THE BEGINNING DESIGN PHASE

Now that we have the plot drawing done to scale it is time to identify the primary areas on the lot. These areas may not always stay in a specific place as the space or our needs will not allow it. Place a sheet of tracing paper over your plot plan and try to determine the primary public, private, and service areas. These drawings are referred to as bubble diagrams. Using the questionnaire that you filled out earlier try to group the items into the following categories. This area is for identifying only the general areas, items contained and general layout. The specific sizes and shapes should be added later (such as a competed deck plan in the hardscape area).

PUBLIC AREA

This area usually identifies the main entrances and exits from the house. In most cases this is the front side of the home and the area that most people will see first. Due to curb appeal ( which could have an impact on a future sale ) and the fact that we only have a chance to make a first impression once, we should pay close attention to this area. We can make the entry into the house as inviting and attractive as possible. The walk to the front door should be a minimum of 4' wide, often times wider. It is best if constructed out of one material so the eye is led to the door easily. The walk needs to be well lit, not only for guests, and family, but as a crime deterrent as well. We will want to keep most plant material in this area from encroaching on the walk. It is always nice to have an entry that will allow people enough area to stand out of the weather as they wait for the door to be answered. If we have different elevations, consider giving people plenty of room to stand by the front door and make sure that all steps are well lit. All the plantings in this area need to complement the architectural features of the house. The lawn or lawn substitute areas should be open and in most cases can be designed in a way that will help lead the eye to the entry. If possible try to make it obvious where you would like your guests to park.

THE PRIVATE AREA

This area is usually considered the outdoor living area of the home and should keep in mind corresponding indoor living areas such as the living room, family room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom, etc. To make this a more inviting private place to be we will probably want to add some screening from the neighbors and street. Based on the answers to the questionnaire you will design the size and shape of these areas according to your needs. Here we will consider the patio, deck or additional sitting areas. Always allow plenty of seating or table room for the type of entertaining you do. We also want to consider the need for sun areas, shade areas, or wind protection. It should tie into the access from the house, and not block the view from the house, but rather create an invitation to move outdoors and explore further. We want to provide good access to the lawn and garden areas. Based on our needs and aesthetics here is where we will decide on the lawn area(s). Children's play areas will be added here as needed, and for safety we will want to consider the ability to view this area from the house. Pathways and walks will need to be added for access or interest. Colorful plants and sculptural garden features can be used to create interest and a pleasant atmosphere. We should think through our questionnaire and try to allow for the future, as the needs of the household may change and we will need to be flexible. Most hardscape items should still be thought of as permanent additions.

THE SERVICE AREA

This area is usually where we contain the items of delivery and maintenance of the house and landscape. It usually will coincide with the utility areas of the house, the kitchen, garage and garbage. Most often this area is screened from the public and private areas. Based on our questionnaire we will plan accordingly and can include the following in this area. Remember that based on space or our needs this needs to be flexible.

Storage buildings Garbage cans

Vehicles, boats, etc. storage Clothes lines

Wood storage Utility meters

Fuel storage Heating /Cooling equipment

Dog kennels, etc.. Delivery area

Vegetable garden (light limitations) Potting shed

Compost bins Cleaning equipment

View sample.