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When CSG begins work on a garden design, we consider the entire space in a holistic fashion. We have structured our company as a full-service urban garden design/build firm, and the most efficient use of our resources is on projects where an entire space needs re-making from the ground up, or involves new construction.
We use a team approach to design, including specialists in:
- Site analysis
- Garden design
- Structural assessment/architectural drawings/permit work
- Hardscape construction/carpentry/structures
- Architectural elements
- Water
- Horticulture
- Landscape illumination
- Micro-irrigation
- Garden ornamentation
We see the garden space as an outdoor room, an extension of the home, and consider it, in effect, an open-air room addition. Consider: flooring of natural stone; "walls" of wood or metal fencing, trellises or columnar evergreens; seating of wood benches, stone seat walls or actual furniture; an overhead structure of wood, fabric or metal; night lighting; ornamentation (you'd be amazed how many beautiful furnishings — even rugs and lamps! — are built for all-weather use these days.); plantings, of course, for bloom and texture, fragrance and structure; grills and outdoor kitchen elements; audio; water service for irrigation, wet bars, food prep and more. Even radiant heat underfoot to eliminate snow shoveling.
An outdoor garden room, indeed!
The design process involves a series of meetings: the initial meeting, where information is exchanged; the concept meeting, where CSG presents sketched concepts to our client to gauge the client's reaction and to receive additional direction; and the final, finished plan stage, complete with color renderings and elevation drawings, materials selections, lighting and irrigation recommendations, and a range of furnishing recommendations covering furniture, water elements, sculpture or art, architectural elements, containers and boulders, rugs, textiles and natural fibers and materials; even audio systems, tableware and accessorizing. And with the final plan comes an extremely detailed construction proposal covering exact sizes, types and quantities of materials and their attendant costs.
Our design fees are based upon several criteria. The size of the site and scope of the project, certainly, but also things like the level of detail needed; research involved in sourcing unique products or design elements; and specific client considerations. We begin work upon receipt of a deposit of one-half the agreed-upon fee, with the balance due upon completion.
Once we begin work, our clients have access to our team of designers and they are involved throughout the design/build process. Upon completion, our maintenance crew takes over to ensure your garden stays in top shape throughout the season and into the off-season.
Please call us to discuss your project. 847.425.1715.
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