A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step…

The initial consultation consists of exploring every desire — and limitation — for your ideal landscape.  Below is one example of a concept sketch turning directly into a finished project in about 4 weeks time…

This steep grassy hill was always a pain (and hazard!) for mowing, and we were already here to redesign the deck & patio space so…

A waterfall wasn’t out of the question, and I sketched out what I would do if it were my own backyard.

(this is generally how I start on a blank canvas — treat it like it’s my own, then apply your preferences)

With a slope like this facing the home, we knew the sight and sound of a naturalistic waterfall could have a dramatic effect.

An estimate was drawn up and approved based on this perspective sketch (and accurate site measurements).

The homeowners returned from vacation to the sound of water, filling their backyard.

This was installed as a pondless waterfall, and later expanded to include a pond for koi.

While this worked out great for a lot of reasons (mostly the total creative freedom given by the client), the next step,

CAD layout, is crucial to accurate estimating and clear communications.

oh sure, most of the 3D Renderings are actually CAD, too…     and there are a few CAD concepts over on that page, too, good point.  Let’s just look at some designs?

these are not presentation layouts, just a sampling…

Hand renderings at the top, 3D CAD down below.  Most of the renderings nowadays I do in CAD because it is so easy to make changes, but it’s still nice to have the option…

The great thing about having a perspective rendering of your design?

• Both you and your contractor are on the same page when it comes to the finished look.
• Especially important regarding ‘naturalistic’ boulder placement.
• You can frame it and hang it next to —  nevermind, but
• you can catch design changes you ‘wish you would have’ made after install,
• saving you potentially thousands of dollars.
  

  Design for the Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association's Garden Display for Garden Expo 2012, February 10-12th in Madison, WI

   

strictly photos here…