Issuu

Home(work) Berger Partnership Residential Design Process

Contents 01

Introduction

Plan

Design

Build

Notes

Who We Are Office

We realize change and beauty in the world by thinking big at an intimate scale—shaping residential landscapes that inspire, restore, and enrich daily life.

We invite clients to imagine what’s possible and bring the clarity and care needed to make it real, crafting gardens and outdoor spaces that feel both timeless and deeply personal. Our work transforms homes into layered, immersive environments where landform, planting, and material come together to create beauty, comfort, and connection. As landscape architects we draw on a diversity of backgrounds and expertise, united by a shared commitment to thoughtful design and the enduring art of making meaningful places.

Who We Are Residential Leadership

Jason Henry Jason’s passion for gardens began early, working in his family’s gardens across the West Coast and developing a deep appreciation for the natural world through exploration. Influenced by both natural systems and cultural narratives, Jason’s work reflects a deep curiosity about how gardens can tell stories and shape experience. At Berger, Jason has spent more than three decades crafting distinctive residential landscapes that are both dramatic and deeply personal. His work weaves an artistic command of landform and space with an expansive knowledge of plant material and a keen eye for detail, resulting in gardens that feel timeless, immersive, and uniquely tailored to each client.

Anna O’Connell Anna brings extensive public- and private-sector experience, ranging from custom residential landscapes to large tech campuses. Her approach is rooted in attentive dialogue, shaping places that reflect each client’s vision while honoring the character of the land. She is especially passionate about planting design, crafting gardens that are richly layered, site-responsive, and expressive over time. Anna is deeply committed to creating outdoor spaces for her clients that support daily rituals, seasonal enjoyment, and meaningful connections to the land.

Jonathan Morley Jonathan brings broad design experience and a collaborative approach, translating client goals into thoughtful, site-responsive landscapes. A careful listener and thoughtful, creative designer, he works closely with clients to create spaces that reflect their vision and enhance everyday life. Drawn to projects with unique challenges, Jonathan combines refined detailing and sustainable design principles to craft gardens that are personal, enduring, and deeply connected to their surroundings.

Shannon Leslie Shannon is a thoughtful listener, a creative thinker, and a skilled designer, as well as a passionate horticultural enthusiast. She excels at connecting with clients on a personal level, transforming their ideas into gardens that reflect their vision, lifestyle, and the form and function of their homes. Shannon has worked on residential projects of all scales across the Pacific Northwest, providing a tailored design process for each client based on their unique needs. Hailing from the PNW, Shannon brings a deep understanding of both native and well-adapted plant species, along with the region’s distinct environment and microclimates.

Our Residential Design Philosophy Berger Partnership began as a residential landscape architecture practice. Since 1971, the firm has grown to a staff of 30 while maintaining a focus on design excellence. Over five decades, we have built lasting relationships with clients and suppliers. The intimate scale of residential projects, opportunities for creativity, and close collaboration with clients continue to make residential design a core practice area of our studio.

Planting & Landscape Design Planting design is central to how we shape space and experience. Through orchestrated compositions of color, texture, form, and fragrance, we create landscapes that respond to context, reinforce identity, and leave a lasting impression. Our work is grounded in deep horticultural expertise, with extensive knowledge of plant materials across diverse regions and particular fluency in the Puget Sound lowlands and Eastern Washington. We pair design vision with technical rigor, selecting species and varieties based on performance, resilience, and long-term maintenance to ensure landscapes thrive over time. Each project reflects our commitment to stewardship and our belief that great landscapes are both artful and enduring. A properly maturing landscape fulfills the original design intent while evolving into a harmonious pattern of spaces and views. Our experience with regional maintenance practices, soil and climate conditions, specifications, detailing, horticulture, and the Northwest nursery industry provides the foundation for enduring beauty. We are driven by design innovation and long-term success, creating landscapes that respond to the needs of the client, end user, and site.

Design Team Role & Communication Berger Partnership serves an essential role, whether working directly with clients as design consultant or as an integral member of a larger design team. Every project begins with understanding our clients’ goals and the perspectives of their team or owner’s representative, providing the foundation for thoughtful design. We develop all projects in close coordination with local jurisdictions to ensure timely permitting and compliance with applicable regulations.

