Design Process

Designing a landscape is a process involving many layers and steps, both subtle and bold. WCA's rigorous design process is relevant to projects both large and small. Click on a box below to view details on a given phase.

Phase 1: Initial diagnostic analysis and investigation

Investigate, through readily available data, the opportunities and constraints of a proposed project.

• Identify and prioritize client goals and intentions.
• Perform preliminary assessment of site.
• Draft initial project goals and objectives.
• Determine whether to continue the process (based on.?)
• Organize project process and form design team.
• Acquire site data through maps, photos, literature, regulatory requirements, walking the site with the client, etc
• Identify critical priority issues and policies.
• Confirm development program and strategies with client.
• Articulate preliminary planning and design concepts.
• Prepare preliminary design cost magnitudes and strategies

Research missing information, and summarize data into a form for use during the course of the project.

• Contact utilities, town offices, etc. for information on buried utilities, legal and relevant regulatory information
• Plan the inventory and assessment process.
• Prepare base map or maps. A topographic survey is most often a separate and parallel task.
• Perform physical area, site inventory, and analysis
• Determine approval requirements and consequent strategies.

 

Phase 2: Schematic planning and design concepts

Determine whether a particular concept is feasible based on the needs of the client or users and the most evident physical, economic, political, and legal constraints.

• Refine the preliminary program and alternatives.
• Establish design criteria and standards.
• Prepare conceptual or schematic plan or plans.
• Develop prototypical design studies.—what does this mean?
• Draw schemes in section, elevation, and/or axonometric view—to help both client and designer see the plans from a third dimension.
• Run the numbers—calculate square feet, cubic yards, areas of change, materials required, etc.
• Refine cost estimates (based on above).
• Test feasibility of important design elements. Assess pros and cons of each concept.
• Test reaction of client (and contractors, engineers, permit authorities when advisable) to various concepts.
• Seek preliminary approvals for preferred concept.

 

Phase 3: Design Development Documents

Refine schematic plans into design development and construction documents, and obtain final approvals.

• Prepare definitive site plans (building, and engineering plans by others).
• Assess legal and community planning implications.
• Perform sensitivity analysis of major assumptions.
• Complete construction documents such as the following: Landscape plans, planting plans, layout or staking plans, earth work/grading and drainage plans, irrigation, lighting, and construction details.

 

Phase 4: Preconstruction

Plan and organize the desired construction and management process to ensure maximum control of quality and cost.

• Prepare preconstruction schedules.
• Meet with potential bidders to review site and client needs and specifications
• Solicit bids within a predetermined process.
• Negotiate contracts with selected bidder(s).
• Award contracts.

 

Phase 5: Construction inspection services

The level of involvement and cost of construction oversight (??) can vary widely depending on a number of factors. A project manager or clerk of the works is needed to coordinate the work, particularly when a number of different contractors are needed to complete specific tasks.

• Identify the existing elements of the site that will require protection, and ensure measures are taken to protect them (e.g., key trees, existing utilities, stone walls, etc.).
• Supervise and coordinate the construction process, including scheduling, reporting, recording, inspecting, monitoring and controlling costs, and general administration.
• Accept plans, approve completed work, and authorize payments to contractors.

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