Martha Balfour has a small design studio in west London, designing gardens of all shapes and sizes. Projects range from planting design for small exciting gardens to full design and rebuild from concept through to build and construction.
CONCEPT
Conceptual design and planning for gardens
Visual boards
Hand drawn perspective sketches
DESIGN
3D CAD plans and renders
Planting design and planting plans
Construction drawings
PROJECT
Sourcing and liaising with contractors
Project management
Tree and plant purchasing and planting layout
Garden styling
Process
Site Visit
The process starts with a meeting and site visit to get a feel for the space, a detailed brief will be taken to understand the client and the use of the garden and to talk through timelines etc. A topographical survey will also need to be conducted following this meeting.
Design Proposal
A design will be developed for the garden based on the brief established in the initial meeting. This will include moodboards and sketches in 3D and plan which will show initial ideas for the garden layout, soft and hard landscaping.
Masterplan
Once the concept has been approved a masterplan will be produced, this is a detailed to-scale drawing of the garden and will specify materials, planting, water etc. and will be accompanied by moodboards and perspective sketches. Construction drawings will also be created as required.
Planting Plans
Detailed planting plans and a full planting list will be prepared for the client to approve.
Construction Tender
The masterplan, planting plan and construction drawings will be used to tender out the design to a small selection of trusted contractors.
Construction Observation and Planting
This includes supervision of the project, liaising with contractors and the client, purchasing plants, positioning of plants and any styling that may be required.
Maintenance
Once the garden has been built recommendations can be made for ongoing care and maintenance to ensure the garden establishes and grows as per the initial vision.