Vibrant purple heather flowers growing in a landscaped garden with green shrubs and rocks."


Sustainable landscape design.


I specialize in creating sustainable landscape designs, using climate-adapted plants and energy- and water-saving landscape techniques. My designs are inspired by natural plant communities, and I strive to capture the essence of natural landscapes. My goal is to present a variety of beautiful plants in a way that invites people to be in close contact with them and to be inspired by their individual, intrinsic beauty.


In my designs, I begin by understanding the space, aesthetic preference, and vision of my client. I balance style goals, functional needs, and sustainable aspirations into a beautiful, custom design.

The Proposal



I will send you a detailed design questionnaire
to learn as much as possible about your goals and needs for the land. Upon completion, I meet with you at the site to continue gathering as much information as possible and to ensure that our vision and philosophy for the land match.



After the first meeting, I will write a proposal to clarify the design process and detail the upcoming work. This isn’t the landscape design—it is the basis for further work. I will outline the timeline and the fees associated with the project. Upon your approval, I will move into the design phases.

Landscape Design Phases


Creating a beautiful, sustainable landscape is a journey! I’d like you to please explore each step of my design and installation process to see how we can bring your vision to life.

A site survey is required for every project. You can provide one if you already have one, or I can commission one. For smaller designs, I can complete the survey myself.

The analysis allows me to learn about the land by examining all factors that impact your site. These include:

• Patterns in people, weather, and traffic
• The environment’s natural factors and built structures
• Opportunities and constraints relevant to the site

I will use all the information and measurements gathered to create a base plan drawing in AutoCAD. This accurately depicts the property on which all other plans are built. AutoCAD is a professional computer-aided design (CAD) software that allows for precise, scalable, and highly detailed drawings, ensuring accuracy in measurements, layout, and planning for the landscape design process.

The conceptual plan drawing is an overall vision for the property, outlining the general elements and areas in response to your needs and vision for the space. Examples might include paths, garden structures, naturalistic meadows, native restoration areas, perennial beds, food forests, and annual vegetable gardens.

The concept does not include detailed planting plans or material selection.

For an example of a concept plan, click here!

Upon completion, I will review the concept plan with you and make any necessary changes and revisions based on your feedback.

Upon approval of the concept design, I draft a detailed drawing set.

These include:
• Detailed planting plans
• Plant lists
• Hardscaping options
• Construction drawings, if necessary

For an example of a detailed planting plan, click here!

This phase is when the building of the project begins. After the detailed design is agreed upon, I provide a scope of work and construction details for contractors to offer quotes and build. I can recommend and communicate with contractors for you.

I will coordinate and manage the installation of the project. I am happy to liaise with contractors you routinely work with for aspects of the project that require heavy machinery or specialized training outside the scope of my work. I can also recommend trusted contractors to ensure that your garden and landscape design is implemented to the highest standards. These contractors will have a direct contract and liability with you.


It is my preference to install softscape and above-ground irrigation with my team to ensure the integrity of the planting design.

Maintenence


After the project is complete, I will discuss aftercare and maintenance with you. I will also coordinate with trusted maintenance and irrigation contractors who have a strong reputation and with whom I have built lasting relationships.


I remain involved throughout the project’s completion to ensure the landscape continues to thrive.