Landscape Design Services

BDBnyc designers draw from numerous sources to develop creative landscape designs for challenging urban spaces. New York’s concrete jungle has no shortage of unique and specialized spaces to mold and shape into truly special outdoor planted spaces.

Collaborative Landscape Design

Our designs express the client’s vision and are delivered ready to be built- without requiring costly changes or elaborate translation. We adhere to established industry best practices, and our plans can be carried out smoothly by the professional landscape contractor of the client’s choice.

Design as Process

The design process cannot be underestimated. It is the foundation of the project, upon which all preceding steps rely. Over several stages, the design transforms from rough conceptual sketches and ideas to rich, color renderings, and finally detailed CAD drawings and full landscape construction documents. During each step of this process, client and designer meet to review and revise before moving forward.

Collaborative Landscape Design- Why we Establish an Open Design Environment

Landscaping Idea Lab

Our landscaping ideas come from a variety of sources. Our designers draw inspiration from nature, architecture, the arts and a rich depth of knowledge about landscape concepts and history. We offer a vast library of knowledge about landscaping and horticulture. Landscape consulting projects vary in scope and duration, and can commonly include plant specification, recommendations for best practices, irrigation system and maintenance advice and green roof consulting. We provide real world advice to clients in an independent role, free of obligations to designers, architects or contractors.

Our advice saves our clients time and money. We troubleshoot issues ranging from proper budgeting to design feasibility. Our recommendations saved one client over 30% of the budget for plant material by eliminating physically weak and inappropriate varieties of ornamental flowering plants and substituting hardy varieties of elegant conifers.

Cooperating For the Win

Embracing an open, collaborative approach to landscape design can be an effective way to avoid problems later in the project. Landscape projects frequently involve multiple parties responsible for different elements of the project. A Landscape Architect may design the project, a General Contractor is in charge of other construction trades, a Roofer may be involved, as well as subcontractors and specialty trades. All of these players have their own voice and own way of doing things, and a project can risk getting off track if the planning phase doesn't involve all key players. It's essential for everyone to know their role and responsibility, as well as what's expected of them and what their responsibilities entail.  Coordination is key for everyone- Designers, contractors and owners.

Set a Schedule

A pragmatic way to avoid common scheduling issues is to sit down with the parties involved with the job, and draft an installation schedule. Each contractor will know what must be ready for them to begin work, what they are responsible for, and the state of the site the will hand over to the next party. Having contractors agree to a plan before the work begins is a key element in a master project plan, and creates an important element of accountability.

Proper planning and a solid design for your landscape project are critical to the success of the project. Construction should begin only after these integral elements have been established. Once the design is complete and a plan is in place, a professional landscape contractor can begin to create your vision. BDB Landscape Services provides a complete range of professional landscape services, including landscape construction. Tour our recently completed projects to see why we’re the best choice to create your urban landscape.

Inside the Design Lab

Landscape Plans- Getting the end user involved

Once the scope of a landscape project has been defined and a general concept agreed on, our designers begin developing a detailed landscape plan. Needs, wants and wishes are transformed into a functional, workable design within the parameters of the budget. Designers research and recommend materials best suited to the project, and present a final design for approval.

Presenting the Plan

We present our landscape plan to clients using a variety of tools and materials. Designers share detailed renderings and landscape construction documents, materials samples and a detailed discussion of the design plan and how it will be implemented. Designers can discuss the plan in informal, open conversations with the client. Alternately, we can present our design to a group of clients using multimedia tools like PowerPoint.

Preparing for Construction

Our detailed, professional landscape plans are delivered to the client ready for construction. A professional landscape contractor can begin to build the design with very little translation. Of course, we prefer to build the projects we design, and can attractive quotes for construction of our own designs. Tour some of our completed landscape projects in the portfolio section, or learn more by contacting a designer directly.

Landscaping Design Software

Tools We Use

·         Photoshop: The world's most popular professional image manipulation software, Photoshop offers a designer unlimited flexibility in altering, augmenting and editing images. Not in love witha line of deck furniture? Replace it instantly with a better option. This tool takes the guesswork out of design and helps guarantee client satisfaction.

·         Google Sketchup: This 3-D design tool is at once powerful and accessible. Create detailed three dimensional models of virtually anything, using this intuitive program developed by Google. This product makes it easier than ever before to revise designs at a moment’s notice.

·         AutoCAD: The industry leader in professional 3-D architectural, design and engineering software. This pro-grade tool is the industry standard for architects, engineers, and a host of other design-centered professionals. Packed with advanced features, AutoCAD offers a complete design suite in one tool.

Landscaping Software is the tool, not the answer

It remains essential to have a professional landscape designer lead the project. Landscaping design software reduces the amount of time required for a collaborative design. A seasoned pro is needed to make recommendations appropriate to the clients' taste, the physical space and the budget. Modern designers must be fluent in digital design, but also apply all of the time tested tools of the trade to create a truly successful design.

Communication Made Simple

Landscaping software has made it easier than ever before for designers and clients to edit and review plans. Elaborate changes that once took days or even weeks now require little more than an hour or two, sometimes less, to make revisions, get approval and move forward.