The Art of Presentation: Showcasing Materials to Garden Design Clients
For new garden designers, effectively communicating your design vision is incredibly important. While drawings and plans provide a visual representation of the proposed space, presenting physical material samples allows clients to experience the textures, colours, and quality of the product you are recommending.
The Power of Physical Samples:
In a world increasingly dominated by digital media, the power of physical samples remains. Clients can touch the rough texture of natural stone, feel the smooth finish of composite decking, and see the subtle variations in colour and pattern that make each material unique. This enables a deeper understanding and appreciation of the design and how each element compliments the next.
A comparison of different finishes - left to right: Riven, Sawn, Sawn & Sandblasted
Curating Your Material Palette:
Presenting a curated palette of materials is crucial. Overwhelming clients with too many options can lead to confusion and decision fatigue. Instead, focus on showcasing a carefully chosen selection that aligns with the overall design concept and the client's preferences.
Understand the Client's Brief: Before selecting any samples, thoroughly understand the client's brief, including their desired aesthetic, budget, and lifestyle. This will help you narrow down your material choices and present relevant options.
Develop a Cohesive Theme: Establish a cohesive theme for your material palette. Consider the overall style of the garden (e.g., modern, traditional, naturalistic) and choose materials that complement each other in terms of colour, texture, and pattern.
Prioritize Quality over Quantity: Focus on presenting a smaller selection of high-quality materials rather than a large array of cheaper alternatives. This demonstrates your commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Consider the Context: Think about how the materials will look in the context of the surrounding environment. Consider the existing architecture, neighbouring properties, and the surrounding landscape – the ‘Genius Loci’.
Making a selection from the huge range of materials available can be complex - use the above points to narrow your focus.
Championing Sustainable Materials:
In today's climate-conscious world, specifying sustainable materials is not just a trend; it's a responsibility. As garden designers, we have a unique opportunity to promote environmentally friendly practices and create gardens that are both beautiful and sustainable.
Recycled and Reclaimed Materials: Explore the use of recycled and reclaimed materials, such as reclaimed brick, vintage pavers, and crushed concrete. These materials reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of the project.
Locally Sourced Materials: Prioritize sourcing materials locally whenever possible. This reduces transportation costs and supports local businesses.
Natural and Biodegradable Materials: Opt for natural and biodegradable materials, such as timber from sustainably managed forests, natural stone, and bamboo. These materials are renewable and have a lower environmental impact than synthetic alternatives.
Low-Maintenance Materials: Choose materials that require minimal maintenance, such as drought-tolerant plants, pre-treated decking, and pre-sealed paving. This reduces the need for chemical treatments and conserves water.
Certifications and Labels: Look for materials with recognised sustainability certifications and labels, such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for timber and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for building materials.
Clay Pavers are a sustainable, natural material that increasingly come in a wide variety of colours and finishes.
Presenting the Samples Effectively:
The way you present material samples can significantly impact the client's perception of the design. Here are some best practices:
Create a Professional Display: Present the samples in a neat and organised manner. Use sample boards, trays, or boxes to group related materials and create a cohesive display.
Provide Clear Labels: Label each sample clearly with its name, supplier, and any relevant information, such as finish, size, and composition.
Group Materials by Area: Organize the samples by area or element of the garden, such as paving, walling, decking, and planting. This helps clients visualise how the materials will be used in different parts of the space.
Showcase Combinations: Present samples in combinations to demonstrate how different materials work together. This helps clients understand the overall aesthetic and creates a more immersive experience.
Consider Lighting: Present the samples in good lighting, preferably natural daylight, to accurately showcase their colours and textures. It’s also a great idea to splash a bit of water over the sample to show how it would look in the rain.
Explain the Material Properties: Clearly explain the properties of each material, including its durability, maintenance requirements, and environmental impact.
Relate the Samples to the Design: Connect the samples back to the design plans and explain how they will be used in the garden. This helps clients visualise the finished space and understand the rationale behind your material choices.
Grouping the materials - here, limestone setts and paving, next to moodboards (below) can help your clients to visualise the final effect.
A moodboard for a design with several elements - brought together by the careful choice of materials
Introducing Each Material:
When introducing each material, consider the following:
Start with the "Why": Begin by explaining why you chose this particular material and how it aligns with the client's brief and the overall design concept.
Highlight the Key Features: Emphasize the key features and benefits of the material, such as its durability, texture, colour, and sustainability credentials.
Address Potential Concerns: Proactively address any potential concerns the client might have, such as maintenance requirements or cost.
Encourage Interaction: Encourage clients to touch and feel the samples and ask any questions they may have.
Splashing water on the samples can bring out a very different colour
Conclusion:
Presenting material samples is a crucial step in the garden design process. By curating a refined palette of appropriate and sustainable materials and presenting them effectively, you can communicate your design vision with clarity and conviction, building trust with your clients and creating truly exceptional outdoor spaces.
I hope you’ve found this blog both interesting and useful. Let me know in the comments!
Kate
