Process

Let us guide you through your project following vital steps. This assures high quality and an exciting experience for you. 

“The compliments have been overwhelming. Tom’s vision of our yard was truly something we would never get with any other landscape architect.” Art Jimenez

INITIAL CONSULTATION:

This is our starting point for every project in which we meet and get to know each other. Here you can share with us your ideas, concerns, needs and budget. We listen carefully and note primary project conditions, your lifestyle and any possible challenges. Our broad and deep design-build experience allows us to immediately talk about how realistic your desired scope is and what best approach to take. Quick hand sketches can offer clarity on discussed ideas!

“He is excellent at listening to and translating the client’s needs and at crafting spaces that feel like experiences.” Emme Routon

SITE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS:

It is of utmost importance to understand the property in regards to the desired scope for a smart design and successful install. We pay very close attention to legal requirements such as plot plans, HOA guidelines and municipal permits and physical conditions such as orientation and exposure, surrounding properties, topography, soil, drainage, vegetation. Some findings might be challenges, some might be assets and is up to our design process to respectfully work with them or build some fantastic features respectively. 

DESIGN – CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT:  

This is a truly exciting phase and we at Tom Schuster Landscape Concepts put a very strong focus on it. Based on the information of your desired scope and the site specifics we compose various concept renderings for your review; this is always a fun collaboration between you and us. We evaluate each concept how it looks and how it functions to assure the best possible outdoor space for you. Naturally we keep a close eye on the budget during this phase. After you share with us your favorite elements and features we finalize our concept and budget.

“You were able to take our vision of transforming a relatively small space and turning it into a warm and inviting environment that we are sure to spend countless hours relaxing and entertaining in.” Cory and Donna Clerk

DESIGN – DESIGN PRESENTATION AND ESTIMATE:

We draw up our final to-scale landscape plan and present it to you for final review. Our clients really like all our visualization tools, from 2D and 3D plans to perspective drawings and detail diagrams and the project visually comes to life already. We make sure all details and material choices are optimized for you. Then all our necessary construction documents are drawn up (plans for irrigation, planting, drainage, lighting, utilities, structures, etc.) and we present an itemized estimate that is very transparent and easy to understand.

“This project was done on time and on budget and we actually enjoyed the experience.” Michael and Nancy Dunn

CONSTRUCTION PLANNNG – LIKE GERMAN CLOCKWORK:

For the project to be successfully and seamlessly realized we astutely observe timelines, keep a critical eye on contractor schedules and material availability. Even during the project we periodically review those highly important parameters as quality control. Any engineering is tackled, any permits for HOA’s or municipalities are obtained.

“What really impressed us was his attention to detail and total supervision of the process to include permitting, HOA submissions and sub-contractor management.” Art Jimenez

INSTALLATION AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

With Tom Schuster (Dipl.-Ing.) (RLA) personally leading and managing each and every single project its quality is controlled technically and aesthetically on a constant basis and you can relax. Often he finds ways to even improve on construction techniques or refine layouts and features on the spot.

This is an exhilarating phase, the plans are being transformed into your dream landscape. Our precise construction sequence guarantees an expedient process where safety always comes first. Our key to success stems also from our paramount focus on respectful coordination and clear communication between all involved parties.  

“Tom provided a detailed overview of our 23 acre retreat center. It was excellent, easy too implement, cost effective and most of all beautiful.” Venerable Thich Minh Tinh

AS-BUILT RECORDING:

Ever encountered a situation where you needed to know the location of existing underground lines or the names and specifications of certain materials? We understand the importance of that information for your future convenience and record that for you. It’s saves money to have those documents at your fingertips.

AS-PROJECT COMPLETION:

Tom Schuster (Dipl.-Ing.) (RLA) personally walks the project with you and the contractor to assure all details are checked and everything is to your satisfaction and meets our high standards. Furthermore, we give recommendations of how to take care of your new landscape regarding irrigation and maintenance.

Now it is time to start enjoying your new outdoor experience. 😊

“If you are looking for a professional with a creative and distinctive eye who will be with you at every turn of your project, is a walking book about the native plant flora and fauna native to Nevada and think of everything you need then look no further than Tom!” Rebecca Kuhle

FOLLOW-UP AND POST EVALUATION:

We are always keen on staying in contact over the following years how the landscape is performing and providing guidance on any questions or new developments. We love to see your yard mature in the best way possible and reach its full potential according to our design.

“We’re really happy with the outcome. Highly recommended and we will use him again in the future!” Milan Heninger

Please visit our Project Gallery Page for pictures of previous designs and installations.