At KWD we stick with what we know best... design, design, design. We have purposefully maintained a mix of both large and small projects over the years, to make sure that we continue to look at each project from every angle. We believe that our attention to detail has contributed to the financial success of the projects we've worked on. Whether you're trying to create a magical environment in your own backyard or sell a hundred houses, our design expertise will create a sense of place that sets your project apart. We pride ourselves on the diversity of our past projects, and look forward to the challenges that our next projects will present.
Should you decide to hire us, our work with you will fall into two phases. Whether we are designing an intimate gem of a courtyard or celebrating the entrance to a two thousand acre community, our design process has the same general outline. First, we collect information about you, the project, the site, and the program requirements. We synthesize this data and present conceptual plans of our design solution to you. These conceptual plans may go through several iterations before we arrive at a final concept. Once a final concept has been approved, we start the second phase of our work with you, which includes design development, construction documentation, and implementation services.
Design ProcessLandscape architecture, as practiced at KWD, relies on the synergy coming from the client, the architecture, the land, and the passage of time. Beginning with the initial consultation, our approach is similar for homes, gardens, and large developments - we listen to you and help you define and prioritize your goals. We go through a design process to arrive at the best solution involving the vision, the budget, and building constraints. We study floor plans, elevations, surveys, and the site. We look through the same windows you do. We see how things are and imagine how they may be. Our process requirement for information, and design sequence is based on years of creating memorable and very special places.
Conceptual Design
The first creative effort is the Conceptual plan and supporting sketches. We paint with a wide brush to let your imagination fill in the details, inviting you into the creative process. The conceptual drawing shows the general development of the entry, drives and walks, swimming pool, spa, water elements, decks and patios, and other features. Plants and finish treatments may be suggested but only to help characterize the big picture.
Design Development
Based on the approved conceptual plan, we will start the Design Development phase. Here the concepts are refined and the drawings become more accurate. We begin to explore different ways to express the design, achieve your goals, and determine budget requirements. Patterns, color selection, and materials become more refined. We will then develop hardscape and layout plans, planting plans, and lighting plans for all exterior landscape features.
Hardscape Design
Hardscape layout plans and construction details show the materials, finishes, configuration, and dimensions of built landscape elements in detail. These include paving patterns and materials for drives and walks, spa/swimming pool dimensions, coping, finish and tile selections, water-features, decks, columns, fences, gates, and other features. Specialty materials are specified and the contractor has all the information needed to build the project including written specifications. We need the actual location of the building on the lot which often changes from what the building architect directed and has major impact on outdoor spaces. After we've designed how to build the various elements and discussed them with you, we will issue the drawings to your contractor.
These Construction Documents provide the directions for turning dreams into reality. They must be thorough enough to help the contractor understand clearly what he is asked to build and anticipate costs.
Planting Plans
Planting Plans follow the Hardscape plans, usually after the house has been closed-in (it's better to look through the actual windows and doors). Before completing this phase, we normally go on a "plant cruise" or field trip so you can see and react to the wonderful plant palette Florida gives us. We often create a development drawing for your approval before the final plans are drawn. The Planting Plans show the location, name, size, quantities, and specific requirements for all plant material based on the plans approved by you. These drawings are prepared at a sufficient scale to enable the material to be accurately located in the field. Materials lists, written specifications, and planting details explaining how the material is installed are included.
Lighting Plans
Lighting plans logically follow the Planting solution. They show the location, type, height, and intensity, of all landscape lighting proposed for your property. These drawings are also prepared at a sufficient scale so the light fixtures can be coordinated between the planting and electrical contractors and be accurately located in the field to produce the desired effect.
Implementation Services
At this point, the pre-construction design sequence is complete. Most clients prefer we remain involved to insure the various trades interpret the design intent correctly. This is key to a successful project! It is very important that client, contractor, and designer work closely to get the best execution of your plan. A field modification of the design without the involvement of all three is a formula for disaster.
We call our role in construction phase Implementation Services. It includes professional services such as the issuance of plans and specifications to you and your builder, reviewing and evaluating bids, quantity take-off, review of shop drawings, field adjustments, site visits, progress assessment, and contractor meetings.
To let your new outdoor environment reach it's potential and give you years of use, maintenance is another key factor. Maintenance free gardens don't exist in the real world and some solutions require more attention than others. Gardens are living, growing things that change throughout the seasons and over the years. Reduced maintenance requires careful planning and attention. The solution we've created for you has a balance between impact and care. After the planting is done and the patios swept clean we suggest you schedule a meeting with yourself, the maintenance person and our staff to review the requirements of the garden and work out a realistic schedule.
The process can seem overwhelming but we're experienced and are happy to explain each step and how the various players fit and coordinate. Together we're going to create a special place that you can enjoy for years.
On-Track Maintenance
Ask us about our new maintenance program to help keep your landscape looking beautiful!
Consultation & Comprehensive Report: The Consultation is carried out during a walk-through of your property. This is your opportunity to share any thoughts or concerns you have relative to the landscape and our chance to evaluate the maintenance practices in place and the overall performance of the plant material. We then provide you with a Comprehensive Report that describes any problems or issues that we see.
Track A Plant Maintenance Booklet: The Plant Maintenance Booklet is a customized inventory of the plant material on your property and information on how best to maintain it. We put together a collection of photographs showing the plant material and how it should be maintained. We describe proper maintenance techniques for trimming and fertilization so your landscape maintenance contractor is equipped with all the information he needs to get the most out of your plant material.
Track B On-Site Session: After completion of the Plant Maintenance Booklet, in the On-Site Session we meet with you and your landscape maintenance contractor. We walk your property and have a discussion about proper trimming and maintenance techniques tailored to your specific plant material. We employ a hands on approach to demonstrate these techniques and answer any questions that either of you may have. Two copies of the Plant Maintenance Booklet are provided with the On-Site Session for reference and note taking.
Track C On-Site Design Session: The On-Site Design Session is intended to provide ideas for freshening up an existing landscape that is in good shape, but may need a new punch of color here or there. Ideas are presented graphically through photos or plans. After our first meeting, the Onsite Design Session and with an understanding of the scope of work for your project, a lump sum proposal can be prepared if requested.
Track D New Design: As our families change and grow, sometimes too do our needs for space and how it is utilized. As always, KWD is available for renovations and alterations to landscape as well as to hardscape elements like adding horizon edges, sun shelves or beach entries to existing pools. On Track D, we can design the summer kitchen or fountain feature that you’ve been thinking about or even update your finishes for a more modern look.
Track E Continuing Assessment: Continuing Assessment is established as yearly, biannual or quarterly visits based on your specific needs. A member of our team walks the property and identifies any problems or issues and presents the findings in a comprehensive report. This option is designed to ensure that landscape contractors continue to use the correct maintenance practices established in either Track A, the Plant Maintenance Booklet, or Track B, the On-site Session.