Landscape Design Process
Great landscapes begin with inspiration and take shape through collaboration and careful planning.
At Ginkgo Leaf Studio, we use a comprehensive design process to transform your ideas into cohesive, architectural outdoor environments. Each phase is thoughtfully developed and refined to ensure the final design reflects your vision and complements your home’s unique character.
Below is an overview of how we guide your project from the first conversation through the completed master plan.
Our process begins with an on-site meeting at your home, including all decision-makers. Prior to our visit, you’ll complete a Landscape Design Questionnaire to provide helpful background about your property, goals, and desired design elements.
During this consultation, we discuss your lifestyle, project objectives, and budget considerations. We also share our design philosophy, review relevant past projects, and explain the computer-aided tools we use to develop and present your design.
If you choose to move forward, we will prepare a formal Design Agreement outlining the scope of work and next steps. Once the agreement is signed and the retainer is received, your design journey begins.
Before design begins, we conduct a thorough site analysis to gain a complete understanding of your property and its opportunities.
- Site Measuring & Plant Inventory – We carefully measure the property to document your home, existing structures, visible utilities, and hardscape elements. Doors and windows are recorded to inform future sight lines and circulation. Existing vegetation is inventoried, and site conditions such as views, drainage, sun, shade, and wind are evaluated. This information is entered into AutoCAD and combined with survey data (if available) to create a detailed base map of your property.
- Digital Photography – Comprehensive photographs are taken to create a visual reference of the site. Key focal areas and views from doors and windows are documented, along with important architectural details. These images serve as a valuable tool throughout the design process and may be used to illustrate before-and-after transformations.
- Municipal Review – When necessary, we review local regulations and code requirements to ensure the design aligns with municipal guidelines and restrictions.
- Grade Elevations & Surveying – If required, grade elevations are taken to evaluate changes in topography that may influence drainage, grading, or structural elements within the design.
Based on the established project scope, the conceptual plan defines the overall direction of your landscape design. Working from the base map, we use overlays and exploratory sketches to study potential design solutions that meet your project goals. The architectural style of your home plays a central role, influencing spatial organization, material selections, and overall character.
Through refinement, these ideas are developed into a complete two-dimensional, hand-rendered conceptual plan.
The conceptual design phase includes:
- Hardscape Design & Plant Layout – This plan establishes the form and spatial composition of the landscape. It defines circulation patterns, views, and the relationship between outdoor spaces. Walkways and patios are illustrated, along with walls, steps, fences, and overhead structures as appropriate. Plant material is located and identified. During our review meeting, we discuss the layout, functionality, and planting arrangements, along with preliminary material selections based on style, character, performance, and budget. Physical samples of hardscape materials may also be reviewed at this stage.
- Plant Palette Imagery – A curated collection of plant photographs illustrates color, texture, and form, helping you visualize how the selected plants will work together within the overall design.
- Preliminary Cost Projections – Prior to our meeting, we prepare projected costs for the design. The plan is organized into logical sections—such as front yard and backyard—with details presented in a clear, itemized format. This approach provides transparency and helps you understand how investment is allocated across the project.
This is the culmination of the design phase. Your comments and suggestions are incorporated into formal, detailed CAD generated plans which are the final generation of the design. An additional revision is included, if necessary before the design is finalized and ready to be bid.
- Construction Documents – Full color AutoCAD drawings of the finished landscape plans are provided to you with all necessary details listed, including a final plant list(s) with specified plant sizes. All plant varieties with quantities are called out, structural elements are drawn with more precision, and material selections are noted. Most important, full construction specifications are incorporated into the plans, directing the landscape contractor on every detail of the design including installation standards. The landscape contractor will use these specifications to provide their quote.
- Plant Portfolio – This bound booklet of plant photos becomes your reference guide for every plant in your design. It is matched to the final version of your plans.
- Pre-construction – Your plans are sent out for quotes from our landscape contractor and related subcontractors for concrete, carpentry or irrigation.
Project Liaison Service (optional)
Successful projects rely on close collaboration between you, our team, and the installation contractor. After contractors are retained, our liaison service allows us to act as your representative, guiding the implementation of your design and making adjustments as needed during—not after—construction. With years of experience, we know this service ensures the highest quality installation while realizing the shared vision of your landscape.
This service includes:
- Contractor Bid Review – We work with a select group of trusted contractors and craftsmen. When bids are received, we review them in detail, breaking down the numbers and comparing them “apples to apples.” A clear comparison report is provided to help you understand what each contractor is offering.
- Installation Review – Before construction begins, we mark existing features or plants to be removed or transplanted. We meet with the landscape contractor on-site to review project goals and perform regular site visits throughout construction. This includes verifying the placement of hardscape elements such as walks, patios, and walls at key points in the schedule to ensure the design is executed accurately.
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Now that you've seen our approach, explore the beautiful transformations we’ve created for our clients. Browse our Modern, Mid-Century, and Traditional project galleries to find inspiration for your own outdoor retreat.