Landscape Design Process: What Happens After You Call Carrington
Our landscape design process begins with a conversation about your property, goals, budget, and ideas. From there, we follow five clear steps to turn those ideas into a practical design and, once approved, a professionally built outdoor space.
Our Five-Step Landscape Design Process
At Carrington Lawn & Landscape, we use a structured design-build process to guide you from the first call through installation:
- Discovery call
- On-site consultation
- Design-build agreement
- Design development and concept review
- Final approval and installation
Step 1: The Discovery Call
Your first call is a high-level conversation to discuss your landscape design and installation goals and any problems you hope to solve.
You might be considering:
- A patio or outdoor gathering area
- Better drainage or grading
- New landscape beds
- More privacy or shade
- An outdoor kitchen or fire feature
- Improved walkways and connections
- A complete landscape renovation
You don’t need every detail figured out yet. Sharing your general style and investment range helps us determine if our services are a good match for your project.
Step 2: The On-Site Consultation
We charge a fee for on-site consultations to conduct a comprehensive property review. We evaluate your space as a whole, looking at:
- Existing patios, walkways, and plantings
- Slopes and grading
- Drainage concerns
- Sun and shade patterns
- Access for crews and equipment
- Views to highlight or screen
- Home connectivity
This visit identifies opportunities that a phone call might miss. For example, in our DeForest patio and fire pit project, we integrated new features around an existing patio to create a cohesive environment. We also account for local Wisconsin conditions like soil, drainage, and freeze-thaw cycles that influence construction.
Step 3: The Design-Build Agreement
Next, we prepare a design-build agreement that outlines the project scope and expectations. This phase bridges appearance, function, and budget, addressing questions like:
- Patio size and layout
- Walkway and gathering area placement
- Water management and drainage
- Material selection
- Feature prioritization
- Potential for project phasing
Our guide to landscape design and installation costs provides more detail on how these factors influence your investment.
Step 4: Design Development and Concept Review
Once the design-build agreement is approved, we turn your ideas into a clear plan. Depending on the project, this may include plans, renderings, material selections, hardscape features, plantings, drainage solutions, and lighting.
During the concept review, we walk through the design with you, explain how each part works together, and gather feedback. This is the time to review the layout, materials, features, priorities, and overall investment before the plan is finalized.
Our outdoor oasis project spotlight shows how a pool, patio, pergola, and surrounding landscape can be planned as one connected outdoor space.
Step 5: Final Approval and Installation
After the design is finalized, we prepare a detailed project agreement for approval. Once approved, the project moves into scheduling, site preparation, and installation.
Because our design and installation teams work within the same company, the crew has a clear understanding of the approved plan. We keep you informed as the work moves forward.
Our DeForest patio and fire pit project shows how design details such as layout, seating, lighting, and plantings come together during installation. You can also browse our landscape project gallery for more completed work.
How to Prepare for Your First Call
You can make the first conversation more productive by thinking about a few basic questions:
- What is not working in your current yard?
- How do you want to use the space?
- Which features matter most?
- Are there styles or projects you like?
- What investment range are you considering?
- Would you prefer one complete project or a phased plan?
Photos, inspiration images, and a short list of priorities are helpful. We will guide you through the more detailed decisions as the process moves forward.
Why a Clear Process Matters
Landscape projects often involve many connected decisions. Grading may affect a patio. A patio may affect drainage. Plant placement may depend on sun exposure, mature size, and how the space will be used.
A structured process helps us study those connections before construction starts. It also gives you time to review the plan, ask questions, and understand what is included.
At Carrington Lawn & Landscape, we believe clear communication is just as important as thoughtful design and skilled installation. Our process is built to create a smoother experience and support a landscape that works well for your home over time.
Let’s Plan Your Outdoor Space
Carrington Lawn & Landscape has served Madison and surrounding Dane County communities since 1998. You can learn more about our team and company story before starting your project.
Ready to discuss your ideas? Let’s Talk about your property, priorities, and the next steps in the landscape design process.