Over the years of being involved in landscape architectural design and construction, I have notice one key thing that sets designers apart. It is “flow”. The end product (your garden) either has “flow” or doesn’t.

Design is such a subjective concept and that is what makes it so exciting. You envision a design concept, draw it out on paper or computer, and then present to your client. Does your client have that confidence in you to trust that you have developed the design for them? When they accept your proposal, is the relationship developed to the point that you have the autonomy to make minor changes as the installation evolves? This is the first type of “flow”…the relationship that you have developed with your client to the point that they trust you to make the appropriate necessary changes as the the installation evolves…changes necessary to ensure the end product has “flow”.

The second type of “flow” relates directly to the first type of “flow”, in that your client trusts you to make the necessary changes in the field to ensure that the design concept is kept intact throughout the installation. It is important that we as designers take the time to evaluate how the project is “flowing” as it evolves, especially when key elements are being laid out such as hardscape elements, as well as larger trees and plants. These elements are the backbone of the design. If you turn over your trust to an installer, your design concept might just not make the “flow” test…with end result being a disappointed client.

I recall one smaller but very expensive project we did. A lot of unique elements were introduced into the design. The client was very big into balance and symmetry. I had laid out on CAD, the hardscape deck elements which consisted of 12 X 12 antique french Terra Cotta set on a diamond pattern with a running bond border of 6 X 12. We had the concrete base already complete. We laid the 12 X 12 from center-point outward. It was discovered that the cuts at the edge of the running bond would not be at the center point of the diamond pattern. To keep the balance and symmetry of “flow”, we drilled into the side of the concrete, epoxied in more re-bar and extended the deck out on both sides to ensure that all cuts were balanced and symmetrical. The planting plan had to be mildly adjusted to accommodate these changes. By doing this we were able to maintain the symmetrical design flow, as well as the trust of the client.

Do you have that trust and “flow’ in your relationship with your clients? Does your design demonstrate “flow” when you are complete? These are important, Empowering thoughts and concepts…Empower your design with “flow”…