Green Associates offer a full range of design services, from concept design and presentation drawings to detail design packages and construction management.

For over a decade Green Associates have planned, designed and project managed of a wide variety of commercial, industrial, rural, agricultural, sub-division and residential property projects, as well as a particular emphasis on rural subdivisions and sustainable agriculture. We provide a fully integrated service, from the earliest design stages to the project management of construction, ensuring impeccable detail and workmanship throughout. Our clients are active participants and we understand the importance of communication throughout all stages.

Listed below are the main stages of a ‘typical’ residential landscape design and construction. Stages can be completed in their entirety – from Brief to Project Management or any one stage may be completed by itself, for example just a planting plan.

Stage 1: The Client Brief

The first stage of any project requires the gathering of information.   We will meet with you, the client on site to determine your desired outcome in terms of style, budget and maintenance.  From the brief we are able to supply a comprehensive design fee.

Stage 2: The Site Survey

For the basis of the design the existing plans of the site and buildings need to be reviewed.  If these don’t exist a survey of boundaries, changes in levels, buildings, other structures, vegetation, service and views etc. would be carried out and a site plan then drawn up. This will be allowed for in the design fee.

Stage 3: The Design Concept

The concept design illustrates the overall vision of the design. This is presented as a draft to the client. Revisions may occur following client feedback it may or fine-tuning until it reaches the approved concept plan stage.  Concept designs bring together all elements of the brief along with the ideas and creativity of the landscape architect and the opportunities of the site.  The concept design cost will be presented to clients in the design fee.  This is generally a fixed price.

Stage 4: Planting Plan

This is part of the detailed design.  It seeks to set out the exact location and species of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants to be planted.  It is essential for the maintenance and longivity of the plants. The planting plan is usually quoted as a fixed price when the design fee is presented to the client.

Stage 5: Detailed Design

Detailed design plans are an extension on planting plans.  They communicate the finer details of the concept design for a contractor and allows the design to be accurately priced and built correctly.

These can include: drawings of earthworks, drainage, hard paved surfaces and various landscape structures, small buildings, swimming pools, walls, pergolas etc.  These plans are also required by local authorities where consents may be necessary.

Included in this cost are the specifications.  These are written documents providing contractors with the scope of work to be undertaken and specific instructions relating to the various trades that will be involved.  Insurances and Health and Safety considerations are also detailed.

The Detailed Design is usually quoted as a fixed price presented with the design fee.

Stage 6: Tendering

On your behalf we are able to send the complete design and specifications to two or three reputable landscape contractors who we repeatedly work with.  They can provide an itemised quotation which we analyse, and give you our recommendation who to proceed with.  This service is charged at an hourly rate.

Stage 6: Project Management

With extensive experience in Project Management Green Associates can, if you would like, during the build of your new garden oversee all work, visit on site, communicate with the contractor throughout the build, make sure all workmanship is up to our high standards and deadlines are being met.  This service is provided at a fixed rate.