#goodplantdesign – From building site to creating an inspiring Green First day of Business onsite!

As an interior landscaper, you have the unique opportunity to be involved in the transformation of an office space from a construction site to a vibrant, green oasis! Collaborating with architects and clients, the role involves bringing their plant vision to life, creating inspiring and welcoming environments that enhance the well-being of those who work in these spaces.

One of the most exciting moments in this process is visiting a new office while it's still in the construction stage and meeting with the architect to understand their vision for the space. This allows for the opportunity to get a feel for the layout, observe the natural light, and imagine how the space will come together once it's complete and filled with staff and plants. The architect may share inspiration notes, images and videos to add to the plant package and feedback from them is invaluable in aligning the vision with the client's expectations.

Timing is crucial with the installation of indoor plants. Living walls, screeners and moss walls typically have a lead time of around 6 weeks, while custom-made planters can take up to 10 weeks. However, with a reliable supplier network most planting and planters should be available within 3 weeks. Planting is usually one of the final items to be installed in a new office after construction has finished and just before the office opens or a photographer visits the site to capture the final look

Working on a live building site requires careful planning and adherence to safety protocols. Prior to installation, it′s important to provide safety documents such as a RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement), relevant certifications including safe passes and manual handling and participate in an induction onsite. It's helpful to have advance access to the site to plan for delivery, staff safe access and coordinate with security. Once onsite, you need to be mindful of working with other contractors in the space, being flexible and respectful of their work. This involves finding ways to install the plants and equipment while minimizing disruptions to other ongoing projects, being mindful of busy pathways, wet surfaces, fragile fixings, lift access and maintaining cleanliness and accessibility while minimizing waste. Effective communication with builders and site managers is key in this dynamic environment to ensure a smooth installation process that benefits everyone involved.

After the plants have been installed, it's customary to do a walk-through with the architect or client. This time allows for any adjustments such as moving planters or fanning out leaves to showcase the best design features and ensures that the final result aligns with the original vision. One of the most fulfilling moments is seeing the before and after images of the space. It's truly amazing to witness how the addition of plants can transform the aspect of an office, creating a warm and welcoming environment that enhances the overall aesthetics and well-being of the space.

Finally, following up with the client for feedback on the staff's first day of business is a rewarding step in the process. Hearing how the presence of plants has positively impacted the atmosphere and the well-being of the employees is a testament to the value of interior landscaping in creating healthy and inspiring workspaces.