Landscape designs by Bob Elam, APLD

Design and Content Copyright TEG 2011

"There are few opportunities in life for you to create spaces that reflect
your unique personality and life style. The home environment is
sacred ground that can and should provide a refuge of self expression."
Bob Elam, APLD

Nationally Certified Landscape Designer Association of Professional Landscape Designers State Certified Landscape Designer State Certified
Landscape Contractor Alabama Certified Nurseryman Alabama Nurserymans Association B.S Degree, Environmental Studies / Landplanning
Concentration Over 30 years of practical hands-on experience Award winning residential designer

services

services
Our services include a design process to address your unique design needs and budget. On site consultation, on
site design sketching, on site design planning and master planning meet the specific needs of varies landscape
situations. Following is a brief explanation of the individualized design services to help guide you to a format
that fulfills your distinctive landscape design solutions.
On Site Consultation
An on site consultation puts you in direct contact with the designer on your home site. You and the designer will
walk your site discussing your specific landscape/garden questions. Notes and thumbnail sketches will be made
by the designer to ensure that you understand the informative discussion. On site consultation are effective for
small areas of a site, broad overview of design possibilities, and landscape maintenance information. [2 hour
minimum]
On Site Design Sketching
This design process is effective areas or smaller home sites. The entire design process is done on site, ending with
a personalized landscape design sketch given to you at the end of the design session. This process requires onhalf to a full day starting with an initial consultation and your input. The designer produces a detailed sketch on
18x24 reproducible paper which is presented to you with a discussion of your design. (Note: With new construction many of these features will not exist and will be part of the design) [4 hour minimum]
On Site Design Planning
This is a unique design service in which the designer, utilizing marking paint, pinning flags and stakes will physically lay out design concepts on your homesite. Specific design elements such as hardscape, lighting, waterfalls
and ponds can be addressed. Material suggestions and lists may be developed in order to obtain cost estimates
(No hard copy drawings are provided). [4 hour minimum]
Master Planning
Master planning is a design process utilizing multiple steps resulting in a detailed drafted layout for your total
home environment. Six basic steps are utilized to formulate the design plan. (Note: The following master planning illustrations are simplified to make the design process clear). [hours vary per project]
Initial site consultation
Base plan, site analysis
Site design concepts
Client review
Studio design
Plan presentation

services
Initial Site Consultation
The design process begins with an initial on site meeting with the designer to determine your individual design
needs, style, and project goals. The designer will use this meeting to assess the scope and complexity of the
project.
Base Plan Site Analysis
In order to draw a personalized landscape plan, a layout of what exists is required. A base plan is a birds eye view
of your property drawn to scale. It shows existing features such as house, property lines, driveways, walkways,
decks, patio, pools, walls, fences, significant vegetation, utilities, etc. (Note: With new construction many of these
features will not exist and will be part of the design).
The site analysis identifies factors that affect the layout of the landscape. It is an observation of the nature of your
sites environment. Factors such as north/south orientation, solar input, surface grade/drainage, and positive/
negative views. (Note: any existing plans of the house or site are beneficial. For example, plot plan, mortgage
survey, house plan, etc.).
Site Design Concepts
With all the preliminary information in hand, the designer will develop extensive design concepts on site. These
design concepts are purely creative design idea generators, allowing the designer to envision the reality of the site
and all possible design solutions. Note: these drawings are rough sketches only.
Client Review
With the completion of the site design concepts, the designer will review these with you explaining the initial
concepts so you can understand the design intent. You are encouraged to make alterations at this time to ensure
a design that fulfills your unique personality and lifestyle needs.
Studio Design
The designer, with all the information gathered at this point, will create the final master plan within the studio
environment. Utilizing all design resource tools available, the designer will concentrate on the most detailed
creative design solutions for your home environment. The plans are then finalized, drafted and blue printed.
(Note: some projects may require multiple sheets such as hardscape concept layout, planting layout, and lighting
layout).
Plan Presentation
Upon completion of the master plan, the designer will meet with you on site to discuss the plans in detail. This
meeting can be utilized to gain more information concerning the project as a whole. (Note: plan details, contractor/bid process, do it yourself information, etc.)
Project Consultation
This is an extended service available to the design client. It involves the designer directly with the installation
process of the project. This may include initial site meetings with installation contractors, periodic site meetings,
and a final site consultation of the project. The designer approaches this process as a team member with the
client, working with others to ensure that the projects design integrity is protected.

