Q & A

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

We will need to communicate via e mail or over the phone in order to set up an appointment to discuss your design and construction needs. I will not provide a price for a job without inspecting the job site personally.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I am 100% hands on trained. I have done extensive reading on every phase of landscape and I am extremely resourceful. I have made countless mistakes over the past 2 decades and am proud to admit it because all of my future clients will benefit from all of my previous mistakes. I calculate it as a masters in landscape construction.

Do you have a standard pricing system for your service? If so, please share the details here.

Yes and No. Design work for a standard size house runs $900 per yard. For example, a front yard landscape design would cost $900 and if you would like the back designed it would be an additional $600. All of my design work is done by hand and I visualize the construction as I am drawing taking notes in order to produce a job cost for you. I do not want our relationship to end at the design phase therefore If we sign a contract to do the work I will waive the design fee. I have a 90% design to construction ratio and I take pride in that number. When it comes to construction pricing too many variables exist to implement "standard pricing".

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I took my first job landscaping (aka pulling weeds) when I was in the 7th grade working for a horticulturist, I paid attention to his constant lectures and read the Western Garden Handbook before starting high school. In the 10th grade I started doing small jobs on my own. After high school I worked for various contractors for several years. It didn't take me long to figure out that if I knew how to do the specialty work then I wasn't stuck digging all day. I learned everything I could every day and took pride in my finished products. Another huge building block in my landscape carrier was a 5 year job at Cornerstone in Sonoma. Cornerstone is a showcase for landscape gardens, art, wine tasting and events. Landscape designers from all over the world would submit designs and I was in charge of construction, labor management and working within budgets.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I am fond of all of my jobs. Time on job depends on the size of the job. Some jobs are 3 days and others are 3+ months.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Make sure you are hiring a licensed contractor. Paying less initially can cost you more in the long run if the construction is not done properly.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

1. Know your budget and be willing to communicate that information. 2. Prioritize what you want. 3. If you really want a particular feature communication is key.