ArtisTree Plantopinions: Don’t waffle on bringing ideas to your design meeting. Just bring them.

A Sarasota couple leaving one of our design meetings said they wished they had brought photos to show us ideas and styles they liked. “Why didn’t you?” we asked.

“Well, we were waffling on it but didn’t want you to think we were pushing you in a certain direction.”

Our response? It’s the same one we give all our customers. Our first design meeting together is YOUR meeting — a chance to shape and refine your landscape vision for a successful outcome. It’s the critical opening act, setting the stage for every detail of your project’s execution. So don’t worry about overstepping. We’re certainly glad you trust us as the experts, but your involvement is essential, too.

So yes, bring your ideas and photos. They show us your likes and dislikes. And while you’re at it, we invite you to bring other things, too. In fact, we asked each of ArtisTree’s Plantopinions experts to describe their dream client as it relates to their first client meeting. Here are their responses:

Joe Mantkowski, VP of Landscape Design

My dream landscape client is one who comes to our first meeting and states that they are passionate about landscaping and doing it right whether it be a new installation or renovation. I love it when the client provides me with pictures of different trees, palms and plantings from the area to help build a palette…..especially on a larger property. Even pictures of landscapes from outside of our area still help me gain an appreciation of the styles, colors and textures that they prefer to see on their property.

Clinton Lak, Landscape Designer

My dream landscape client is one who comes to our first meeting ready to articulate the theme they’re looking for. Is it Mediterranean? Tropical oasis? English garden? Native Florida? Photos are also helpful if they’re narrowed down to a precise few. The client will also have specific objectives in mind. For instance, it could be keeping views to the preserve open or creating a masterpiece outside the dining room window. Or maybe it’s as simple as blocking out the neighbor’s lanai. They’ll also come prepared with color preferences, a budget cap and design limitations (wheel chair, allergies, dogs, young children, etc.). If the job is a revamp, they’ll need to bring a site plan and precise limitations on the scope of work.

Chris Culp, Landscape Designer

My dream landscape client is one who comes to our first design meeting with things they don’t like and are forthcoming about their objectives and needs. I remember meeting with a Venice resident who had no idea of what he was looking for, and that’s fine to a certain extent because he viewed me as the landscape designer and trusted my opinion. But being able to express certain criteria — such as budget requirements, color preferences, design objectives (privacy, outdoor entertaining, etc.) — is just as important as knowing specifics such as lot size. This particular meeting ended with a successful outcome because the client actually emailed me a couple of style photos he liked the very next day. But having them during our meeting would have been much more beneficial to us both.

Brian Clouser, Landscape Designer

My dream landscape client is one who comes to our first meeting with ideas and an open mind. Likes and dislikes about plants and landscape styles that a client has seen are the best thing for me. If they have pictures, even from other locations, that helps even more.  An openness to other concepts is important so I can create a plan that works best for their home, their lifestyle and their neighborhood. What’s particularly gratifying is introducing them to an idea they never thought about before and seeing them embrace it.

Elisabeth Owen, Landscape Designer

My dream landscape client is one who comes to our first meeting with having done their homework. They have a budget in mind. Photos of plant material. A completed landscape questionnaire. An up-to-date survey in the case of a renovation. And pertinent questions based on prior e-mail correspondence where their appointment has been previously confirmed. The ideal client will have thought about likes and dislikes, their budget, and know if they wish to have or add landscape lighting and drainage. The best outcomes occur when homeowners are involved in the process, enjoy landscaping and plants, and understand the beauty of what we create and what it adds to their home. They educate themselves as to community requirements, builder provisions and plant material, and let us as experts provide the guidance to achieve their wishes. They trust us as the pros.

ArtisTree “Plantopinions” is a roundtable debate between multiple ArtisTree experts on the virtues of various plant specimens. Sometimes there’s consensus and sometimes not. In the end, you are the judge!

Contact ArtisTree 941.488.8897

ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design has proudly served Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties since 1990.

DEEPER ROOTS. HIGHER STANDARDS.®

Want to get your Sarasota landscape renovation started now? Check out ArtisTree’s portfolio and then call Jenni Lassen at 941.488.8897 to schedule a meeting with one of our award-winning designers. We proudly serve Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties.

ArtisTree also provides complete landscape maintenance services for HOA communities throughout Southwest Florida. Contact Michael Casper at 941.488.8897 for your custom maintenance proposal. Our services include irrigation/water management, turf/ornamental maintenance, mulching and seasonal color.  

Category Landscape Design, News