"Jill had a creative and comprehensive vision for our project starting with the concept. She used that approach through the construction document and construction process. Jill was attentive, responsive, resourceful, and professional. We were happy with the process and are thrilled with the outcome." ~ BB

My Clients often ask what the design process entails so I am presenting a simplified version of how it all works. Once the future needs and goals for the site have been determined the design process begins. A scaled base plan needs to be assembled of the existing conditions on the site. This can be achieved with architectural plans, site surveys, and/or site measurements.

Existing Conditions Plans are often used for analyzing a site. Upon completion of the Existing Conditions Plan and analyzing of the site conditions, conceptual drawings are produced.

The Concept Plan generally start off considering the big ideas for the site, such as spaces and circulation, because it doesn't make sense to design on the detail level if the big idea is unacceptable to a Client. Occasionally there is more than one concept that fit the goals for a site. When the Concept Plan is revised to the point of approval by the Client the construction documents can be created.

Construction documents are used by contractors to price and build the proposed design work.  The beauty of a complete set of construction documents can be fully realized when multiple contractors are pricing a project because all the information they need to present "apples to apples" bids has been provided to them. When a Client gets the competing proposals, they can be assured that these prices represent the construction of the same finished product.

Every project needs different types of construction drawings to provide the information necessary to build it. A more complex project will require more drawings with more details. The Demolition Plan shows existing conditions and adjustments required to them in order to accommodate the proposed construction. The Layout Plan indicates the sizes and dimensions of the components of the plan. A detail illustrates how a component of a design should be constructed and what materials should be used for the construction of that element. They are all used by the contractor for both pricing and constructing the project.

The Grading Plan indicates how surface water should drain across an area.  The plan shows both the existing and proposed spot elevations so the contractor knows where to remove soil and where to add soil to make the water flow properly over the project and away from buildings.

Planting is typically the last phase of the project. It is usually started when all of the hard-scape construction has been completed and is often done by an different contractor. The Planting Plan provides all of the information needed for that aspect of the project.