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Our Process

Working With Andy Stedman Design

Embark on a transformative journey with Andy Stedman Design, where your garden and outdoor living spaces evolve into personalised extensions of your lifestyle, enhancing both beauty and value to your property.

From exclusive garden design packages to comprehensive end-to-end services, including contractor arrangements and project monitoring, we tailor our offerings to meet your unique needs.

For an overview of our meticulous process, explore the step-by-step guide below, complete with estimated timings.

Step 1

Complimentary Introduction

Timing: 1-3 Days
The process begins with an introductory call, addressing your initial questions and ensuring compatibility. Following this, we schedule a video consultation where we assess your garden, explain our process, showcase a design project, and present your custom design fee proposal.
Step 2

Consultation

Timing: 2-3 Weeks

During step 2 we engage in a detailed discussion of your landscaping project, exploring ideas and reviewing inspirational images to understand your garden aspirations. We analyse the practicality of ideas, capturing insights during an on-site visit with photos and videos for reference. A site analysis plan is created, serving as the basis for zoning your garden and guiding the layout.

Following this, we compile a written design brief incorporating all your wishlist items. This brief is sent to you for approval, becoming our written instructions for the design process once signed off. To ensure accuracy, third-party surveyors conduct a topographical survey, supplying us with a detailed depiction of the site’s features and levels.

Step 3

Concept Design

Timing: 2-4 Weeks

We begin with an annotated 2D sketch plan and a mood-board, offering an overview of your evolving design layout incorporating your wishlist and design brief. This draft document serves as a work-in-progress, fostering discussion for your input before further development. Initial draft costs, based on averages and industry data, are presented for transparency at this stage.

We engage in a detailed discussion either in person or via video call to gather your feedback, ensuring the design aligns with your vision. Your input is crucial, and our goal is to achieve your desired result. We then carry out a thorough round of revisions, adjusting the design based on your thoughts and feedback. Before progressing to the next step, we ensure your satisfaction with the updated sketch plan.

Step 4

Developed Design

Timing: 2-4 Weeks

In the subsequent step, a fully annotated, to-scale 2D concept plan is meticulously crafted, showcasing a detailed representation of all elements within your new design. Mood boards are refined to further connect imagery to your concept plan, offering a clear vision of your envisioned space. Additionally, photo-realistic 3D visuals, or 3D renders, are generated to provide a virtual reality view, revealing every angle, crucial views, and intricate details.

We reconvene, either in person or via video call, to delve into your refined design. Updated costs are presented to reflect any modifications made to your design. At this stage, you’ve experienced your new garden in intricate detail in a virtual environment. We conduct another comprehensive round of revisions, ensuring your satisfaction with the changes before progressing further.

Step 5

Design Detail

Timing: 2-4 Weeks

We proceed to generate a comprehensive set of detailed plans, drawings, and elevations. These documents encompass everything from planting plans and lighting layouts to construction details. The master plan, a finalised annotated 2D overview of the entire site, allowing for phasing of the project, if needed. 

Detailed planting plans provide a clear vision and layout, including plant size, spacing, and location. A product and material specification for each element in your space, typically sourced from our showroom, is also produced.

The plans extend to an irrigation layout covering tap locations, ducting beneath hard landscaping, and soaker hose lines. Drainage plans address paved areas, slot drains and permeable paving.  

We arrange a third presentation meeting for detailed discussions. Accurate final costs provide a clear project overview. 

Step 6

Landscaping

Timing:  3-4 month schedule from a completed design

Your completed design is ready for our recommended contractors to plan your landscaping. We match you with the best-suited landscaper based on location, schedule, garden size, and design complexity. Your concept and developed design are shared with the chosen landscaper for familiarisation before a formal introduction.

We work on a project works schedule to ensure completion within a reasonable timeframe. 

Step 7

Project Monitoring

We actively oversee the project until completion. Scheduled site meetings and inspections, usually at fortnightly, align with the contractor’s work schedule and key project stages. This proactive approach ensures we can promptly address any questions, resolve issues, and adapt plans if unforeseen challenges arise. Serving as a neutral intermediary, we provide feedback to both you and the contractor to ensure the garden is constructed true to the design, facilitating a smooth project execution.

You are welcome to join us on-site during these visits, and we’ll coordinate a convenient time for all parties to address any questions or concerns. It’s important to note that, for immediate construction queries, the contractor will be your daily contact.

Step 8

Maintenance Schedule and Contractor

Once the landscaping is underway we shift our focus to ensuring the long-term plan of your garden and your investment. We develop a detailed maintenance schedule outlining tasks for each week, month, and season. This comprehensive plan covers all aspects, from tending to new perennials and hedges to lawn care, alleviating the stress of maintaining your garden year-round.

If you opt for professional maintenance assistance, we introduce you to our recommended maintenance contractors. Our curated list includes vetted professionals, ranging from general gardeners to tree surgeons. By coordinating the maintenance schedule and connecting you with a reliable contractor, we provide peace of mind that your investment will be well-cared for in the years to come.

Step 9

Handover

In the concluding step, we conduct a final review of your finished garden before the landscapers apply the finishing touches. During this site visit, we ensure that every aspect has been executed to the highest standards.

Following this, we collaborate with the contractors to create a snagging list—a compilation of items that require completion before the final sign-off. This meticulous process ensures that any outstanding details are addressed comprehensively.

Upon satisfaction from all parties involved, the project is officially signed off, and your garden is handed over to you, ready to be enjoyed.

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