designersnotebook
When plans change BY AUDRIANA VANDERWERF, CLD, HLT
As designers, we harness our creativity to visualize a landscape that will fit the needs and budget of our clients. However, as much as we can see the design in our mind and on paper, there are often times during the installation process when we think, ‘This is not looking how I envisioned.’ Worse still, the design may not be what the client imagined. Inevitably, we find ourselves tweaking, or even changing direction, during the build. Then there are the unseen obstacles like rock or buried oil tanks discovered during excavation that require new meetings, new ideas, and new solutions. Sometimes, changes are a result of just plain old designer errors or omissions. After the master plan is sold and the crew begins work on site, how often do you adjust or modify designs? CANVASSING THE EXPERTS The wonderful thing about Congress and industry seminars is the chance to meet professionals with a wide range of experience. Over the past six months, I have polled landscape professionals from several companies. When I began, I wondered whether these talented designers were able to consistently produce flawless, no-change designs. That thought was quickly dismissed, as I learned that only
32 | JUNE 2018 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
the finished project can be perfect! What we do along the way is helping us get there, including revisions during installation. “More often than not, minor changes are made during the installation of a project,” says Heather Horton of Landscape Effects near Windsor, Ont. “Thankfully, changes that require a complete re-do are very rare.” Many planners at the Congress Landscape Designers’ Conference had similar opinions to share. Further, many contractors didn’t hesitate to admit changes are commonplace. They cited various reasons, including clients, surprises and design errors. As a CLD, I’d have to agree. Designers must understand the business and that errors that cause delays are costly. However, even the best designers need to be ready to tweak plans during installation. Jeff Hubble of Hubble Landscaping in Kawartha Lakes, Ont., has over 20 years’ experience in design/build. “Most changes are by customer request,” he explains. “Gas line and mechanical lines may result in planting locations to be slightly altered (from the plan).”
ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES Responsible for both the design and build of his projects, Hubble is comfortable with
adjusting plans on the fly. When changes are needed — excepting unforeseen environmental issues — he usually has only himself to hold responsible. Since I was after a bit of drama, I approached some contractors who build for design partners. What do they do when their designer errs? Karla Sousa is in charge of sales at Duralock of Oakville, Ont. “We often use a designer who is very thorough, but when mistakes lead to changes during the installation, I should have caught it,” she says. “I try to go over the design very thoroughly before the crew goes out to make sure it goes smoothly.” A very respectable approach. So… No drama there either!
STAY IN YOUR LANE Well, I experienced an affront from an installer. Did I underquote deck posts? No, I’m good at decks. Did I spec a sugar maple two feet from a house? No, I know trees. I know about slope and drainage and foundations and roots. What I did was side with the client who wanted to keep some of her shrubs, you know, the nicer ones with lots of life left. My design included existing plants. Unfortunately, the installer, also a design-