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At the end of the yard sits a carriage house; here re-imagined as a kitchen/dining hall with large glass fronts.
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First, we have to understand what conditions we are dealing with. I do a site visit and gather data and information. If needed, soil tests are taken.
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The concept design is a basic sketch ironing out the general idea. It tackles the challenges but also aims to fulfill other needs and wishes of the property owners.
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When the initial concept is approved, we move into a more refined detailed landscape plan.
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Select areas may warrant an elevation drawing to clarify details of the plan.
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Using Pinterest, I build mood boards that doubles as a source for plants but also for furniture and other garden assets.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/825fdaa3-dbe8-421b-ae94-e477f61f8627/d253c1a1-c20d-492c-8f09-71e3080e5553_rw_1920.jpg?h=f89412a8389beefb17a59a4826f5aa14)
To help visualize the new garden, I draw selected vistas by hand, then color them digitally.
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The entrance through the tunnel from the street, with a privacy wall showing just enough of a teaser view.
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Behind the privacy wall sits the dining area, shielded from view.
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Above the carriage house is a rooftop lounge area.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/825fdaa3-dbe8-421b-ae94-e477f61f8627/27da8e11-3738-4361-b4ca-0b273dd595b6_rw_1920.jpg?h=cd71c9148b6fc67954fab91214bc2b67)
Opposite the dining area sits a spa; a sunken Japanese hot tub.