The ADLA Process
INITIAL CONSULTATION
We begin with an initial consultation to understand how you desire to use your space, and what your expectations are for the project. At this meeting we will discuss your ideas, precedent considerations and programmatic goals, and gather base information and photos that help us analyze your site. Afterwards, we provide a letter of engagement that outlines the design scope and our deliverables package for your specific project.
SITE ANALYSIS
During this phase the design team will come to your home to make detailed site measurements and analysis of the site. These include the natural systems, grades and level changes, spatial qualities and view corridors. We also record the existing static conditions such as tree locations, utilities along with structures or features.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Schematic Design is the phase in which we will communicate our initial recommendations through sketches, plans and precedent images. Documents produced in Schematic Design will describe the extent and character of the layout, planting areas and hardscape elements. These drawings will be at a conceptual level and will not include the detail necessary for installation. This process is collaborative and fun. Your input along with ADLA’s recommendations will define the project objectives and design program.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
When you have given your approval of the Schematic Design, the Design Development and Construction Documentation phase will take your project to a level of detail sufficient for our crew to install. At this stage, our team will advance and define your planting and hardscape plans, dimensional site plans and structural drawings (if necessary). All material selections and specifications will be finalized in this phase. You will receive a set of developed drawings along with an estimated cost of installation at the completion of this phase.
IMPLEMENTATION + PLANTING
We work closely with our own, skilled in-house crews as well as a team of craftsmen with whom we have had longstanding relationships. Our design team provides construction administration throughout the implementation process in order to achieve the level of quality we demand. As part of the design development process we produce planting plans that portray the layout and specify plant species. Using this plan as a guide, by our designers place the plants on site once the installation is underway. We take pride in our planting designs and recognize that this process is best when care is taken to make sure the design on paper meets the aesthetics we want to achieve on the ground.
SUSTAIN
We believe maintenance is critical for landscape designs to develop over time. We guide this process throughout the years with specialized seasonal maintenance directed by our experienced gardeners. We offer monthly, quarterly and biannual services to ensure the landscape thrives and evolves in alignment with the original design intent.