The Design Process

“Our first concepts are all hand drawn sketches that explore a number of alternate design ideas for the project. We firmly believe a great design requires a thorough study of varied solutions.”

• Informal interview with the client to discuss their goals, objectives, and budgets

  • Talk about the client’s long term vision for their space

  • Discuss how the space will be used and by how many people

  • Explore design style preferences with the client’s personal Pinterest or Houzz accounts

  • Prepare a site base map in cad

  • Note site-specific issues or concerns

  • Review project scheduling expectations

  • Visit CQ built projects to review our quality of work and discuss project budgets

• Site survey

  • Measure existing site structures

  • Inventory and rate all existing trees

  • Record spot elevations

  • Prepare a site base map in cad

• Prepare hand-drawn preliminary concepts and review with client

• Draw final concept in cad based on client feedback and review with client for signoff

  • Incorporate hand-drawn sketches, basic 3d models, and styling images as supportive design tools when needed

  • Discuss material selections and review samples on site

  • Present preliminary budgets for final concept to analyze the project costs relative to the goal set by client

  • Prepare a site base map in cad

The Construction Package

“After approval of the overall design layout, the concepts mature into detailed drawings that show how the garden elements will come together”

• Prepare construction drawings that may include the following

  • Tree preservation plan

  • Master landscape plan

  • Hardscape plan

  • Grading and drainage plan

  • Construction details

• Examine the final design in close detail with the client

  • Spray paint site layout and walk client through the overall design

  • Study plant selections and provide options

  – Focus in on client’s color and textural preferences in the planting design – Ensure the planting design captures the client’s style: formal, naturalistic, etc. – Tour a local nursery, CQ project, Chicago Botanic Garden or Morton Arboretum with the client to provide a visual for different plant characteristics and combinations

• Review hardscape patterns and materials to pin down final details

• Finalize bid documents

  • Typically send bids to three contractors for each specialty

  • Prepare comparative bid excel sheet

  • Provide pricing options to accommodate budgets without sacrificing the overall design

• Work with client to select final contractors and negotiate the final contract

• Work with the local municipality to finalize permitting

The Build Stage

“Let the fun begin… Dump trucks, tractors, shovels and the development of a new garden”

• Oversee the installation as the client’s representative

  • Be available to the client and contractors to answer important questions that arise during construction

  • Prepare project schedules and monitor weekly y activities/completion dates with client

  • Develop final construction checklists with client and see that contractors complete them fully

  • Manage the overall project budget, contractor invoicing, and change orders

• Participate in material selections

  • Field tag all trees and ornamentals for project at local nurseries

  • Work alongside local quarries, fabricators, and sales representatives to bring exceptional materials to our sites

Maintenance / Garden Styling

“We style our gardens to celebrate the different seasons and add a further element of design creativity to these spaces”

• Assist our clients in styling their garden with furniture and accessories

• Design seasonal annual displays

• Help our clients secure a landscape maintenance program suitable to their budget and project needs

• Enjoy being a part of the garden as it matures