K. Dakin Design - Landscape Architecture - Garden Design

Everything begins with a planning meeting where the elements of your ideal landscape will be discussed, needs specific to the project will be identified, and the potential scope of the job will be outlined. That will prepare us to begin a four-part process that includes the following:

Develop a master plan for the property that defines the project scope, design intent, and ultimately, the cost of the construction work and phasing if required or desired. At least two options for the predetermined, exterior spaces of the house will be included. This phase of the work will be based on documentation such as an Improvement Location Certificate or a civil survey, provided by the client.

A clear understanding of the existing site and landscape will be developed to allow the most cost effective and efficient construction strategies. Upon approval of this work you will sign off on the Schematic Design and we will move forward into Design Development. Fees for the master plan can be separated out from the overall scope of work.

During these phases more refined drawings will be developed and we will utilize an array of presentation methods to communicate design ideas. As the work proceeds to construction documentation, we will enlist the assistance of appropriate engineering expertise: civil, structural and possibly mechanical. Their scope and fees will be defined and approved by you prior to beginning of their work and we will assist you in interviewing the mutually agreed upon list of general contractors identified in the schematic phase. Additionally any zoning variance work will occur during this phase.

All documentation required to quantify and construct the approved work, including options on materials like paving, plants and other details will be presented for your review AND this, in turn, will help to refine the project scope and budget.

We will then complete the working drawings for construction which could include a paving and layout plan, demolition plan, grading plan, planting plan, sections, elevations, details and schedules required to complete the work. At this time all engineering requirements will be incorporated into the work.

The construction administration phase of the work is one of the most important. Although the contractor is already on board, it is the role of the landscape architect to ensure that the clarity and intent of the design is reinforced in their work. In addition, our process is structured to identify and control costs that may be beyond the scope of the basic construction contract so that you receive the appropriate value for dollars spent. It is our job to review contractor invoices and determine if the work that is being billed for has been completed correctly. We will work with the contractor to maintain the agreed to construction schedule and will communicate regularly with you any concerns that might arise.

At the end of the construction administration process, we will assist in the "close-out" of the project including reviewing all of work, determining its completeness and quality, and advise you on the appropriate actions regarding the acceptance of the contractor's work.