Frequently asked questions
Water & Earth is an outdoor living design company that works with homeowners that are looking to redo their outdoor living spaces. We have a thorough, several step design process to land on that perfect design, help our clients source a contractor and then we stay with the project through construction to monitor progress and to protect the integrity of the original idea.
Clients that engage us are typically looking to redevelop the majority of their backyard or their entire property. We find that those that are reaching out to us are most commonly uninspired by the usual recycled styles being introduced by our competitors. Potential clients that value creative out of the box thinking, clear communication and collaboration will find that we value the same.
Everything we can. We will always strive to be different and to stand out. We are constantly evolving as we work with different clients and styles of projects. This business was started to deliver forward thinking ideas to like minded homeowners. The average developed outdoor living space in the Richmond area is delivered with the same overused products, applications and ideas. Doing a 180 and coming up with fresh ideas that you won’t find anywhere else on your block costs the same.
Absolutely. We bring all of our clients through a bidding process with multiple contractors that we have a relationship with. These contractors will be chosen based on the scope of the project and then you and I will review the bids together to see who's high, who's low and who is in the middle. We have multiple relationships with outdoor construction companies, swimming pool companies and anyone else that would be needed to execute the design.
Many local providers have a minimum budget. While we don't necessarily have, we still have to be realistic with the costs associated with building custom outdoor construction. In an industry where installers are pricing projects sometimes with a delta as wide as 20% between themselves, project costing really comes down to two things: What it's made of and who's building it.
We have touched projects in Richmond and the surrounding areas for anywhere as low as 50k and as much as 1.5m. We are always happy to have a chat and let you know what you should be expecting based off of your ideas for your space.
Our design process typically consists of 7 steps with clients being able to provide feedback in-between each. Because we have an open line of communication with our clients, we get to know everyone as well as their properties and the process is focused more on getting it right than sticking to a rigid set of rules.
As most local outdoor design companies only offer one initial idea, Water & Earth shows our clients two ideas as the first step. This gives our clients the opportunity to choose which one they would like to proceed with or the opportunity to marry ideas from both to move into the next iteration. Because the design process is an evolution, there will always be an opportunity to change directions or explore new ideas.
No. We prefer to focus on outdoor living spaces and include planting design as a part of this process. For projects requiring only planting design it is best to reach out to a designer that specializes in it. We are happy to provide 2-3 excellent options.
We pay attention to code and city rules as to make sure we are designing something that will be able to be built. As we are not general contractors, it will be up to the contractor chosen to use our plans to apply for permits. Sometimes depending on the design, extra engineering may be needed depending on the situation and jurisdiction. We are able to help our clients through this process.
While we pride ourselves on our design ideas and output, we are also excited to help our clients meet different contractors we have a relationship with. If our clients choose to hire one of these groups or find their own, we stay engaged with the construction project to monitor progress and protect the original design idea.
Sometimes things need to change but we are involved in every decision.
In the last couple of years several remote design companies have popped up. While this can be a good route for clients who want to keep costs as minimal as possible and don’t require a personalized service, we prefer to have an intimate relationship with both the design process as well as the needs of our clients. We do not limit our availability to any existing clients and we are always able to have someone available in person for clients that are in our service area. We also have a solid understanding of all of the potential issues with budgeting, contractor engagement and project execution in the local market as we have real-world relationships with local industry professionals.
Yes, but if we can’t service your project due to distance we strongly suggest you engage a local designer. However if it’s our style you’re after, we are able to work remotely assuming site plans for the property are available or you are willing to get a survey prepared by a licensed civil engineer. We typically work on 5-10 remote designs per year but limit our availability depending on our in-person service commitments as they take precedent.
Remote Design Locations so far:
Denver, CO
Las Vegas, NV
Maui, HI
Chicago, IL
Dallas, TX
Yes. We regularly review designs from other providers to make sure they align with the needs of the property. Book one of our virtual strategy calls to review plans or receive a one hour consultation via zoom here - Strategy Call