Through our associates, we offer a full range of commercial and domestic landscape and planning services.

Commercial Landscapes

From the initiation of any project, effective landscape architecture is often the key to a successful development. Developers often perceive landscape as beautifying the site after the development is completed. This is often how Landscape Architects are used and because of this lack of understanding of what the profession has to offer, the service is considered an unnecessary and costly addition to the development costs. At best to be only used where the Planning Authority insist.

However properly used a landscape architect is an essential part of the design team and can save the client or developer time and money. It is becoming increasingly common for local authorities to impose unnecessarily onerous landscape conditions on a development. The Landscape Architect's spatial planning and site optimization skills become essential in gaining the maximum scope for the development and negotiating sensible minimum, planting and open space requirements.

Landscape Architects work in harmony with the site, they have the skills to create a sense of place, vital in increasing the desirability of a development and ultimately improving the profit margin on larger commercial developments.

Typical work activities would include:

Landscape Architects handle a variety of projects including urban and rural regeneration schemes, residential and commercial development, farm diversification, private gardens, public parks and squares, pedestrian schemes, playgrounds, retail schemes, business parks, roads and transport corridors - in fact almost any private or public open space.

Projects frequently include:-

Landscape Impact Assessment, Visual Impact Assessment, Zones of Visual Influence, Site Survey. Site Optimization, Project Development, Planting Design, Design and Build, Countryside Management, Woodland management, Contract preparation and administration.

Landscape Architect's services.

• Establishing the general landscape requirements with clients. This includes a preliminary study of contours, soil conditions, vegetation, drainage, ecology, the buildings, roads and paths.

• Assessing a site's potential to meet the specifications of the client; undertake studies to ensure project is feasible. Advising and discussing alternatives with client.

• Seeking and taking into account the views of local residents and other potential users.

• Preparing detailed plans and working drawings, setting them out clearly and accurately, including applications, construction details and specifications for the project.

• Taking into account changes requested by client, sketch scheme prepared, indicating size and character of project and spatial arrangements, materials and appearance. Advising client on cost charges. Discussion with planning authorities and statutory bodies and outline planning permission sought as necessary.

• Dealing with enquiries from clients.

• Contacting and coordinating manufacturers and suppliers.

• Presenting a proposal to the client.

• Negotiating amendments to a proposal, as required, that would proceed to the final design.

• Satisfying both the client's wishes and your knowledge of what will work best; preparing schedules and specifications of materials and workmanship and providing information as necessary for bills of quantities.

• Putting work out to tender and selecting a contractor and manager (mainly for the larger projects); advising on suitable contractors with client's participation. Inviting tenders from approved contractors; appraising and advising on tenders submitted. Preparing contract and arranging for signing by client and contractor.

• Making site visits including:- monitoring and checking the work on site; administration of contract including liaison with clerk of works where appropriate. Visiting site appropriate to program to inspect quality of work. Issuing of Landscape Architect's certificates as necessary and advising client of variations in cost of works or expected duration of contract.

• Ensuring deadlines are met.

• Administration of terms of contract relating to completion of contract and giving guidance on activities after completion, (i.e. issuing certificate of practical completion and administration during defects liability period). Authorizing payment.