LANDSCAPE DESIGN
We believe that each homeowner's landscape should hold its own genius loci, or 'sense of place'. It should be well thought out, enhance the specific architecture of the home, and fulfill the desired function and aesthetics of the site for years to come. Most importantly, each landscape should be personalized, and reflect the dreams, culture, and values of its owner.
Exploring ideas for your outdoor remodel, but struggling to compare landscape designs and separate quotes from contractors "A", "B", and "C"? The first design & bid you receive isn't necessarily the right one!
The Whirlwind.
The most beautiful design is not typically the most affordable ...
The most affordable design is probably not your favorite, nor is it necessarily the best use of your space ...
• You really like "Contractor A's" design and presentation, but they are far too steeply priced.
• "Contractor "B" seems extremely fair on pricing but leaves a lot to be desired creatively.
• "Contractor C" put together a decent design and is better priced (still a little high), but won't break costs down the way you want.
The Problem.
You have a limited budget, don't want to commit towards investing your money poorly, and desperately need to make progress.
Summer and/or Christmas is right around the corner!
The Recommendation.
Develop a design first. Then take bids from the best contractors out there.
Keep the design and scope of work the same and now you have something comparable!
Our Conceptual Design Process.
At Sonoran Shadows, we provide each of our clients a series of highly creative and unique design solutions to fit their specific budget. This affords you, the property owner, the ability to envision multiple options for best utilization of your outdoor living spaces. Each conceptual design is unique and offers a little different style, ambiance, and overall feel. Each of those design incorporates your needs for the space while also addressing issues such as circulation, spatial planning, sound mitigation, landscape function, and desired day-time / night-time aesthetics. As environmental advocates, we ensure that every planting design is developed with a smart strategy for irrigation that remains sensitive to the region. What's best is that you are part of the entire process from start to finish! We'll start by listening to your family's needs, goals, and long-term budget for the space. From there, we'll work together to refine a comprehensive design that is perfect for you. Then, the fun begins!
Design Development & Contractor Selection.
Once we've narrowed-in on a concept that you adore, you'll have a preferred design and a single document for each of your contractor(s) to bid upon. This ensures that each contractor is bidding on the same exact project, and allows you to more readily compare "apples to apples". If you'd like an even tighter, more competitive bid, we'll bring a higher level of detail to your design and provide construction documents, material take-off lists, and specifications for your contractors to bid upon. This creates transparency, and helps you determine which contractors are charging what on each aspect of your project. You might want to bid different portions of your project out at different times (see master-planning below), and decide on various contractors on your own. This is a great way to go and allows you to take ownership of the project going forward. Or we can help you navigate contractor selection and provide recommendations on companies that would perform the highest based on your specific design. Over the years, we've had the opportunity to work with hundreds of contractors. Sonoran Shadows Design has been fortunate to work with the best of the best! Annnnddd ... we've seen work from the good, the bad, and the worst! Rid yourself of the headache--we'll play "matchmaker" and steer you towards a good fit!
Already Working With A Contractor?
You may also already be plugged-in and working with a great contractor (there are plenty out there). Note that contractors come in various shapes, sizes, and with multitudes of skillsets. While some are excellent at construction of hardscape, they may lack expertise in creative plant selection and planting techniques. Some might do this thing, but not that. Some are design-build companies that can provide you a fantastic design and turn-key project in weeks. While others might be extremely creative, talented, and possess the ability to build anything, BUT they lack the ability to convey their ideas for the space to you (i.e. through drawings, 3D models, or renderings). If you find yourself in this predicament, give us a call or send us a message! We'd be happy to work with you and your contractor at a very low cost to either one of you! We'll work the ideas out with the contractor team, translate these concepts onto paper, and voila--you move forward! We work in this capacity as a design consultant for a handful of contractors all the time, so this is regular business for us! Though we'd prefer to be at the front end of your project to design of your space with you, we'd welcome the opportunity to meet and work with you and your contractor mid-stride as well!
Master Planning & Design Development.
At Sonoran Shadows, we don't just design, we master-plan. What does that mean for you? It means that from the first time we put pencil to paper we are thinking of how your space will develop over time. We realize that every homeowner has different goals and dreams and operates on different budgets. It may take a number of years for the entirety of your project to be physically realized. This is OK--and is nothing short of smart financially. In terms of design, master-planning matters greatly. From concept it requires that your property be thought about holistically in terms of both space and time. Our master plans will take into account the kitchen expansion (year-2), the pool-build (year-4), and won't forget about the casita addition at the back of the property (year-8). We'll make sure that the spaces and future utilities for these don't clash with one another, but are orchestrated from the same sheet of music. A smart master-plan will ensure that the patios and transitional spaces flow seamlessly between these 2- 4- and 8-year areas. A lack of master-planning, on the other hand, creates a lack in design unity and a whirlwind of issues down the line: 1.) more future demolition and removals of poorly placed elements ($$$), 2.) uncoordinated, non-functional, and conflicting spaces across your property, 3.) higher costs to you at each step of construction, and 4.) ultimately, reduced re-sale opportunity due to patch-working of property. This is your dream and your property, be smart about how you build it!
