Design Analysis Questionnaire

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What are the names, ages, hobbies, and interests of all family members? How would each like to use the property?

What are all the personal plant preferences, including both likes and dislikes among the general types or varieties of plants? Are there any existing plant allergies?

Do you have a budget in mind for the intended project? If so, what is it?

How much time will be spent in maintenance of the landscape each week by family members? What are the maintenance capabilities they possess?

Will there be a fixed annual grounds maintenance budget? If so, what is it?

Do you consider the house to be a permanent residence or just an interim home?

Are driveways and parking surfaces satisfactory or do they need adjustment? If changes are to be made, please consider: the number of cars that will normally be parked in drives and parking spots, day-in and day-out; the number of cars that might be parked for parties or special gatherings and the frequency of such occasions; the availability and safety of off-property parking in close proximity; the adequacy of existing lighting and further need for functional lighting in those areas; any preference you may have for style and type of surfacing.

Are present patios or decks satisfactory? If new patios or decks are being designed, please consider: how the patio areas are to be used (e.g., for entertaining, outdoor dining, sunbathing, or relaxing); the number of people who might use the patio areas at any one time, both normally and occasionally; the frequency of heavy usage; the times of the day patio areas will be used and the types of weather, so it can be determined whether solid or partial roofing, screening and so forth, are required; nighttime and all-weather uses; the amount of furniture planned for patio areas and the approximate sizes of those pieces of furniture; the need for patio storage units; the type of outdoor cooking facilities needed and the corresponding electrical services; whether built-in benches might be used in patio areas; your preference for patio or deck surfacing materials.

Are existing walks and paths suitable? If no, are there additional circulation elements needed? Are existing pathways adequately illuminated? Are there special handicap requirements? What are your preferences for surfacing materials?

Are there any plans for swimming-pool installation, now or in the future? If a swimming pool is planned, please consider: the desired size and shape of the pool; the need for additional storage associated with the pool; the type of fencing preferred for pool-area enclosure and the size of the fenced area; the lighting requirements for nighttime use; the time of installation, so access to the site to excavate and build can be planned; the client's familiarity with liability and insurance requirements; any neighborhood or building code restrictions.

Is there a need for other activity areas: for lawn sports (e.g., badminton, tether ball, basketball, croquet, horse-shoes, shuffleboard, football, putting, tennis, etc.); how frequently these games may be played, to determine the need for special hard surfaces; a children's play area and what elements might be included (e.g., sandbox, playhouse or fort, slide, swing set, wading pool, etc.) and the space required for each; whether the area needs immediate shade or fencing; specialty garden areas - for vegetables, roses, cut flowers, herbs, or other plants; sizes and special storage requirements and supplemental storage needs?

Are there service-area requirements, including the concealment of clotheslines, compost bins, greenhouses, cold frames, dog runs, trash containers, or other utilitarian elements; what are the size requirements and supplemental storage needs?

Are there special parking or storage needs for recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, and the like; what are the size, access needs, and frequency with which these units are used?

Are there any special accessories desired in the landscape - this might include sculpture; water features; bird feeders, houses or baths; boulders; and dramatic garden lighting fixtures?

Is there interest in an automatic irrigation system for the turf and/or planting beds? If so, what is your water source? Is water pressure and volume adequate?

Are there any special or historic site features or local ordinances which need to be specifically addressed or protected? Any site deficiencies which need priority treatment, such as poor drainage, steep topography, etc. Is signage a major concern?