About

Style

Meeting

Visit

Sketch Ideas

Design

The Team

Monitoring

Planting

Aftercare

Fees

I find it difficult to describe my own work, so to use the words of others: ‘…uncluttered and contemporary…good structure and generous planting…..versatile with great attention to  detail…’  - to which I would add that I like to design gardens where nature is seen to have the advantage.

Wherever  possible, I try to source materials, plants and skills locally so that the garden really does become part of its landscape. This approach is generally more suited to country projects but it can be applied to town gardens to great effect.

My gardens tend to have a handmade quality that sets them apart from those hard-edged, computer-generated outdoor spaces which often seem to lack humanity and sympathy for their surroundings.

I feel strongly that whatever I design should be relatively easy to make and maintain.  And as I have a strong practical background I believe that the process - the weaving together of all the different trades that combine to make a garden or landscape - should be as straightforward as possible in order to get the job done well and on time.
Step One - I am generally happy to meet  and discuss a potential project free of charge although, if there are significant travel or other costs I may ask for them to be reimbursed.

Although I have  plenty of my own ideas, I always approach a new project with an open mind.  I need a brief - a 'wish list' is a good place to start - and the best briefs often evolve from discussions between client and designer.
Step two - frequently combined with Step one -  is to see the site. First impressions are incredibly important.  These I try to record using notes, photos and sketches.  All background information is of course,  useful; this I add to the general mix when developing a design.  

For most projects a survey or base plan will be needed.  If the site is relatively straightforward, we can obtain the information ourselves, in-house;, if it is large then a topographical land survey will need to be commissioned. I can advise which is the most approriate and make the arrangements
Step three - Before developing plans in detail, I prefer to draw up sketch ideas first - these are plans, sketches, elevations etc. It not only ensures that I am on the right track but also it enables us to get a rough idea what the likely costs are going to be and what other skills and trades are going to needed.
Step four - Moving as quickly as possible from the general to the particular, the next step is to prepare working drawings,  specifications etc. for costing and tendering. I will only produce as much paperwork as the project requires.   This means that detailed planting plans and design details will generally be produced as the works unfold.  If a full tender package is required, I need to know at the outset.
Step five - putting the team together.  This will depend on the size, nature and timing of the works.  Generally, the works will be implemented by a local landscape contractor but if the project is in London, I offer a 'design & build' package. 

On many of our sites, there are building contractors.  It is often sensible for them to do the hard landscaping - the groundworks, drainage, electrics, paving etc - and for planting and other specialist trades to handle the rest - (we frequently do the planting ourselves, in-house).  

I can advise and arrange the most suitable configuration of skills and trades.
Step six - Supervision and overseeing: once the work begins, I will visit the site as often as is necessary to ensure that the works are progressing satisfactorily and the plans are being interpreted correctly.
Planting - so far as the eye is concerned planting is the most important part of a garden. No matter how sophisticated the drainage system is or how cleverly conceived the levels, if they are working correctly, they won't be noticed. Where possible, I like to split the contract and have the planting handled by an specialist. In most cases I will recommend a suitable contractor and work with them but if clients wishes to handle the planting themselves (i.e. they have a good gardener) then I am happy to work with the 'home team'.
Aftercare - one of the greatest pleasures in my life is seeing gardens I have designed flourish and mature. I am always more than happy to advise on maintenance.
  
Fees for design and consultancy are based on a time charge - either hourly or daily.  Generally, I will  provide an estimate in advance.  Occasionally, a percentage fee may be appropriate.

If the project is undertaken on a 'Design & Build' basis, there will be an initial charge for the design work but no additional charges for supervision and overseeing.  If further design work is required, then fee charges may be applied.

For all landscape works a lump sum estimate will be provided.

Current time charges (July 2009):  Principal - £70 + VAT per hour (£560 + VAT per day); Assistant - £35-£50 + VAT per hour