Each project is unique in scope and character. Below we describe our design process for a full landscape masterplan from Terrascapes. However, if your job is small in size and scope we may make slight variations to our process in order to better meet your budget and/or time requirements.

The First Step -- Collecting Information
Information is the most precious commodity in our design process. We collect as much of it about you and your property as possible.

Questionnaire
First we ask you lots of questions about your likes and dislikes. We want to know if certain plants are sentimental, where you sit in the house, what are your favorite hobbies, and how many animals and children use the space, if any? These questions help us design a space for you that is functional and creates a sense of place. (You can fill out the questionnaire on your own or we can do it at our Consultation Visit.)

Consultation Visit
To kickoff the design process we schedule a one to two hour visit to assess your property and your needs.

This visit is meant to review your questionnaire in depth and to examine the property with you. Suggestions, comments and requirements are all noted in detail and used to determine your needs for design. We charge a fee for this visit, which includes our travel and consultation time and is applied to your design fee, should you decide to move forward with a landscape plan.

Proposal and Contract
Terrascapes believes that getting you something in writing, in a timely manner, is not only good service but also good business for all parties. Terrascapes will provide you a proposal summarizing what we discussed and the program requirements as well as its suggestions to fulfill those requirements.

A written contract will clearly define what elements will be delivered to you and our fees to deliver those items. (i.e. plan drawings, construction documents, etc.) After Terrascapes receives your approval, signature and a 50% deposit a Site Visit will be scheduled.

Site Visit
During the Site Visit we revisit your property, take lots of measurements and photos, and ask for a plot plan to identify existing property lines. It is imperative that we identify all existing structures, utilities, and plant materials with particular attention to pleasing and displeasing views, microclimates, environmental restraints, conservation requirements, and any other challenges or opportunities that the site presents. We take lots of notes and go back to the office and analyze the information.

Site Analysis
During the analysis phase, we review all the collected information and draw a base map or a diagram which defines existing conditions in an illustrative form.

The next step. . . Design Development