New Front Yard Design Ideas Needs Input

[guycollege]

Hello Everyone,

Im redesigning my front yard and would like some design comments and suggestions.

Please see attach image.

Looking for an Asian/Japanese design.

Thanks,

GC

[guycollege]

here is a picture of it...

[papercutter]

If you want to present your design ideas for crit, I'll gladly give you my .02 and try to steer you in the right direction; but it's a tough economy, I'm not designing it for you gratis.

[AZTLANLC]

Here's an idea have a forum where people pay a certain fee based on property size and 3 designers draw some sketch they all get pay a minimum and once the homeowner chooses the designer he wants to move forward with, pay the remaining balance to the winner.
I have no idea why people think real life is like landscapers challenge where they will get designs for free.

[Terre]

You can get a lot of ideas from searching the internet, but you need to develop some sort of plan. Definitely, it looks like your front yard needs a lot of help, but if you are looking to go asian/zen garden to avoid the expense of a sprinkler system and sod, you are probably not going to save money.

A good link for ideas is here: Zen Landscape Gallery 5 (http://www.zenjapaneselandscape.com/gallery5.htm)

[jshilan]

Since you did list yourself as a landscape designer you should really be able to put your own ideas together first and then get some input as Terre and papercutter suggested.

I haven't heard the word "cement" since Jethro on the Beverley Hillbillies used to call their pool a "cement pond".

[jwholden]

That is a prime example of how a drawing makes it more difficult to relate to the site. I opened the measurements photo and thought what a big site. When I looked at the picure I realized that the yard is smaller than I envisioned.

Something to keep in mind when talking with clients.

[guycollege]

in response to papercutter - "I'm not designing it for you gratis."

Thats the magic of the internet...There at 6 billion people, i'm sure 1 person will be nice enough to help me design :) out of kindness...

I forgot to mention... I am working with a landscaper designer now... ( paid ) im just wondering if different designers can show some different styles... I also got a chance to see many of the designer's webpages on this forum ( thats how you advertise) ... great way to show off your knowledge and past work.

[guycollege]

That is a prime example of how a drawing makes it more difficult to relate to the site. I opened the measurements photo and thought what a big site. When I looked at the picure I realized that the yard is smaller than I envisioned.

Something to keep in mind when talking with clients.

Haha you're right... but the front yard is also deeper than you think.

I put up the picture because the landscape should follow the house architecture...

For that kinda of structure... what kinda of landscape do you suggest is the best approach?

[papercutter]

[QUOTE=guycollege;56519]in response to papercutter - "I'm not designing it for you gratis."

Thats the magic of the internet...There at 6 billion people, i'm sure 1 person will be nice enough to help me design :) out of kindness...
QUOTE]

Perhaps you're right. Maybe they'll even be knowledgeable.

Here's the deal: none of us have a big red button that says "design" that we can press and get a great design. In addition to the time spent on the drawing, there's the time spent interviewing you, the client, to determine how you will live with- and in- the space. While biologists would disagree, I'd say there's a strong link between the ears and the hands: I can't design something that works for you if I don't listen to you.

With most clients, the listening process takes time. Nothing is clear-cut. You like Asian style- does that mean subtle, or are we talking appropriate for a new sushi joint in Tackytown? Years of working with people has taught us not only what info we need, but how to extract it from reticent or difficult clients. In many cases, that takes a fair bit of dialogue. Dialogue=time=money, at least in my world.

My point is that this is a professional forum. I doubt I'm alone in saying that the only free design I could give you would be half-assed, because without financial compensation (this IS what I do for a living, you know- does the butcher hand out free ribeyes?), I cannot give you my best effort. And I don't send out shoddy work. Now, if you had something to post that you had designed, I could ask some questions and give some feedback that could be useful to you. It's easier to nudge someone along than to do it all for them, and I'd be ok with that.

If you've hired a designer and you're soliciting free design help online, you need to ask yourself if you've hired the right designer. Do you doubt his/her abilities? Or do you feel like something's not clicking?

[Fine Edge]

I tend to agree with papercutter on this one. All his points are valid in my book.
However, I'll be willing to do a design for free, all you will need to do is buy one of my t-shirts.
They cost $500.00.

[jwholden]

The best type of landscape for that type of front yard is one that will best meet your needs.

[desynerguy]

I also agree with papercutter. Why is it that people think designers are free when it take a professional designer years of industry knowhow, blood sweat and tears to learn the profession. Then poof, simply give away the information for free. A design is catered to each individual landscape, exposure comes to mind, likes and dislikes, maintenance levels ...I could go on... Thanks for sticking up for designers fees, papercutter!
BTW, you get what you pay for, want it free? You get free value! You pay? You get Real value.

[Ston Wurks]

What really gets me is "Asian style" is that Asian style-Japanese, or Asian style-Bali, or maybe even Asian style-Chinese . . . As any good designer could tell you none of these are remotely the same . . .

Or how about something in Indonesian. or modern Korean suburb?