Nature by Design

The process of building a good ( an integrative approach to NATURE BY DESIGN ) landscape involves four distinct steps: client input, design; installation; maintenance. Failure to consider any one facet can affect the success of a landscaping project. An extremely well conceived landscape cannot succeed if it is poorly installed, nor can a poorly designed landscape be redeemed by good installation procedures. Development of the landscape throughout its history requires high maintenance standards.

The design process begins with a thorough design analysis, consisting of a site analysis and an analysis of people's needs. Until the needs of the property and the people using it are known, they cannot be met. As a part of the site analysis, the land itself must be studied to determine if alterations are necessary to provide drainage, usable areas, and a more comfortable environment. A general study of these beneficial land features, as well as those requiring alteration is best; they are refined later, as plans are completed.

After all factors surrounding the person’s home or business, the land surrounding the home or business and its occupants have been studied, the designer can start to formulate specific design concepts. The property is then divided into usable sections for the functions defined in the design analysis. The necessary terrain modifications are planned. Shade, wind protection, screening, and enclosure can then be provided. At this stage of the design process, it is best to make general choices, not choosing specific materials until all design criteria have been evaluated.
All circulation routes are also considered during this design stage. Again, it is best to determine the general size and shape of sidewalks, drives, patios, and so forth, without specifically determining the surfacing to be used. Aesthetic decisions come later.

After all general determinations have been made about area sizes and shapes, environmental requirements, and circulation routes, the aesthetic design factors can be considered. The design becomes more specific at this point. Choices are made: a trellis or a tree for shade; a wall, fence, hedge, or mass planting for a screen; social pods or social gathering places; etc.. Ground-surface patterns take form as surfacing materials are chosen and lines of demarcation are determined. Incorporating nature ( ex. Water garden, butterfly garden, etc.) into the design is an integrative approach that effectively ties the elements together. While some areas of the landscape will stimulate a peaceful feel, others will promote a visual treat. Textures, colors, and forms are blended together to form a functioning landscape that is a visual treat. Materials selection climaxes the design process.

The experienced designer will mull the separate parts of the design process over simultaneously as he proceeds. The designer continually shifts his attention from one factor to another, ensuring that the final design will be unified in all phases.

Ideas that have been conceived in the designer's mind during the design process are recorded on paper in such away that others can read and understand them: this is the landscape plan. The plan must communicate the plan’s ideas to the client as well as to any potential installer. The importance of open communication between the client and the designer is top priority. Open lines of communication allows the designer to create a plan that meets the budgetary needs of the client. The final design is a combination of the client’s ideas and the designers knowledge. The final design (i.e. Master Plan) is possible only when these elements of openness are present . Recording the various design concepts on paper during the design process allows the designer to relate one area to another, comparing concepts for compatibility.

DO WE GIVE FREE ESTIMATES?

Before answering this question, let's first define "estimate." An estimate is based upon an approximate price for completing a well-defined job.

If we receive a complete and accurate set of landscape plans, detailed construction documents, and project specifications for a project that we are interested in and qualified to work on, then "yes" we will sometimes provide an estimated price for completion of the project at no cost to the customer. We only provide such services to existing and potential clients who have expressed a genuine interest in wanting to use NATURE BY DESIGN as their landscape contractor, and who are located within our serviceable business territory. We also only provide such estimates on projects for which we can realistically schedule commencement of work in a timely fashion. In general, we do not seek to "bid" on work where we are unfamiliar with the project designer, the customer, or some other aspect of the project; NATURE BY DESIGN does not get involved in this type of "free estimating."

Most of the time when people ask us if we give free estimates, what they really mean is do we design landscapes for free. Our estimate, or price, must be based on a plan and a detailed set of specifications, which are the end product of the design process. It is impossible for us, or anyone to give a meaningful estimate without a plan that was generated through the design process. To do so would be merely guessing. At NATURE BY DESIGN, we charge for our assistance in conducting the design process and in generating plans and specifications needed to develop the landscape (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT for details).

