Frequently Asked Questions - Landscape Plans

METHOD STATEMENT

Our philosophy is a simple one - we strive to produce clear, creative, professional landscape plans at a competitive price, within a short time frame, and while maintaining a friendly, reliable and professional service. We encourage sustainable development, primarily through the use of indigenous, low-water requiring, plants without compromising on aesthetics and style. These plants also encourage native bird-life and fauna, hence our Sulphur Crested Cockatoo logo.

1. What is a Landscape Architect?
   Landscape Architects are qualified professionals typically specializing in the quality design, planning and conservation of the outdoor built and natural environment. After graduating from an accredited institute, and with the correct training, study and experience they may become eligible to join the recognized professional body for the industry, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (www.aila.org.au).


2. What does a Landscape Arhitect do?
   Landscape Architects are employed in a large range of roles in the private, academic and public sectors. They are involved in areas such as policy making, education, bushland management & rehabilitation, urban design & planning, golf course architecture, conservation & research, expert witness etc.
   
   Conzept is primarily focussed on preparing good quality and creative landscape plans at very competitive industry prices for development & construction approval by local authorities.
   
   At Conzept, we will endeavour to design, manage and help implement creative outdoor environments with consideration given to a complex network of issues including the physical, environmental, economic, cultural and aesthetic implications and constraints for each project.


3. What is a Landscape Plan?
   A landscape plan is normally a responsive plan that interprets and overlays all the site information including the survey and levels, proposed building layouts, engineering and drainage plans including on-site detention, and the natural features of the site, including existing vegetation. This information is analysed and interpreted and a creative and practical outdoor design solution is developed.
   
   When involved early in the planning process, we may consult on proposed layouts and design to minimise environmental impact, reduce authority issues, and help promote sustainable development.
   
   For smaller residential projects, design solutions may be driven by budget and Council requirements. For larger projects, these solutions may be focused more on aesthetics, environmental issues and maximising return through creative design.


4. Do I need a Landscape Plan?
   In the past few years standards required for new development in the broader Sydney region have been increasingly raised with the focus being on the environmental impact, landscape issues and sustainable design. Now, even for residential alterations and additions, and knock-down re-builds, a professional landscape plan is normally required. Council policies usually specify that the plan is prepared by a “landscape professional” with the appropriate qualifications. For smaller projects there are two areas of government policy which need to be addressed & satisfied. Firstly BASIX, the Building Sustainability Index (www.basix.nsw.gov.au) is State Government legislation and has only recently been introduced. Its aim is to address issues such as water recycling, insolation and heating, efficient design & endemic landscaping in order to promote the continuing sustainable expansion of Sydney.
   
   Secondly, every local council has D.C.P’s (Development Control Plans). These plans guide our design by introducing minimum landscaping standards & requirements, which usually include items such as maximum amounts of hard paved (or impervious) surfaces, minimum percentages of native landscaping, buffer planting between common private spaces, using planting to reduce the scale and bulk of new development from public areas etc.
   
   It should be noted that the approved landscape plan is a document accepted by Council as a plan of the final works to be installed on a site, and should be done so accurately prior to certification for the Occupancy Certificate.


5. What does a Landscape Plan show?
   Landscape plans may vary in scale, style and format. They will vary on their focus depending on the nature of the project, and landscape designs may range from the very basic to complex. Typically, they will display these common attributes;
   
   Natural & man made site features including survey or contour levels.
   
   A tree survey displaying the heights, spreads, species, condition and proposed action for the major existing vegetation on the site.
   
   The landscape design responding to the proposed building, driveway & drainage layout, including both hard and soft landscaping elements.
   
   Proposed planting schedules including the species (Botanic & Common names), pot sizes, quantities and origins.
   
   Most plans will incorporate working landscape details and specification notes, to satisfy council requirements and so residential projects don’t need to go back through the Construction Certificate process.


6. What does a Landscape Plan cost?
   Due to the differing range, scale and requirements of each project, jobs are typically quoted individually, based on a client brief and a copy of the plans enquiries@conzept.net.au At Conzept, we pride ourselves on providing an excellent product and great service for a very competitive fe