Landscape Design... it’s a Creative Process.
The construction of landscapes is a tangible process where each step is visible. The creative process of design is more nebulous but is the foundation of the project. I sat down with Jessica Staples and Emma Johnston, two Landscape Architects within our d
Q: How does your process start?
A: First meet the client and listen carefully! Often the client is looking for particular guidance - helping define the parameters of their brief is vital. A site plan is drafted with all the necessary information to begin developing the concept.
We each have a different way of finding inspiration for the project. (Emma) I find my Eureka moments often come during sleep - my first job in the morning is deciphering night-time inspiration into a realistic plan! From this point, the original idea will be tweaked into a concept that meets the client’s brief. (Jessica) For me, it starts with the client and the site equally. Often having a tricky starting point (a difficult brief or site) leads me to a more interesting outcome than a clean site with less to play-off.
Q: When does the client learn about the costs involved?
A: A feasibility study is created. We sit down with our quantity surveyor and formulate the costs. We then present this with the concept to the client, accompanied by 3D visual drawings to bring it to life. This meeting is vital is to ensure we are all on the same page and have captured the client’s vision accurately. It is fundamental to design a landscape that is within our client’s budget so clear communication about this is crucial.
Q: Is the concept set in stone at this point?
A: Absolutely not. We allow the client as much time as they need to ruminate on the concept and provide feedback. Once the client is completely happy with the concept we move into developed design, which is where we formulate the details and materials used. This forms the basis for a fixed quote. Providing a fixed quote is a vital part of the Goom process to ensure there are no nasty surprises. The quote is presented to the client with the proposed construction timeframes. The client can reflect on the mechanics of the quote and process and can still raise concerns about any design issues before confirmation.
Q: What directly inspires you in your designs?
A: (Emma) Concrete is one of my favourite products. I thrive on finding solutions to landscaping challenges and I am always on the lookout for new ways of doing things. Landscapers are reliant on the same resources but thinking of clever ways of using these resources to create innovative functional and aesthetic design is my goal. While I have my preferences, it is vital in my role as a Landscape Architect to capture the vision of the client even though, on occasion, it doesn’t align with my design ethos. Care is needed to avoid repetition and give clients a landscape as unique as they are. It can take time to get the concept exactly right!
(Jessica) At times inspiration occurs during the first meeting, but personally I work best when I have time to think things over. Inspiration comes from everywhere. Access to the internet/social media has been great for sharing ideas. I am constantly inspired by our team and their capabilities to bring new ideas to life. It’s rewarding to be able to work through details together to explore the potential of our materials - floating concrete a little further, curving timber a little tighter, suspending objects and obscuring fixings.