So, the usual answer to the above question is "no" for the same reasons other professionals (e.g., doctors, lawyers, architects, webmasters, financial planners, consultants, etc.) do not provide services for free. A qualified landscape designer has many years of focused education and experience behind his/her advice. The landscape design process (see WHAT IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?) is both time consuming and exacting. It requires skill, creativity, and the ability to communicate effectively with others using several different types of media. To be effective, it is imperative that a designer form a partnership with their clients; all parties must be committed to the project, and trust each other. For the client, this type of commitment and trust is easier when the designer is formally working (i.e., under contract). Free plans generally do not have the client's best interests at heart. Free plans are usually, at best, a guess as to what the salesperson thinks they can get the potential client to buy - this is salesmanship.

DO WE CHARGE FOR TRAVEL TIME?

Yes. Travel time is considered a necessary part of the design / consultation (D/C) process and is billed at the same rate as all other D/C time (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT for details). If we did not charge for travel time, then our rates would have to go up to compensate for this expense. We think it is fairer to you and easier to know what you are paying for, by billing all time at the same rate.

WHY DO I NEED A DESIGN? I ALREADY KNOW WHAT I WANT.

Before answering this question, let's define a few terms. DESIGN is an information gathering and problem solving "process" which is intended to bring together or define a plan for completing a project (see WHAT IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?). A landscape PLAN is a communication device (it can be written, verbal, graphic, computer generated, etc.), which attempts to translate the results of the design process into a set of instructions for completing a specific project. The terms design and plan are not synonymous, nor are they interchangeable.

Our experience is that many people who ask this question, in fact, really don't know what they want. They may think they know what they want; however, when they go through the design process they realize that many of their ideas just won't work on their site. Others may say they know what they want, hoping to shorten the design process, and thus reduce their design fees. Ironically, design fees for this type of client are usually higher because they try to skip vital steps in the design process, which leads to many time-consuming dead ends. They don't realize that good landscape design does not cost, it pays. The bottom line is that if a person has the education, experience, talent, and creativity of a professional landscape designer combined with the installation, construction, and maintenance experience of a veteran field supervisor, then they don't need our services; they can and should develop their own landscape. When told this, many people realize they really do need our professional help. At this point, we have a client who is committed to working honestly through the design process with us. The end result is usually a very well developed landscape.

A professional landscape designer may ask questions about the site and the client that the homeowner or business owner might not think to ask. These questions are the basis of the design process.

The key to the development of a good landscape is the design process; this is the basic and founding premise on which Nature By Design operates it’s Landscape Division.

THE AREA I WANT TO LANDSCAPE IS SMALL.
CAN I ASSUME THE DESIGN WORK WILL TAKE LESS TIME, AND THEREFORE COST LESS?

There is a correlation between design fees and project size/complexity. The design process takes longer for larger, more complex projects, because there is more work to do: more information to gather, more measurements to take, more problems to solve, etc.

Small spaces, however, frequently present bigger challenges on a per-unit-of-area basis. Many people think that since the space they are dealing with is small, it must be simple and easy to deal with. The fact is, small spaces present complex and challenging problems for designers. When space is at a premium, there is little room for error. Larger spaces, on the other hand, can absorb more flaws without being severely handicapped; and, in many cases, the flaws are not even recognized except by the most trained observers. Most designers consider small spaces to be far more challenging than larger spaces.

The size of the task is usually inversely related to the size of the space. Do not confuse small with simple, where simple is equated with less expensive. As a general rule, small projects are considerably more expensive per applicable unit of measurement than larger projects. Small spaces do present big challenges!

WHAT GEOGRAPHICAL AREA DO YOU SERVE?

Most of NATURE BY DESIGN work is carried out in Madison, Rankin, and Hinds Counties. At least ninety-five percent of our job sites are located within a twenty-mile radius of our headquarters in Madison. Beyond twenty five miles, mobilization costs can become excessive.

