From a first conversation to a finished landscape.
A clear brief, a design priced as it is drawn, and a design lead who stays with the project until it is built. This is how we work, what you receive and why our clients choose Forge.
Why Forge
Priced as we draw.
Every concept is costed while it is being designed. An itemised Opinion of Probable Cost is presented with the first plan and updated as the design is refined, so budget shapes the design and never surprises you at tender.
A clear brief and scope.
Before design begins we confirm the brief, the scope and the fee in writing. You know what will be delivered, in what order and at what cost, from the outset.
Professional and personable.
You work directly with our director as your design lead, supported by our team. Expect considered advice, straight answers and a process that is a pleasure to be part of.
Designed to be built.
Pool, garden, planting and outdoor living are resolved as one plan, documented in full, and led through tender and construction by the people who designed them.
We price it as we draw it.
Too often a beautiful plan meets its budget for the first time at tender. We develop the cost estimate alongside the concept and update it as the design is finalised, so the landscape you commit to is one you can build.
Our process
- 01
Consultation
We meet on site to understand the property, the brief and how you want to live outdoors.
- 02
Brief, scope and proposal
You receive a written proposal that confirms the brief, the scope of work, what will be delivered and the fee. Nothing proceeds until the scope is clear and agreed.
- 03
Concept design
Following a detailed site assessment, we present a scaled and annotated concept plan, a materials and planting palette, and an itemised Opinion of Probable Cost. The design and its cost arrive together.
- 04
Design development
The design is refined with you, with eight hours of revisions included. The cost estimate is updated as decisions are made, a planting plan and schedule follow once the palette is confirmed, and 3D renders are available to visualise the space.
- 05
Working drawings
A complete construction set: set-out, elevations, details, lighting, irrigation and drainage. Everything your pool builder and landscaper need to price and build with confidence.
- 06
Tender
We issue the drawings to two or three trusted contractors, arrange the site visits, brief each contractor and review every quote with you before you appoint a builder.
- 07
Construction
We remain on site through the build as your design lead, managing quality and design direction with your contractor so the finished landscape is the one that was drawn.
What you receive
Examples from the studio, shown without client details.
Services
Consultation
A meeting on site with our director to understand the property, the brief and how you want to live outdoors. A written proposal follows, confirming the scope, the deliverables and the fee.
$250 + GST metropolitan
$500 + GST regional
Landscape Concept Design
Site assessment, a scaled and annotated concept plan of the pool, garden and outdoor living areas, an A3 booklet of planting and materials, a planting plan and schedule, an itemised Opinion of Probable Cost and eight hours of revisions.
From $5,000
3D Visualisation
Ten to fifteen rendered views presented with the concept, then refined and included in the final booklet once the plan is approved. See the space, and make decisions on it, before construction begins.
Scoped per project
Working Drawings
The construction set: dimensioned set-out, elevations, details and specifications, lighting, irrigation and drainage. Everything a contractor needs to price and build accurately, with four hours of revisions included.
Scoped per project
Tender + Construction
We take the drawings to two or three trusted pool and landscape contractors, brief each on site and review every quote before it reaches you. Through the build we attend site to manage quality and hold the design direction.
Scoped per project
What to expect
What is included in a concept design
- A preliminary site assessment, with measurements verified and the site photographed
- A coloured, scaled and annotated plan of the entire outdoor space
- An A3 presentation booklet of planting and materials
- A planting plan and schedule once the palette is confirmed
- An itemised Opinion of Probable Cost, updated at completion of the design
- Eight hours of revisions following the concept presentation
How the build is delivered
We facilitate the build. Once working drawings are complete we take the project to tender with trusted pool and landscape contractors, so you receive competitive quotes on a single set of drawings. Through construction we manage the on-site process for quality and design direction. The building contract sits between you and your chosen contractor.
The fine print
Concept plans and 3D imagery are indicative until working drawings are issued, and 3D imagery is representative of the built result. The contractor verifies levels, dimensions and services on site. Quotations are valid for 30 days.
Every project starts with a consultation on site.
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind. Questions first? Our frequently asked questions cover fees, process and construction.
Book a consultation