Client Interviews

During or after the site inventory and analyst, I have a client interview. This is a very important step so the design I create will correspond to the needs of the client. The best way to do this is to personally talk over what is wanted, liked, disliked, and how the client plans on using the site in the future. I found that potential clients and current clients can be intimidated when talking with me because they were uncertain how to get across what they wanted to do with their limited horticultural knowledge. To help span that gap, I will bring a large scrapbook with all types and sorts of garden photos and tree and shrub reference material for us to review. I ask the client to show me things they like and things they dislike. I find this tactic to be incredibly successful in allowing the client to communicate to me what they would like to accomplish in their landscape. To be really successful, everyone who will use and maintain the site should be involved with the client interview. If conflicts should arise, they should be resolved so I may have a clear direction to proceed.

I like to use an outline of items which may be identified with the client in the context of site design. Taking a peek at the Points to Ponder page may give you an idea of what questions I will ask when I am interviewing a client.

Copyright © 2000 - 2008

Cristin M. Larson; The Garden Consultant and Landscape Design