The design process:

1. Brief
An initial meeting on the site with the client gives the sense of the place and the needs anddesires of its users. A written brief then forms the basis for further discussion.

2. Survey
A survey forms the basis of all design work. If a small site then the survey is undertaken by Olivia and a colleague, if not then a full topographical survey is usually commissioned from surveyors for the project. Olivia also does tree surveys as well as photographic ones and can issue a detailed site analysis survey.

3. Sketch plan proposals
Based on the information gained from meeting with the client and from the survey and site analysis, Olivia develops conceptual proposals for discussion and further development. This usually takes the form of mood boards, an areal view and perspective drawings and a three dimensional digital model

4. Detailed design proposal
Following discussions and further development of the design, Olivia prepares drawings in sufficient detail to build and plant the landscape. These detailed drawings will form the basis for fixing the budget for the project.

5. Tender
At tender stage Olivia provides a set of construction drawings and a specification document to contractors tendering for the project. She also advises on the selection of the contractor with whom she will work to help realise the landscape proposals. There is no best way to build and no best way to construct a garden, but she will collaborate with client and contractor to achieve the highest building standards using the most practical and efficient method possible.

6. Construction
Following selection of the contractor Olivia will inspect all work for which she prepared detailed proposals for or take a more advisory role where there is an effective onsite team.

7. Management
Construction and planting may be phased over several months or years on bigger projects. When work is completed the garden is handed over for adoption by it’s owners, but Olivia remain an advisor to help steer it’s growth into maturity.