While we’re often called to look at a specific area or problem in a client’s outdoor space, we encourage our clients to think beyond the problem at hand to envision what they want their overall outdoor space to be. This doesn’t mean that we build more than the client wants. Instead, we design with the big picture in mind and divide that master plan in to smaller projects that can be constructed over time.
This type of landscape architecture is what we do most at Carex Design Group. Bob Graves, our owner and landscape architect, develops an overall concept for a property, providing direction that can be followed over a period of months or years as a property is fully developed.
There are two reasons why we recommend landscape master plans to our clients:
Setting the Stage
If all the big-picture elements are decided upon early in the design process, project planning becomes so much easier. Items like driveways, structures, etc. can dramatically impact a property. If those elements aren’t planned properly they may look like an accident or reaction instead of an intentionally planned element.
Budgeting More Effectively
With a master plan in place, you can set your budget for upcoming landscape construction in phases. This allows you to bite off only what you can afford and plan for future projects down the road. Many of our customers show some hesitation when they ask us to divide up a big design into smaller projects. In reality, most people can’t afford to landscape their entire outdoor space at one time. It’s incredibly common for landscape installation to be done in phases, which makes master planning a perfect option.
Illustrative Landscape Design Drawings and 3-D Landscape Design Renderings
At Carex Design Group, we typically use one of two options to prepare landscape design master plans — illustrative drawings and three-dimensional renderings. Both beautifully convey the overall design aesthetic for an outdoor space yet provide leeway as each project progresses to the detailed drawing and construction phase. The master plan includes a design style or theme such as structured with sharp angles or graceful with sweeping bed lines. It also provides direction on where elements will be placed in relation to one another.
However, master plans don’t typically contain details such as specific material choices, plant selections and others. This lack of detail provides the flexibility we’ll need down the road as each project evolves to the construction phase.
Check out the examples below to get a better idea of what each type of design contains.
Get Your Own Master Plan
For help creating a big-picture master plan for your outdoor spaces, call Bob at 865-765-5550 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
