LED (Light-emitting diodes) low-voltage landscape lighting will soon be the predominant lighting used in all landscapes due to their improved light quality, cooler running temperatures, more compact size, longer life (up to 30 years), rugged durability due to not having fragile filament, a wide array of color choices, and energy consumption reduced by up to 80% over traditional lighting sources. Read more →
The Water Conservations Lanadscaping Act (Assembly Bill 1881 aka AB 1881) has future benefits to all California residents through conserving water by dictating the types of irrigation devices which can be sold in California to ensure performance standards. The new bill will also limit the plant palette to low water consumption varieties for all new or refurbished projects exceeding 2,500 sf. With the implementation of the new Act there will be a required inspection and approval of landscaping plans and construction by municipal planning departments. While this will likely add more time and money required for a new landscape project there will be more rebates and incentives available for sustainable landscaping. More information can be found at www.formlainc.com
As seen in the image above, xeriscape and native planting design can be not only aesthetically pleasing but eco-friendly as well. Studio H is currently offering free review of your existing irrigation system and planting. Please use our Contact Form to request a date and time to setup an appointment.
View our sample below to see how hiring a Landscape Architect could save you over 20% of your construction budget.
The demise of the economy has changed the dynamic of the profession of residential Landscape Architecture. Landscape Architects are seeing would be clients turning down the services of a professional and turning to inexperienced Garden Designers, Landscape Designers, and Landscape Contractors to “save” money. But, are the Clients really saving money? What are the benefits to hiring an experienced Landscape Architecture firm? Read more →
For this weeks blog entry I have decided to talk about a topic which seems to be largely misunderstood, the differences between a Landscape Architect, Landscape Designer/Garden Designer and a Landscape Contractor in respects to their design abilities, education and services they are permitted to offer. Read more →
In todays economy more and more home owners are putting an emphasis on budget at the expense of quality craftsmanship and design. In the past I would meet with a potential client and dive right into a discussion about their goals, desires, design ideas, and budget. Today its all about the budget and finding a way to get everything they hope for within that budget. Thats not to say there is anything wrong with making the budget the #1 priority, its the reality we live in. But, this really opens the door for many of the unethical Landscape Contractors out there. Knowing the importance of being the least expensive bid, combined with their desperation to close a job to keep their guys busy, Contractors are working every angle and trick in the book to get a job signed, and in many cases, unethically.
In a recent issue of “Landscape Architecture and Specifier News” I came across an informative article on the economic status of the profession of Landscape Architecture as well as some interesting facts about sustainable design. I love random facts; I can’t get enough of them. If you look at my library, its either design books or fact books, which makes it fairly easy to shop for me at Christmas time.
It happens every year, come January 1st home owners start thinking about their landscape projects. By the time spring rolls around they are ready to take the first step of hiring a professional to design their projects and the calls start rolling in. The big question on everyones mind is, “how much does it cost if I want to do this?” I’ll normally spend the next 20-30 minutes discuss the home owners goals and vision and help them get a better idea of what to except for costs and how much they may want to budget. Here are a few ROUGH prices for commonly requested items to help you establish a landscape construction budget:
