What are your best tips for defining the scope of a landscape architecture project?

1 Understand the context

Before you start drafting your scope, you need to understand the context of the project. This includes the site conditions, the client's needs and goals, the regulatory requirements, the budget and schedule constraints, and the potential risks and opportunities. You can gather this information by conducting site visits, interviews, surveys, research, and analysis. By understanding the context, you can identify the key issues, challenges, and objectives that will shape your scope.

2 Define the services

Next, you need to define the services that you will provide for the project. This includes the types, levels, and phases of design, documentation, coordination, and management that you will perform. You should also specify the roles and responsibilities of your team members, as well as the expectations and deliverables for each service. For example, you can state what kind of drawings, models, reports, or presentations you will produce, and how often and in what format you will submit them. By defining the services, you can clarify the scope of work and the standards of quality that you will adhere to.

3 Establish the boundaries

Another tip for defining the scope of a landscape architecture project is to establish the boundaries of the project. This means defining what is included and what is excluded from your scope, as well as the assumptions and dependencies that affect your scope. For example, you can state what kind of site preparation, utilities, infrastructure, or materials are outside your scope, and what kind of permits, approvals, or consultations are required from other parties. You can also state what kind of changes, variations, or contingencies are allowed or not allowed within your scope. By establishing the boundaries, you can prevent misunderstandings, disputes, and scope creep.

4 Communicate the value

One more tip for defining the scope of a landscape architecture project is to communicate the value of your scope to your clients, contractors, and stakeholders. This means explaining how your scope aligns with the project goals, meets the client's needs, and adds value to the site and the users. You should also highlight the benefits, outcomes, and impacts of your scope, as well as the risks and challenges that you will mitigate or overcome. By communicating the value, you can build trust, confidence, and support for your scope.

5 Review and refine

The final tip for defining the scope of a landscape architecture project is to review and refine your scope regularly. This means checking your scope for accuracy, completeness, feasibility, and consistency throughout the project lifecycle. You should also solicit feedback, input, and approval from your clients, contractors, and stakeholders, and make adjustments as needed. You should also document any changes, variations, or deviations from your scope, and communicate them clearly and promptly. By reviewing and refining your scope, you can ensure that your scope remains relevant, realistic, and reliable.

6 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?