McNiel Works

McNiel Works follows a multi-phased, customized process to design your project.  Typically each project has a number of distinct phases.  The process begins with a meeting between McNiel Works and the client where a list of project goals and desired elements are defined.  These goals and elements, along with the client's personal preferences, become a guiding Program of the design. Following this program definition, the project enters the Site Inventory Phase where "raw data" about the site is collected. This often includes its topography, drainage, wind, sun and shade patterns, as well as its social context and existing site conditions such as the locations of mature plants or historic elements on site or in the neighborhood. The Site Analysis Phase follows.  This phase directly guides the actual physical design of the project.  An analysis is very specific to the actual project site and program.  Through this process the design patterns and physical elements, their size, location and intended functionality and aesthetics are developed.  An adequate site analysis answers many questions in advance of construction.  This ensures the design is grounded in reality and responsive to its natural and cultural context.  Working through this process also saves the client unnecessary expense, as many potential issues are identified prior to build-out.

 

As the Site Analysis Phase progresses, basic ideas and design forms are explored in a Conceptual Design Phase. Through sketches, diagrams and sketch plans, and photo-realistic simulations, various solutions and ideas can be quickly and economically tested and modified until a final concept evolves.  Ideas can be compared and decisions made about the next phase of the process.  In conceptual design, one is seeking the natural order of the site and the "lay of the land," determining how the needs and desires of the client can be met while preserving the ecological integrity of the site. 

 

The choice of a final design is the culmination of the Conceptual Design Phase.  What follows is the Design Development Phase.  In this phase the conceptual design is tested against the original program requirements and the results of the site analysis, along with a more defined idea of the potential cost of the project.  In this Design Development Phase details are worked out and all of the parts of the project are brought together and refined, including developing a more complete understanding of the potential cost of the project.  In this final phase, hardscape and plant materials are chosen, along with final determination of finishes and colors, and any any details and enlargements necessary for construction are completed. The culmination of the Design Development Phase is the creation of the Final Master Plan, which includes details, enlargements, perspectives, as well as planting plan, irrigation and lighting plans.