Design
Our Design Process
A good design starts with good information. As permaculture designers we specialize in observing nature and following a rigorous, data-driven approach to understanding your site. We then combine that data with your vision and goals to design an ecological landscape that supports the flourishing of life.
Our process is highly collaborative as we seek to design a landscape that serves your needs as well as the needs of the community (plants, animals, and people) in which you live.
See below for our step-by-step process.
1. Client Questionnaire
First, we will ask you to complete a thorough questionnaire which will help you to communicate your vision, goals, and current reality with us. This will help us to understand the scope of the project as well as the deliverables you are looking for.
2. Detailed Site Analysis
We will walk through your property with you, making note of natural features as well as permanent structures that will affect the design. We work through a detailed checklist to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Following this, we will complete a detailed site assessment including soil tests, contour mapping, sun mapping, and water flow mapping. This intimate knowledge of the existing landscape combined with your vision of the future reality, leads us to the next stage.
3. Concept Design
Combining the information gathered from the first two stages we use our creative expertise to lay out several conceptual design options for you to consider. At this stage we are considering placement of all the major design elements without getting lost in the details.
This is the stage where the major design decisions are made. Based on your feedback, we revise the design one or two times to be sure that it fits your vision as well as the landscape.
For many people, this is enough information to move forward with implementation, filling in the details themselves. But for those who want more, we can also complete a detailed design.
4. Detailed Design
Taking the final version of the concept design, we fill in the details. This includes a detailed planting plan with each plant and location specified. Depending on your needs it may also include grading or hardscaping details, water-harvesting or management plans, and cross-sectional views.
Along with the detailed design we also provide you with a staged implementation plan and maintenance instructions. You will have everything you need to install it yourself or hire a professional to complete the installation.
Ready to get started?
Book a free 30-minute phone call to get to know each other and discern the best next steps forward. If we both decide that its a good fit for us to work together, we will provide you with a project plan and quote so that you know exactly what to expect.
We would love to hear about your project!