Process

Design begins with a conversation.

Every CITYSCAPERS project starts by exploring what a garden could become — its potential, its constraints and the ideas that might shape it.

The process below outlines how those ideas are developed and refined. If you are curious about what your garden might become, let’s start that conversation...

Step 1. come say hello!

We’re very friendly! Please get in touch via the usual channels and we’ll get the ball rolling.

Full contact details are on our Contact page

Step 2. free video consultation

Free video call consultations with CITYSCAPERS director Nigel Gomme.

This is a 30 minute consultation / brainstorming session to explore the potential of the garden and get a sense of objectives, options and costs.

You can book a session on our Contact page

Step 3. site survey

If you wish to proceed the next step is surveying the garden.

We take care of this or appoint a local surveyor on your behalf.

Outcome: an accurate plan of the garden and everything in it.

This is the base layer for the design.

Step 4. meeting

Site meetings whenever possible, online meetings if not.

It's great to meet in person and Nigel travels whenever practical to meet clients on site.

We design gardens internationally and around 30% are designed entirely remotely.

This is possible thanks to 3d scanning technology that gives us an accurate 3d model of the site.

Step 5. design brief

The design brief is a clear set of design and budget instructions.

The brief is the blueprint, the formula for the overall scope, look and cost of the garden you want to create. It sets the parameters you want us to work within including cost. We always design to a target budget so that, however imaginative, our creative response is tightly focussed and realistic.

Step 6. concept

Concept is the creative expansion phase where we explore the outer limits of what can be achieved. We do this in an ambitious, free thinking manner yet remain budget and brief focussed.

Clients come to CITYSCAPERS because they value our creative approach so we strive to reward them with original and thought provoking work. In dialogue, we hone ideas into a conceptual framework that is unique to each project - a balance of plants, materials, geometry, utility and economy - that feels cohesive and compelling.

Step 7. development

Design development is the iterative process of revision and refinement.

We elaborate and detail the layout, material spec and plant list, alongside costing and scheduling spreadhseets. Each document feeds into and informs the others to keep the project focussed and on budget.

Step 8. design pack

The design pack is the culmination of this detailed and thorough process. It comprises :

macro plan - aerial scale plan of the site detailing layout, size and position of the landscaping elements

elevation drawings - showing level changes and relative heights of landscaping features

planting plan - identification and position of trees and plants in plan view

schedule of works - spreadsheet detailing quantities, cost and timescale for all landscaping items

3d model - optional but useful to visualise complex sites and architectural elements

construction drawings - optional construction detailing as needed

pricing

As a professional design studio, our fees follow the guideline ranges set by the Society of Garden Designers (SGD), the UK’s leading professional body for garden and landscape design.

CITYSCAPERS operates as a design-led studio, with flexibility in how projects are delivered depending on location, scale and client preference.

In the UK — particularly London, the Home Counties and Oxfordshire — we have a small in-house landscaping and construction team capable of building our designs directly. This allows for close integration between design intent and on-site delivery where appropriate.

For projects elsewhere — including Portugal, Spain and other international locations — we work with a network of trusted local landscapers and contractors. These are teams we know, have worked with previously, or can recommend based on experience and project requirements. This approach allows designs to be delivered efficiently while remaining responsive to local conditions, regulations and construction practices.

Nigel Gomme is available to provide executive project management and quality control, whether overseeing CITYSCAPERS’ own build team, supporting clients through contractor tendering, or acting in an advisory role during construction. This ensures that the design intent is maintained and that projects are delivered with clarity, discipline and attention to detail.

construction

what next?

If the approach outlined above feels like a good fit, the next step is to get in touch via the Contact page.

Most projects begin with a free, one-to-one conversation with CITYSCAPERS director Nigel Gomme — often by video call — to explore the site, exchange ideas and get an initial sense of scope, budget and direction. There is no obligation to proceed.

The contact form allows you to outline your project and priorities in your own time. Alternatively, you are welcome to make first contact by phone or email if you prefer.