Each Garden is Unique Berger Partnership brings broad experience to residential landscape architecture. Our projects span diverse settings, from highly urban sites to quiet rural properties, from waterfront landscapes to the arid environments of Eastern Washington. Gardens range from intimate outdoor rooms of 200 square feet to estates encompassing hundreds of acres. Regardless of size or setting, every project receives the same passion, expertise, and personal attention, from conceptual vision through the finest detailing. Every garden we design is unique, shaped by a thoughtful response to its setting, its users, and its relationship to the surrounding architecture. Equally important is the site’s history and narrative—the ecological, cultural, and experiential layers that give a place meaning over time. Our designs interpret and extend that story, connecting past, present, and future through the landscape. Each garden is guided by three fundamental elements: •

The Site: Its physical conditions, environmental systems, history, and context, revealing both opportunities and constraints.

•

The Program: The needs, aspirations, traditions, and personalities of the owners and users, shaping how the landscape is experienced and lived in.

•

The Architecture: Influencing the garden’s character, rhythm, scale, and material expression while reinforcing the site’s narrative.

Designs Tailored to the Owner The challenge of garden design is to realize a site’s potential, respond to the owners’ goals, and respect the defining qualities of the architecture. A successful garden also offers moments of discovery— seasonal color, evolving plant compositions, fragrance, texture, art, water, light, and shadow, to create memorable experiences throughout the year.

Our Success in Residential Landscape Design Is Built On •

A pragmatic design approach that balances creativity with constructability

•

Clear communication and exceptional attention to detail throughout the process

•

Strong cost awareness to support realistic budgeting and informed decisions

•

Deep horticultural expertise and knowledge of plant performance and availability

•

Thoughtful construction administration to ensure the design is executed with integrity

Your Process A clear and thoughtful design process is essential to realizing a successful landscape. It provides a framework for decision-making, ensures alignment at each stage, and allows creativity to unfold with purpose and clarity.

Plan DS

Discovery Session

Design SD

Initial conversations to understand your goals, priorities, and budget, helping establish a realistic scope and investment range for the project.

Site Analysis

Pre-Design Early exploration of ideas, program elements, and overall direction, aligning your vision with site conditions before formal design begins.

Schematic Design

Build BP

Concept-level plans that illustrate the general layout, organization, and character of the project, allowing for feedback and refinement of the overall approach.

A detailed review of existing site conditions, such as topography, drainage, vegetation, and access, to identify opportunities and constraints that will inform the design.

While we often work within a familiar sequence of phases, our process is always responsive, shaped by the specific needs of the client, the complexity of the site, and the opportunities within the project. The result is a process that is both structured and adaptable, guiding each project from initial ideas through construction with care and precision.

Design Development

Coordination with local agencies to obtain required approvals, ensuring the design complies with applicable codes and regulations.

Refinement of the approved concept with greater detail on materials, grading, planting, and key features, ensuring all elements work cohesively.

Construction Documentation Preparation of detailed drawings and specifications that contractors will use to accurately price and build the project.

Permitting

Bidding & Negotiation Soliciting and reviewing contractor bids, assisting with contractor selection, and helping negotiate scope, pricing, and schedule.

Construction Administration Ongoing support during construction, including site visits and coordination with the contractor to ensure the project is built as designed.

Plan DS

Discovery Session Initial conversations to understand your goals, priorities, and budget, helping establish a realistic scope and program elements.

Outcomes: • •

Clear project goals and priorities Preliminary scope of work

Site Analysis A detailed review of existing site conditions, such as topography, drainage, vegetation, and access, to identify opportunities and constraints that will inform the design.

Outcomes: • • •

Site analysis summary (opportunities + constraints) Base information for design (survey, photos, etc.) Key considerations that will shape the design

Pre-Design Early exploration of ideas, program elements, and overall direction, aligning your vision with site conditions before formal design begins.

Outcomes: • • •

Defined program (spaces, uses, features) Initial design direction and priorities Alignment on vision before detailed design

Discovery Session Getting to Know You DS

Banding/Swath Planting 14

Every project begins with conversation. This initial phase is an opportunity to understand your goals, priorities, and how you envision living in the landscape. We explore ideas, preferences, and design inspiration while also discussing budget and scope to establish a shared framework for the project.

