The first stage will consist of a tracing paper overlay on the basemap of the property, showing circulation and weather patterns, orientation of the house to the site, and identifying the placement of functional areas within the site, and their relationship to one another. Problem areas are identified, screening and views are shown. The shapes of planting areas and hardscape elements are defined to reflect the various activities and the spatial relationships within the site.
Emphasis is on developing form and pattern.
I use a grid system developed from taking proportions off the house to create a unified design. I also provide a planting list, specifications and perspective or elevational sketches to aid in visualizing the planview, and discuss implimentation of the installation, phasing, and maintenance.