New Project, New Survey 🌿📐, Suffolk, UK, Garden Design
- Dave Negus
- Nov 9
- 1 min read
New Project, New Survey 🌿📐
A fresh project means getting back on site – and if the garden is the right size and straightforward in terms of levels, I always prefer to carry out the survey myself. This only applies to smaller gardens or sites without complex level changes or engineering challenges, but when it fits, it works perfectly.
✅ Why I do it myself (when I can):
💷 It saves the client money.
👣 I get to properly walk the site, understand its character and spot things that don’t show up on paper.
🏗️ And in this case, it ties in perfectly with the current building works – the ideal scenario. The garden isn’t an afterthought, it develops side-by-side with the house.
My Survey Kit
I keep it simple but accurate:
📏 Moasure – a digital measuring tool that captures boundaries, curves and subtle changes in level quickly and precisely. https://www.moasure.com/
🚁 Drone – once I’m back at the desk, I review aerial images to check layout, context and feed data straight into my 3D design software.
Why Timing Matters ⏰
This approach only works when:
The garden is a manageable size 🌱
Levels aren’t overly complex or needing engineered retaining walls 🧱
Access is available during early construction 👷♂️
But when all those boxes are ticked, it means:✔ The design starts at the right moment✔ The garden is part of the architecture, not a final decoration✔ Decisions on levels, views and access happen before it’s too late.
Being present from day one means stronger ideas, smoother builds and gardens that feel like they were always meant to be there.
Comments