Process

Today’s design world is a sophisticated, complex, interactive process that requires a professional approach and attention to detail for every layer of this exciting process. With qualified landscape architects and draftspersons on staff, the team at COS Design treat every project individually with the highest level of experience, skill and creativity to ensure your end result exceeds your expectations.

There are many layers to the design process however we are flexible with our services and can be used purely to the concept stage or as a complete turn-key operation where every stage is managed by Steve and the team ensuring the end result is second to none. Alternatively our services can be engaged to any stage beyond the concepts as per your specific requirements.

Consultation

The landscape design process all starts with a professional 2 hour on site consultation. A generalised design brief will be created from a tour of the spaces and the clients requirements. Steve will broadly discuss design ideas and roughly mud map some generalised thoughts to convey his initial concepts and ideas at the consultation.

The initial ideas create the basis of more detailed, holistic discussions on the design and construction processes, budgets (both design and construct), general local building code compliance concerns, engineering, staging of construction works and the complexities of the project. From the consultation, Steve will be able to provide a design brief summary and a tailored concept design fee proposal should you wish to continue with the design service. The concept design proposal is sent via email within 5 working days after the consult.

Initial 2 Hour Onsite Consult $495 Inc Gst

Zoom/Teams online consult can also be arranged for $275 Inc Gst (1 hour)

Prices for Interstate and international consults can be arranged upon request. Please note all consultation payments are payable on the day of consultation.

Concept plans

The concept plan process starts with a preliminary site assessment by one of our team members or by one of our recommended registered land surveyors for larger, more complex sites. The preferred option will be assessed at the initial consultation. 

From the Site Assessment the initial schematic design responses are created based on the brief obtained at the initial consultation. Once completed the initial concepts are presented and workshopped with you at our Camberwell office (or via video conference). Selected reference images are provided to articulate the design language along with general plant palettes & structural materiality elements.

To fully appreciate and understand the initial design in a near real life format, COS design now offers professional 3D renders which transform 2D paper plans into realistic render images that present the garden concepts to a new level of reality.  Multiple images, angles and aspects can be clearly viewed which allows you to truly appreciate the spatial zoning, bespoke design elements and overall palette and feel of key garden areas. Please note 3D renders can also be delayed until the final concepts are completed to ensure the final design is clearly represented. If 3D renders are explored as a part of the initial schematic presentation, they can be updated to the final concept plan for a small additional fee. Prices will vary and are subject to the number of amendments required.

View sample 3D Renders

After providing your initial feedback the plans are then electronically amended and presented as structural plan for your approval. Once the hard structure plans are approved, we then commence the final stage of the concept plan process.

The final concept plans includes scale floor plans, functional explanations of each garden zone, plant schedules, plant & landscape reference images, material palettes, furniture recommendations and garden lighting plans. Initial 3D renders can also be updated upon request & quote approval.

Please note: concept plans are generally not detailed enough to obtain building permits or finalised quotes. Engineering and working drawings may be required to obtain building permits and fixed price contracts.

If you would like to find out more regarding our pricing please fill in our enquiry form.

Design development

STANDARD; This is the stage where we delve deeper into the details of the design by exploring and further documenting our concept plans to assist with general construction processes and execution. Design development will deliver fully dimensioned floor plans as well as selected elevations where required as part of the standard package. Selected typical details for standard landscape elements will be also included as required.

TECHNICAL; To value add to the standard we can also tailor a technical design development package which includes the finer, more intricate & technical workshop drawings and cross sections to ensure the attention to detail of the project is delivered to it’s full potential on site. General Irrigation, drainage and lighting zones can also be explored upon request to fully complete the design development package. This assists the contractors to execute our designs to the absolute highest standards & details.

All design development works are optional. Quotes will be tailored to each individual project’s requirements as required.

Please note these are not drawings that will obtain building permits.

Town planning

New buildings, extensions as well as certain structures including landscaping works on sites with planning overlays may require town planning documents for council approvals. For new home builds or renovations our concept plans generally suffice as Town Planning documents when accompanied with the new house plans. If the home is existing please note the landscape works alone can trigger planning approval so additional documentation over and above our concept plan stage  will be required and is priced upon request.

Building permit plans

In Victoria, obtaining a building permit is a highly regulated process that requires a registered drafting or architectural practitioner to complete the formal drawings for the building permit application. COS Design will forward all completed documentation onto one of our (or your) preferred drafting practitioners to obtain a quote on your behalf to assist with your building permit documentation and application.

Tender introduction

COS Design works in conjunction with some of the country’s finest landscape contractors. They understand and respect our designs, delivering projects to the highest standards. COS Design can introduce you to one or two of our recommended contractors that will tender your project.

Please note: the accuracy of their quotes will be subject to the level of design you have invested in.

Contract administration

Once the designs are complete, the contractors are chosen, permits are obtained and you are ready to break ground, Steve and the team can continue their involvement throughout the entire construction process. With weekly site meetings, ongoing phone and email support, design evolution, problem solving solutions, variation management and general quality control through to hand selection and placement of the plant stock, we help manage the process on your behalf to ensure the very best outcome is achieved.

This service is optional and will be quoted upon request.

Procurement

COS Design also offers a procurement service where we can source and supply the very best plant stock, garden artwork, pots and decor along with some of the finest outdoor furniture brands in the country. With trade buying power we can often save you money on supply items ensuring your garden is finalised to perfection.