services
Homeowner Installation Program
The homeowner self-installation program offers you the opportunity to obtain a professional landscape installation for your home at an economical cost. By utilizing our design services you can approach your project as your
own landscape contractor. With your labor (sweat equity) and our expert direction, you can install a professional
landscape as your time and budget allow. We offer on site consultation, acting as your personal landscape crew
chief. This give you over two decades of landscape installation experience to guide you through your project
installation. Also, as a part of this program, you will receive a homeowner installation program discount card
entitling you to discounts from many local landscape material suppliers and contractors, resulting in additional
savings.

design

design

Environmental Design Consultants - Creative Landscape Designs

Outdoor Rooms
Decks
Patios
Pools
Decorative Walls
Walkways
Fences
Driveways
Water Features
Lighting
Plantings

Creative Landscape Designs

Environmental Design Consultants, Inc. is a landscape and

garden design firm specializing
in full scope residential design
development. Our basic design
philosophy is one of personalized landscape and garden
design achieved by blending the
unique personal taste and style
of you, the client, the architecture of your home, and the specific environmental conditions of
your site. Our professional commitment to you, the homeowner
and your installation contractors
ensures design continuity.
Bob Elam, APLD
www.elamdesign.com

Concept and Continuity

Our Design Palette utilizes both planting and hardscape concept elements to
create truly unique design solutions for you. A sample of those design elements
include: Planting Design: Contemporary, Woodland, Formal, Historical, Hybrid/
eclectic, Perennial, Wildlife and Water. Hardscape Concept Layout: Drive and
walkway, deck and terrace, outdoor lighting, garden pool - waterfall, fence and
wall, trellis - arbor - pergola, swimming pool and landscape embellishment.
A good design sets the framework and foundation for a lasting environmental
living space that you, the homeowner, can enjoy for many years to come.

design

Environmental Design Consultants - Creative Landscape Designs

plantings

plantings

Environmental Design Consultants - Creative Landscape Designs

Trees
Shrubs
Ground Covers
Turf
Perennials
Annuals
Aquatics

Creative Landscape Designs

Environmental Design Consultants, Inc. is a landscape and

garden design firm specializing
in full scope residential design
development. Our basic design
philosophy is one of personalized landscape and garden
design achieved by blending the
unique personal taste and style
of you, the client, the architecture of your home, and the specific environmental conditions of
your site. Our professional commitment to you, the homeowner
and your installation contractors
ensures design continuity.
Bob Elam, APLD
www.elamdesign.com

Creative Planting Design

Creative Planting Design requires skilfull analysis, thoughtful planning and an
in-depth knowledge of plants in order to create a Homescape that results in a
natural balance of your homes unique architecture, physical environment and your
personal taste. Whether it be a colorful perennial niche, a shady woodland retreat
or a crisp formal garden room, we incorporate your inner vision in order to design
distinctive personal home environments that complement your lifestyle.

plantings

Environmental Design Consultants - Creative Landscape Designs

water

features

water

features

Environmental Design Consultants - Creative Landscape Designs

Swimming Pools
Ponds
Fountains
Waterfalls

Creative Landscape Designs

Environmental Design Consultants, Inc. is a landscape and

garden design firm specializing
in full scope residential design
development. Our basic design
philosophy is one of personalized landscape and garden
design achieved by blending the
unique personal taste and style
of you, the client, the architecture of your home, and the specific environmental conditions of
your site. Our professional commitment to you, the homeowner
and your installation contractors
ensures design continuity.
Bob Elam, APLD
www.elamdesign.com

