R DESIGN

ABOUT: Design Process + Construction

  • process1
  • process2
  • An initial site visit is arranged to discuss the goals of the project with the owners, landscape architects, building architect and the general contractor.
  • This is an example of a property site analysis and initial concept diagram including the best location for the buildings, roads, preserved vegetation, contour grading, drainage ways, good and bad views, parking areas, walkways, patios and ideal pool location.
  • Working very closely with the architect, the landscape architect helps to determine which existing vegetation is best to preserve on site and the best location for the future house.
  • A more detailed site analysis is then conducted to determine how the indoor and outdoor functions will work together.
  • Hand sketching showing different design options is a great way of quickly communicating alternatives in the schematic design phase.
  • Scaled site models showing the buildings, topography, and landscape elements are also a great way to communicate how the buildings and site will work together.
  • Computer 3-D modeling can also be explored and presented to each owner to make the design ideas much easier to understand and visualize.
  • The ability to chose any view, whether from inside the living room to a view of a pool patio becomes a very powerful way to show the design options.
  • A landscape master plan showing structure placement, drive and walkway layout, pool and water features, contour grading, site walls, and garden areas.
  • During the design development phase different material options and design details are explored and the construction budget is further refined.
  • Construction documents (blueprints) are then developed to show all details such as layouts, materials, finishes, contour grading, walls, walkways, plantings etc.
  • Custom elements such as a water features and walls are designed and detailed to ensure proper construction and long term functionality.
  • Periodic site visits from the landscape architect are imperative to ensure that the construction documents are being followed by the contractors and to answer any questions that may arise
  • Layouts and material are checked on site during construction to ensure that everything is installed correctly.
  • A site visit showing the inspection of a pool, water feature, site grading and stone walls.
  • A low retaining with proper footers, reinforcement, stone detailing and drainage being installed.
  • Plants are chosen and inspected either at a local nursery or on site to ensure they meet the standards of the landscape architect.
  • On site meetings with the contractors are critical to ensure all structural layouts are installed correctly.
  • The completed installed courtyard and water feature.
  • Form work for all walls and walkways are inspected for proper installation.
  • Before the warranty is up on all work done by the contractors ( typically 1 year) the landscape architect will meet with owner to inspect all the landscape elements and put together a punch list of all items that need to be replaced.
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