A luxury landscape project is a major investment. Yet many homeowners start the process without a clear picture of what actually happens between the first meeting and the final walkthrough. That uncertainty makes it hard to compare firms, plan a budget, or set realistic expectations.
This guide walks through a typical landscape design build project from start to finish. Each phase below reflects how McHale has delivered residential projects across Maryland and Virginia since 1981. By the end, you will know what is included, who handles each step, and what questions to ask before you sign.
What Design-Build Means for a Residential Landscape
In a traditional project, one firm designs and a separate contractor builds. The homeowner manages the handoff between them. Design-build combines both roles under a single contract and a single team. The Design-Build Institute of America describes this model as one entity accountable for both design and construction.
For a homeowner, that difference is practical. The people who draw the plan are the same people who price it, permit it, and build it. As a result, design decisions are made with real construction costs and site conditions in mind. That integration is what sets a design build landscape firm apart. You can read more about how this works in our overview of the design-build process.
Phase 1: Consultation and Site Assessment
Every project begins on the property. A designer walks the site with you to understand how you want to use the space. Do you entertain often? Do you need room for children, pets, or a pool? Which views matter, and which ones should be screened?
The site assessment also captures the technical conditions. These include grades, drainage patterns, soil, sun exposure, existing trees, and access for equipment. On many properties, a survey is needed to establish property lines, setbacks, and utilities. This information shapes every decision that follows.
Phase 2: Concept Design
Next, the design team turns your goals into a concept plan. This drawing shows the overall layout, including patios, walkways, structures, planting areas, and lawn. It focuses on how spaces connect and flow rather than on final materials.
For larger properties, the concept often becomes a landscape master plan. A master plan lets you build in phases while keeping a unified vision. Meanwhile, early budget ranges help confirm that the concept matches your investment goals before detailed work begins.
Phase 3: Design Development and Pricing
Once you approve the concept, the team refines it into detailed drawings. This stage selects specific materials, such as natural stone, brick, or porcelain pavers. It also defines wall heights, structure dimensions, lighting locations, and the full planting plan.
Projects with complex grading, tall walls, or stormwater requirements may need a licensed professional. In those cases, McHale’s landscape architecture team prepares the engineered drawings. If you are unsure which professional your project needs, our article on landscape designers vs. landscape architects explains the difference.
Because design and construction share one team, pricing happens alongside design. There is no surprise when a separate contractor bids the plans. Instead, you see the cost of each choice as the design takes shape. Consequently, value decisions can be made early, when changes are still easy.
Phase 4: Permits and Approvals
Permitting is one of the most overlooked parts of a landscape project. Yet it often drives the schedule more than construction does. Requirements vary by county, municipality, and neighborhood.
Common approvals include county building permits for walls, structures, pools, and decks. Many neighborhoods also require homeowners association architectural review. Waterfront properties near the Chesapeake Bay face additional rules. For example, Annapolis projects often fall under Critical Area regulations. In Northern Virginia, Fairfax County permitting and HOA review add their own steps.
In a design-build project, the firm prepares and submits these applications. The team also responds to reviewer comments and revises drawings when needed. That way, you are not caught between a designer and a contractor when an agency asks for changes.
Phase 5: Construction Sequencing
Construction follows a deliberate order. Getting the sequence right protects finished work and keeps the project on schedule. While every site differs, most projects follow a similar path.
- Utility marking and site protection: Underground utilities are located through Miss Utility before digging begins. Trees, lawns, and the home’s exterior are protected from equipment.
- Demolition and grading: Old features are removed, and the site is graded to direct water away from the house.
- Drainage and utilities: Drain lines, conduit for lighting, gas lines, and irrigation sleeves go in before any surfaces are built.
- Walls and structural work: Retaining walls, footings, and foundations for structures come next.
- Hardscape installation: Patios, walkways, steps, and driveways are installed on compacted bases.
- Features and structures: Pergolas, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and pools and spas are built and connected.
Throughout construction, a project manager coordinates crews and keeps you informed. Furthermore, the designer stays involved. When the crew uncovers rock, poor soil, or an unmarked pipe, design adjustments happen in house rather than through change-order disputes.
Phase 6: Plant Installation
Planting usually comes near the end, once heavy equipment has left the site. This timing protects new plants from damage and soil compaction. Before planting, beds are prepared with soil amendments suited to the site.
The planting plan layers trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers for year-round interest. Many McHale designs feature native plantings, which adapt well to local conditions and support wildlife. The University of Maryland Extension also highlights how native trees improve shade, stormwater control, and habitat.
Season matters, too. Spring and fall are generally the best times to plant in Maryland and Virginia. Therefore, a summer construction finish may mean scheduling some planting for early fall. Our gardens and plantings team plans this timing from the start.
Phase 7: Final Walkthrough and Punch List
When construction is complete, you walk the property with the project team. Together, you review every element against the approved plans. Any items needing attention go on a punch list.
Typical punch list items include joint sand touch-ups, lighting adjustments, and plant replacements. The team then works through the list until each item is resolved. Finally, you receive guidance on watering, lighting controls, and seasonal care for your new landscape.
After Installation: Care and Maintenance
A new landscape needs consistent care during its first year. Young plants need regular watering while roots establish. Our guide to first-year landscape care outlines what to expect. For ongoing support, McHale’s landscape maintenance team can care for the property long term.
This continuity is another advantage of a full-service firm. The team that built the landscape understands its drainage, irrigation, and plant choices. As a result, maintenance protects the original design intent.
See a Completed Design-Build Project
The Severn River Residence in Annapolis shows these phases at work on a waterfront property. You can also browse more projects in our portfolio.
Ready to start your own project? McHale serves homeowners from offices in Annapolis, Clarksburg, Easton, and McLean. Contact our team to schedule a site consultation.
