The client's needs and the project's complexity will determine the design requirements. Most residential design projects include:

1. Initial Consultation: Meet with the architect or design consultant to review the project's requirements and objectives. Begin developing your requirements and objectives by filling out the design requirement checklist (link found on the resource page).

2. Concept Plan: After understanding your ideas and priorities, the architect analyzes the
site’s character, strengths, and issues, then develops alternative concept plans for review.

3. Master Plan: The final master plan includes a complete spatial layout for your outdoor living spaces and other hardscape or architectural concepts, reflecting your choices with the architect.

4. Planting Plan: This working drawing includes botanical names, container sizes, specific plant locations, and planting instructions for the contractor.

5. Additional Plan Documents: Depending on your project's scope, your design plans may also include a lighting plan, specialized guidelines on planting or irrigation, or notes and sketches on design elements such as water features or furniture and accessories placement.

6. Installation Assistance: Many landscape architects assist in soliciting and reviewing construction bids, referring contractors, or providing drawings only. Depending on the contract structure with your architecture firm, they may stay involved throughout the installation phase to advise on design modifications, material selections, and the purchase and placement of garden art and accessories.

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