The Build Process. From First Call to Handover.

This first call isn't a sales call — it's a filter. We're determining whether the project is the right fit for our model and whether our model is right for you. What happens: scope overview, investment alignment, property discussion, and timeline expectations. We're selective. Not every project is accepted. Our goal from the first call is to ask the right questions — and then deliver exactly what you described.

We bring the right professional to the site based on what the project calls for. Complex drainage or structural work: engineer present. Design-heavy or planting-forward: Landscape Architect leads. This walk produces site measurements, grade assessment, HOA constraint documentation, utility locates, drainage observation, and a full list of scope items. Our Landscape Architect brings 35+ years of SWFL estate experience.

A formal written proposal from the Landscape Architect covering recommended scope, approach, material direction, and preliminary cost range. This is the blueprint for the design phase. You'll know what we're recommending and why before any drawing is started. No surprises, no scope creep, no mid-project pivots. We select our Landscape Architect based on the style the project calls for — structural or organic, naturalistic, Italian, or Mediterranean — and match species selection to bloom time, mature heights, maintenance requirements, watering needs, and sun exposure. We don't cram plants. Every planting plan is considered.

Working in CAD — and Morpholio when the project calls for it — we develop a conceptual design first. Photorealistic perspective renderings are produced in UVision 3D by our Landscape Architect, so you see the finished environment before a permit is submitted.

We don't design behind a desk. Thomas and the Landscape Architect walk the property with you to verify sight lines, review material samples, confirm plant placement, and pressure-test the design against the actual land. These meetings exist to prevent surprises during construction — not to fix them after.

Once the design is final and the proposal is signed, we pull every permit required. We manage Collier County building permits, HOA design review submissions, drainage permits, right-of-way permits, driveway permits, irrigation permits, and any structural or engineering approvals — all of it. You don't make a single call to the county. Construction doesn't start until everything is approved and scheduled.

Work is executed by Thomas and our licensed contractor team. Thomas is present on every project — not managing it from an office. Sequence is engineered in advance: site work and drainage before hardscape, hardscape before planting, electrical rough-in during the structural phase not after. Jen Potokin (25+ years) and Rick Hutto (35+ years field experience) lead the build team.

At completion, Thomas walks the property with you. You receive a maintenance calendar for every plant installed (sourced directly from Homestead, FL — Florida's wholesale nursery hub), care instructions for all hardscape materials, an irrigation system walkthrough, and lighting zone documentation. For clients who want continued care: our selective estate gardening service is available by application.