Design principles are values but they are bigger than the values and priorities we choose for any one project. They function parallel to everything you have already learned. These are the values we use to guide ALL design decisions on ALL projects, regardless of the budget, environment, practical needs or preferences of those involved.For example, the first principle I design with is “minimum effort for maximum result.” This comes from the value I and most of my clients share of getting the most value for the time, energy and money we spend, REGARDLESS of what we are doing. If I am installing a landscape and there is a $10.00 dollar tool that will do the same job as a $50.00 tool I will buy the $10.00 tool. If my clients can hire a landscaper to create the same garden for half the price as another landscaper, all things being equal, they will pick the lower-cost company. Why? Because the money saved can be used to buy other things they value. The same is true of energy: All things being equal if there is a shorter way to get to work, we will take that route and save time and gas so that we can spend that energy doing something more productive than sitting in traffic.
Almost everyone will relate to this value, but it is still subjective. The important thing is to be clear on what our design principles are. Below are the principles that I use, along with some brief examples of how I apply them in the design process. I’ve chosen this particular set of values because they provide a clear path to get from chaos to a finished garden that most of my clients are extremely happy with. You can borrow all or parts of it or develop your own design philosophy.
Minimum effort for maximum result:
“Result” has everything to do with what you value. That’s why it is great that you have already clarified how you define success. If you value low maintenance, beauty, safety and a place to play soccer, then “minimum effort for maximum result” means the quickest, easiest way to achieve this goal to your satisfaction with the least amount of money.
This is fairly straight forward and applies to the overall design. However, it also applies to every small decision within the design. Let’s say there are two types of stone you are considering as the material for your retaining wall. One of them is a square Three-River’s stone for $640.00 per ton and the other is Sonoma Fieldstone for $140.00 per ton. Now let’s say that you like the Three-River’s stone 30% more than you like the Sonoma Fieldstone. You like the purple and the square look more than you like the round look, but the Sonoma Fieldstone is also a good choice in your eyes.
Applying the principle of “minimum effort for maximum result” analyzes the added value in RELATIONSHIP to the added cost. You would not pay $45.00 dollars for a $10.00 bottle of shampoo just because it had 30% more shampoo than the typical $10.00 bottle of shampoo. In the same way, it does not make sense to spend 400% more money for a stone choice that you only like 30% more than the cheaper alternative. Saving $500.00 per ton on a four- ton wall will allow you to spend that $2,000.00 in some other area of the landscape that will hopefully give you $8,000.00 in value – an instant 400% return on investment!
This text is an excerpt from:
Successfully Landscaping Your Marin Home,
Available on Amazon and Marin Bookstores,
By: Dane E. Rose
(415) 455 9161
For pictures of Marin Landscape Design click HERE.
Marin Design Principles
Mystical Landscapes is a Marin Design and Build
company for all aspects of landscaping.
We also do landscape design Mill Valley, installation and landscape design Corte Madera, installation and landscape design San Rafael, installation and landscape design Novato, installation and landscape design Larkspur, installation and landscape design San Anselmo, and installation and landscape design Tiburon. Marin Landscape Contractor and Marin Landscape Architect. 232 Bungalow Ave San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 455-9161
