Design/Build Process

At Drake’s we specialize in Design/Build landscaping. That’s where we work with you to to incorporate your desires, vision and aesthetic into a functional landscape that’ll transform your outdoor living areas. From start to finish, we create, design, manage and ultimately construct the landscape. It requires a unique blend of talents on our part, a balance of left-brain and right-brain skills, but working this way delivers a host of benefits to our clients. First, there’s the security of knowing that you’re dealing with us alone. We take ownership of the landscape design, the installation process, and the result, so you’ll never be left worrying “if it’ll all work out”.  Equally important and just as beneficial is the assurance that we’ve developed a time-tested process that increases efficiency and improves communication at every step of the way. It allows us to give you tremendous value for your budget –and peace of mind.

When we meet in person, we’ll explain our process in more detail. But the following explanation should give you an idea of what to expect.

Our process begins with you. With the first call, or the form you submit online, we want to understand what you’re looking for. This way, we’re already thinking about your project by the time we meet in person.

Complimentary Consultation.

Let the brainstorming begin.  Soon after our phone interview, we’ll send a Senior Designer with meet with you at your home. During this free consultation, you’ll receive a landscape design proposal which will outline the project’s goals, timeline, and estimate of the design cost. You will also receive a planning questionnaire which will help you better identify specific goals and desires.

Site Analysis. 

The nuts and bolts are examined.  At this time, we will review and discuss the planning questionnaire, discuss possible materials and consider other pertinent input from you, the homeowner.  We’ll take detailed measurements of the property and reference photographs to be used during the development of the landscape plan.

Conceptual Design Presentation. 

Voila!  Oh, the possibilities. . .  Approximately two weeks later, we will present conceptual plans specifically designed for you.  This is when the fun truly begins, especially for you. Taking your comments and feedback into account, we begin the process of refining, and turning the ideas into detailed landscape plans.  You’ll see several important iterations on the way.  The Existing Conditions Plan (what’s there now) and the Conceptual Design Presentation (what soon will be)  will be integrated and will become the Conceptual Design Plan. This is essentially the proposed concept for the design.

Final Landscape Plan.

Here we go!  The Final Landscape Plan is determined based on input from you, the homeowner, after reviewing the Conceptual Design Plan, the Existing Conditions Plan, and the Statement of Values (comprehensive budget).

Before we begin, you will be presented with your final Landscape Plan and Construction Proposal about a week after the Conceptual Plan is approved. At this meeting, we’ll carefully review the following:

• Conceptual Design
• Hardscape plan
• Planting plan
• Demolition plan (and details therein)
• Construction proposal (detailed estimate of time and cost)

After these elements are reviewed and approved, construction is scheduled. We will then be on our way to creating the landscape of your dreams – and the backdrop by which you’ll remember the moments of your lives. Our goal is to earn the privilege of making your vision a reality, and exceeding your greatest expectations, while earning your confident referral to friends and neighbors.