Occasionally, we do take on distant projects (ranging as far as 300 miles), but only under certain circumstances. Such circumstances include a customer who, for whatever reason, wants only NATURE BY DESIGN to design and build their project, and is willing to pay the extra costs associated with distant travel. Furthermore, the project has to be large enough in scope to allow for some economy of scale; this generally precludes projects of less than about $50,000.00. The more distant the project, the larger it has to be, for economic reasons. The project site should be such that we can set up and maintain a remote project headquarters; this helps to maximize productivity and minimize mobilization costs. Access to equipment suppliers, product vendors, and reliable subcontractors local to the job site also help to make distant work more practical and cost effective.

WE DECIDED TO TERMINATE THE DESIGN PROCESS BEFORE COMPLETION. DO WE STILL HAVE TO PAY DESIGN FEES EVEN THOUGH WE DON'T HAVE (OR NEED) A PLAN?

The design process can be terminated before completion for any number of reasons. Such reasons can include: a sudden job transfer necessitating an unexpected sale of the home; a client's eventual realization that their wants and needs exceed their budget; discovery of a site problem or other situation for which there is no practical or economically feasible solution; etc. When a client enters into a design or consultation contract with NATURE BY DESIGN, they are agreeing to pay for the designer's time and expenses (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT for details).

If the contract is terminated during the design process, the client is still obligated to pay for the designer's time and any associated expenses related to the client’s landscape design. The designer’s time and expenses will be billed at the previously agreed upon rates in the contract. Depending on when the design process is terminated, there may be little or very little meaningful documentation to reflect the designer's effort to that point. If the contract is terminated early (i.e., during or after the initial client interviews and site analyses, photography), again there may be very little meaningful data or documentation to reflect the efforts of the designer.

The later the design process is terminated, the more a designer will have to show for his/her effort. Such is the nature of the design process (see WHAT IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?). It is not until the end of the process that the designer brings everything together and formulates a meaningful design plan. Up to that point, information, data, and ideas are still undeveloped and of limited value when considered separately.

It is important to repeat that, at NATURE BY DESIGN, the client agrees to pay for the design consultant’s time and expenses, regardless of whether a plan is generated. The landscape plan (together with its unique set of specifications) is the culmination of the landscape design process; it is the vehicle used by contractors to estimate the cost of the project and drive it to completion.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR LANDSCAPE DESIGN WORK? HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE? WHAT IS INVOLVED?

This is a difficult question to answer, because there are so many variables that can affect the amount of time it takes for a designer to conduct the design process and arrive at an appropriate design for developing a client’s landscape plan. Such variables can include the intended size, scope and complexity of the project; the quality of input from the client; the involvement and commitment of the client; unusual site problems; local or regional restrictions and ordinances; quality of communication between designer and client; etc. Because of all these variables, NATURE BY DESIGN charges for its design / consultation services by the hour (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT for details).

Basically, not much can be accomplished in less than three to five hours and even this would be unusually fast. Between twelve and twenty hours of design time would be more typical for our average projects requiring: retaining walls, drainage work, landscape layout, flagstone walks and patios, garden pond installation, etc.. We feel so strongly about the importance of the design process in the development of a landscape that we rebate our design fees when we complete the job (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT for details). This is a win-win situation for the customer and us, and is done to remove the concern over design fees from the decision whether or not to employ a professional landscape designer.

The normal procedure and course of events at NATURE BY DESIGN is for the designer to accumulate as much information from the client as possible before visiting the site. Such information would include a completed landscape design/job analysis questionnaire (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN QUESTIONNAIRE) and relevant information about the site, such as surveys, house plans, neighborhood restrictions, etc. The designer would then visit the site with the purpose of interviewing the client and examining the proposed work area. During this initial site visit, the designer may begin collecting site data, measurements, and visual images (i.e., photographs), or he/she may want to come back and do this at a later date, depending upon the circumstances. Sometimes it is best to allow some time for assimilation of first impressions and new information before proceeding. Eventually, the client is thoroughly interviewed as to their needs and wants, and the site is thoroughly measured and photographed. This usually takes several meetings with the client and several site visits to be thorough. Rushing the design process can have negative consequences; it is prudent to emphasize accuracy and completeness rather than speed.

