Design Outlook
Realm™ design is always custom. Never ordinary.
In fact, we think of our design process as meticulous outdoor styling. We approach each individual project as a distinct and unique endeavor, forever searching for new twists on standard landscape elements, materials and techniques and, thus, creating spaces that invite you to step outside.
Over the years, we’ve come to realize that most landscapes are wastefully over-maintained and woefully under-utilized. That’s why we are constantly searching for ways to give your space reason. We expand your usable square footage and introduce elements that pull you further into your property. And, as a foundation for these endeavors, regardless of the design style selected, is our steadfast commitment to sustainability.
We make spaces make sense.
Design Process
A landscape design is very much like a road map. The comprehensive preplanning will allow you to move forward with a project, whether in its entirety or in a phased manner, with efficiency, aesthetic continuity and the distinct absence of hand wringing. The Realm™ design process is actually quite straightforward:
Step 1: Contact Us
Whether our first conversation is by phone or email, we’re be delighted to set a time for an initial, complimentary design meeting at your property.
Step 2: Online Design Questionnaire
Prior to that first site visit, we ask that you complete our online design questionnaire. Though we are confident that we can design just about anything, we want to design with you and your needs in mind. This exploratory process will help us better communicate with one another…which is the single most important element of the landscape design process.
Step 3: Initial Design Dialogue
The complimentary initial design meeting is our chance to get to know you and your property on a first-hand basis. It’s a great way to interface with the existing space and begin the process of creating the overall vision. This meeting usually involves a walk around the property, a clear discussion of existing issues and future wants and our presentation of a design and project construction portfolio.
Step 4: Design Proposal Submission
After the on-site meeting, we’ll pour over our notes and draft an itemized design proposal noting all of the details that were discussed in the initial dialogue and detailing the deliverables in the design process. At that time, we’ll present you with a multitude of design options – from color renderings to CAD 3D views. You’ll get to customize your design package.
Step 5: Preliminary Site Assessment
Once we receive the signed proposal, we’ll be in touch to talk about scheduling. Our starting point on site consists of taking photos, inventory and site measurements. This step is crucial as it will allow us to accurately create working documents for future construction followthrough.
Step 6: Creative Concept Phase
The first of the two phases of design is the Concept Phase. This includes a concept presentation meeting and 24” x 36” design printouts with the site in plan view and perhaps some elevational sketches. The concept is essential and is meant to simply suggest configurations and relationships of elements previously discussed. Very few actual details are called out at this point as we use the concept as verification that we are on the right track before we move on to the more detailed construction documents. This is the exploratory “conversation piece”, so to speak. At this point in time, we want to hear what you love about the design and what items you might want to revise. You’ll receive two copies of these concept drawings for review and feedback purposes.
Step 7: Construction Document Phase
Once we receive your feedback and know that you’re pleased with the direction of the design concept, we’ll swiftly move forward with the Construction Document Phase. This is when we get down to the details. The construction documents may consist of a layout plan, elements in detail, planting plan, irrigation and lighting notes and a sustainability page (including water harvesting tactics and suggestions for lowering your carbon footprint). We’ll call out dimensions, colors, textures, and quantities – all of the minutia of the project.
Step 8: Forward Movement
The final step in the process is to decide which design elements you’d like to move forward with. That’s when we connect you with your own Realm™ Project Manager for the pricing and construction phases of the project or that Realm™ representative can project manage other contractors if you like.