Naturalistic Planting

Pl a n

Banding/Swath Planting

Naturalistic Planting

The banding/swath approach uses bold blocks of color or texture to create strong visual impact. It is more formal and controlled, giving the landscape a clear, cohesive aesthetic. Because the masses are large and unified, the design is easy to read from a distance and offers strong seasonal drama.

The naturalistic approach creates a landscape that feels organic and spontaneous—more like a meadow or woodland edge than a formal garden. Multiple species are blended together in smaller, repeating clusters, adding visual richness and ecological diversity. It’s designed to look natural and evolve over time.

Both approaches can be designed using ecologically valuable species that support pollinators, enhance biodiversity, and provide continuous habitat value.

Site Analysis Getting to Know Your Site DS

By grounding the project in a careful understanding of existing site conditions, we establish clarity and confidence from the outset. This foundation allows the design process to unfold thoughtfully, ensuring that each decision responds to the land’s opportunities and constraints while supporting your vision and the longterm success of the landscape.

Pl a n 17

N RESIDENCE

Site Analysis - TOTAL SUN HOURS OLSTICE Getting to Know Your Site DS

CHEN RESI

SUMMER SOLSTICE - TOTA

Orthomosaic Aerial | Drone

Annual Sunlight Hours | 3D Point Cloud with Parametric Modeling

Pl a n

E ANALYSIS - WIND & VIEWS E

Y ZL

ESE

50 %

ENE

WOLF CREEK ROAD

AI NT

US MOUN

TA IN

TE PAT

W NN

M 10

LEGEND

W WS

AL -V

Y LE

SSW

P AT

U KO

N TA I

L EA K

RS O

O NM

2 MPH

RE N D EZ VO

L VA N-

SSE

NN E

30’

60’

120’

T TE BU

BL UF

IM F

SAN

VIEW DIRECTION

WIND DIRECTION Including percentage direction in a year & the mean wind speed

Arrow weight indicates distance to view. Further the view, thinner the line.

E RESIDENCE

SCHEMATIC DESIGN PACKAGE

F CREEK ROAD, WINTHROP

03.27.2025

We study solar access, prevailing wind patterns, and key sightlines to understand how light, air, and views change across the site. This allows us to thoughtfully position outdoor spaces while framing, revealing, or screening views to enhance the experience of the landscape.

Pre-Design During programming, we use precedent imagery, diagrams, and early site studies to establish a general framework for how spaces may be organized and experienced across the site.

Building the Roadmap DS

This stage allows us to test possibilities while aligning on an overall direction before formal design begins. It is a collaborative and creative process that builds a shared vision, setting the foundation for a more detailed and resolved schematic design.

Rin-sen Garden Evening Green

Roji

Garden of the Giants

Terrace Gardens

Coastal Meadow & Lakeside Lawn

Patio Gardens

Programming Diagram

Gravel Flagstone Plank Boardwalk Dimensional Stone Paver w/ Green Joints Existing (material to remain) Gathering Area

Circulation & Path Material Diagram

Pl a n

UPPER DRIVEWAY / COOKHOUSE

FOREST HIDEAWAY

COURTYARD

SOUTHERN TERRACES

UPPER DRIVEWAY/COOKHOUSE Driveway material becomes more refined (stone, permeable or regular precast pavers, or CIP concrete with custom scoring patterns)

COURTYARD (BETWEEN OFFICE/GUEST HOUSE & MAIN HOUSE) Flagstone or paver pathway connecting office/GH to front entry (assume thermaled granite)

FOREST HIDEAWAY

SOUTHERN TERRACES

Crushed rock or wood chip path leading from driveway to small gathering space hidden amongst the existing forest

Upper terrace (connecting to main house kitchen)—assume either precast or cut stone pavers

Design DS

Schematic Design Concept-level plans that illustrate the general layout, organization, and character of the project, allowing for feedback and refinement of the overall approach.

Outcomes: • • • •

Concept plan(s) illustrating layout and organization Preliminary look and feel (materials, character) Client feedback incorporated into a preferred direction ROM budgeting to inform design direction and development

Design Development Refinement of the approved concept with greater detail on materials, grading, planting, and key features, ensuring all elements work cohesively.

