SHEPARD • DESIGN • ASSOCIATES
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
|
|
Philosophy & Services
“The most critical factor in great landscape design is a
true understanding of what is possible.”
- AJ Shepard
Shepard Design Associates' success with Commercial, Hospitality, and Residential Estate Landscape Architecture is built on years of experience of listening closely to clients. Expertise, in a variety of areas, allows Shepard Design Associates to offer a wide range of services. Whether working on a city container garden, large estate, or commercial landscaping, our approach to the design process is key. As the design process is implemented and progresses, an important relationship between client and designer is developed, which is key to achievement of client objectives. Our depth of understanding of the psychology of landscape design is unparalleled; the physics of manipulating terrain to create a lookout or focal point, combining plants based on complimenting or contrasting colors along with masterful pairing of different leaf textures, and integrating the building materials (whether it is stone, hardwoods, glass, metal, concrete or water) our expert and experience in these areas is what makes the gardens we design have impact. back to top
Having an architectural background, Shepard Design Associates takes prides in the ability to artfully integrate the landscape design with the design or style of the building. This talent is what sets Shepard Design Associates apart from other landscape design companies. This process combines a blend of disciplines with the ability to interpret client’s objectives into a creative and seamlessly integrated landscape solution. This process accommodates the evolutionary nature of the design experience, allowing for ample opportunities to incorporate our client’s input. Shepard Design Associates' unique talents and evolutionary design approach is the cornerstone to our Landscape Architectural philosophy, which is to create great gardens that stand the test of time. Below is one of Mr. Shepard's favorite quotes, and the tenets on which his company's philosophy is based. back to top
“Building is an organism only if in accord with inside and both the character and nature of its purpose, process, place and time. It will then incorporate the nature of the site, of the methods by which it is constructed, and finally the whole - from grade to coping, ground to skyline - will be becoming to its purpose. This is all merely the common sense of organic architecture.”
-Frank Lloyd Wright
Shepard Design Associates Design Process
Shepard Design Associates design process follows a series of phases. These phases are designed to take the client smoothly through the evolution of the design process and thoroughly address goals and concerns.
Phase 1 Introductions and Familiarization of Site
Assessment of Project Specifics and Objectives: An initial meeting and walk through starts the client / designer relationship. Listening to the client’s wants, needs, and wishes is essential to determining scope of the project. Shepard Associates' goal at this phase is to distill information about the property itself and client objectives and determine a design approach unique to the project. This phase ends with an agreement between a client and Mr. Shepard about design approach which will be translated to a proposal in the next phase.
Phase 2 Initial Conceptual Design of Ideas
A concept plan is presented to the client. This plan offers preliminary plant palette, structure concept, and general feel for materials proposed. The client offers feedback based on this presentation. Once the client’s input is incorporated an authorization and acceptance of the preliminary design concept is requested. The concept then continues to evolve into the next phase, Design Development.
Phase 3 Design Development of the Concept Ideas
Once the concept design is accepted then certain design elements will need to be developed further in order to achieve a better understanding at a closer level f detail, such as type of materials, sections, dimensions, and proper proportions. During this time preliminary estimates are formulated with approval of the budget range. This will finalize the design and lead to formulating an agreement between client and Shepard Design Associates for construction drawings.
Phase 4 Construction Documents
Construction documents are drawings and specifications used to submit to the local governmental agency for permits, to release for competitive bids, and ultimately plans from which to construct the garden. After spending several hours with the client, listening, adjusting, and working through concerns, it is at this point that a commitment is made to the design concept. Drawings that conform to all governmental regulations are prepared. Again during this phase, there continues to be clear communication with the client about any necessary revisions to the evolving design. A budget is included in this phase for approval. The bidding phase follows.
Phase 5 Bidding of Documents
Phase 5 begins with a request for bids from qualified contractors. Shepard Design Associates assists the client in reviewing bids and references and the best contractor(s) is selected.
Phase 6 Pre-Construction
Pre-construction meeting is a key to the success of Shepard Design Associates. Communication between client, designer, and contractors is continual. To this end, “Intent of the Plans”, “Method of Communication,” and “Review Requirements” are agreed upon.
Phase 7 Construction Overview
Construction Overview by the designer is to help ensure the integrity of the project. These are reviews during the construction progress that are at “Critical Points of Construction.” These are named in the Agreement between the Owner and Designer.
Phase 8 Project Closeout
This is a final walkthrough to observe and note items that need to be finished or corrected. This generates a “Punch List" that the contractor will need to complete before final payment or liens are released.
Phase 9 Landscape Management
By definition, caring for the new landscaping is evolving, growing, and changing continually. The care and maintenance requirements are an essential ingredient to a successful landscape. Shepard Design Associates can provide a complete set of guidelines for care of the garden and assistance as needed for the hand-over of maintenance from the installing contractor to the maintenance contractor or gardener.