1. Consultation

The design process starts with a site visit where we establish the aspirations and requirements for the space. Following the consultation we will share two documents with you:

The brief which outlines the project size, the fee structure, the design process and a comprehensive summary of the objectives for the space.
The Scope of Works which includes recommendations for the team who will assist in the execution of the project.

Bradley Burgess garden designer for Monkey Island Hotel

2. Concept Design

The concept design provides an understanding of the overall proposed layout, functions, constraints, opportunities, and the overall aesthetic.

On acceptance of the brief a measured topographical survey will be required to estimate quantities, plan spaces, consider level changes, prepare layouts, asses the levels, understand the location of utilities and liaise with contractors for estimating purposes. Concept designs are then drawn up in 2D and 3D.

3. Design Development

The design development will develop the initial concept into the overall masterplan. We look at material palettes, planting combinations, spatial arrangements, the style of the scheme and overall feel.

We also determine if there are any major issues (topographic, access, services, drainage, budget) and if necessary bring in allied disciplines to investigate any issues in greater detail.

Bradley Burgess designing the garden for Monkey Island Hotel

Bradley Burgess planting design for Monkey Island Hotel

4. Technical Design and Planting Plans

Technical drawings include plans, sections, construction details, quantities and a specification for landscape construction companies to price and build the project. Other consultants will be consulted on specific design elements (architecture, lighting, irrigation, bespoke items, water features and engineering).

A planting plan will show the locations of all the proposed plants, along with a plant schedule listing exact names, sizes and quantities used for costing, ordering, and setting out. A presentation will include vision boards of all the plants included, to give a feel for the look we would like to achieve and finally, a maintenance schedule is supplied.

5. Tendering / Procurement

A Construction Documentation package (drawings, schedules, specification) will be issued to two trusted contractors to price the project and provide a construction program.

Queries from the contractors will be discussed and any material changes and engineering or construction methods agreed. Both the client and Bradley Burgess will agree on which sub-contractor to use. When the tender bid is accepted, contracts to carry out the works will be signed.

Bradley Burgess and dog at Monkey Island Hotel

Bradley Burgess landscape architects for hotels and country estates - Monkey Island Hotel

6. Implementation

BBD will oversee the construction on site, resolve issues, and report progress.

Implementation often includes some or all of these stages: demolition and site clearing, excavation and trenching, services installation (drainage, irrigation, electrical, etc), soil enrichment and soil refinement, hard landscaping structure construction (backfilling, compaction, base, footings, walls, buildings, edges, etc), hard landscaping finishes construction (paving, decking, walling), planting (trees, plants, shrubs, bulbs), final fixtures (furniture, pavilions, sculpture, lighting, irrigation, etc).

On the completion of the project, we can provide ongoing maintenance programmes.

Design Priciples

The Bradley Burgess Garden Design team adhere to the following principles.

Design Principle 1

Classic with a twist’ will always be, our design ethos. Trends are often wasteful and date over time. Gardens should soften a property into the landscape and mature like a fine wine.

Design Principle 2

Each garden should tell a story, exude joy, stir emotions, heighten senses, they’re a place in which memories are made, they should enhance our well-being and promote relaxation. Our gardens provide a physical, visual and emotional journey, we divide each garden into zones by creating a ‘sense of place and belonging’.

Design Principle 3

Consideration is paid to all garden guests, members of the family and pets. Each garden design encourages play and enjoyment. Whilst gardens need to be a thing of beauty, they also need include human interaction, we encourage the user to walk around and pick ingredients whether that be for a meal or cocktail. Growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs couldn’t be more wholesome or good for the soul. Everywhere you look there must be something of interest and beauty no matter what the season.

Design Principle 4

We’re an eco-friendly garden design team. Always striving to source locally produced stock and materials, recycled materials, upcycled materials, we purchase most of our stock in the root-ball season, procure through sustainable suppliers, repurpose where possible, work with the environment opposed to changing it, implement rainwater harvesting and night watering irrigation systems, reduce the number of chemicals needed to maintain our designs and dedicate specific areas to attract and safeguard both insects and wildlife.

Design Principle 5

Garden Design should respond to the architectural vernacular of each property and geographical cues and the individual culture, lifestyle and taste of each client. We meticulously design every element of a project, bespoke details ensure each garden is just as practical as it is beautiful. The link between internal and external spaces has never been more important, the outside should reflect the inside and vice versa.

Design Process