How do you document landscape design?

1 Sketching and diagramming

The first step of documenting landscape design is sketching and diagramming, which are the most creative and expressive ways of exploring ideas and concepts. Sketching and diagramming can help you to generate and refine design solutions, test spatial relationships, and convey the main features and functions of the site. You can use different media, such as paper, pencils, markers, or digital tools, to create sketches and diagrams that are clear, legible, and informative. You can also use annotations, symbols, and colors to add details and explanations to your sketches and diagrams.

2 Drafting and modeling

The next step of documenting landscape design is drafting and modeling, which are the most technical and accurate ways of representing the site and the design proposal. Drafting and modeling can help you to produce drawings and models that show the dimensions, elevations, contours, materials, and specifications of the site and the design elements. You can use different software, such as CAD, GIS, or BIM, to create drafting and modeling documents that are consistent, precise, and compliant with the standards and codes of the project. You can also use layers, scales, and views to organize and display your drafting and modeling documents.

3 Rendering and visualizing

The final step of documenting landscape design is rendering and visualizing, which are the most artistic and persuasive ways of illustrating the site and the design outcome. Rendering and visualizing can help you to create images and animations that show the appearance, atmosphere, and experience of the site and the design features. You can use different software, such as Photoshop, SketchUp, or Lumion, to create rendering and visualizing documents that are realistic, appealing, and engaging. You can also use lighting, textures, and effects to enhance and embellish your rendering and visualizing documents.

4 Formatting and assembling

Besides the three main steps of documenting landscape design, you also need to consider the formatting and assembling of your documents, which are the final touches that make your documents ready for delivery and presentation. Formatting and assembling can help you to ensure that your documents are coherent, readable, and professional. You can use different software, such as Word, PowerPoint, or InDesign, to format and assemble your documents according to the purpose, audience, and format of the project. You can also use fonts, colors, logos, and layouts to create a consistent and distinctive style for your documents.

5 Reviewing and revising

Another important aspect of documenting landscape design is reviewing and revising your documents, which are the quality checks that ensure that your documents are accurate, complete, and error-free. Reviewing and revising can help you to identify and correct any mistakes, inconsistencies, or gaps in your documents, as well as to update and improve your documents based on the feedback and changes of the project. You can use different tools, such as spell check, grammar check, or peer review, to review and revise your documents before submitting or presenting them.

6 Archiving and sharing

The last but not least aspect of documenting landscape design is archiving and sharing your documents, which are the preservation and dissemination of your documents for future reference and use. Archiving and sharing can help you to store and protect your documents from loss or damage, as well as to showcase and promote your work to potential clients, employers, or collaborators. You can use different methods, such as cloud storage, backup drives, or online portfolios, to archive and share your documents in a secure and accessible way.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?