Once the site has been thoroughly analyzed, a base map is produced. The base map is simply an accurate recording of all, or at least the most important, details of the site. Once the base map is produced, it is used in conjunction with all other previously gathered information to begin developing preliminary drawings. We usually prepare two or three preliminary drawings for the customer using the same design theory; this gives them many options, all of which will work together, so they can pick and choose. The preliminary drawings are then presented to the clients for their input. Revisions, if necessary, are made, and a final plan is produced incorporating the results of all the efforts made to-date. Specifications for completing the project are produced. At NATURE BY DESIGN, we usually include the specifications in our proposal for doing the job. Our proposal also includes our price, or estimate, for doing the job.

Although the total amount of billable design time for a project may be the equivalent of several days of work, it is rarely spent in a continuous manner. The design work for a project can take weeks, or even months, to complete. This is generally how long it takes for proper collection, coordination, and assimilation of multifaceted information originating from many different sources.

WHO OWNS THE PLANS, IDEAS, AND INFORMATION GENERATED DURING THE DESIGN PROCESS?

All plans, ideas, and information generated or discussed during the design process, whether written, oral, graphically represented, or electronically recorded or transmitted, are solely the property of NATURE BY DESIGN until such time as all design fees are paid in full. Any use or implementation prior to payment in full is a breach of the LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT.

Any publication, reproduction, or revision prior to payment in full is a violation of copyright laws and subject to prosecution. The landscape design and consultation services provided by NATURE BY DESIGN are understood to be improvements to real property under Mississippi law, regardless of whether or not NATURE BY DESIGN actually provides construction labor or materials to implement the plan.

At NATURE BY DESIGN, it is practically impossible to go through the entire design process and produce a plan that the customer does not like. The reason for this is that the design process cannot go forward without constant input and effective communication between the designer and the client. The preliminary drawings/plans produced during the design process are based on existing site conditions and information given to the designer by the client. The design process would never get beyond the preliminary plan stage without the approval of the client. The preliminary plan stage is where any remaining problems are resolved. The final plan is based on preliminary plans (modified, or not) which have been approved by the client.

NATURE BY DESIGN charges an hourly rate for its design services (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT for details). If an impasse developed between a designer and a client, and the client were the cause of the impasse, the client would be expected to compensate NATURE BY DESIGN for the designer's time and expenses. However, if NATURE BY DESIGN’S designer were solely responsible for the impasse, then the customer would not be expected to pay for services where they did not benefit.

I WANT TO INSTALL THE LANDSCAPE MYSELF. WILL YOU DO THE DESIGN WORK?

Generally, no. We believe that the best landscapes are designed and built by the same responsible party. We think this continuity is important. Our entire company is set up to manage a project from beginning to end.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A LANDSCAPE?

There is no such thing. Landscaping is personal. Some people invest nothing in their landscape while others make a large investment. However, from a real estate point of view, if a homeowner invests less than five percent of the value of their house on landscape development, then they are probably not doing it justice. A landscape investment will probably not significantly affect the resale value of a house unless it approaches ten percent of the value of the house on an average

See:

http://msucares.com/pubs/infosheets/is965.htm
OR
http://www.smartmoney.com/mag/index.cfm?story=march03-cover

Landscapes involving outdoor living areas, water features, seasonal gardens, and various other hardscape elements obviously represent much greater investments by their owners.

WHY DO YOU COLLECT A RETAINER FOR DESIGN SERVICES?

We collect a retainer to cover the initial costs of our design services. We feel it represents a solid commitment to the design process on the part of the client, and this is necessary for success of the project.

