HOW WE WORK
Designing your garden, step by step
Every project is different, but our approach remains the same, thoughtful, collaborative, and clear. To ensure you receive a well-designed, well-executed garden, we break the process down into a series of logical stages, outlined below.
We will develop the brief together, and I will write it up into a logical and clear way - this will become the basis of the new design, along with your gardens unique characteristics. You will get to read and comment on the written brief to make sure we've included everything you need before we start the concept design. When I complete the concept design you’ll have the opportunity to review the 3D visuals, mood boards and written response the the brief and provide feedback. This level of involvement means you’re fully informed and supported throughout, ensuring your garden evolves in line with your needs, your site, and your personal vision.
Here’s how we take your garden from first ideas to a space you can enjoy for years to come.
The Process >
Stage 1 — Initial Site Visit
After an initial phone consultation, we arrange a site visit to walk through your garden in person. This helps us understand your aspirations, the character of the site, and any practical requirements. From here, we’ll prepare a clear design brief together and a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work and associated fees.
Stage 2 — Concept Plan & 3D Visals
We begin by commissioning a professional survey to capture the layout, topography, and any existing features or services. Using this, we develop a concept design — including 2D plans, 3D visualisations, and mood boards — that explores the overall layout and feel of your new garden. At this stage, it’s all about the big picture.
Stage 3 — Construction Plan & Design Details
Once the concept is agreed, we refine the design into a final Construction Plan and detail drawings needed to build the garden. This includes carefully considered spatial arrangements, suggested materials, setting out information and the material quantities necessary for pricing. These documents ensure clarity for landscapers when quoting and consistency of what is being priced.
Stage 4 — Planting, Lighting & Irrigation Plans
With the Construction Plan completed, we focus on Planting. This includes suitable plant images, plant setting-out plans, lighting layouts for both task and mood lighting, and irrigation plans to help the planting establish and thrive where required.
Stage 6 — Tender
Once the design and technical documents are complete, we invite selected landscape contractors to quote for the build. We check all returned costings for accuracy, meet with potential landscapers, and guide you through the selection process with our recommendations.
Stage 7 — Site Monitoring
To ensure your garden is built as designed, we offer site monitoring throughout the construction phase. This includes regular site visits, progress reviews, and ongoing liaison with the contractors to maintain quality and alignment with the design. This includes a final sign off meeting with you and the landscaper present.
Garden Design and Build Services
Working with professional landscapers, lighting designers, artists. sculptors and plant nurseries, professional garden designer Dan Hartley designs outstanding gardens for private residential clients, architects, interior designers and property developers, as well as public spaces, in and around Hertfordshire, London, Essex and Buckinghamshire.
With a client base extending from Bedfordshire, Surrey and Berkshire, to Suffolk, Cambridge and across the South East, Dan's fully project-managed garden design and build services ensure you receive a seamless transition from initial design through to completion of your dream garden.