We are a small team of slightly garden-obsessed individuals committed to building our clients a Beautiful Life Outside. We are a licensed landscape design and construction firm based in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
With over 2 decades of experience in the industry, founder Andrew Sidie created Stone Lotus Landscapes and has built it based on his passion for garden design. This is accompanied by a strong desire to oversee and manage the entire outdoor transformation from initial concept design, detailed plan preparation, council approval through to completed construction. The feedback from our clients is that they enjoy working with one point of contact on their outdoor project and that our project delivery model streamlines the outdoor renovation process. Our onsite team prides themselves on professionalism and courtesy, to go alongside their wealth of knowledge and experience in outdoor construction and planting.
Choosing to predominantly work within our local area means we are accustomed to working with local councils and certifiers. We are well versed in solving any issues that can be common in our service area, such as, challenging access and parking etc. Over time we have also built a small and trusted team of regular subcontractors and suppliers. These established relationships ensure quality workmanship.
Stone Lotus Landscapes has evolved into a prominent, award winning residential landscape design and construction firm operating in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Great gardens and outdoor spaces start with good planning and design. We are focused on providing a personal client-focused collaborative approach to garden design. We utilise our in-depth knowledge of construction, materials and finishes, estimating, maintenance and outdoor aesthetics to give you advice and make suggestions. We recognise that each site, project, client brief is unique and treat it as such. We do not have a ‘Stone Lotus look’ or aesthetic that we seek to replicate on each landscape project.
Our track record of referral work and repeat clientele is testament to this.
We are also happy to move straight into the construction phase and work from third party designs and plans when supplied by the client.
We start with a face to face meeting on site. It’s a great way to learn more about you and your thoughts, ideas and requirements for the space. We will begin to compile a design brief for your project. We allow about an hour. We may take some photographs. We may take some measurements. Following this we will have an idea as to the elements likely to be included in your project and will be able to quote for the design phase.
We also use the site visit as a way of getting a preliminary feel for the site and its surroundings. We may be able to identify any obvious site characteristics or issues (such as access, parking, power lines, lighting levels etc). However, it’s important to note that this is just a preliminary meeting at this stage and is not a thorough site investigation or measure. It does not include things like soil testing, service location investigations, investigative excavation, detailed property measurements or survey etc. These things may be required down the track and further site visits will be carried out once we have been formally engaged.
Once all necessary approvals have been obtained, our construction team will get to work. The transition from landscape design to the construction phase can sometimes be a tricky or disjointed one where different companies have been engaged. We pride ourselves on making this transition smooth and efficient. The feedback from our clients is that they enjoy working with one point of contact and that our project delivery model streamlines the outdoor renovation process.
With decades of construction experience our projects are built to the highest quality using only qualified, professional and experienced tradesmen and trusted subcontractors.
Sounds obvious but have a good idea of what you want. A clear list of what needs to be included in the space. It can sometimes help to break this up by priority (particularly if the space is relatively small or working with a tight budget), into “needs”/ “non-negotiables” and “wants”.
Have an idea of what you like in terms of general style or look and feel or any key materials or colours you want to include. Collating pictures and imagery helps. Listing styles, ideas, materials etc that you definitely don’t like or want, can also help narrow this down. And don’t worry this is just a starting point; it’s fine for the style to evolve throughout the design process.
Work out a rough budget. Even if you don’t really know what landscape construction costs, figure out what you have set aside or feel comfortable putting towards this project. Be honest and advise this to your landscape designer at the outset. Through our designers’ knowledge of landscape construction and costing, we can design to a budget. This will save you time during the design phase reducing how many reiterations of the design might be required and avoid surprises at the construction quote stage.
Engage the right landscape professional. Check their licence details. Check out previous work on their website or social media. Look for client testimonials and google reviews. Ask friends for referrals or recommendations. Ultimately choose someone you like personally, trust and feel comfortable with. After all they will be at and around your home (often while you may not be there) for weeks or months.
Some elements often included in our landscape projects to create the perfect outdoor space include, pergolas, arbours and covered entertaining spaces, custom concrete pools and paved surrounds, spas, pool fencing, garden bench seating, built-in bbq areas, retaining walls and raised garden beds, stepping stones, garden pathways, decking, tiled splashbacks and areas, outdoor showers, green walls, curated plant specification and turfing, garden lighting, garden irrigation, pots and planter selection.
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