The Importance of Designing the Landscape and Architecture Together

When it comes to new construction and major home renovations, we as landscape design/build contractors are usually called into a project after the majority of the home construction is completed. In reality, we should be involved in the process much sooner.

By developing a landscape plan in conjunction with the architectural drawings, clients will enjoy a better building experience, a superior end result and a significant cost savings. Savvy homeowners recognize that the key to a successful project is to take a "big picture" approach to design by involving the landscape designer along with the architect and builder in the earliest stages of the process. In the following Q&A session, we had the opportunity to interview Jody Shilan, MLA about this specific topic as he explains the benefits of this approach.

LW: Why is it important to create a landscape master plan along with the architectural plans?

JS: Planning the design of the property along with the design of the house brings better organization to a project. If the landscape designer, architect and builder can think everything through together, it not only helps to meet the homeowners' requirements, but often elevates their goals. It enables continuity between the construction of the home and its outdoor amenities like pools, patios and plantings. It also ensures that the structure works well with the elevations of the property, including such considerations as the best way to enter the property and the ideal number of steps to access the house. While we do not set out to influence the architect's design, we often can enhance the outcome by helping to identify the property's positive or negative attributes. Addressing these elements at the initial stages of the design can help save time, and avoid potential problems.

LW: What challenges can arise if you wait?

JS: Landscape planning as an afterthought can result in an array of costly functional and aesthetic challenges. For example, improper elevations can cause drainage problems or create the need for retaining walls, seepage tanks and/or sump pumps. Rectifying drainage problems can get very expensive and sometimes it is almost impossible to resolve the issues if the house is set too low in relation to the property. Building retaining walls increases materials costs and their excessive use can detract from a home's curb appeal.

LW: Does planning ahead have other economic benefits?

JS: It does, because it can help to avoid certain types of unnecessary expenses. For example, the builder may export soil from the site during construction and later we may need soil to create level changes or for grading purposes. Importing and exporting soil is expensive. If we can coordinate efforts to reuse resources already on the property, everyone benefits. Our input also helps to preserve natural features, such as large trees that might have been cut down or damaged and would be expensive to replace, if replacement is even possible. There are many beautiful, mature oaks, maples, beeches and ashes in this area that could be preserved with a little extra planning.

LW: Can you provide an example of a project where this kind of foresight helped?

JS: We recently completed a project in Northern, N.J., with outstanding results. From the outset, the architect, builder and I worked together to create the best possible master plan. One of the early changes we made involved switching the locations of the septic field and the swimming pool. If the pool had been planned after the fact, the homeowners would need to walk down an additional 18 steps to reach it. Additionally, we would have had to drive across the septic field to dig the pool, which could have been damaging. Instead, we were able to install the pool while construction was underway and everything came together simultaneously.

LW: Can you provide an example where waiting to consider landscape design created a problem?

JS: We worked on one project where a stepped-down family room had been added to a home. The step down basically put that portion of the house about six inches below ground level and created major drainage issues. We had to excavate the entire back yard, remove tress, build retaining walls and install seepage pits to keep the water off the property and away from the house. The cost to the homeowner exceeded $27,000. If we had been involved sooner, we would have recommended that the room be stepped up or at least built at the same level as the rest of the house.

LW:. Are landscape approvals incorporated in the home renovation approval process or are separate applications required?

JS: It really depends on the project and the municipality. Most towns now require permits for most major landscaping features, including retaining walls, fences, patios, driveways, irrigation, lighting and any type of soil movement. If these elements can be fine-tuned early enough, it is best to submit them for approval as one package with the construction design. At the same time, if the builder's permitting process is already underway, adding the landscaping design might slow down the approval process. For this reason, we find that it is best to approach the permitting strategy on a case-by-case basis.

LW: If the landscape plan is created at the time of the construction plan, what is the next step? Do the phases of executing each plan overlap?

JS: Typically, we like to stay out of the way of the builder or general contractor so that he can do his work efficiently. The landscape construction generally can begin once the foundation work has been completed and the primary elevations have been set. Swimming pools, retaining walls and other hardscape elements that are physically distinct from the house logically come first. The landscaping closer to the house begins after the home's exterior has been largely completed. Building or renovating a home involves a lot of people and creating the right balance goes a long way towards creating good working relationships and project flow.

LW: Any last comments?

JS: The main objectives of landscape design are very similar to the design of the architectural design of the home itself--the main difference is that our rooms are outside, not inside. Our primary goal is to merge the home with its natural surroundings to create a sense of place. We want to avoid the feeling that the house was literally dropped out of the sky onto the ground. Whether we plant evergreens for privacy, create outdoor rooms for entertaining, or install swimming pools or perennial gardens, our goal is to have our clients look forward to spending time at home with family and friends. We want the homeowner to enjoy every aspect of their property and feel like they are on vacation at their own home.

At the outset, homeowners should think about what type of "look" or "experience" they want to achieve and the colors and materials that make them comfortable. They should look for photographs that convey the type of "feeling," they want. The more in-tune our customers are with what they want, the better equipped we are to create the project they desire. And while these objectives and tastes vary extensively, it always is important to keep in mind that the home should be considered part of--not separate from--the property.