Whether you’re early in your project or already knee-deep in a build, I can help you make sense of the outside, and create something that feels calm, cohesive, and easy to live with.
Design-only, by design.
My clients come to me because they want the thinking, not the hard sell. They want someone to see the whole picture, not just suggest a patio shape or throw out a plant list.
What I offer is a collaborative design process, from first ideas through to detailed plans, so when you’re ready to build, you know exactly what you’re aiming for and how to get there.
MY PROCESS
Every project is different, but the process is always grounded in the same core principles: listen well, plan thoroughly, design with purpose.
Here’s how it typically works:
Listening & Discovery
.
We start with a conversation, not a presentation.
I’ll ask about your space, your lifestyle, what’s working and what isn’t. We’ll walk the site together (or review drawings), talk through your priorities, and define what success looks like.
From there, I’ll put together a proposal that outlines the scope of work and next steps, including timeframes and deliverables.
01.
The Transformation Plan
.
Once we’re aligned, I’ll create your Transformation Plan - a design-led document that captures your vision and presents a clear creative direction.
This includes:
• Recap of existing garden and how it doesn’t work for you
• Reflection of your aspirations for the garden
• Design intent and rationale
• Moodboard & visual inspiration
• Outline of the design process for your space and options
This is where most clients experience the first real sense of relief, they can finally see what’s possible, and how to move forward.
02.
Detailed Design
(if you choose to continue)
If you decide to take the design forward with me, a detailed site survey will be undertaken and I will begin developing a masterplan, including scaled drawings, construction details, setting-out plans, and planting schemes (if required).
This stage gives you everything needed to brief contractors, secure pricing, and deliver the project with clarity.
You may receive:
• A measured site survey
• Scaled masterplan and layout drawings
• Hardscape construction details
• Planting plans and plant schedule (if included)
• Setting out plans
• Design specification
03.
Delivery Support
(Optional)
I’m on hand to support you through the handover phase, answering questions from your contractor, clarifying design intent, and making sure nothing gets lost in translation. I’m not there to project manage, but I won’t leave you in the dark.
Deliverables:
• Support via email/phone during delivery
• Review of key site decisions
• Optional post-installation check-in
04.
“Ian gave us clarity at a time when everything else felt chaotic. He made it make sense. And now we have a space that finally reflects how we want to live.”
Mr & Mrs Ambler
Prefer to take your time?
If you’re not quite ready to reach out, but want to stay in the loop, I send occasional insights, insights from the design process, and a look at what’s growing in gardens and on the drawing board, that might just help you move forward.
No spam, no filler, just thoughtful updates when there’s something worth sharing.