Landscape Design Consultation
For many Seattle homeowners, the idea of a landscape design consultation can feel a bit mysterious. What actually happens during the consultation? How do you prepare? What comes next?
At Seattle Sustainable Landscapes (SSL), we want to demystify the process so you know exactly what to expect when you begin your journey with us.
The Two Stages of Consultation at SSL
1. Initial Landscape Design Conversation
This first meeting typically involves our Director of Business Development or the company Owner—both of whom bring years of hands-on experience in landscape design and project planning. Think of this meeting as a dreaming session. We visit your site, walk through your goals, challenges, and inspirations, and begin to think through how you might best utilize your space.
During this phase, we:
- Discuss your lifestyle needs (kids, pets, entertaining, gardening, etc.)
- Explore any problem areas (drainage, shade, poor layout, etc.)
- Talk about your aesthetic preferences and inspiration
- Consider long-term maintenance expectations
- Review budget range and general project timeline
This is a collaborative and creative moment. We offer guidance, ideas, and real-world insights to help shape the possibilities. However, this is not yet the full-blown design process—instead, it lays the groundwork.
2. Formal Design Consultation
After agreeing on a generalized scope of work, we move into the formal design phase. This is where things get more detailed, technical, and visual. Our trained designers take over to develop a custom landscape plan that meets your goals and reflects your personal style.
The formal consultation includes:
- A site survey and base map
- Multiple design concepts with different layout options
- Preliminary material selections
- Concept revisions based on your feedback
- A phased budgeting strategy for installation
This phase is iterative. We encourage client input throughout the process to ensure the final design is exactly what you need—both visually and functionally.
Why This Process Works
Our two-step approach ensures that your project is rooted in both creative vision and practical execution. By starting with a dream-focused conversation, we establish trust and shared inspiration. Then we bring in our design team to execute a plan that is realistic, buildable, and beautifully tailored to your space.
Tips for a Successful Consultation
- Gather inspiration: Photos, Pinterest boards, or even notes about how you want to use your yard are helpful.
- Think big picture: Don’t worry about the details upfront—we’ll help you refine them later.
- Be honest about your budget and priorities: It helps us design something that’s achievable and satisfying.
Whether you’re reimagining a small backyard in Ballard or creating a full-scale landscape in Magnolia, our design consultation process ensures your project starts with vision and ends in lasting beauty.
Ready to start your landscape design journey? Contact Us for more information!
A thoughtful consultation sets the foundation for a successful project. Contact Seattle Sustainable Landscapes to schedule your landscape design consultation and begin transforming your outdoor space with confidence.