PHASE 1: Design Plan and Cost Projection
Phase 1 marks the initial stage of your project, commencing with your initial design requests for the project. If necessary, we will arrange for the creation of a topographic and tree survey of your property to use as a ‘base’ for the design plan. Additionally, we conduct a site analysis, capturing photographs and notes while also undertaking preliminary research regarding any anticipated approvals such as zoning and building requirements, wetlands approvals, etc.
As the first deliverable in Phase 1, we develop a Concept Design Plan, akin to the one displayed below, to solicit your feedback and input on the project’s overall direction. This illustrative plan serves as a visualization of our envisioned final outcome. It often serves as a catalyst for further discussions and the early establishment of layout and amenity decisions. Subsequently, we incorporate your initial feedback into the Schematic Design Plan, a 2D plan representation that is illustrative in nature and not intended for construction or permitting purposes.
In tandem with this plan, we furnish you with an itemized construction cost projection, which serves as a valuable tool for discussion, budgeting, and decision-making. It’s important to note that there is no obligation for clients to proceed beyond Phase 1 and any Supplemental Services.
For some projects we create and present multiple concept designs for preliminary client feedback…allowing us to explore different foundational design and placement concepts.
Design: Concept ‘A’
Design: Concept ‘B’
Schematic Design Plan
The itemized cost projection we provide with your initial design is based on our extensive construction experience and can be considered as “rough estimates.” The actual bidding process occurs at a later stage. These initial projections serve as valuable tools for reaching a consensus on your project’s scope before we delve into creating detailed drawings.
It’s worth noting that if you have a specific budget in mind when commencing your project, please inform us promptly. However, in most cases, clients have opted to allow us to develop a design along with a budget to facilitate informed decision-making based on the information we supply.
Construction Budget Estimate
3d Design Renderings
SJLA leads in the integration of technology and software within landscape architecture, enabling the creation of highly realistic 3D renderings of our designs. These renderings offer clients the opportunity to virtually experience their future landscapes, often reaching a level of realism nearly indistinguishable from actual project photographs. Note that 3D renderings constitute a specialized service and are provided on a limited number of our projects. And, are subject to additional fees.
3d Visualization Renderings
PHASE 2: Construction Documents & Bidding/Pricing
Once our design gets the green light, the real action kicks in during Phase 2. This is where the rubber meets the road, and we roll up our sleeves to turn those creative ideas into concrete plans, quite literally. We put together a robust package of detailed construction documents, lovingly referred to as ‘CDs,’ which serve as the project’s master blueprint.
You won’t be left to navigate this journey alone. We’ll be right there by your side, helping you make informed choices about materials, options, features, and those all-important finishes. These plans aren’t just eye candy; they’re tailor-made for construction, containing all the nitty-gritty details contractors need to prepare their bids. Once those bids start rolling in, we’re in your corner, ready to review, haggle, and help you handpick the perfect team of contractors to bring your vision to life.
Sample CD Drawing Set
Titlesheet and Specs
Demo and Removals Plan
Layout and Dimension Plan
Construction Details
Planting Plan
Lighting Plan
Construction Drawings
Sample Construction Detail
PHASE 3: Permits, Approvals, Construction, etc. (Supplemental Service)
In Phase 3, we tap into additional hourly services, and here’s why: every project is as unique as a thumbprint, with diverse scopes, site nuances, and local regulations. The requirements for a new swimming pool, for instance, might be a walk in the park in one town, only needing a basic building permit. But in another locale, you could be looking at a tangled web of approvals, involving the Zoning Board, Planning Board, and Wetlands, among others. For instance, your property might fall under wetland regulations, or it might not. As part of our extra hourly services, we’ve got your back in securing the necessary permits and approvals.
We’ll even wrangle additional professionals like engineers, attorneys, soil scientists, architects, and land surveyors when they’re needed. Post-bidding, as we receive those contracts for the different construction aspects, such as masonry, fencing, and lighting, we’re here to assist. Our keen eye stays on the construction process to tackle any unexpected hiccups and changes that pop up along the way. We can even lend a hand in picking out your outdoor furniture! No matter what you need, we’re right by your side, every step of the way. Our approach revolves around you, ensuring you pay for exactly what you need in the form of hourly services.
