LANDSCAPE  ARCHITECTURE    
 
Barron Eldridge          Licensed Landscape Architect: California: #1568, Hawaii: #7406
 

Barron Eldridge MLA
 

 (916) 487-5351
 barronsdesign@
         surewest.net
          ---

Table of Contents

1:
A Little Background

2:
The Profession

3:

Outside Consultants, Project Variations & Development Data

4:

The 4 Stages of Work

5:

Getting  Started and
Estimating Cost

6:

Project Options &
Contact Information


7:

Professional History


 
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Getting Started: Reduce the Consultant’s Time and Cost?  

Documents of Record: The client can facilitate the process by providing the following:
    Plat (Plot) Maps: This document is a legal property description that's prepared for public records. The Plat contains
    identifying information including: easements of record, survey data, property lines and improvements. These can
    be located by the property's parcel number at the County Recorder's office, and are available for a small fee.  
    Historical Data: Property owners may have copies of old plans, drawings and/or early photos of their property in
    storage or in their files. These documents could be helpful in identifying previously unknown conditions. 
    County Archives: This data is usually stored in microfish files and is often incomplete. This consultant only tackles
    the archives when specific information is unavailable and if found, would be helpful to the assignment at hand.

Developing Ideas-Forming Priorities: The client usually has their objectives, or ideas they want to see realized. However, the site itself will present limitations and opportunities and the consultant, as facilitator, will provide his or hers experience and training while forming the proposal of work. This document provides an overview of conversations between parties, while outlining the path of the project itself.

As the planning-design process unfolds and objectives become clearer, this is the time to review priorities, i.e. (1) what is essential? (2) what would be nice if the budget can squeeze it in? (3) and what can we do without? Of course there are variations to these, but coming to terms with ones priorities, often helps in the decision making process. The Consultant can then proceed with his or her work with a phased plan in mind.
Example: On a hillside setting, Barry developed conditions designed for the client's small children: a secure yard, with a serpentine lawn that dropped down to a tree house. He also anticipated Phase 2 access, and by installing the infrastructure required for a pool and hillside decks, ...one day, when their kids are older. 

 

 

Estimating Cost:
General:  The process: cost of materials and the time required to achieve results and the site itself, will shape the development. The more information we have the closer we are to identifying cost.

Preliminary Drawings: Once the preliminary plans and supporting details are in hand, we then have specifics, quantities and a handle on process, enough information is available for a Preliminary Estimate.

Final Documents: After reviewing preliminaries, these may be updated to reflect current decisions. This is when we form the specifications (specs), the document that spells out contractor qualifications, quality of work, materials and process. We now have the means to find hard cost information. 
   
Public Projects: Or commercial projects open to bid: these are solicited from qualified general contractors, using a
    Request for Bid process. 
    Private Projects: Although bids are often solicited, private projects can be less formal. An experienced consultant
    can achieve good results by contacting contractors, known for quality work and fair pricing, for their input on
    unusual conditions and up to date cost data. 
  
Once Bids are Received: The cost of materials, equipment, sub-contractors and specialty jobbers is up to date.  Clouding the process could include: last minute directives from reviewing agencies and emerging, unknown site conditions that require additional time and/or original work.
   
Scheduling: With larger or complicated projects, scheduling is important. The bid confirms that materials have
    been located and available at the best price, and that that special trades will be on site when they're needed.
   
Drawings Cost: Anywhere between $ 500 to $ 8,500 on up, depending on project size and level of complexity. Smaller projects might fit on one (1) sheet. A modest neighborhood park may require seven (7) or more sheets and a Regional Park could take as many as twenty-five (25) or more sheets.
Sheet size can vary from 11x17 inches to as much as 3 x 6 ft or more in length, ...depending on the application.

 

 

 

About: Village on man made island, designed on
three levels.

Upper Level: above the plaza... Includes hotel
and apartment units, with connecting walkways
and landscaped terraces.

Bridge Level: 12 feet above the lake...
Bridge from the parking area continues over the
promenade, past the water feature, to the upper
bridge and water park. Note: footprint of the
proposed buildings, beer garden, theater,
Theater Point Restaurant and shoreline walk.
 

 

Eastside Reservoir Conceptual Site Plan: West Village, Hemet, CA

Lake Level Promenade: 2 feet above the lake, with trees, planters and gathering spots. Level includes restaurants,
shops and pubs fronting the lake. Children arcades and theaters occupy interior, below the village. Interactive
fountain is experienced at both the Bridge and Lower Levels.

 

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