Home | About Scene | Our Approach | The Process | Founder | Contact Scene
1. Initial Consultation – we will meet you to discuss your requirements, look at your site, talk about the process and show you our portfolio. This will give you the opportunity to get to know us, ask lots of questions and gain a better understanding of how we can help you. We will write to you following this meeting, providing you with an outline of how we could take the project forward and a fee proposal for the various stages. Design fees start from £500.
2. Development of The Brief – this can either be an extension of the Initial Consultation or a separate meeting. Fundamental to a successful design is our understanding of you and of how you wish to use your space. The Brief collates all this information. It is something tangible - something we can refine and agree upon - representing a vital stage in the process. If you are using an architect or interior designer it would be helpful to meet them at this point.
3. Survey & Analysis – all sites will require a survey before any design work can commence. We strive for perfection and working with accurate information ensures our designs translate smoothly from drawing board to location. For small, level sites this may be carried out in-house; for larger, more complex sites, we will direct you to a local land surveyor.
4. Concept Plan – this is a discussion document which ensures that we are progressing down the right lines. At this point we are primarily considering the rhythm and flow within your space – identifying the underlying structure. We will meet to examine how and why we have made choices. We will put together mood boards and, where appropriate, 3-dimensional graphics, to help you visualise the spaces we are creating.
5. Sketch Design – the Concept Plans are revised to reflect your thoughts. They are developed and refined, incorporating individual details and ideas, until they acquire a life and identity of their own. Once complete, we will present them to you with a range of supporting materials. These will become the blueprint for your garden - a source of inspiration – enabling you to proceed as quickly or slowly as you wish. For some clients this is the end of the process. Others will continue to employ our services to implement the plan – either in its entirety or for specific elements.
6. Working Drawings & Specification – when you are ready to go ahead, we convert the sketch design into a different type of document – working drawings – from which a contractor can price and work. We will discuss the merits of a full competitive tender versus working with a recommended contractor. We can manage the tender process for you, either for the whole project or in phases. A clear and precise specification ensures there are no misunderstandings regarding the standard of workmanship and materials used.
7. Planting Plans – planting is a great way to influence the mood of a space. You may know what you want - bold architectural, wistful romantic. Alternatively, you may want to draw on our knowledge and use our sourcebooks for guidance and inspiration. As important as what you like is what is going to thrive in your environment and how much time you wish to spend on maintenance. To help you imagine the end result, we create a photographic montage of the varieties within the plan.
8. Supply of Plants and Trees – enabling us to source your plants not only saves you money, using our ability to buy wholesale, but also ensures that only the best quality plants are supplied and any substitutions are appropriate. We use a range of specialist nurseries – both local and overseas – to ensure we only plant the best. You may wish to come to the nurseries and be involved with picking the stock – especially specimen trees.
9. Sourcing – we pride ourselves on knowing the market inside out – knowing who offers the best products at the best prices – knowing who is experimenting with new materials or using old materials in novel ways. Whether it’s sculpture, outdoor furniture, paving – all are fundamental to the unity within the design and we believe we can help you identify the perfect piece, continuing to reflect you within your garden.
10. Project Monitoring – having sound working drawings, a solid specification and a skilled contractor are all key elements of a smooth project. However, creating your outdoor space will be a major logistical exercise. Our experience helps ensure deliveries are on time; foundations are dug to the right depth; soakaways function; walls are pointed with the correct mix . . . We can make the necessary decisions when a problem arises. We remove the stress and reassure you when all you see is an ocean of mud.
11. Maintenance – as with all investments, it is fundamental that you continue to care for them in an appropriate manner. This investment is alive and changes through the seasons, adding an additional dimension. We can prepare a monthly maintenance schedule to ensure your garden is looking its best throughout the year. In addition, you can call us at any stage for further advice.
12. Other Services – your job may involve other skills. We regularly undertake planning related work, including site plans; full planning applications, tree surveys, and woodland management reports. You may just want advice – and we can offer this on an hourly basis. There may be occasions when your job requires other specialists. We can either organise this for you or point you in the right direction.
Copyright © 2006 Scene - Designed and created by Smooth