Residential Landscape Architecture
Landscape architecture is the design and arrangement of outdoor spaces.
Residential landscape architecture specializes in the creation of personal landscapes for the individual homeowner. Because of tremendous investment involved in home ownership today, people are asking more from their living environments than did homeowners in the past. Increasingly they are exploring the relationship of their property to the earth's environment, as a domestic aspect of the Environmental Movement. Residential landscaping not only promotes responsible environmental stewardship, but also increases property value. Today's ideal home environment is achieved by extending indoor living rooms into outdoor living rooms. Gardens, pools, kitchens, fireplaces, lawns, private sunning areas, inviting entry areas, effect lighting and walking trails are some of the features homeowners are choosing to include in their landscapes. All of these can include plantings that invite and sustain various wildlife species. Above all, the landscape must serve personality and needs of the owner. It must be easy to maintain, function effectively and be within the owner's budget. To accomplish the creation of such a place, professional planning is necessary. Alan Ray, RLA is a registered landscape architect specializing in residential design. It is his philosophy that the client is vital to the design process; You are an integral member of the design team from the very beginning. The full scope of professional services consists of three planning phases and one administrative phase. We work closely with you to design outdoor living spaces that fit your personality and needs. You may choose only those servicesthat you require. |
Prelinary Design Phase A visit to your residence and discussion with you about your needs is the first step in the design process. From this we develop an understanding on which we baseour preliminary design alternatives. We prepare sketch drawings or our solutions for your review and comment. With your preferences established, we are then ready to move to the Master Plan phase.
Master Plan Phase During this stage we develop a general plan for planting and hardscape elements that depicts the comprehensive design of your entire property. Hardscape elements include patios, walls, decks, walks, lighting, driveways, gazebos, pools, ponds, fireplace / fire pits, arbor / trellises and irrigation. The Master Plan drawing is especially valuable to you in visualizing the proposed landscape and prioritizing phases of implementation.
Construction Detail / Planting Plan Phase Construction detail drawings show exactly how your plantings, walks, pool and terrace will be built. These drawings indicate the materials of which these structural elements will be builtand specifically how the construction will be accomplished. You and your contractor will need these documents to estimate installation costs accurately. The planting design drawings locate plantings and indicate the size and species of plants you want. From this drawing the landscape contractor makes an estimate of installation costs. Some homeowners are inclined to do the building and planting themselves. In this case, the plans drawn in this phase will provide your shopping list and guide you as you work at your own pace. Construction Administration
To ensure that you are receiving the materials, workmanship and prices as specified, we will act as your representative to coordinate the bidding and negotiations of your project with contractors. After selection of a contractor, we will assist you with the contract agreement and make job observation visits during construction. The contractor's pay request is evaluated by us for contract compliance. This eliminates unnr=ecessary disputes between you and the contractor and ensures that tou are receiving proper value. The Benefits to You... A design prepared by a professional landscape architect is the first step toward extending your interior living area into the outdoors. In collaborating with us you will increase the value of your home and the amount of enjoyable living space available to you. You will make the decisions that will affect your maintenance time and costs. And you will be contributing to the beauty of your environment. Please contact Alan Ray, RLA at 615.500.0402 for further information. |