Landscape design projects are different in scale and complexity in every case, though there are various steps that are taken on every project to ease management.
There are steps to be taken before the landscape designer puts pen to paper and steps after the design has been completed and handed over to the client.
The first contact with the landscape designer is via an initial consultation either face-to-face or via a telephone conversation. The client introduces the project giving the location and size of the plot along with initial ideas and usage of the land together with a budget and a timeline. For corporate or municipal projects Mushrif Central Park are sent a brief for the project giving all the details, including those involved.
Mushrif Central Park reply to the proposal or brief that confirms what the project involves, what the designer will provide and the team who will be responsibile for delivering the result. Also included will be details of the consultant services such as surveyor, horticulturalist, arborist, architect, engineers, water feature/irrigation consultant, lighting designer and more. The cost of the service and the time it will take will also be included. The proposal or return brief can be just a couple of pages or 100+ pages depending on the project and budget involved.
Once the client has accepted the proposal a Memorandum of Understanding is signed, being a legal contract between Mushrif Central Park and the client. Before going onsite the landscape designer will review the project again from the first consultation and conversations with other members in this new project to share understanding of the ideas and the scope of the project. Preliminary research, including local legislation, local flora and neighbouring areas to the site also take place at this time.
The designer will visit the site for inventory and analysis. This step reviews the terrain, inventories the vegetation and all buildings as well as assessing current uses. Also considered are environmental factors impacting on the site including, but not limited to sun, shade, noise, wind, water and soil. The landscape designer will also walk around the local area to get a feel for the culture, vegetation, architecture etc.
This is where Mushrif Central develop the initial ideas for the project. For a small residential project we liaise with the owner to reach the final concept stage. For larger areas there are usually different concept phases that include urban planning, landscape overview, local governing body approvals which take more time, which depends on availability of people, time and money. The concept design develops the plans, giving the client an understanding of what the final landscape will look like as well as a programme of works, the functions in each area, the restrictions and additional choices. If required an analysis of the land including topography, climate, land use, access, vegetation, with the types of the materials that will be used also included.
The development of the concept design, providing more precise detail to make sure the concept design is achievable and will meet the client needs. Here is when issues with the topography, access, services, drainage and budget become clearer as the design evolves.
Construction can have a number of stages including:
Some months after the work has been completed, landscape designers can visit to evaluate the various elements such as planting, furniture, materials, maintenance, uses to ensure the landscape is the best it can be.