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Communicate - Implement Design

Overview

Beyond producing graphic representations of the built environment, the landscape

architect is often hired to oversee the implementation of the design. This ensures a

seamless execution of the design with the designer working alongside the allied trades

and disciplines to realize the highest quality product for the client.

As part of the implementation team, the role of the designer is to help convey the

information contained in the construction documents so all involved have the same

understanding and expectations for the project. Undoubtedly changes and tweaks to the

original design will need to be made based on unforeseen circumstances of site or budget,

and the landscape architect needs to be ready and on-hand to facilitate the process.

Implementation goes beyond ensuring that the design vision becomes a reality.

Good designers will want to find ways to improve their process and increase their

knowledge; taking part in the construction process will help the designer see any inherent

flaws in their design – be it through over- or under-designing certain areas, or choosing

inadequate materials, for example. By continually observing their designs become reality,

astute designers will be able to continually improve and refine their abilities to design

functional, efficient spaces.

Finally, conducting Post-Occupancy Evaluations (POE’s) further provide

designers with the true measure of the relative success or failure of their design.