Design Process

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Let’s begin!

Our typical design process follows these general steps:

Design Consultation (No Charge)

The first step in the Design/Build Process will be to set up a free on site meeting with Owner/Principle Designer Dan’l. Here, we will focus on getting a good understanding of your needs, ideas, goals and budgets in order to provide you with a customized design proposal. As we discuss your project needs, both parties can assess if it feels like a good fit.

Design Proposal (No Charge)

Within a few days of our initial consultation, we will send you a customized design proposal that includes a clear scope-of-work Design process with timelines and set price design fee. Our design fees are customized to each project based on site size, complexity, design detail, 3D drawing needs, planting plan detail, etc.

We are committed to providing value-driven design solutions. We prioritize working within your budget, offering creative, cost-effective alternatives to meet your goals. Our detailed proposal process ensures you review all project specifics and costs upfront, so you know exactly what to expect.

Data Collection

You will send us any inspirational images you’ve collected and fill out our design questionnaire. Meanwhile, we will visit your site to take detailed measurements, review sun/shade conditions, identify existing plants, and make additional observations to complete the site analysis and create a scaled base map of the area of design.

Project Kick-Off

We meet together onsite to review the images, questionnaire, base map, and discuss your project needs in further detail. This is when we prioritize design goals and work to keep you within budget.

Preliminary Plan Review

We will create two 2D design alternatives, and review together during an on-site meeting. Our goal is to show you a range of options that meet your unique style and landscape needs, while being mindful of your construction budget. During this meeting we pinpoint what we like about each plan, discuss rough installation costs and generally gather as much information as we can so that we can render a preliminary plan that meets all the various site elements that we like from the first 2 alternatives. This third preliminary plan is then emailed to you for final review. Once approved, we take it to the next stage of design.

Final Master Plan Set

During this stage of the design process, we take all the information and design work up to this point and finalize the design details of the hardscapes and all other site elements, focusing on color renderings and overall visuals for this plan. We then create a full planting plan set which will include a scaled, colored layout of the plants, colored planting key and full planting cutsheet/pallettes for our presentation and ease of seeing plant visuals. We provide you with Digital and printed copies of all documents. You now have a detailed road map for your future outdoor space!

Construction Estimate

Once the master plan set is complete, we begin estimating your project installation. We do our best to give accurate ballpark estimates throughout the design process. This detailed deconstruction estimate typically takes a couple of weeks to compile because it shows you extensive detail, breaking down each element of installation materials and labor down to how many boxes of nails we’ll need and labor costs for each step of installation.

Installation

Once the construction estimate is approved/signed and a deposit received, you secure your place in our construction queue. This queue length varies based on the time of year and how extensive your construction will be. We will go over all projections on the installation projected start date and overall timeline of installation during the design process.

Latest Projects + News

Explore a curated collection of our past work, where imagination meets strategy. Each project reflects our drive to deliver thoughtful, effective solutions.. See the transformation come to life through before-and-after photos and project highlights

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Northwest Elegance

This relaxing outdoor retreat embraces a Pacific Northwest style with natural materials and multiple outdoor spaces. The front entry is clean and classic, reflecting the homeowners’ desire for contemporary curb appeal.

Modern Craftsman

The homeowners appreciated the historic charm of their home but wanted their garden to evolve into a more modern space. We completely transformed the front and back yards using local hardscape materials and native plantings, creating a finished product that feels distinctly “Portland.”

Natural Prairie

This multi-acre estate on Sauvie Island embraces a light touch to complement the scenic beauty surrounding the garden. Rustic stone steps, walls, and a fire circle reflect natural colors and local materials.

Sloped Retreat

This sloped garden was transformed into a modern outdoor retreat. We designed and installed an outdoor kitchen, elevated dining area, hot tub, steel terraces, and a flagstone patio with a fire table.

Urban Oasis

This compact backyard features multiple defined spaces for entertaining large groups on a natural flagstone patio, cooking meals in the custom cedar outdoor kitchen, or lounging quietly with a book in an informal rock area.

Before & After: A Mid-Century Backyard Built for Dogs & Relaxation

Sometimes a backyard looks fine on the surface — grass, a fire pit, some shrubs — but doesn’t actually work for the way you live.

Before & After: A Family-Friendly Forest Retreat

Some yards hold incredible potential but need the right design to make them safe, functional, and welcoming for everyday life.

From Fake Grass to Lush Northwest Beauty: A Backyard Transformation Rooted in Nature

Sometimes, the best backyard renovations start with a simple goal: make it feel like home.

Before and After: From a Plain Lawn to Personal Nature-forward Space

Our client came to us with a strong love for the outdoors—gardening, hiking, walking, skiing—you name it. They enjoy growing vegetables, tending to potted plants, and dreaming up seasonal color with annuals and perennials. But their yard? It didn’t match that energy.

Before and After: From Basic Backyard to a Luxe Outdoor Escape

The client came to us with a front and backyard in need of a transformation—both lacked irrigation, were overrun with weeds and grass all over, and had minimal plant life. See the before and after pics.

Before and After: Sustainable Outdoor Living

Revitalize Your Landscape: Fresh Ideas for Spring

We love taking underutilized spaces and turning them into functional, beautiful landscapes. Our latest project in NE Portland is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can make a big impact, even in smaller areas.