Design Packages

All enquiries require an Initial Design Consultation. This is offered free of charge and usually takes about one hour. Sophie will visit you to see your garden and to discuss your requirements, brief and budget.

Following this meeting, Sophie will send you:

A client brief, summarising your requirements.
A breakdown of fees for your design package.
A statement of agreement and payment schedule. (A deposit is required to proceed)

Every garden project is different, and will therefore require a tailored approach. Sophie will explain which phases (listed below) are required for your specific design.

As a guide the average work flow is as follows:

Phase One – The Concept Design

The Concept stage is all about establishing the overall vision, form and function of the garden.

You will understand how the space flows, and how it sits in relation to the house and its surroundings.

The Concept Design Phase comprises two parts:

1. Site Survey and Analysis

An accurate survey of the garden is needed before any design work can take place.

The survey measures the position of buildings, boundaries, other existing features, utilities visible on the site and ground levels.

The site analysis records any existing plants and their health, soil conditions, orientation/aspect and any other local conditions.

If you have an existing survey plan, I may be able to use this. If not, I will survey the garden or may recommend you commission a survey from a professional surveyor if the garden is particularly large and/or has complex level changes.

Garden Design Survey - Sanctuary Garden Design Services

2. Development of Concept Plan

My Concept of the garden will comprise of plans, sketches and images that describe the proposed design layout, features, style and suggested materials.

Once you are happy with these initial ideas, I will draw up the final Concept Plan, along with 3D visuals.

The Concept Design Package will include printed and PDF copies of:

The Final Concept Plan
Illustrations / 3D Projections
Mood Board

Phase Two – Detailed Design

The success of a Sanctuary Garden Design is in the understanding of the complexities of the space and its construction.

Once the Concept Design is approved, a series of plans and drawings will be required for the landscaper / contractor.

They provide the detail for the contractor to be able to quote and build from.

They can also serve as documents for planning applications, if required.

The Detailed Design Phase comprises three parts:

1. Construction Details

Materials and detailing are finalised during this phase. A series of plans and drawings will be produced to show precise dimensions, levels and details necessary to fully explain the design and construction methods to the contractor.

Depending on the complexity of the design, they may include some or all of:

Setting Out Plan – to facilitate accurate translation of the design onto the ground
Construction Drawings – for steps, walls, pergolas, water features and other bespoke features
Lighting, electrical, drainage, irrigation etc layout plans

2. Planting Details

Scaled plans show the positions of proposed plants (and any existing plants to be retained), along with a colour plant ID sheet and schedule (including plant names, quantities and sizes). A written month-by-month plant maintenance plan can also be provided for you or your gardener, if required.

3. Tender Package to Engage a Contractor

Should you require two to three contractors to submit a competitive tender to carry out the garden build, I can prepare a detailed specification document, which would be used alongside any plans produced in the Hard Landscaping and Planting Design packages, to form a tender package.

Phase Three – Garden Build

Sanctuary Garden Design can recommend and introduce you to landscapers, contractors and trades people. If multiple contractors are used for the job, a list of works can be written and the job co-ordinated to allow for a smooth build process.

Once you have selected your contractor, and the build is booked in, I can carry out site inspection visits to ensure the design plans and drawings are being adhered to and the build is being carried out to the expected high standard.

Site Inspection is charged at an hourly rate, provided on request. The number of visits scheduled to reflect the complexity of the build.

“I spoke to four different garden landscapers and you were the only one who sat down with me and spent time showing me your portfolio and asking me useful questions!”

Bethany, Nottingham