APLD Members ~ Member of the Month
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Paul Connolly, APLD
Featured Member, APLD Website, August 2007
A design is more than just a pretty picture
As an employee of a design/build company, my main objective is to create a design for the purpose of selling a construction project. That’s not to say that I need to hastily throw a design together or that I will do a free design just to make a sale. Design integrity should never be sacrificed for the sake of the bottom line. As a designer, my main objective is to create a plan for my client that will be used to install a beautiful and functional landscape. By keeping in mind that the design is not the end result, we are able to install approximately 80% of my designs, which are primarily high-end, custom residential projects.
There are three main reasons for the successful transition from design to construction. One is simply by being professional and clearly communicating to the client what the design process will entail, how much it will cost and when it will be completed. The other side of that is to follow through on what is promised.
Most clients are unable to look at a plan and envision what their landscape will look like or understand the difference between a good design and a bad one. However, they will understand customer service. After many weeks of working with a client, showing up on time for appointments, meeting deadlines and following through on all the details, they can be confident that the design was created with the same level of professionalism and will provide them with a landscape that they will enjoy for many years.
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The second reason for a successful transition is to be sure that the plan fits the client’s budget. This, of course, is very difficult to do because there are so many unknown variables. However, the only reason they’re paying for a design is so they can have a landscape installed. It would be unfair to the client and unprofessional of me to charge thousands of dollars for a design that doesn’t accurately address construction costs. During the initial client meeting when we are discussing their wish list, I bring up the issue of budget and will inform them what a realistic cost estimate might be for the project.
Many homeowners will only hire a landscape contractor once or twice in their lives and won’t have any idea what a custom landscape project could cost. It’s not like buying a car or piece of furniture where specific items can be researched and price checked. However, by starting the conversation and providing them with a number, they can tell me how much they want to invest. Usually the client’s budget is less than what I suggest it should be – and that’s o.k. It’s better to figure that out now rather than after the design is finished.
After establishing a budget that we are both comfortable with and prioritizing the wish list items, I can proceed with the design development. Working within the confines of construction costs certainly makes designing more difficult. However it also compels me to explore creative solutions. By creating a design that fits their budget, I am providing them with a plan that they can use to install their landscape.
The third reason for a successful transition from design to construction is because I am not turning the design over to another company to build it. As an employee of the contractor, I have proven that Sonoran Gardens is a reliable business to work with. At this point, the construction project is essentially sold and the client feels like it is just the next step in the design process. By being professional and providing my client with a plan that considers their wish list, budget, and creative solutions, is all the “selling” I need to do.
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About Paul Connolly of Sonoran Gardens…
Paul began his career over fifteen years ago as a laborer and continued on to learn every aspect of landscaping, ultimately earning his Contractors License. Prior to landscaping, he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). His extensive training in art and design, combined with his hands-on landscape construction experience, makes him one of the most qualified landscape designers in Tucson.
Paul is recognized as a leader in the landscape industry. He is the only certified landscape designer working in southern Arizona and has received numerous awards from the Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association (ALCA). In 2007, he received one of only three Gold Awards, issued by an international organization, the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD). Paul is a founding member and President of APLD’s Arizona District. He is a member of APLD’s international Education Committee and is an experienced Landscape Design Instructor.
Paul’s talent and dedication have enabled him to create some of the best landscapes in Tucson. His designs have been featured in magazines and on garden tours. By carefully listening to your needs and working closely with your budget, Paul can develop a plan that specifically fits your site and your lifestyle.
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Certified Members seeking to be profiled should send before and after photos with SHORT design intent statement to:
Bethany Dennis
APLD Communications Manager
Email: communications@apld.org
Phone: 717-238-9780
* PHOTOS SHOULD BE CLEAR COLOR PRINTS OR JPEG COMPRESSED FILES