Water Features
A Babbling Brook, Waterfall or Fountain adds a peacefulness to a garden or landscape thats indescribeable. The visual effect alone is outstanding, but you almost need to hear the sounds to fully appreciate a water feature,
and a swim feature offers an escape from the heat of the summer season.

water

features

Environmental Design Consultants - Creative Landscape Designs

hardscape

hardscape

Environmental Design Consultants - Creative Landscape Designs

Outdoor Rooms
Decks
Patios
Pools
Decorative Walls
Walkways
Fences
Driveways
Water Features
Outdoor Lighting

Creative Landscape Designs

Environmental Design Consultants, Inc. is a landscape and

garden design firm specializing
in full scope residential design
development. Our basic design
philosophy is one of personalized landscape and garden
design achieved by blending the
unique personal taste and style
of you, the client, the architecture of your home, and the specific environmental conditions of
your site. Our professional commitment to you, the homeowner
and your installation contractors
ensures design continuity.
Bob Elam, APLD
www.elamdesign.com

Hardscape enhances outdoor living

Hardscape is a term used to describe the non-living
elements of a design. Hardscape Layout creates the
framework of a landscape design, setting the tone of your homes environment.
Creative planning of design elements such as driveways, walkways, decks, terraces,
water features and garden structures result in aesthetically pleasing outdoor rooms
that serve your distinctive lifestyle. Each element of hardscape is woven into the
total landscape design offering a unified outdoor living environment.

hardscape

Environmental Design Consultants - Creative Landscape Designs

lighting

lighting

Environmental Design Consultants - Creative Landscape Designs

Path Lighting
Patio Lighting
Deck Lighting
Accent Lighting
Task Lighting

Creative Landscape Designs

Environmental Design Consultants, Inc. is a landscape and

garden design firm specializing
in full scope residential design
development. Our basic design
philosophy is one of personalized landscape and garden
design achieved by blending the
unique personal taste and style
of you, the client, the architecture of your home, and the specific environmental conditions of
your site. Our professional commitment to you, the homeowner
and your installation contractors
ensures design continuity.
Bob Elam, APLD
www.elamdesign.com

Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor Lighting extends the use of the Homescape
while creating beautiful night-time scenes. Imagine sitting in your private outdoor
space as darkness falls and your garden comesto life in the gentle wash of light. The
additional benefits of lighting are the added safety and security of a well designed
lighting system. Utilizing professional energy-efficient12-volt lighting components
give the needed tools to create these life enriching night-time effects.

lighting

Environmental Design Consultants - Creative Landscape Designs

portfolio

portfolio

Environmental Design Consultants - Creative Landscape Designs

Landscape Design
Plantings
Hardscape
Water Features
Lighting

Creative Landscape Designs

Environmental Design Consultants, Inc. is a landscape and

garden design firm specializing
in full scope residential design
development. Our basic design
philosophy is one of personalized landscape and garden
design achieved by blending the
unique personal taste and style
of you, the client, the architecture of your home, and the specific environmental conditions of
your site. Our professional commitment to you, the homeowner
and your installation contractors
ensures design continuity.
Bob Elam, APLD
www.elamdesign.com

Landscaping for every Lifestyle

Environmental Design Consultants has a history of
over 30 years in North Alabama. We have designed and consulted on more than
2,000 projects in this area alone. The scope of our work includes small plots to
multi-acre estates. No matter what size, we believe each job deserves special attention. We have included only a small sampling of design work the company has completed. If you see something you like, or just need more information, give us a call.

portfolio

Environmental Design Consultants - Creative Landscape Designs

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Environmental Design Consultants - Landscape Planning Guide

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Environmental Design Consultants - Landscape Planning Guide

Landscape Design Checklist

In order to create a personalized landscape design, your input in needed and encouraged. Feel free to include ideas
you favor as well as those you do not want in your own landscape. The following is a list of key design points to use as
a guide. You, of course, are not limited to these ideas. Please include pictures from magazines and other sources that
represent the look you desire in your Homescape.

