HOW IT WORKS | Ivy Hill Garden Design

the design process

As a garden designer, I often think that the design process isn't clear enough for potential clients, and the key to a successful project is communication! Here I've outlined what to expect from the design process, so you know exactly how it all works and are sure to get the garden you want.

Professional Garden design in West Berkshire

your ROLE - THE client

It's your garden and you're the key to success

1 : why the change?

First of all, you need to have a compelling reason to want to change your garden – maybe you’ve moved house, had a change of circumstances, or you just feel your garden no longer meets your needs – whatever your reason, it’s important to be clear about why you want to change your garden. The clearer you can be about why you’re looking to make a change and what you want from your space, the smoother the process will be.

2 : RESEARCH

Do some research – look at magazines, do some internet searches, look up designers or gardens you admire, maybe visit gardens and take photos of things you like. Collect together images and information about gardens that appeal to you – Pinterest is useful for this – and then you will have a ‘scrapbook’ to share with any designers you meet to help communicate your requirements.

3 : CHOOSE YOUR DESIGNER

Identify a few designers to talk to. Look at their websites and social media, make sure their approach appeals to you, then contact them for a chat. Having an initial chat with a few will help you to understand whether you’re both on the same wavelength. This chat might be on the phone or in person. Some designers charge for initial visits, so be sure you know if you will be required to pay for it. It’s good to talk to two or three designers so you can compare.

MY ROLE - THE DESIGNER

Some garden designers do it slightly differently, but this is the Ivy Hill way

Ivy Hill Garden Design for friendly knowledgeable design services

1 : initial contact

Upon receiving your enquiry I will ask some questions (either by phone or email) to broadly ascertain your requirements, whether I think I can help and if I’m the best person for you. I will then arrange to visit you and see your garden.

5 : package

Once we have agreed to proceed together in your pursuit of a new garden, I will put together a tailored package of services. This will typically include mood boards, survey (either carried out by me or a professional surveyor depending on the size and topography of the plot), a master layout plan showing a top down view of my design, a conceptual 3D visual, planting plans and plant schedule, technical plan for contractors and any construction drawings.