Outcomes: • • • •

Refined plan with dimensions and key details Preliminary material and planting selections Updated cost considerations based on design refinement, photos, etc. Start of permitting process

Construction Documentation Preparation of detailed drawings and specifications that contractors will use to accurately price and build the project.

Outcomes: • • •

Defined program (spaces, uses, features) Initial design direction and priorities Alignment on vision before detailed design

Schematic Design Site Plan Sketches

Establishing a Layout DS

Roughly sketched site plans allow us to iterate on schematic site plan layouts to quickly explore options.

De s ign

OPTION 1A: LARGE GRANITE STEPPING STONES LEADING TO STUDIO ENTRY AND SMALL WOOD PATIO CIP CONCRETE WALKWAY WITH VEGETATED JOINTING (COVERED) STORMWATER FEATURE & CONVEYANCE THROUGH LANDSCAPE

Site Plan Alternatives

LUSH NATIVE PLANTING PALETTE

EVERGREEN SCREENING TREES

WRAP AROUND WOOD DECK

A look at multiple autocourt layouts with connections to the main house and accessory dwellings.

DECK OFF KITCHEN WOOD BRIDGE OVER STORMWATER FEATURE

CRUSHED ROCK DRIVEWAY

CAST IN PLACE CONCRETE SLABS WITH VEGETATED JOINTING ADDITIONAL PARKING SPACE & TRASH/RECYCLING BIN STORAGE

PROPERTY LINE SETBACK, TYP.

PROPERTY LINE, TYP.

OPTION 1B: THE BERGER PARTNERSHIP

CIP CONCRETE PATH LEADING TO STUDIO ENTRY AND SMALL WOOD PATIO

BARTIG RESIDENCE - JANUARY 2023 CIP CONCRETE WALKWAY

VINE MAPLE GROVE / ENHANCE UNDERSTORY TO EX. TREE CANOPY LUSH NATIVE PLANTING PALETTE

SEPARATE WOOD DECK

DECK OFF KITCHEN STEP STONE PATH TO STUDIO EXTRA PARKING / TURN AROUND

CRUSHED ROCK DRIVEWAY WITH GRANITE SLAB DETAIL CAST IN PLACE CONCRETE PADS WITH DARKER BANDS OF PRECAST PAVERS OR CIP WITH DETIALED SCORING PATTERNS

PROPERTY LINE SETBACK, TYP.

PROPERTY LINE, TYP.

OPTION 2: CRUSHED ROCK PAD WITH FIRE PIT AND MOVABLE SEATING

THE BERGER PARTNERSHIP

STEPPING STONE PATH THROUGH GARDEN

BARTIG RESIDENCE - JANUARY 2023

ENHANCED FOREST AND UNDERSTORY LUSH NATIVE PLANTING PALETTE

SPECIMEN EVERGREEN

SEPARATE WOOD DECK

DECK OFF KITCHEN

EXTRA PARKING / TURN AROUND

CRUSHED ROCK DRIVEWAY CAST IN PLACE CONCRETE PADS WITH FLAGSTONE BANDS (GRANITE OR BASALT)

PROPERTY LINE SETBACK, TYP.

PROPERTY LINE, TYP.

Schematic Design Establishing a Layout DS

STUDY 1

STUDY 2

Visual Studies LANDSCAPE TYPOLOGY BUILDING

DRIVEWAY

PATIO

POOL

ORNAMENTAL PLANTING

LAWN & MEADOW

NATIVE SHRUB STEPPE

Exploring design elements in a variety of views allows us to quickly ideate with our clients.

De s ign

Hand Sketches Quick hand sketch studies allow us to explore unique site elements and details.

Schematic Design Establishing a Layout DS

COVERED BBQ/KITCHEN AREA GREEN ROOF ABOVE COVERED DINING AREA GRAVEL/DG PATH OUTDOOR LOUNGE FURNISHINGS NATURAL STONE STEPS

FIREPIT & SEATING (GRAVEL)

De s ign

SHADE PERGOLA ABOVE OUTDOOR DINING AREA COVERED BBQ/ KITCHEN AREA

OUTDOOR FIREPLACE GRAVEL/DG PATH OUTDOOR LOUNGE FURNISHINGS NATURAL STONE STEPS

Visualizing 3D Space Utilizing computer-aided modeling tools alongside hand sketching allows us to efficiently explore layout ideas and the experiential impacts of design elements.

