Todd’s musings

I’ve been thinking lately…

Given I’ve had the opportunity to be in this industry for over 20 years now, my outlook on certain aspects and issues within it may be of use:
(a) to the industry and the players within it, &
(b) to the clients they are serving.

So here I go - one of my first musings!

When I’m presented with a concept plan for a landscape project, rarely is there a full understanding between architect, designer, builder, landscaper, and ultimately the client as to:
(a) the exact scope of works (e.g. who is taking care of what, and at what point the project gets handed over from the builder to the landscaper);
(b) how much involvement the designer or architect will have with on-the-ground changes and decisions throughout the project; and
(c) the reality of the costs that may be involved in bringing any given landscape concept plan to life.

Very often, it seems there’s a disconnect between all parties involved - we’re all operating in isolation from one another, instead of having a cohesive system that brings us together to work as a team and ultimately provide the best outcome for the client.

A lot of the time, when I’m trying to get pricing across the line for a larger, more comprehensive plan, it feels like I’m doing a bit of a dance:

Trying to keep everyone happy,

not stepping on the builder’s toes by taking any of their work away,

not offending designers or architects, by

making sure they’re kept engaged and up to date on any changes that have had to be made to the plan -
all while educating clients on what’s actually involved in turning the beautiful images in front of them into real, tangible spaces, ideally within a budget that often wasn’t fully considered at the planning stage.

I’m not saying I have the solution to any of the above - I just don’t think I’m the only one experiencing these challenges. Surely, there has to be a better way...

As a landscaper, I’m completely reliant on the partnership and collaboration of industry partners - architects, designers, builders - and it’s essential that those relationships remain symbiotic. Having clear boundaries and a shared understanding from the outset seems crucial.

I would love to hear anyone’s take or ideas on this - both from inside the industry and outside it. Thank you.

Email todd@rochfordlandscapes.co.nz

Call 021939117

Cheers,
Todd.