In last issue of NZ Landscaper, Jon Muller shared what he’s learned about design work
from his 26 years in business. Now, he shares how landscapers can take projects from
paper to reality as efficiently as possible
Landscape design is a consultative process between the designer and project manager, client and contractor(s). The more collaboration throughout the design process there is between all parties, the better. That way, any potential issues get ironed out before implementation. If a project design is a one-way street with no input from the client and contractor, the more likely it is that problems will arise.
Be humble and listen
No one knows everything and a good designer or project manager knows their limits and is willing to listen to others, who know more about the chosen area of expertise.
Successful entrepreneurs surround themselves with a team of people, who are better than them in their area. The indispensable manager often ends up running around putting out fires. As they say, a stitch in time saves nine, so better to spend more time collaborating at the onset than fixing problems at the end.
As a matter of course, if I am designing a landscape with different components and I know what the client wants but want some feedback from contractors regarding their area, I will get them involved while designing.
As the saying goes ‘the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry’, so be prepared to be
flexible and don’t overplan with too much detail. Contractors who do a certain job many times, such as timber construction, are often good at solving details on site as they go. It’s not unusual to find a hidden issue that needs resolving, even if the plan is clear to start with.
Check plans carefully
I recently heard of a local job that had a plan done by an outside designer that looked good on paper. However, once several structures were in place, it was found that the stormwater
and soak pit were blocked, so all that new work had to be ripped up and the drainage issue sorted. Then the fun starts as to who is responsible for the remedial work. I am sure the client isn’t and why should the contractors be? Often, however, liability falls on the contractor.
I have recently done landscape work based on five pages of notes and pictures of plants, walls, fences and steps. We sorted the job as we went along and it worked well.
In other cases, where there is consented work, such as a landscape work around a new garage, then a detailed plan is necessary. Landscaping can be horses for courses, so flexibility is essential.
I say to my clients that a plan is ideal, as it’s your plan and you can choose who to do the work. That way, there is no obligation to use myself and the client can get alternative quotes. If it is certain they want to use your services, then you can be more flexible.
Plan for the moment
I keep using the word flexible. At present, work is much slower in the construction industry and
money isn’t flowing. So, the aim is to get a job for a price the client can afford and that looks and works as they want it. If your only option is a very detailed plan at present, you may be short of work.
Understanding your client’s needs and budget and working with your best contractors in a fair and friendly manner will work best. At present, I am doing checks on my existing clients’ gardens for free but work has flowed from that. It’s better to have many smaller jobs than no big jobs now.
As we go through this economic downturn, it’s very important to collaborate with contractors who are like-minded and want to work together to achieve a good result and happy client.
Jon Muller has owned Wellington Gardens Ltd for 24 years. He practices landscape design and construction, with an emphasis on planting design. He has taught at polytechnics and university, mostly in soft landscape subjects. He has written six gardening books, including Wellington Gardens, and enjoys helping clients find landscape solutions. He also helps students and workers studying for their landscape qualifications.