Furthermore, it shows that the client has confidence in our experience and abilities, which is also important for success. If the retainer were ever to exceed the cost of the design fees, then the excess would be credited towards completion of the project, or returned to the client.

WHY DO I NEED A LANDSCAPE DESIGNER? CAN'T I DO THIS ON MY OWN?

Most people can do anything they put their minds to. The reason we are not all experts at everything is because people’s time is limited. We tend to be good at those things that interest us, because this is where we spend most of our time. A qualified landscape designer has many years of concentrated education, training, and experience behind his/her counsel.

The landscape design process (see WHAT IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?) is both time consuming and exacting. It requires skill, creativity, and the ability to communicate effectively with others using several different types of media. A professional landscape designer asks questions about the site and the client that an untrained person might not think to ask. These questions are the basis of the design process, and the key to the development of a good landscape is the design process. If a person has the education, experience, talent, and creativity of a professional landscape designer combined with the installation, construction, and maintenance experience of a veteran field supervisor, then they don't need to hire a landscape designer; they can and should design and build their own landscape.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DESIGN AND CONSULTATION?

DESIGN is an information gathering and problem solving "process" which is intended to produce an integrated plan for completing a client’s specific project (see WHAT IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?).

CONSULTATION is the act or process of giving expert or professional advice.

The primary distinction between design work and consultation lies with the intended outcome or objectives of the undertaking. The objective of the design process is to arrive at a plan of attack for completing a desired project. The objective of consultation is simply to provide expertise and advice on specific issues.

The main difference between a designer and a consultant is the degree to which they are involved in a project. The designer has overall responsibility for conducting the entire design process. A consultant only provides expertise and advice on specific issues. A consultant can give valuable advice throughout a project without fully understanding the overall scope and objectives of the project. Such is not the case with a designer. The designer must understand everything about the project; how everything fits together. By definition, a designer is a consultant, but a consultant is not necessarily a designer.

At NATURE BY DESIGN, we normally rebate design fees when our crews complete a project (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT for details). However, consultation fees are usually not rebated, because there is rarely any crew work associated with advice given outside of the design process.

WHAT IF I LIKE THE PLAN, BUT INSTALLATION COSTS FAR EXCEED MY BUDGET, DO I STILL OWE YOU FOR THE PLAN EVEN IF I'M NOT GOING TO USE IT?

Sometimes a landscape plan is produced that a client cannot afford to install. This can happen for a number of reasons. The client may have withheld accurate budgetary information from the designer. The designer may not have paid attention to the budgetary information provided by the client. The client may have requested, or demanded, specific features which were inherently expensive and beyond their means. The client may have wanted a designer to put together a "dream" landscape regardless of cost only to see if the design was affordable. Since pricing a project is about the last step in the design process, it is very easy to be over budget without knowing it until the very end. Such a situation does not negate the honest efforts of the designer any more than a dry well would negate the efforts of well drillers.

Obviously, one of the objectives of the design process is to develop a landscape design that fits a client’s budget. Sometimes this is not possible. The good news is that the design process eventually points this out, and can prevent a customer from starting a project they cannot complete. The ongoing consulting process will help identify the appropriate financial investment a customer can make. The design fee is a small price to pay to avoid a much larger problem. Remember, we will work with the customer on phasing a project in order support their dreams. Meeting the needs and wants of our customer is our desired goal.

When a client enters into a design or consultation contract with NATURE BY DESIGN, they are agreeing to pay for the designer's time and expenses? (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT). When the designer produces a plan that is based on the input from the client, the client is responsible for the designer's time and incurred expenses at the previously agreed upon rates. If the designer fails to pay attention to client input, then they are not obligated to pay for the design services.

The important thing to note is that the client must be open with the designer about a budget figure for a project; however it is often uncomfortable or awkward discussing budgets early in the design process. For some it's like putting the cart before the horse. But a successful landscape plan demands realistic budgetary figures from a client from the beginning.

CAN YOU DO THE WORK IN STAGES / PHASES IF I AM UNABLE TO AFFORD IT ALL AT ONE TIME? WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE FIRST?

