Landscape Architecture Process | Master Plan and Garden Design
Every landscape begins with an intuition, a first impression that reveals how a place wants to exist. At Simonson Landscape, this instinctive response becomes the foundation for design — a way to connect emotion, ecology, and function. Our landscape architecture process transforms these observations into clear, buildable plans. Through sketches, studies, and technical drawings, we define the garden’s character, structure, and long-term evolution. Each document, from the master plan to the detailed planting layout, serves as a bridge between concept and construction while preserving the sensitivity of the original idea.
Preliminary garden sketch by Simonson Landscape illustrating the concept for a private garden and front yard in Paris. The drawing explores spatial structure, planting balance, and the integration of trees and stone elements to create an inviting, natural entrance.
Designing with Intuition and Precision
Each project evolves through a dialogue between feeling and structure, intuition and analysis. What begins as a spontaneous response to a place is gradually refined through study, drawing, and observation. Our process seeks to translate the emotion of a site into spatial harmony, balancing the poetic and the practical.
At Simonson Landscape, design is both artistic and methodical. Each sketch, model, and plan reflects an understanding of ecology, architecture, and light. We explore proportions, textures, and circulation to create gardens that feel both natural and composed. From the first hand-drawn idea to the final construction drawings, every stage of the process aims to preserve the essence of the initial vision while ensuring technical precision and long-term sustainability.
Sketch design with the initail rought ideas
We begin with hand sketches that express the first vision of the garden. These drawings explore volumes, circulation, and mood. They may be complemented by 3D views or photomontages to help visualize the concept and align with the client’s sensibilities.
Refined Design and Drafted Master Plan
Once the concept is established, the layout is refined and detailed. This stage defines materials, planting zones, and key features. We translate the concept into an actionable master plan that includes mood boards and cost estimations for feasibility.
Planting Plan with Specified Names in Latin
Technical precision follows creativity. The planting plan defines every species in Latin, accompanied by detailed notes for masonry, lighting, and irrigation. This ensures a seamless transition from design to construction and long-term maintenance.
From Vision to Reality: Visualizing Your Garden Design
Each landscape begins with an idea — a vision shaped by light, proportion, and emotion. Through drawing, modeling, and rendering, we transform that vision into something tangible and measurable. This process allows clients to see, refine, and feel their future garden long before construction begins. Every line, texture, and shadow helps us find the right balance between imagination and precision.
Sketching the space
Drawing a garden by hand helps to visualize it quickly in all its dimensions. The sketch step eliminates irrelevant ideas and refines the project. We often make several proposals to test various possibilities. Exploration drawings are complemented by mood boards (“trend sheet”), reference images and material samples.
3D landscape modeling
Our studio creates detailed 3D models to test materials, light, and topography in real time. Working within BIM (Building Information Modeling) workflows, we coordinate with architects, engineers, and artisans to ensure design integrity. This step transforms concept into structure, helping to validate scale, plant placement, and circulation while preserving artistic intent.
Perspective
Through perspectives, axonometric views, and realistic renderings, the garden comes alive. These digital views allow clients to understand spatial depth, atmosphere, and seasonal change before construction begins. Renderings are also shared with artisans and contractors, ensuring precise communication and a smooth transition from design to realization.
A Parisian courtyard garden designed by Simonson Landscape for a Haussmannian townhouse in the 16th arrondissement. The layout features a front yard with natural stone pavers set in grass, soft perennial plantings, and climbing species along the façade. This intimate garden blends classical architecture with contemporary landscape design, offering a calm, green retreat in the heart of Paris.