Why do I add in a middle meeting? A collaborative approach for clients seeking a fully detailed design

Unlike many designers, I include an additional “feedback meeting” midway through my design process. This is an opportunity for us to sit down together before the final plans are drawn, ensuring we’re completely aligned on the vision for your garden.

This is where the design truly becomes a collaboration. Creating a garden that feels personal and considered is incredibly important to me — and that only happens when you’re fully involved in shaping it.

During this meeting, I present the core design concept using mood boards and 3D modelling, so you can clearly visualise the direction of your space. I arrive with a strong overarching idea, but within that framework, I offer choices. The structure is there — but there’s flexibility within it.

I also bring material samples and alternative options. For example, if we’re selecting paving, I’ll show you a beautiful high-end stone alongside a more budget-friendly alternative. This allows you to prioritise where you’d like to invest and where we can be more considered with costs. I’ll guide you on where premium materials will make the greatest visual and functional impact — and where we can confidently spend a little less without compromising the overall design.

This stage is about refining and narrowing down decisions. We edit, adjust, and make confident choices together before I move forward to produce the final master layout and planting plans.

It’s a vital step — one that ensures the finished design is a garden that you absolutely love.