APF-Onboarding Clients - V2-ADJ
The Process
Onboarding clients...How it works
A) Initial Inquiry
Obviously this is equally welcome whether it be by email, phone call or text.
B) Scheduled Phone Conversation
Our process begins in earnest with what is typically a 15 minute scheduled phone conversation.
It's a busy world and the purpose of this call is to get acquainted, discuss your needs and ultimately
determine whether a site meeting makes sense.
C) Site Visit
Initial site visits typically take an hour. As there is no charge for this hour we ask that for the sake
of expediency all the decision makers involved in your proposed project be present.
The objective of this meeting is to determine whether LP, yourselves and your upcoming project
are a fit. We of course are seeking a 'meeting of minds' however we encourage potential clients to say
'no' if they feel a fit is not likely. We all see the world through different lenses. Should we find
similarities in how we perceive spaces then wonderful. If however we are not sufficiently aligned
then a polite ‘it was a pleasure meeting you but I don’t see a way forward here’ is perfectly acceptable.
Site meeting discussion points will include
i) Questions about Landscape Plus Ltd.
Our meeting is an opportunity for you to ask anything you wish about LP. Typically prospects want
to know more about the scope of our services, our design philosophy, our skill set 'sweet spots' etc.
Site meeting discussion points will include
ii) Your Project Wish List
The objective here is to produce a prioritized list of project wants and objectives. Having all the
decision makers present for this component is key. While partners often express that they are totally
in sync this step often reveals that either in the wish list items themselves or in the prioritization of the
items that they are actually not on the same page.
iii) Timeline
At this meeting we will have a frank discussion of the expected time required for design, permitting,
breaking ground and ultimately completion.
iv) Broad Strokes Budgeting
It is not uncommon for this element to be a deal breaker. While it is impossible to actually
quote anything at this meeting we do feel it is worthwhile to try to put some budget
parameters/expectations on the upcoming work. The reality is that things often cost more than
prospects think. If there is going to be a disconnect on money we would prefer that this is
identified up front.
v) Design Costs
While designs are not a fixed price item our discussion will include all the hourly rates for the
design process as well at a an expectation as to what the total cost will be when they are completed.
A retainer will be required before any drawing can begin.
D) The Design Process
The drawing portion of your project will move through various iterations. The initial concept will
be largely a footprint plan. The objective is to get the right pieces in the right places. This allows
the client to if necessary redirect before too much time is spent on detailed concepts. Each version
of the plan is subsequently refined and fleshed out until we eventually have our final concept
represented in plan view and elevations.This process typically takes 4 to 12 weeks and involves 3 to 5
meetings.