Phasing the work is a great way to develop a landscape, especially the larger, more complex and expensive projects. At NATURE BY DESIGN, we are glad to phase projects for those customers that request it; in fact, we often encourage customers to phase their projects. However, phasing does add to the overall cost of a project due to extra mobilization costs and other work related inefficiencies. Depending upon the phasing time frame, it can also affect the eligibility for a DESIGN-PURCHASE REBATE (see answer to question HOW DOES YOUR DESIGN-PURCHASE REBATE WORK?). Despite the extra costs, sometimes phasing a project is the only way a client can afford what they want. Similarly, buying a car and making a car loan makes it possible to purchase a new vehicle.

Phasing a project needs a strategy. It must be done in such a way that work completed in an earlier phase is not affected by work done in later phases. Compare the phasing of a landscape with painting the floor of a room having only one exit; you must start at the furthest point and work towards the exit, otherwise you will be trapped, or ruin your work trying to get out. In general, construction work (i.e., hardscapes) must be done before the planting work begins.

Each project is unique which results in its own logical phasing scheme. It is easy for the designer to define a phasing plan to suit the needs of the client once a landscape plan is developed. It is important to note that often the landscape element a client wants most, or, is the main focal point of the design, cannot be included in the first phase. If this element were included in the first phase, it would make completion of later phases impossible or prohibitively expensive. Therefore, phasing requires patience.

WHEN THE LANDSCAPE PROJECT IS COMPLETED, WILL I GET A FINISHED PLAN DRAWN ON PAPER?

Before answering this question, let's define a few terms. A landscape PLAN is a communication device (it can be written, verbal, graphic, computer generated, etc.), which attempts to translate the results of the design process into a set of instructions for completing a project. A DRAWING is an assemblage of lines on some type of surface; the surface can be almost anything, including paper, sand, blackboard, stone, leather, etc. It is important to note that although paper drawings are common components of contemporary landscape plans, they don't have to be components at all. Many excellent landscapes have been developed using other forms of communication. At NATURE BY DESIGN, use of digital 3-D photo renderings, sketches, and 2-D drawings are utilized.

At the end of the design process, we normally provide a proposal to the client for further development of the landscape. This proposal contains whatever written specifications and drawings are necessary for completion of the work by one of our crews. These can be extensive or minimal depending on the nature and size of the job, and the instructions of the client. Usually, however, in an effort to keep design costs as low as possible, we only generate documents in the number and quality necessary for completion of a project by one of our crews. If we were preparing plans for unknown parties, they would have to be much more detailed than those we would prepare for our own crews. As a general rule we do not get involved in design-only situations.

During the course of most projects, changes are made to the original plans; these are made for a multitude of reasons and always with the knowledge and consent of the client. Original drawings are almost never completely revised at the end of a project to reflect all of the changes that were made. This would be time-consuming for a designer and therefore costly for the client. About the only time we completely revise original drawings is when we submit a project for award consideration, and the drawings must match up exactly with our finished photographs. Nevertheless, if a client wants a finished plan drawn on paper we will provide it. The cost would be based on the designer's time to produce it at normal design / consultation rates (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT).

CAN I HIRE SUBCONTRACTORS TO DO SOME OF THE WORK INSTEAD OF YOUR COMPANY?

It depends. We are a licensed Landscape Contractor, and usually insist on using our own subcontractors so we can control the overall quality of the project. However, there are times when we welcome a client's help and participation in the role of contractor. This might happen if the client has a previously established relationship with a particular subcontractor, or is for some reason in a better position than we are to coordinate the work of a subcontractor. Such instances are rare, but we are open to explore this with you.

NATURE BY DESIGN is a design / build / maintenance company. We believe that the best landscapes are designed, built, and maintained by the same responsible party. You are not obligated to utilize our services to maintain your landscape; however, if you do not have the time to maintain your investment, we would be glad to tailor a maintenance program for you. We think this continuity is important. Our entire company is set up to manage a project from beginning all the way through the maintenance phase of the project. We generally do not provide design-only services for people who want to complete the project themselves, or with the help of subcontractors.

