FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
All pricing is built around what the client prefers. Some clients choose to establish a budget on the front end of a job, before a design begins. Some clients establish a low and high range and then let me formulate options that work with that budget. My design process also is very open about pricing, so usually after the first meeting, we all know where the budget will end up.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to have a brief discussion on the phone with a client so I can begin taking notes about a project. Then, I like to schedule a consultation (free) that typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. At that point, I can either provide an estimate for work if the job is fairly straightforward, or I can suggest a design service if the job is more complex. If the client chooses to hire us, I provide a timetable for work to begin and duration of work. If the client hires us to do a design, I provide a completion timetable for the design and proposal. Each proposal has itemized expenses which are detailed out thoroughly. Our design process involves surveying the yard, scaled drawings, CAD drawings, color photos. At the end of the design/proposal process, clients feel all their questions are answered and they have been able to review all their options.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's Science and Master's Science in Education. This means that I have spent a lot of time learning and teaching. My construction background began when I was 11. My first job was with a contractor cleaning job sites for $1 per hour. During High School, my summer job was in construction, cleaning, painting, and learning trades like tile setting, drywall, siding installation. I worked my way through college by working with a builder, constructing homes from the ground up. That also involved grading, landscaping. After college I sold and installed pools and outdoor living areas. Since 2002, I've been designing and installing outdoor living areas and landscaping.