Thomas Hoblyn

How we work

Consultation and brief:
This will be Tom’s first site meeting with the client and follows with the creation of terms and conditions relevant to the project, composition and approval of brief. The proposal that is created has a fixed fee for the Design Concept.

Contract surveyor (if not already provided):
Essential to allow us to take into account any existing structures, utilities, services, trees/plants, level changes etc that may alter the design if not accurately recorded. This stage includes us sourcing of surveyor, return to site with survey, a site analysis and preparation of the survey plan to be used for concept design. Our proposal does not include cost of survey (this is invoiced to you directly from the surveyor).

    

Design concept (fixed fee):
We will arrange a presentation to give you a visual understanding of how the finished project will look. We create an A3 presentation with mood boards, appropriate visuals to illustrate Tom’s ideas such as models, sketches, photographs, 3D visuals and hand drawn perspectives. We can then answer any questions you have as well as discuss revisions to the concept. You may want us to process any relevant planning applications on your behalf after this stage.

View example concept of a Japanese Garden for a recent project (PDF).

Masterplan, construction drawings, specification, Bill of Quantities:
This stage includes a fully scaled Masterplan, construction details, sections and elevations specifying all hard landscaping materials that are to be used. Also includes lighting and irrigation plans if required. These drawings are necessary both to acquire accurate quotations from contractors and to enable the contractors to build the project to a high standard. A full specification document and Bill of Quantities will be drawn up that will clarify all aspects of the build and will include material, size, finish of materials etc. You will receive copies of the drawings.
 

Planting:
We will produce accurate planting plans showing existing and proposed plants. We will arrange a presentation to give you a visual understanding of how the soft landscape will look. We can use the feedback you give to make revisions to the planting plan if required. Once the design is finalised, we provide a breakdown of plants with quantities and costs for your approval. We source the best quality plants possible. We will order the plants from various nurseries, ensure delivery is prompt and that someone is on site to unload the plants. We will arrive on site to set the plants out correctly with the contractors.

Tendering process:
Estimates will be sought for the project with up to three contractors being asked to tender. All contractors will receive copies of the drawings, the Bill of Quantities and the specification document. They may need a site visit, which we can arrange. We will then analyse each of the quotations received and assist you with selecting a contractor that would be most suitable for your individual requirements. Once chosen, you will enter into a contract directly with the contractor to construct your garden as we have designed it.

Optional project stages:
Project inspection and contract administration: We can offer a project inspection service with regular site visits to oversee the construction of the project. The regularity and duration of visits depends on the size and complexity of your project so we tailor this service to suit. We may recommend site visits throughout the entire construction phase or for larger scale projects, regular fortnightly visits with detailed minutes produced for each.
We can also administer a formal JCLI contract, which protects the client and contractor and covers an agreed programme of work, payment terms, regular valuations of work completed at each stage, variations to the project that affect the agreed total sum, etc. We can provide a quotation for this based on what we would recommend for your project.

Planning: Our drawings are often sufficient for the purpose of planning applications although we can offer assistance with any additional requirements e.g. more detailed drawings, liaising with planning officers, completion of forms, etc.

Post project consultation: Once the project is complete, we can arrange additional yearly or twice-yearly site visits by Tom to check and offer advice on your garden and it’s establishment.

Contractor maintenance plan: Depending on the contractor selected for the project, we can organise for your garden to be maintained by them for a set time (minimum term is usually 6 months), ensuring the establishment of the plants and maintenance of hard landscape/water features are taken care of.