LOUNGE SEATING (GRAVEL)

Design Development Finalizing the Layout DS

Rendered Site Plans Converting black and white plans into colored, rendered plans allows us to succinctly communicate planting palettes and overall design moves to our clients.

De s ign 31

Design Development Expanding the Plant Palette DS

Building a Planting Narrative Often beginning in schematic design, we develop a planting narrative through graphics that illustrate the project’s character, seasonal interest, and planting strategy. These visual tools help establish a shared design vision and can be revisited and refined throughout the process to keep the planting approach grounded and consistent as the project evolves.

De s ign

Astilbe spp | Astilbe

Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’ | White Bleeding Heart

Tiarella cordifolia ‘Sugar and Spice’ | Foamflower

Symphoricarpos ‘Proud Berry’ | Coralberry

Lupinus polyphyllus | Large Leaved Lupine

Helleborus ‘Pippa’s Purple’ | Lenten Rose

Carex oshimensis | Japanese Sedge

Hakonechloa macra | Japanese Forest Grass

Polystichum polyblepharum | Tassel Fern

Polystichum munitum | Sword Fern

Arctostaphylos ‘greensphere’ | Greensphere Manzanita

Achellia millefolium | Western Yarrow

Oemleria cerasiformis | Indian Plum

Arctostaphyllos columbiana | Hairy manzanita

Cornus sericea ‘Kelseyi’ | Kelsey Dogwood

Mahonia nervosa | Cascade Oregon Grape

Asarum caudatum | Wild Ginger

Symphoricarpos albus | Snowberry

Gautherla shallon | Salal

Vaccinium ovatum | Evergreen Huckleberry

Astrantia major subsp. involucrata ‘Gill Richardson’ | Masterwort

Ribes sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’ King Edward VII Flowering Currant

Astilbe chinensis ‘Visions in Purple’ | Purple Chinese Astilbe

Penstemon ‘Raven’ | Penstemon

Drawing from a broad knowledge of plant material, we assemble visual plant palettes to explore color, texture, form, fragrance, and seasonal interest. These cut sheets help clients identify preferences, establish a planting character, and guide the development of a planting plan that responds to the site while reflecting each client’s personality and goals.

Aquilegia formosa | Western Columbine

Achillea millefolium Paprika | Paprika Yarrow

Design Development Building the Plant Palette DS

BOTANICAL NAME

COMMON NAME

WINTER

SPRING

SUMMER

FALL

TREES Acer circinatum

Vine Maple

Betula nigra

River Birch

Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Katsura Tree

Cercis canadensis

Eastern Redbud

Cornus nuttallii

Pacific Dogwood

Cornus kousa ‘Satomi’

Red Flowering Kousa Dogwood

Cornus ‘Eddie’s White Wonder’

Hybrid White Flowering Dogwood

Cornus x ‘KN30-8’ PP

Venus Dogwood

Magnolia stellata ‘Royal Star’

Star Magnolia

Prunus cerasifera

Flowering Plum

Prunus serrulata ‘Shirofugen’

Double White Flowering Cherry Tree

Styrax japonica

Japanese Snowbell

EVERGREEN SHRUBS Buxus sempervirens

Common Boxwood

Camellia japonica

Camellia

Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’

Variegated Winter Daphne

Erica carnea ‘Springwood White’

White Heath

Gaultheria shallon

Salal

Mahonia nervosa

Casade Oregon Grape

Morella californica

California Wax Myrtle

Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Blue Spires’

Rosemary

Albrecht Residence

Pl an t ing Pale t te

4.01.21

While photos often start the conversation on planting, we will choreograph bloom sequences and coordinate seasonal interest across your landscape. We communicate this through more easily digestible graphics like the ‘bloom chart’ above.

