Friday, November 26, 2010

Creating the Garden: Client Designer Relationship

1:05 PM
In my last post, Creating the Garden: Sense of Place, I talked about how the spirit of one's individual landscape can invoke an emotion in us, forming an identity to a place that we can relate to.

Today, I want to delve into the unique factors of the Client Designer Relationship.


Beautiful Stone Wall & Patio Bellport, NY
Most people that call me are referred by friends or members of their community, although a growing number are finding me through the Internet. Initially, a consult is appropriated and I drive out to meet the potential client for the first time. For the next hour or so, we walk the grounds discussing their thoughts regarding their property. I listen keenly to their descriptions, feelings and attitudes towards areas of their landscape. During this initial visit, I also get a sense of whether or not I am the right person to address and manage the issues they are sharing with me. Through honest dialogue, the client and I both decide at the end of this meeting whether or not I should take on the project. Details are discussed briefly as to the next stages of the process and we're off and running.

 


Serene view behind Strawberry Pot
As in most service related professions, Landscape Designers differ in their training, experience, style, and personality. It is important to clearly communicate your expectations to the designer you are working with. Gardens depict their owner's tastes and lifestyle in a very personal way. Therefore, it is important that the design process be in alignment with the client's motives. An exchange of trust must be instilled. Most of the people that I work with are highly involved in the development of their landscape. The more information that they share with me, the better able I am to succor their needs. Over the years, I've formed many great friendships with my clients through our collaborative efforts. This level of participation has greatly enhanced the success of many wonderful and unique projects.

My ultimate goal behind any design and/or project is not only the complete satisfaction of the client I am working with, but the overall long term improvement of the landscape I am working on. As we finalize a new planting or renovation project, I anticipate that as good as the garden looks upon completion, it should look even better five years down the road as plantings mature (of course, with proper care and maintenance). My gardens are an enduring commitment. I wish to revisit the site and be involved in the care and maintenance of our projects so that this goal of establishment and longevity might be better achieved. I feel a sense of place in many of my gardens as my hand has been part of not only the design and planting, but the nurturing process. It satisfies my soul.


Old garden bench beside pool Bellport, NY

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Think Spring!
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Jennifer Garces
My experienced team and I have been creating and maintaining unique gardens and lavish landscapes throughout Long Island, New York for the past decade. Specializing in the creation of outdoor living spaces that are extraordinary yet functional, I glean inspiration from the traditional English style of gardening which incorporates lush perennial gardens, old world style masonry and wood accents. I believe unlimited creativity may be ignited by merging site potential, client desires and designer vision. Truly, gardening is a natural process that evolves and becomes more breathtaking with time. I hold a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Rhode Island and have over 6 years of field experience.
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