Client Information:
Name ___________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________
Phone _____________________

Fax ________________________

E-mail ___________________________________________________

Project Profile: Please check all concepts or details that best apply to your project.
New construction

Remodel

Need extensive landscape renovations

Need specific area improvements

List areas ________________________________________

Restrictive landscape covenants apply (please provide)

Urban home site

Suburban home site

Rural home site

Large family

Small family

Empty nesters

Entertain large groups

Entertain small groups

Private retreat

Family allergies exist

Medical conditions exist

Have outdoor pets

Other ________________________________________

Copyright TEG 2011

Bob Elam, APLD (256) 435-0795

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Environmental Design Consultants - Landscape Planning Guide

Design Theme: When you think about your project, which of the following best fits the style you want?
Formal

Natural

Contemporary

Country

Other ________________________________________

Design Forms: Which of the following design forms do you typically favor?
Curving lines

Straight lines

Diagonal lines

Natural lines

Loose/informal

Clean/crisp

Formal/balanced/manicured

Other __________________________________________

Design Mood: What overall feel would you prefer for your project?
Private retreat

Social/public/interactive

Open/play/spacious

Wildlife sanctuary

Other __________________________________________

Plantings: Please use the note section to list any additional likes or dislikes.
List plant material desired

List plant material NOT desired

Bob Elam, APLD (256) 435-0795

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Environmental Design Consultants - Landscape Planning Guide

Bloom Colors: What color scheme do you prefer?

Warm colors red, yellow, orange, etc.
Cool colors blue, white, lavender, etc.
Mixed colors
Other __________________________________________

Timing of Color: Are there times of the year you specifically want to see more color?
Throughout the year
Fall

Winter

Spring

Summer

What is your favorite season ___________________________________

Turf: Please check the description that best describes the turf area you desire.
Small grassed area

Large grassed area

Play surface

None

Variety of turf preferred _________________________________ (Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, etc.)

Maintenance Desired: Please check the description that best describes your maintenance preference.
Low

Moderate

Avid gardener

Will use professional maintenance contractor

Irrigation: Please check the description that best describes your irrigation preference.
I have an irrigation system

I need an irrigation system

I will manually water

Water restrictions apply

Bob Elam, APLD (256) 435-0795

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Environmental Design Consultants - Landscape Planning Guide

Hardscape: Please check elements you want as part of your overall design.
Terrace/patio

Driveway/parking

Walkways/paths

Outdoor kitchen

Fireplace/fire pit

Privacy structure

Arbor/shade structure

Waterfall/garden pool

Swimming pool

Spa/hot tub

Pool house

Childrens play area/game space

Outdoor lighting

Sculpture

Dog kennel

Other ___________________________________________

Construction Material Preferred for Hardscapes: Check all that apply to your project.
Brick

Cobblestone/pavers

Cut stone

Wood Native stone/boulders

Crushed stone

Flagstone

Metal/wrought iron

Stamped concrete

Other ____________________________________________

Installation Process:
I will use a professional landscape contractor.
I will install a portion of the project myself.
I will install the entire project myself.
I will complete the project in stages over time.
I prefer the project to be completed at one time.

Have you established a budget for the complete installation of this project? Yes _____ No _____

Please use the following page for additional comments or directions.

Bob Elam, APLD (256) 435-0795

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Environmental Design Consultants - Landscape Planning Guide

Notes Please use this page for any additional notes or comments.

Bob Elam, APLD (256) 435-0795

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Environmental Design Consultants - Landscape Planning Guide

Your Visual Ideas

On the grid below, draw a rectangle that represents your home on your lot. Roughly indicate with outlines
or circles your personal ideas of the general landscape you desire. Dont worry about being exact or even
artistic, we just want an idea of your vision.
Client Information:
Name _________________________________________________

Bob Elam, APLD (256) 435-0795

Creative Landscape Planning, Consulting, Designing and Management

Environmental Design Consultants, Inc.
Bob Elam, APLD Certified Landscape Designer
Studio - (256) 435-0795
Fax - (256) 782-1559
E-mail - belamstudio@gmail.com