The Design Process

The Initial Consultation

The issues we will "bring to the table" at your initial consultation are many. Our purpose is to:

Assess the type of outdoor spaces you need.
- Do you entertain outdoors?
- Do you have small children?
- Are you considering a pool and/or hot tub?
- Do you need accommodations for people with special needs?
- Do you enjoy gardening or would you prefer low maintenance installations?
Discuss your preferences in terms of hard surfacing, plant material, overall theme, etc.
Show you the latest materials available for decks, patios, retaining walls, etc. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different products and plant material, and make recommendations on which will serve your needs in the best manner.
Determine if there is existing plant material that can be utilized, relocated, etc.
- Do you currently have trees and shrubs on site that we should incorporate into the design?
- Are there any other landscape features such as natural areas or garden art that need to be accommodated
Evaluate the drainage on the site and decide if there are problems which need be addressed

Concept Verification

After the initial consultation, we go to work synthesizing all the concepts and creating your landscape design. Once the main elements of the plan are "on paper" we will schedule a concept verification meeting to make sure we are on track with your wishes, your needs, and your budget. When approved, this preliminary design is taken to the final stage where both plant and hardscape materials are detailed.

Final Design

The final design is 24” x 36”, is presented in color and drafted on a computer so that all of the measurements and quantities used for your proposal are extremely accurate. In addition, if changes need to be made, the prints are easily revised and updated. Everything is clearly on paper and approved by you before the shovels go into the ground

Proposal

The proposal generated from the design will encompass the entire project. Many of our customers choose to phase their projects over a period of time, and we can certainly help you determine which portions of your project should be done in what order. The purpose is to assure that every dollar spent goes toward the final "product" that will suit both your needs and tastes, as well as the requirements of your property. In addition, we can provide easy financing for your project through GE Financing.

Fee

There is a fee for the design portion of the landscape, which is payable at the time the final drawing is presented to you. If, however, you choose Miller Landscape as your contractor, and you contract for a minimum dollar amount of work, 50% of this design fee is rebated off of your final bill.

What We Need From You

Prior to the first design appointment, you will be asked to obtain a copy of your site plan [mortgage survey] and a set of house plans to borrow, if available. This paperwork is used to accurately input your site on the computer and allows the designer to take full advantage of views, points of access, traffic patterns, etc. If these documents are not available, the site will be hand measured.