throughout construction to represent and
advise the client. While we do not supervise
the contractor, we observe construction
on a regular basis, answer questions and
help ensure the design intent is met.
Site observation reports keep the client
current with issues encountered and the
progress of construction. On many projects
our services include review of pay requests
from the contractor and recommend full
or partial payment by the client, to help
ensure payment does not get ahead of the
contractor’s progress.
