Checklist for Working with a Landscape Architect to Get the Results You Want! By Susan Friedman Choosing the right landscape architect for your project is an important decision. Just like any designer, the best landscape architect s want to get to know you and understand your unique needs, so they can more effectively meet them. The more they know about you, the better they can correct problem areas and design the right structures. Lastly, it is important that you get along well with your landscape architect since you may be spending a lot of time together to create your beautiful, new environment. Consider the following before you meet with a landscape architect: 1. What are your primary goals in hiring a landscape architect? Take time to define your general project scope. Check off what applies to you: Do you have a hillside that shows signs of erosion or other problems? Do you need more shade near your pool or a new patio area? Does your yard look overgrown or outdated? Do you want a swimming pool and don t know where to put it? Does your home lack curb appeal? Do you want to grow fruits and vegetables? Do you want relaxing outdoor space to unwind at the end of the day? Would you like to add lighting to your outdoor areas?
Talk to your family members and put together a list of what you want to achieve by working with a landscape architect. 2. Determine what you like and dislike about your current landscaping. Put a check mark next to what you like and an X next to what you do not want: Views of hills or offsite attributes Existing mature trees A large lawn Lack of privacy Overgrown plants Shade in the summer Less water use in the yard Suitable outdoor entertaining space Low maintenance 3. Note any problem areas. Check off what applies to you: Standing water in low areas Poor drainage Inadequate irrigation Too much water consumption Hillside erosion Fences and decks failing Outdated or broken patios
4. Make a list of activities you want to do in your yard. Check off what applies to you: Entertain various sized groups Cook outside year-round Read, relax or meditate while surrounded by greenery Play outdoor games such as soccer or bocce Gather around a fireplace or fire pit Have a sports court, batting cage area, or putting green Listen to sound of water fountain Swimming or water activities Raise fruit, vegetables and herbs Relax in a hot tub 5. Describe how you want to feel in your garden. Check off what applies to you: Relax in our garden after a long day Experience the fragrance of flowers and listen to the calming sound of water Entertain and celebrate Have lots of friends and family over Feel cozy and warm Feel playful Feel serene Be meditative Other
6. List any family member allergies or mobility concerns your landscape architect needs to work with. Mobility: Allergies: 7. Try to define your garden style. Check all that apply to you: Formal and structured Informal and free flowing Natural, wildlife friendly, attract butterflies and hummingbirds Contemporary garden Craftsman style garden Cottage or perennial garden Zen garden Other 8. Collect pictures, take photographs of gardens you like and assemble technical information about your property. If you have a favorite vacation destination, collect photos of what you like about that area. Cut photos from a magazine and take pictures of friends and neighbors yards you like. Assemble any property/boundary surveys, soils reports, HOA documents, architectural drawings or any other supporting documents pertaining to your property or your project. Scan or make copies of these documents to give to your landscape architect.
9. Create your timeline for the finished project. For example: We want the yard complete by (date). We will phase in the project in starting (date) and finishing by (date). 10. Create a design and construction budget for your project. Do not worry if you are uncertain about this. Your landscape architect can educate you about the budget and costs associated with various landscape elements. Keep in mind, homeowners can recover 100% to 200% of their professional landscaping investment since consumer s value a landscaped home as much as 11.3% higher than its base price! 11. Determine what help you will need during the construction phase. Will you engage a licensed landscape contractor or will you be doing some of the installation work yourself? Select a landscape architect who will guide you through the process of hiring a qualified landscape contractor. Make sure your landscape architect also makes periodic site visits during construction and follows up post construction when the design is completed. However, if you have construction skills, are in good physical condition and have the time, you may want to consider taking on a portion of the project yourself; otherwise, leave the heavy work, scheduling and details to your landscape architect and landscape contractor.
Susan Friedman As a California-licensed landscape architect, Susan Friedman creates beautiful outdoor retreats that reflect your individual style and personality and that harmonize with the architectural style of your home. She will create the perfect plan that illustrates your unique landscape goals and dreams. After the design is completed, you need not worry about finding the right contractor since Susan will guide you through the entire process and oversee the project from beginning to end. She loves to see the pride her clients feel when they show off their gorgeous, new environment to family, friends and neighbors. Take Action Now to Realize Your Dream Environment Tomorrow! The first step in realizing your landscape dream is evaluating your needs. Complete this checklist and mail it to susan@susanfriedmanlandscape.com to receive a $150 discount on the landscape concept Susan will create for you to give you a general picture of your new landscape design. Contact Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture today: 925-806-0643 susan@susanfriedmanlandscape.com