Understanding the Design Process
- Eric McQuiston, PLA
- Mar 25
- 5 min read
When planning a landscape project, one of the biggest challenges is understanding how the design process works and what kind of plans you actually need. Whether you’re a homeowner reworking your backyard, a contractor pricing a project, or a developer preparing for approvals, knowing the difference between Conceptual Design, Schematic Design, and Construction Plans can save you time, money, and frustration.
I’ve been in this industry for nearly 30 years, and I’ve seen projects succeed—or go sideways—based on whether this process was handled properly. Skipping steps or jumping ahead can lead to costly revisions, contractor confusion, and unexpected budget overruns.
Here’s what each design phase means and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Conceptual Design: Big Ideas, No Details
What Is Conceptual Design?
This is the big-picture phase, where we explore ideas, test layouts, and define how the space will function. It’s all about the overall vision—without committing to specifics yet.
Think of it like a rough sketch—it gives you a sense of the composition and organization but doesn’t define exact materials, dimensions, or construction details.
What’s Included in Conceptual Design?
General site planning – Major features like patios, plant beds, pathways, pools, fire pits, and driveways.
Preliminary sketches – Simple layouts that explore different design possibilities.
Basic plant and material ideas – Aesthetic direction without final selections.
No construction details – This phase is about vision, not buildable plans.
Who Needs Conceptual Design?
Homeowners – If you’re still figuring out what you want, this helps organize your ideas before committing to specifics.
Contractors – Useful when selling clients on a vision before getting into pricing and material decisions.
Developers – Often used for feasibility studies, investor presentations, and early approvals.
Why Conceptual Design Matters
✔ Saves time and money – Keeps you from spending too much on detailed drawings before you’re sure of the direction.
✔ Allows flexibility – Lets you explore different layouts without getting locked into a design too soon.
✔ Facilitates early budgeting – Provides enough information to start estimating costs.
If you’re in the idea stage, figuring out what’s possible and how things should be arranged, Conceptual Design is the right place to start.
Schematic Design: Bridging Vision and Reality
What Is Schematic Design?
Once a Conceptual Design is approved, the Schematic Design phase refines the layout and adds structure. It starts defining spatial relationships, materials, and practical aspects like grading and drainage. It’s still not a full set of construction drawings, but it’s a critical step toward getting the project built.
If Conceptual Design is a rough sketch, Schematic Design is where we start putting real structure to the plan.
What’s Included in Schematic Design?
Scaled site plans – A layout with actual dimensions and functional details.
Defined plant & material selections – Specific recommendations for hardscape, plantings, and finishes.
Preliminary grading & drainage concepts – Addresses site slopes and basic water management strategies.
Refined illustrations or 3D views – Helps visualize the space better.
Basic construction notes – Starts outlining material specs and general construction guidance.
Who Needs Schematic Design?
Homeowners – If you're ready to price out construction and hire a contractor, this is essential.
Contractors – Provides the information needed for accurate cost estimating and installation.
Developers – Needed for preliminary permitting and budgeting before moving to final construction plans.
Why Schematic Design Matters
✔ Bridges concept to reality – Helps move from an abstract idea to a buildable plan.
✔ Helps with pricing and permits – Provides enough detail for cost estimates and regulatory approvals.
✔ Reduces surprises – Prevents costly last-minute changes.
If you’re serious about building, Schematic Design gives you a workable plan while keeping enough flexibility for adjustments.
Construction Plans: The Blueprint for Building
What Are Construction Plans?
Construction Plans (also called Construction Documents or CDs) take the refined Schematic Design and add the technical details needed to actually build the project. These are the most detailed and precise drawings in the process.
If Conceptual Design is the rough sketch, and Schematic Design is the structured draft, Construction Plans are the final blueprint.
What’s Included in Construction Plans?
Fully dimensioned site plan – Includes precise measurements for all hardscape and planting areas.
Grading & drainage plans – Detailed specifications for slope, runoff, and water management.
Planting & irrigation plans – Exact plant species, locations, and irrigation system layout.
Material & finish schedules – Every paving material, stone, wood, and plant type clearly identified.
Lighting & electrical plans – If applicable, shows placement of landscape lighting, outlets, and power sources.
Construction details – Cross-sections and technical drawings for walls, pergolas, decks, and other built elements.
Who Needs Construction Plans?
Homeowners – If you’re working with a contractor, they will likely need Construction Plans to bid and build accurately.
Contractors – Essential for obtaining bids, permits, and executing the project.
Developers – Required for municipal approvals and large-scale implementation.
Why Construction Plans Matter
✔ Ensures accuracy – Reduces miscommunication between designers, contractors, and clients.
✔ Required for permits – Many cities and HOAs require these for approval.
✔ Prevents change orders – Detailed documentation avoids costly mistakes and last-minute changes.
If you’re ready to build and need detailed instructions for contractors, Construction Plans are the final and necessary step.
Which One Do You Need?
Here’s how to determine the right phase for your project:
If you are… | You need… |
A homeowner just starting out | Conceptual Design |
A homeowner ready to get pricing & build | Schematic Design |
A homeowner hiring a contractor for installation | Construction Plans |
A contractor selling a vision to a client | Conceptual Design |
A contractor estimating & preparing to build | Schematic Design |
A contractor needing precise plans for construction | Construction Plans |
A developer needing a feasibility study | Conceptual Design |
A developer working toward permits & approvals | Schematic Design |
A developer preparing for full construction | Construction Plans |
Final Thoughts
One of the biggest mistakes I see is clients skipping steps—jumping straight into detailed construction plans before they’ve fully worked out the big picture. That’s how budgets get blown, timelines slip, and frustration sets in.
If you’re still exploring ideas, start with Conceptual Design.? If you know your direction and need a realistic plan, move to Schematic Design.? If you’re ready to build, you’ll need Construction Plans.
Each phase has a purpose. Skip one, and you risk costly delays and mistakes.
Need help figuring out what’s right for your project? That’s what I do.
At Eric R. McQuiston, LLC, I provide Conceptual, Schematic, and Construction Plans for homeowners, contractors, and developers. If you’re unsure where to start, let’s talk.
Contact me today to get started!
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