De s ign

Pavilion Garden 02 - Spring KEY MAP

9’ 8’ 7’ 6’ 5’ 4’ 3’

2’ 1’

4 5

CHEN RESIDENCE

Pavilion Garden 02 - Summer/Fall

PAGE 27

PLANTING SECTION

KEY MAP

9’

Pavilion Garden 02 8’ 7’ 6’ 5’ 4’

3’ 1

2’

4 2

CALYCANTHUS ‘HARTLAGE WINE’

GERANIUM BOHEMICUM

PACHYSANDRA TERMINALIS

HARTLAGE WINE CAROLINA ALLSPICE

HARDY GERANIUMS

JAPANESE PACHYSANDRA

ASTILBE CHINENSIS ‘PURPLE CANDLES’ PURPLE CANDLES ASTILBE

1’

SPRING

5 PAEONIA ‘CORA LOUISE’

6 PAEONIA X ‘SMITH OPUS 2’

CORA LOUISE ITOH PEONY

TAKARA ITOH PEONY

CHEN RESIDENCE

IRIS SIBIRICA

MARTAGON ‘PURPLE MORNING’

SIBERIAN IRIS

MARTAGON LILIES

PAGE 28

PLANTING SECTION

Developing illustrative sections 4 helps visualize the plant palette in context, improving our understanding of scale, seasonality, and spatial 8 relationships to guide planting decisions.

1 8 2

CALYCANTHUS ‘HARTLAGE WINE’

GERANIUM BOHEMICUM

PACHYSANDRA TERMINALIS

HARTLAGE WINE CAROLINA ALLSPICE

HARDY GERANIUMS

JAPANESE PACHYSANDRA

AGASTACHE FOENICULUM ASTILBE CHINENSIS ‘PURPLE ‘BLUE FORTUNE’ CANDLES’

BLUE FORTUNE ANISE HYSSOP PURPLE CANDLES ASTILBE

10 PENSTEMON ‘BLACKBIRD’ BLACK BIRD PENSTEMON

11 ECHINACEA PURPUREA PURPLE CONEFLOWER

SUMMER/FALL

CHEN RESIDENCE PLANTING PALETTE

35 PAGE 29

Design Development Selecting Materials DS

MSE

Gabion Walls

Rockery

CIP Concrete

MATERIAL

Mechanically Stabilized Earth

Wire Cage Filled with Rock

Boulders

Cast in Place Concrete

COST

$$$$

CARBON FOOTPRINT

Low | Med | High

MAINTENANCE

Low | Med | High

LOCATION | USE

Use along periphery of landscaped area to retain grade along forest edge.

Use along periphery of landscaped area to retain grade along forest edge. Cage constructed of wire or wire mesh filled with rock or rubble, which requires no special masonry or skilled labor. Can be a sustainable alternative with recycled materials. Somewhat flexible structure moves with the earth and allows water to flow through. Gabion walls can also be designed with plants to create a living retaining wall. Engineered in steps.

Use along periphery of landscaped area to retain grade along forest edge.

Along courtyard garden and back terrace, adjacent to house.

A vegetated retaining wall system. Uses mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) principles and geotextile technology to create strong and easy-to-install structure. Freedraining, adapts to settlement, fast installation, cost-effective.

Large boulders stacked to retain grade. Permeable, allowing water to flow through. Can be planted for interest.

Stronger than block walls and allow for a variety of design options, but may crack over time. Smooth, sleek form, modern.

De s ign

The selection of hardscape materials plays a defining role in both the character and performance of a landscape. We guide clients through this process by balancing aesthetic goals with practical considerations such as budget, durability, and long-term maintenance.

Stone Veneer

Dry Stack Stone

MATERIAL

Stone Veneer over CMU Wall

Natural Dry Stone

COST

$$$$

CARBON FOOTPRINT

Low | Med | High

MAINTENANCE

Low | Med | High

LOCATION | USE

Along courtyard garden and back terrace, adjacent to house.

Natural stone selected to match architecture; natural, custom appearance. Solid core can be designed to any thickness and height.

Dry stack stone walls are built without mortar by tightly stacking stones. They drain naturally through the void spaces in the wall.

