The Design Discovery
Where possibility meets reality. A half-day strategic session to understand your property, explore what's possible, and determine if we're the right partnership.
Most garden projects begin with uncertainty, what's actually feasible, what will it cost, where do you even start?
The Design Discovery removes that uncertainty. In a single half-day session, we explore your property together, discuss your vision in depth, and I provide initial strategic thinking about what your space wants to become.
You leave with clarity. Clear understanding of opportunities and constraints. Clear sense of approach and timeline. Clear decision about whether to proceed.
No pressure. No commitment beyond this session. Just honest, expert assessment.
WHAT HAPPENS
The Structure (4 Hours On-Site)
Phase 1: Silent Observation (30-45 minutes)
Before we talk, we walk your entire property together in silence. I'm observing light, water, topography, views, existing features, and opportunities you may not have noticed. You're experiencing your space through a designer's eyes.
This quiet observation often reveals more than an hour of discussion.
Phase 2: Conversation (45-60 minutes)
We find a comfortable spot, your kitchen table, the garden, wherever; and talk properly.
About how you actually live day-to-day. What draws you outside or keeps you inside. What frustrates you currently. What success looks like for you. How you make decisions as a family. What matters most.
I'm not asking questions from a checklist. I'm listening to understand who you are and what you need from your outdoor space.
Phase 3: Site Analysis (45-60 minutes)
We walk again, this time with purpose. I'm taking photos, notes. Assessing topography, drainage, exposures, structural opportunities, constraints, access for construction, relationships between house and garden.
I'm explaining what I'm seeing and why it matters. Opportunities you might not have considered. Challenges to be aware of. How I think about solving problems.
I'm sketching rough ideas, not detailed drawings, just thinking out loud on paper.
Phase 4: Synthesis (30 minutes)
Back to sitting. I summarise what I understand you're seeking, the main opportunities I see, the considerations or challenges, and my initial thinking about approach.
We discuss whether this feels aligned. Whether we're the right partnership. What questions remain.
If it feels right to proceed, I explain the design development process. If uncertainty remains, we discuss what additional information you need.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
Within 7 Days of Our Session
Written Site Analysis (3-5 pages)
Comprehensive assessment of your property including:
Site characteristics and opportunities
Design considerations specific to your goals
Preliminary thoughts on approach
Potential challenges and how to address them
General feasibility and timeline considerations
Hand-Drawn Conceptual Sketches (2-4 exploratory drawings)
Initial spatial thinking showing possible approaches. These aren't detailed plans, they're visual thinking tools that explore "what if" scenarios.
Decision Framework
Clear outline of what proceeding would look like:
Scope of design development
Approximate timeline
Investment range for your project
Next steps if you choose to proceed
THE INVESTMENT
£1,000 (incl vat)
This fee is fully credited toward your project if we proceed to design development and construction.
If you decide not to proceed, you retain all deliverables: the site analysis, conceptual sketches, and strategic thinking. Many clients find this valuable even if they pursue their project differently or at a later time.
WHY THIS APPROACH
For You
You're making a significant investment in your property. Before committing to full design development, you deserve clarity about what's possible, what it will require, and whether we're the right partnership.
The Design Discovery provides that clarity without rushing into a full design contract.
For Us
Our integrated design-build approach requires genuine collaboration. We work at a deliberate scale, 4-8 projects annually, so fit matters deeply.
This session helps us both determine if there's genuine alignment in vision, values, and expectations before making a mutual commitment.
WHO THIS IS FOR
This session makes sense if:
You're considering a comprehensive garden transformation
You want expert assessment before committing to full design
You value working with someone who'll be personally involved throughout
You're prepared for a thoughtful process (8-14 months typical)
Your project likely represents an investment of £100,000+
This session probably isn't right if:
You're looking for quick cosmetic updates
You've already decided on exactly what you want and just need someone to build it
You need the work completed within 3-4 months
Your project scope is modest in scale
You prefer working with large-scale operations with multiple teams
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
After receiving your site analysis and sketches, take time to reflect. Discuss with your family. Consider the approach.
If it feels right to proceed, I'll prepare a detailed design development proposal outlining scope, timeline, and investment.
If you decide not to proceed, whether due to timing, budget, or simply preferring a different approach, there's no obligation. You've gained valuable strategic thinking about your property.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to prepare anything before our session?
If you have any existing surveys, plans, or documents about your property, they're helpful but not essential. Otherwise, just think about how you want to use the space, not just how it should look.
What if we're still in early thinking stages?
That's fine. The Design Discovery is designed for exactly this stage, when you know you want something significant but aren't yet clear on details.
Do we need to have a firm budget in mind?
A rough sense is helpful ("we're thinking around £150k" or "we can invest up to £250k") but we can also work backwards from what you want to achieve.
What happens if our project ends up being smaller than expected?
I'll be honest during our session. If your goals can be achieved more simply or at lower investment, I'll tell you. If your scope doesn't align with our typical project scale, I'll suggest alternatives or refer you to someone appropriate.
Can we proceed immediately after the Design Discovery?
Yes, if there's clear alignment and my schedule permits. Typically there's 2-4 weeks between Design Discovery and beginning design development, but we can discuss your specific timeline.
What if we're not ready to proceed but might be in 6-12 months?
Your site analysis and conceptual sketches remain valuable. Many clients return after sorting other aspects of their lives or budgets. We can reconnect when timing is right.
BOOKING YOUR DESIGN DISCOVERY
Ready to explore what's possible?
Book Your Design Discovery Session or contact us with questions: hello@umbergardendesign.co.uk
A NOTE ON TIMING
I conduct The Design Discovery sessions personally (I don't delegate this to team members). With a limited project capacity and deliberate practice, availability can be 4-8 weeks out.
If you're exploring options with multiple designers, I encourage you to do so. The right partnership matters more than timing.
If you know you want to work with Umber, it's worth booking your session even if you're not quite ready to start the full project.
The Design Discovery session is the first step in every comprehensive transformation we undertake. It ensures we begin with shared understanding, honest assessment, and mutual confidence in the journey ahead.