DO YOU HAVE REFERENCES AND / OR CAN WE SEE YOUR WORK?

Our website has been carefully designed to allow you, a potential client, to review and evaluate our work in your own home or office; however, after reviewing this material you would like to talk with some of our previous customers, we can arrange a time for you to communicate with them. We also have a portfolio you can review before making a decision to hire NATURE BY DESIGN’S services.

HOW DOES YOUR DESIGN-PURCHASE REBATE WORK? WHY DO YOU GIVE A REBATE?

We feel so strongly about the importance of the design process in the development of a landscape that we rebate our design fees when a job is completed. This results in a win-win situation for you, the customer, and for us. Our main goal is to remove any concern you may have over design fees from the decision of whether or not to employ a professional landscape designer.

Details of the DESIGN-PURCHASE REBATE are spelled out in the LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT, which is available on this web site. After thoroughly reading this contract, the following example will make things clearer.

Example: Mr. and Mrs. John Doe hire NATURE BY DESIGN to help them design their landscape. They do this by signing a LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT and paying a $300.00 retainer. One of NATURE BY DESIGN’S designers spends twenty hours working for the Does. The designer/consultant has incurred thirty dollars of expenses( photocopies, oversized drawings etc.) related to the client’s work. The total design bill for the Doe project is $1,050.00 (14 hours @ $75.00 = $1,050.00, plus $30.00 for expenses); this bill is due at the conclusion of the design work. Of the total design bill, $1,050.00 is eligible for rebate, because expenses are not rebated. NATURE BY DESIGN’S price for completing the Doe landscape project is $25,000.00. NATURE BY DESIGN intends to use a subcontractor for $7,500.00 of the work; NATURE BY DESIGN’S crew will do the rest of the work. Because the rebate is not applied to subcontractor fees, only $17,500.00 of the total project cost is used as the basis for calculating the rebate. The maximum rebate the Does are eligible for is $875.00 (5% of $17,500.00). The Does want to phase the work, doing half this year and the other half two years later. NATURE BY DESIGN invoices the Does for $12,500.00 after completing phase one of the project. Of this amount, $7,500.00 was subcontracted. This leaves $5,000.00 as the base amount to be used for calculating the rebate. $250.00 (5% of $5,000.00) of the $1,050.00 design fee is rebated in the form of a credit on the last invoice for Phase One. Because the Does are not going to complete the project within the next twelve months, they will not be eligible for any further design-purchase rebates on this project. If, however, they change their minds and want to complete the project during the first year, then they will be eligible for an additional $625.00 rebate (5% of $12,500.00) in the form of a credit on the final project invoice. In this case, 87.5% of all design fees would be rebated.

$1050.00 Total Landscape Design Fee
30.00 Non-Rebateable Design Expenses
1,050.00 Potentially Rebateable Design Fee
25,000.00 Landscape Installation Purchase Price
7,500.00 Non-Rebateable Subcontractor Fee
17,500.00 Price Basis for Rebate Calculations
X .05 Rebate Percentage
875.00 Actual Design-Purchase Rebate

12,500.00 Phase 1 Purchase Price
7,500.00 Non-Rebateable Subcontractor Fee
5,000.00 Phase 1 Price Basis for Rebate Calculations
X .05 Rebate Percentage
250.00 Phase 1 Rebate

12,500.00 Phase 2 Purchase Price
X .05 Rebate Percentage
625.00 Phase 2 Rebate

Note: Phase 2 must be completed within 12 months of the date of the original proposal to be eligible for rebate.

A mount of the rebate depends on many factors (sub-contactor involvement, phasing of project, size of project, etc.). For many of our projects, the design fee is completely rebated.

WHY DO I NEED TO SIGN A CONTRACT BEFORE YOU WILL VISIT MY HOME OR BUSINESS?

