MICHAEL SMITH AND ASSOCIATES
RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Michael Smith and Associates has extensive experience in the preparation of residential garden designs. These designs range from courtyard gardens to large acreages. As well as design skills, the practice has expert knowledge in horticulture, current knowledge of garden products and maintenance procedures.
In preparing designs for residential gardens we aim to tailor the design to the suit the clients tastes, budget and lifestyle and prepare plans that are easy to read and interpret and provide clients with the information they need to achieve the outcomes they desire.
Our skills and experience enable us to offer an approach which can include the following:
-
On site consultation to meet with the client and discuss design ideas, requirements, privacy, long term plans, garden style, plant preferences and budget.
-
Physical survey and measure up of the property to determine levels, locate existing trees, garden areas, paved areas, lawn areas, house envelope, boundaries, driveways, retaining walls and impacts from adjoining properties.
-
Plotting existing conditions and levels at an appropriate scale.
-
Preparation of a general concept plan (draft design) based on discussions with the client which shows the proposed garden layout, suggested plants, paving finishes, retaining walls and screening treatments.
-
Preparation of cross sections and elevations to depict level changes and spatial relationships.
-
Preparation and presentation of a detailed final design plan which includes specific locations of plants and a plant schedule listing species, quantities and sizes.
-
Resolution of levels and drainage.
-
Resolution of material selection for walls and paved surfaces; notes on garden features such as gazebos, sculptural elements and water features.
-
Opinion of probable costs and lists of quality landscape contractors capable of carrying out the work. Supervision of landscape contract if required.
