Landscape & Urban Design Issue 43 2020 | 页面 9

GARDEN DESIGN
“The initial meeting is usually a top-
line discussion and a talk through
the process,” explains a garden
professional on Houzz, Simon of
Simon Orchard Garden Design. The
reason for this is that “until a client
has signed up, a designer is likely
to keep design ideas close to their
chest!”
Remember many professionals
will also offer virtual consultations,
where they will be able you answer
your style and function questions,
share inspiring photos and explain
how to take accurate measurements
in your own garden, all remotely.
How long will this meeting be?
“I find these meetings can take up
to a couple of hours,” Fiona says.
“Some designers charge for them,
some don’t. There isn’t really a hard
and fast rule. I think it’s important
to establish a really good rapport
at this meeting,” she adds, “as the
success of the project will be very
much based on how well you
communicate with your designer.”
Rikki Snyder © 2014 Houzz
Can I see previous work or
references?
It’s important when hiring a
professional to have done your
research. Always check their Houzz
profile, looking through their
projects and reading their previous
reviews. “I always point clients to my
portfolio and send them example
sketch designs,” says Simon. “I also
have plenty of past clients who are
happy to speak to potential clients
and even show them their gardens.”
While Claudia understands the
importance of people checking
references, she says, “A great deal
of the time it’s about the right
fit in terms of personality when
choosing a designer. Ultimately,
it’s a partnership between you and
the designer.“ She adds, “You want
to feel comfortable and secure in
the knowledge you’ve chosen the
right professional fit and that the
designer fully understands your
wishes. A good designer will guide
you through the process step by
step.”
Follow us @ludmagazine
Hoi Ning Wong © 2014 Houzz
Will you judge my existing
garden if it’s a mess?
“I would never judge an existing
garden, whether it was a mess or
it wasn’t to my taste,” Claudia says.
“I’d never dictate a style and I like
to get a feel for the landscape and
architecture and how you wish to
live with it and use it.”
“I’ve had several clients who’ve been
very concerned about this,” Fiona
says, “and it really doesn’t matter.
Personally, I love the process of
transforming a mess into a beautiful
space and also watching my clients
enjoy the garden once it’s been
completed. So in some ways, the
messier, the better!”
Inspired to start your own garden
project? Take a look at Houzz.co.uk
today to get design ideas, find
professionals near you and hire
with confidence.
www.landud.co.uk
9