The Design Process begins with Gudrun visiting the property.
This first consultation is more to listen and to obtain a good feeling for the property to enable me to design a garden / pool layout, which suites the client’s lifestyle. Therefore this first meeting is part of the design service and not charged in addition. Should the client not wish to proceed with a concept design request, this consultation is charged at $ 125.00 for a one hour consultation on site.
The landscape design starts with a concept plan and can but does not have to be followed by working drawings and a planting plan. Some clients are just happy with the concept and organize the landscape and pool contractor themselves. Other property owners want the full package including project management. Anything in-between is possible and Gudrun’s help can be tailored to her clients needs. Please find outlined below the different steps and the average costs.
The concept plan
The above drawing shows the layout of the front and back garden, with the future pool, possible spa pool and deck extensions, planting areas in relation to lawn and the proposed pool safety fencing. Levels and the accordingly needed steps or position of retaining walls are indicated on the concept plan.
3D sketches help to visualize the concept ideas.
Although the plan will show the group arrangements of trees and shrubs, it does not specify type or quantity of plants. Relevant detail / working drawings are not part of the concept plan and follow at a later stage.
The concept plan, which is introduce in a one hour consultation, is coloured, gives material proposals for paving or tiles and cost around $ 1,200.00 to $1,500.00 plus GST
To facilitate the design process Gudrun will ask for the following documents:
Site plan, showing all buildings, contour levels and boundaries
Floor plan showing all doors and windows.
Should the site plan not include sufficient information Gudrun would need to survey the existing garden area with a dumpy level. This involves a second person and would cost approximately
$ 500.00 plus GST
Alternatively a registered site surveyor might be engaged to survey the property and establish the boundary pegs.
Once the concept plan finds the client’s approval, it would be handed to pool-and/or landscape contractors for price estimations. Some clients are just happy with the concept plan and organize the implementation of the landscape design themselves. In other circumstances Gudrun assists with the next steps towards implementation:
The working drawings
For possible structures as decks, pergola, pool cabana steps, possible water feature by the pool and any other necessary details. These detail drawings form the basis for the implementation of the design. The plans can be submitted to council for building consent, where necessary.
The last step towards completion of a landscape design is the planting plan.
The planting proposal
Presented in a scale of 1:100 and provides information about plant variety, -position and -spacing and comes with a plant list, scheduling grade, quantity and final growing height of the plants.
The 12-Volt lighting plan
Normally designed in conjunction with the planting plan. The type and position of feature plants dictate the position and type of garden lights. For instance, a large tree is illuminated by an upwards shining type of light fitting, while a lower foreground planting demands a directional spot light.
The Project management
Involves on-site supervision, approval of progress claims and co-ordination of the different engaged contractors. Gudrun Fischer’s company does not offer contracting work, but functions as an agent, working on behalf of the client, mediating between contractor and owner and co-ordinating the works. All contracts are directly between trade person and owner, all invoices and progress claims are checked and approved by Gudrun, but passed to the property owner for payment.