From Vision to Reality: A Step-by-Step Guide to Successful Landscape Design

Making your property more beautiful through innovative, appealing and practical landscape design is an exciting venture, and it ends with a space you can admire and enjoy every day. A well-designed outdoor space boosts appeal and provides a serene environment for relaxation and recreation. If you’re enhancing a commercial property, then it can make your business look more inviting, professional and trustworthy, adding credibility to your brand. 

However, creating your dream landscape isn’t exactly simple - it requires plenty of planning, budgeting and professional assistance. Let’s discuss what you should know and do if you’re considering a landscape design and build project. 

How To Choose Your Expert Landscaper

Before starting the landscape design process, it’s best to figure out which landscaper you want to work with. While it may be tempting to handle the job yourself, a professional landscaper can significantly help. They can use their expertise, equipment and knowledge to deliver the amazing results you dream of, and they may end up saving you money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes and eliminating the need for you to purchase the equipment yourself. 

When choosing your landscaper, consider the following:

• What You Want. First, understand what you want from your landscape project. Understanding your main goals will make it easier to find a landscaper who can provide you with the services you need.
• Past Projects. Look at their previous work and see their landscape design style. Particularly, look at projects for buildings that are similar to yours. For instance, if you wish to enhance your commercial space, look at commercial projects.
• Communication Skills. Select a landscape designer with excellent communication skills. They should listen to your ideas and communicate clearly rather than only going with what they think is best.
• Price. Naturally, it would be best if you asked about how much they will potentially charge you for your project. Price should not be the only factor you look at, but it’s important to stay within your budget. Remember that until the detailed designs are completed, prices are only estimates.

A Step-By-Step Guide To New Zealand Landscape Design

With your chosen landscaper, you can embark on the design process:

Step 1: Initial Consultation. The very first step is to meet with your landscaper for an initial consultation. You should freely discuss your vision, preferences and budget so that your landscaper can get a good grasp of what you want. Be prepared to share ideas, photos and specific elements you want to incorporate such as entertaining areas and green spaces. 

When developing your vision, remember to be open to change. Certain ideas may not always work, but by collaborating with your landscaper, you can find alternatives you love. 

Step 2: Conceptual Design. After gathering the necessary information, your landscaper will create a base conceptual design that outlines the layout, plant selection and design elements. They will take what you discussed in the initial consultation and transform it into tangible ideas that could work in real life. 

Step 3: Design Refinement. When the conceptual design is complete, you should give feedback to your landscaper. Remember to be honest, and discuss changes, additions or removals that could hone the design to fit your dream landscape more. Two-way communication is vital during this stage, so make sure you and your landscaper have a good understanding of each other’s viewpoints. 

When discussing your plans, be sure you also consider the future of your space - maintenance planning. Speak with your landscaper about what kind of care each landscape design element requires, and think about how you will carry out your responsibilities. Will you be handling them yourself, or will you continue to work with your landscaper to keep everything professionally maintained?

Step 4: Budgeting And Scheduling. Once the plans are complete, you can discuss the final cost estimate regarding your project. Ensure you understand all of the aspects of the budget, including materials, labour and any additional costs. You can also discuss timelines and schedule when the work will start and how long it will most likely take. 

Step 5: Installation. With the budget and schedule approved, the installation phase can finally begin. A dedicated Site Foreman and his team will take on the work, seeing that every detail is taken care of efficiently and professionally from start to finish. 

Step 6: Discuss Maintenance. Speak to your landscaper about the maintenance you discussed in step 3. If you plan to continue employing them for maintenance, create a maintenance schedule that works for all parties involved. 

Step 7: Enjoy Your Beautiful New Space. The final step is the easiest - enjoy your stunning new outdoor space. Relax and walk around your enhanced environment, knowing that it’s something you’ll see every day. 

Creating The Perfect Space For Your NZ Property

If you’re ready to elevate your space, we at Mace Landscapes are prepared to help. Whether you wish to transform a residential or commercial property, our landscape design specialists are here for you.

If you’d like to get the process started, call us on (09) 294 8332 to tell us about your vision. 

Mace Landscapes: Together, let’s make Aotearoa more beautiful.