Although every landscape project is unique, the process (i.e., design process) used to develop landscape plans is the same for all. For a more complete discussion of the landscape design process, see the answer to the question, WHAT IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?

One of the most important parts of the design process is the initial site visit by the designer. The designer's first impressions are most important. In order for the designer to take advantage of these first impressions, he/she must be mentally and physically prepared when they visit the site for the first time. Part of the mental preparedness is knowing that their time and efforts will not be wasted. This is accomplished by means of the LANDSCAPE DESIGN / CONSULTATION CONTRACT.

Many people think that a designer has to visit their site as the first step in the development of their landscape. This is not the case. Many very important questions need to be asked and answered before the designer makes the initial site visit (see LANDSCAPE DESIGN QUESTIONNAIRE). These questions and answers are the backbone of the design process. A good designer will gather a great deal of information about the client's needs and desires, as well as information about the site, before the first visit. This information makes the initial visit more productive and saves you, the client, as well as the designer/consultant time and money.

A majority of the time the information the designer collects must come from the client . The willingness and cooperation of the client in providing this information is crucial to the success of the design process. The client must be confident in the designer's abilities before they begin working together. At NATURE BY DESIGN, we provide a website to educate you about us and our company. We also work increasing your confidence by spending 30 minutes of free consultation answering any questions and providing you with the information you are needing (i.e. photos of past jobs, referrals, etc.).

We feel this is best done over lunch or around a time that fits into both of our schedules. This consultation takes place before we make our initial site visit. By showing how we have successfully handled other landscape challenges, we feel the potential client receives the best information for making a hiring decision. Once NATURE BY DESIGN is hired, we can confidently put our total effort into your project.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CONTACT NATURE BY DESIGN REGARDING A LANDSCAPE PROJECT IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE COMPLETED BY A DESIRED DATE?

It is never too soon to begin the design process; the earlier, the better. The problem is not starting early enough and starting too late. The design process takes time, usually from weeks to months.

If you would like to begin the work in the spring, contact us the prior fall or early winter at the latest; if you would like work to begin in the fall, contact us the prior spring or early summer. If you contact us during the busy seasons (spring and fall), it may be difficult for us to give you immediate attention. Sometimes we can accommodate last minute projects; however it would not be wise to count on it.

DO YOU PROVIDE ANY LANDSCAPE SERVICES THAT DO NOT REGUIRE A DESIGN?

The answer to that question is yes and no. If you are adjusting a feature to your landscape (i.e. landscape maintenance, seasonal flowers, color pots, statuaries, etc.) then yes. The reason a no is that a landscape master plan is essential in providing the footprint for your exterior surroundings. If you are thinking about doing some landscaping here and there, this approach can be more costly in the long run.

A custom home could not be built without a master plan describing the step by step process of building. You may already have a professionally landscaped yard, and would like to add some features to it. That would be an essential point to make on the LANDSCAPE DESIGN/JOB ANALYSIS QUESTIONNAIRE. If you are interested in starting over or have a new home that needs to be landscaped, a complete landscape design is essential.

We will be glad to design your master plan and phase your installation process over a time period that will fit into your budget. If you would like, we can maintain your investment through proper fertilizing, pruning, mowing etc.. We are a one stop landscape and maintenance company. Our staff can develop a custom design and maintenance program to meet your specific needs.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM SIZE JOB THAT YOU WILL ACCEPT?

No job is too small. Please do not hesitate to call us about your landscape needs. We are in business of helping others solve their landscape dilemmas.

We have been in the landscape business for 15 years and are Certified in the State of Mississippi as a Landscape Contractor.

We are members of the Association Professional Landscape Designers www.apld.org, Associated Landscape Contractors of America www.alca.org, and Mississippi Nursery and Landscape Association www.msnla.org .

For more information:

Please E-Mail us at: info@naturebydesignofmadison.com

Or call us at 601-720-0195

Fax Number: 601-607-7861