Landscaping Architectural Services

Schematic design is the foundation of landscape architectural services. We begin with a series of consultations with the homeowner where we discuss the essentials of the project. Most homeowners have a definite sense of what they want, but they frequently have difficulty articulating specifics of design, form, and structure. It is our duty to clarify these specifics by asking the right questions, then putting the answers we glean down into a landscaping plan that can function as a graphic frame of reference to the entire plan of action.

The next phase of landscape architectural services is the publication of construction documentation. Since most of our work involves building various types of structures on the landscape, we frequently bring in subcontractors to handle the specifics of construction. It is essential to have all contracts and insurance forms completely filled out and itemized in the form of checklists prior to the subcontractors actually coming onsite. This saves money and time, prevents confusion, and streamlines process flow by getting everyone on the same page before the project gets underway.

Landscape architectural services also require the publication of detailed layout plans prior to the inception of any construction work. Subcontractors need to be fully aware of what we ultimately plan to do on the property from an aesthetic perspective. It helps them better concentrate their energies when they see how their specific expertise fits into the big picture. This is particularly true when it comes to building structures near large trees that require unique tree preservation strategies that ensure the health and longevity of trees. It is also particularly true for custom pool design. Pool contractors must be made aware of other elements that we intend to add to the landscape so they will build the pool proportional to surrounding back yard landscaping, custom gardens, outdoor structures, and home architecture.

Hardscape plans help separate the inorganic elements of landscape architectural services from the organic aspects of design. Plans for structures such as paved driveways, brick walkways, patios, seating areas, fences, and walls have to be carefully designed so as to respect home architecture and act as forces that actually sculpt the organic appearance of the landscape (such as trees, bushes, and gardens) into an order and system of form and theme.

Elevation drawings come next. Even though Houston is built in one of the flattest areas of the country-the Gulf Coast Plain- there are nevertheless variations in elevation throughout the city. Areas around bayous sometimes lie beneath the floodplain and are at high risk of going underwater during heavy rains. The heavy clay content of our soil also makes it very prone to shifting. This can cause subtle variations in elevation within a yard that could put vegetation and structures at risk of water damage if too much rainwater collects on the property. Knowing where the high ground and low ground is, so to speak, helps us then develop strategies for the mechanical aspects of landscape architectural services: grading plans and irrigation plans

Grading is the science of altering land elevation for the purposes of better drainage. Its goal is to conceal drainage systems as much as possible so they do not diminish the aesthetics of the landscape. Building custom and concealed drains is a relatively simple matter for our team. However, getting the water to these drain areas may require certain alterations in terrain and hardscape forms. We may need to add fill dirt in the yard in order to get the water to run in a certain direction. Or, we may need to build a small stream that will add both a decorative element and a much needed water runoff area. For paved areas and custom patios, we have to slope the concrete or stone very precisely and in a very subtle degree that will be unnoticed by people standing on the hardscape, but that will be nonetheless sufficient to drain the water consistently from the surface.

The final phase in planning our landscape architectural services is the implementation of irrigation networks to water gardens, trees, hedgerows, and flower beds during the hot, dry months of the year. These systems are needed due to the fact that many of the species we plant are not indigenous to our area and cannot survive in an area like ours where rains are more seasonal than they are consistent. Again, the art of concealment is paramount here to preserve the appearance of the greenery. Our irrigation systems deliver water beneath the leaves of the plants and are therefore out of sight from admiring viewers. This is also more beneficial to plants than hoses and sprinklers because it prevents fungus from growing on the leaves.

In conclusion, we can say that the operative root word in landscape architectural services is architecture. Just as an architect develops a building project schematically, step by step, so too does our team develop each phase of professional landscape design as a series of documents and drawings that ensure all elements of the landscape blend together at the end of the day to create an experience that is truly unique and personalized to the sensibilities and lifestyle of the homeowner.