However big (or small) your goals, dreams and budgets are matters not. Our role is to help you get there realistically and in an intelligent way. We do this through providing you with multiple design & construction opportunities, while advocating for you as a home-owner throughout the process.
When you're ready, send us a consultation request. We're here to help make your money go further when it comes time to build!
The Whirlwind.
The most beautiful design is not typically the most affordable ...
The most affordable design is probably not your favorite, nor is it necessarily the best use of your space ...
• You really like "Contractor A's" design and presentation, but they are far too steeply priced.
• "Contractor "B" seems extremely fair on pricing but leaves a lot to be desired creatively.
• "Contractor C" put together a decent design and is better priced (still a little high), but won't break costs down the way you want.
The Problem.
You have a limited budget, don't want to commit towards investing your money poorly, and desperately need to make progress.
Summer and/or Christmas is right around the corner!
The Recommendation.
Develop a design first. Then take bids from the best contractors out there.
Keep the design and scope of work the same and now you have something comparable!
Our Conceptual Design Process.
At Sonoran Shadows, we provide each of our clients a series of highly creative and unique design solutions to fit their specific budget. This affords you, the property owner, the ability to envision multiple options for best utilization of your outdoor living spaces. Each conceptual design is unique and offers a little different style, ambiance, and overall feel. Each of those design incorporates your needs for the space while also addressing issues such as circulation, spatial planning, sound mitigation, landscape function, and desired day-time / night-time aesthetics. As environmental advocates, we ensure that every planting design is developed with a smart strategy for irrigation that remains sensitive to the region. What's best is that you are part of the entire process from start to finish! We'll start by listening to your family's needs, goals, and long-term budget for the space. From there, we'll work together to refine a comprehensive design that is perfect for you. Then, the fun begins!
Design Development & Contractor Selection.
Once we've narrowed-in on a concept that you adore, you'll have a preferred design and a single document for each of your contractor(s) to bid upon. This ensures that each contractor is bidding on the same exact project, and allows you to more readily compare "apples to apples". If you'd like an even tighter, more competitive bid, we'll bring a higher level of detail to your design and provide construction documents, material take-off lists, and specifications for your contractors to bid upon. This creates transparency, and helps you determine which contractors are charging what on each aspect of your project. You might want to bid different portions of your project out at different times (see master-planning below), and decide on various contractors on your own. This is a great way to go and allows you to take ownership of the project going forward. Or we can help you navigate contractor selection and provide recommendations on companies that would perform the highest based on your specific design. Over the years, we've had the opportunity to work with hundreds of contractors. Sonoran Shadows Design has been fortunate to work with the best of the best! Annnnddd ... we've seen work from the good, the bad, and the worst! Rid yourself of the headache--we'll play "matchmaker" and steer you towards a good fit!
Already Working With A Contractor?
You may also already be plugged-in and working with a great contractor (there are plenty out there). Note that contractors come in various shapes, sizes, and with multitudes of skillsets. While some are excellent at construction of hardscape, they may lack expertise in creative plant selection and planting techniques. Some might do this thing, but not that. Some are design-build companies that can provide you a fantastic design and turn-key project in weeks. While others might be extremely creative, talented, and possess the ability to build anything, BUT they lack the ability to convey their ideas for the space to you (i.e. through drawings, 3D models, or renderings). If you find yourself in this predicament, give us a call or send us a message! We'd be happy to work with you and your contractor at a very low cost to either one of you! We'll work the ideas out with the contractor team, translate these concepts onto paper, and voila--you move forward! We work in this capacity as a design consultant for a handful of contractors all the time, so this is regular business for us! Though we'd prefer to be at the front end of your project to design of your space with you, we'd welcome the opportunity to meet and work with you and your contractor mid-stride as well!
Master Planning & Design Development.
At Sonoran Shadows, we don't just design, we master-plan. What does that mean for you? It means that from the first time we put pencil to paper we are thinking of how your space will develop over time. We realize that every homeowner has different goals and dreams and operates on different budgets. It may take a number of years for the entirety of your project to be physically realized. This is OK--and is nothing short of smart financially. In terms of design, master-planning matters greatly. From concept it requires that your property be thought about holistically in terms of both space and time. Our master plans will take into account the kitchen expansion (year-2), the pool-build (year-4), and won't forget about the casita addition at the back of the property (year-8). We'll make sure that the spaces and future utilities for these don't clash with one another, but are orchestrated from the same sheet of music. A smart master-plan will ensure that the patios and transitional spaces flow seamlessly between these 2- 4- and 8-year areas. A lack of master-planning, on the other hand, creates a lack in design unity and a whirlwind of issues down the line: 1.) more future demolition and removals of poorly placed elements ($$$), 2.) uncoordinated, non-functional, and conflicting spaces across your property, 3.) higher costs to you at each step of construction, and 4.) ultimately, reduced re-sale opportunity due to patch-working of property. This is your dream and your property, be smart about how you build it!
However big (or small) your goals, dreams and budgets are matters not. Our role is to help you get there realistically and in an intelligent way. We do this through providing you with multiple design & construction opportunities, while advocating for you as a home-owner throughout the process.
When you're ready, send us a consultation request. We're here to help make your money go further when it comes time to build!