Design Development Refining Design Details DS

OPTION 1A: BIRD’S EYE VIEW LOOKING TO THE NE

During design development, the project begins to take on greater clarity and refinement as we dig into the details that bring the landscape to life. Materials, grading, planting strategies, and key elements are carefully studied and coordinated to ensure they work together seamlessly.

THE BERGER PARTNERSHIP

BARTIG RESIDENCE - JANUARY 2023

THE BERGER PARTNERSHIP

BARTIG RESIDENCE - JANUARY 2023

OPTION 1A: VIEW FROM STUDIO PATIO

De s ign 39

Design Development Refining Design Intent DS

The design team created a 3D model of this site, which helped to properly detail the construction documents, ensuring accurate and precise construction.

Mercer Island House | Miller Hull & Berger Part

De s ign 41

Construction Documentation Planting Sketches to Install Plans DS

Enlargement Area - Planting Plan Sketch

De s ign

Construction documentation includes plans, sections, and specifications to clearly communicate layout, materials, grading, and key elements, ensuring the project can be accurately priced and built. Planting plans are developed in parallel, defining the composition, placement, and character of the landscape.

Build DS

Permitting Coordination with local agencies to obtain required approvals, ensuring the design complies with applicable codes and regulations. This often begins in the Design Development phase and carries through Construction Administration.

Outcomes: • • • •

Coordination with local agencies to secure required permits and approvals Preparation of permit-ready drawings and documentation for submission Revisions to plans as needed to address agency comments or code requirements Guidance through review timelines, approvals, and compliance processes

Bidding & Negotiation Soliciting and reviewing contractor bids, assisting with contractor selection, and helping negotiate scope, pricing, and schedule.

Outcomes: • • •

Solicitation and review of contractor bids to compare scope and cost Assistance evaluating contractors, qualifications, and proposed schedules Support refining project scope, budget, and construction approach prior to contract execution

Construction Administration Ongoing support during construction, including site visits and coordination with the contractor to ensure the project is built as designed.

Outcomes: • • • •

Ongoing coordination with the contractor during construction Site visits to review progress, quality, and design conformance Responses to contractor questions and clarification of design intent Assistance resolving unforeseen site conditions, material substitutions, or field adjustments

Permitting Permitting DS

Permitting requirements for residential landscape architecture projects vary by jurisdiction but are typically triggered by structural improvements, significant grading or drainage modifications, work within environmentally sensitive areas, or other life-safety considerations. Common examples include retaining walls above a specified height, decks, pergolas, and drainage improvements. Landscape planting alone generally does not require a permit. However, tree removal may require approval depending on the municipality, tree size or species, or whether the property is located within environmentally critical areas or shoreline jurisdictions. We help clients identify applicable permitting requirements early in the design process and can coordinate with local agencies as needed. When permits are required, the process typically begins during Design Development, with permit documentation, agency coordination, and support continuing through Construction Administration.

Shoreline Substantial Development Permit (SDP): Required for most development within 200 feet of the shoreline.

0’ - SHORELINE

B u il d

ECA Steep Slope Development Relief: Necessary if building on or within 15 feet of a steep slope (typically 40% grade or more).

Construction Permit - New Building/Addition: The main permit for building structure.

Side Sewer Permit: Required for connecting to or repairing sewers, crucial near waterfront.

Grading Permit: Required for significant excavation or fill, especially on slopes.

Typical Permits and Reviews Required Note: Specific requirements vary by municipality/location

200’-0”

Construction Administration Building Specificity DS

We incorporate advanced tools such as 3D scanning to capture the exact form and character of selected stones, allowing us to study and position them with precision before they are placed on site. This process enables a thoughtful integration of natural materials—considering scale, orientation, and relationship to surrounding elements.

B u il d 49

Construction Administration Coordinating & Refining Intent DS

We remain actively involved during plant installation to ensure each element is placed with intention and care. On site, we refine layout in real time—adjusting spacing, composition, and relationships to respond to field conditions and achieve the desired visual and spatial effect.

B u il d 51

Our Work Examples of Built Work

B u il d 53

Our Work Examples of Built Work

B u il d 55

Our Work Examples of Built Work

B u il d 57

Notes

Sketch

206 325 6877 1927 Post Alley, Ste 2, Seattle, WA 98101

info@bergerpartnership.com bergerpartnership.com