The Process

1. Consultation: ‘Let’s get to know each other’

The initial consultation is simply a get to know session. It is an opportunity for us to meet our clients, their families and get a good feel for their unique personality and lifestyle. One of our Owners, Douglas Bork or David Owen, both Registered Landscape Architects, will sit down with you and listen to your needs, objectives and your dreams for your outdoor spaces. This meeting provides an initial step in the brainstorming of ideas for your project. We will review your wants and needs, give you constructive input and feedback and determine your properties distinct opportunities as well as it possible constraints. We will give you input on realistic costs and talk about your budget to determine what makes economic sense for you. If you are ready to move forward we will present you with a ‘Design Agreement’. This is a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work to be designed and the fees associated with its creation. The creative design fees will vary depending on the size and complexity of your project.

2. Landscape Design: ‘The Creative Process’

The design process could be as simple as a quick sketch to convey ideas or it could be a series of concepts that evolve into a complex master plan that details every aspect of a property. Whichever you may need, our expert Landscape Architects can guide and direct you through the entire design process. After the initial consultation, we will have a good understanding of your needs and desires along with your targeted budget. From this we will be able to create a unique custom landscape design.

The first step is a detailed analysis of your site and an inventory of existing conditions of your property. We will take detailed field notes, accurately measure the dimensions of structures and spaces, identify and locate existing plant material, take detailed photographs of the site, survey the topography of the land and determine other critical site factors like drainage paths, sun/shade exposure, views and the architectural character of your home and the surrounding property. Once we have gathered all this information we combine it onto a detailed Base Plan of your site from which we can begin the design process.

We approach the design process as the foundation of a relationship with our clients. It is collaboration between the client and designer, each mutually invested to conceive and execute a common vision.

Every landscape architectural plan is unique to each client. We consider the landscape architecture and design “process” extremely important to our client’s complete satisfaction with their investment. With quality time spent in research, design, layout and planning, the aesthetics and functionality of your property can be maximized.

Design in general can be a very subjective undertaking. You want a landscape architect/designer that can incorporate proven reliable landscape materials with creative artistic expression. Each of our landscape designs are created with the client in mind but will maintain a level of aesthetics, sustainability, ease of maintenance, and functionality. We believe you should enjoy your outdoor living spaces and landscape, not to be bound to it with excessive maintenance and care. A properly designed and installed landscape should require minimal care and last for many years. All of our landscape designs are drawn to scale and individually colored to provide an authentic presentation of the essence of the final installed landscape design. The plans will include important detailed information and specifications regarding all construction elements and materials. The design serves as the primary communication tool between the designer and client, demonstrating a comprehensive layout of your goals with our creative solutions.

3. Approval and Permitting

Once you have signed your contract, we enter the approval and permitting phase. Throughout Georgia, each city, town and county has its own set of rules, requirements and regulations. We will help you walk your plans through the entire permit process, ensuring that you receive the proper approvals and permits without hassle and with the least amount of delay. We will also assist you in submitting your plans to your neighborhoods HOA to insure compliance and to receive your association’s approval. Once the appropriate permits and approvals have been obtained we will schedule your project for construction.

4. Construction and Installation: ‘Your Project Comes to Life!’

We create and install landscapes every day. Because of our knowledge and experience we are able to schedule, coordinate, organize and execute your projects construction with efficiently and within budget. We create good value by providing our clients with the very best service and materials at a competitive price. During construction, we have ongoing conversations with our clients to go over details and keep you appraised on what’s going on throughout the project. You are encouraged to ask questions, and make changes if you desire. We realize this is your home and we strive to make the construction process pleasant, safe and clean for you and your family. We will respect your home and property as if it is our own. Upon completion, we will guide you through a thorough walkthrough and discuss the care, maintenance, and expectations of your new landscape. We want to make sure everything is executed to your satisfaction. Our job isn’t complete until everything is exactly right.

What sets us apart?

The comprehensive approach offered by Elements Landscape – ‘From Design Through Construction’- Provides clients with the security and satisfaction of knowing that their landscape designs will be guided throughout the entire process by a Registered Landscape Architect. We provide distinctive design, construction and custom-tailoring of projects to create award-winning landscape architecture from start to finish. Elements Landscape was founded on the simple principle of creating a landscape company that is relationship based with a personal touch, providing the best in both creative landscape design and well-crafted landscape construction at a good value.