A quick Q & A with Tyler Friend, Director of Sales and Roberto Leo, Senior Landscape Architect
Roberto Leo:
Q: When approaching a renovation project how can a client best utilize landscape architecture when thinking about upgrades on a property.
A: If you don’t have a blank canvas, no problem! Utilizing a Landscape Architect will help establish areas of opportunity, increase project clarity, and help provide you project value guidance (Qualitative/Quantitative). Providing clients with confidence in desired project outcomes.
Q: With property managers looking to optimize outdoor space and tenant satisfaction, what are some ideas you could offer as a landscape architect? Anything new and fun to consider?
A: Bringing the internet cafe to the outdoor space platform (charging stations / Correct type of seating/shade/internet access)
Workout stations and circuits tied into outdoor spaces
Community gardens
Anything that helps bring people together!
Q: How can landscape architecture help property owners and managers save money and improve outdoor spaces for tenants and customers?
A: We are providing creative problem solving for clients, relieving them of this extensive process. As Landscape Architects we have to take all the information provided to us (budgets/site/user demographics/project goals / etc.) and filter it into solutions that achieve the desired results.
Our process is what provides the best possible solutions for the proposed outdoor spaces.
Tyler Friend:
Q: Once the designs are complete for a new renovation project what aspects of the landscape construction process do you focus on first when reviewing the scope of work.
A: Mainly access and staging. Understanding the logistics of how we are moving all the material around is a large part of the process for a renovation project.
Q: Where do you see potential savings for a client that they may not consider when it comes to new landscapes for older properties.
A: You can utilize existing large trees, existing shrub hedges, and controllers. A lot of times the soil, or raised planters can be re-used with just a fresh layer of soil and bark.
Q: What are some of the benefits you see from the Design-Build approach to renovations?
A: Renovation budgets can swing wildly because a traditional landscape architect probably isn’t figuring out how to reconnect everything from an old system. If you are engaging the landscape contractor and the designer at the same time you can work out all of the kinks together.
Q: Are there money-saving, value engineering options that clients can consider for their landscaping needs when it comes to renovations? For instance, creating more open space, natural barriers like hedges instead of concrete walls, softening hardscapes with DG’s and gravel instead of poured concrete, drought-tolerant plant material for water savings, upgrading irrigation, landscape lighting to create inviting and safe spaces for tenants to enjoy.
A: You nailed it!
