Walter Cudnohufsky Associates, Inc.
Landscape Architects and Planners
Design Process
Designing a landscape is a process involving many layers and steps, both subtle and bold. WCA's rigorous design process is relevant to projects both large and small. Click on a box below to view details on a given phase.
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Phase 1: Initial diagnostic analysis and investigation
Investigate, through readily available data, the opportunities and constraints of a proposed project.
• Identify and prioritize client goals and intentions.
Perform preliminary assessment of site.
Draft initial project goals and objectives.
Determine whether to continue the process (based on.?)
Organize project process and form design team.
Acquire site data through maps, photos, literature, regulatory requirements, walking the site with the client, etc
Identify critical priority issues and policies.
Confirm development program and strategies with client.
Articulate preliminary planning and design concepts.
Prepare preliminary design cost magnitudes and strategies
• Research missing information, and summarize data into a form for use during the course of the project.
Contact utilities, town offices, etc. for information on buried utilities, legal and relevant regulatory information
Plan the inventory and assessment process.
Prepare base map or maps. A topographic survey is most often a separate and parallel task.
Perform physical area, site inventory, and analysis
Determine approval requirements and consequent strategies.
Phase 2: Schematic planning and design concepts
Determine whether a particular concept is feasible based on the needs
of the client or users and the most evident physical, economic, political,
and legal constraints.
Refine the preliminary program and alternatives.
Establish design criteria and standards.
Prepare conceptual or schematic plan or plans.
Develop prototypical design studies.what does this mean?
Draw schemes in section, elevation, and/or axonometric viewto help both client
and designer see the plans from a third dimension.
Run the numberscalculate square feet, cubic yards, areas of change, materials
required, etc.
Refine cost estimates (based on above).
Test feasibility of important design elements.
Assess pros and cons of each concept.
Test reaction of client (and contractors, engineers, permit authorities when advisable) to various concepts.
Seek preliminary approvals for preferred concept.
Phase 3: Design Development Documents
Refine schematic plans into design development and construction documents,
and obtain final approvals.
Prepare definitive site plans (building, and engineering plans by others).
Assess legal and community planning implications.
Perform sensitivity analysis of major assumptions.
Complete construction documents such as the following: Landscape plans, planting
plans, layout or staking plans, earth work/grading and drainage plans, irrigation,
lighting, and construction details.
Phase 4: Preconstruction
Plan and organize the desired construction and management process to ensure maximum
control of quality and cost.
Prepare preconstruction schedules.
Meet with potential bidders to review site and client needs and specifications
Solicit bids within a predetermined process.
Negotiate contracts with selected bidder(s).
Award contracts.
Phase 5: Construction inspection services
The level of involvement and cost of construction oversight (??) can vary
widely depending on a number of factors. A project manager or clerk of the
works is needed to coordinate the work, particularly when a number of different
contractors are needed to complete specific tasks.
Identify the existing elements of the site that will require protection, and
ensure measures are taken to protect them (e.g., key trees, existing utilities,
stone walls, etc.).
Supervise and coordinate the construction process, including scheduling, reporting,
recording, inspecting, monitoring and controlling costs, and general administration.
Accept plans, approve completed work, and authorize payments to contractors.