Mark D. Thomas Equipped with a degree in Landscape Architecture from Mississippi State University, I came to Nashville to embark on a new career in 1986. In order to acclimate to the Middle Tennessee area, I apprenticed at a local landscape installation company. For nearly five years, I served as the principle landscape designer for this large, well-respected company. In the summer of 1991, with valuable information gathered and experience gained, I introduced my own design office. Initially I concentrated my efforts on residential plant layouts. However, as my confidence and name recognition grew, I began designing other significant components of the exterior environment (i.e.: swimming pools, retaining walls, water features, arbors, etc.). Over the years, I have been able to draw from my educational training in order to
provide my clientele with innovative, yet practical solutions to all their exterior needs. While plant design is vital, my primary focus tends to be in the areas of Site Grading and Drainage, Hardscape Layouts, Pedestrian and Vehicular Access, and Various Site Amenities. Once all phases of the design process are completed, I will also bid the proposed project, negotiate the contract(s), coordinate the construction/installation, and manage all phases of the construction/installation. I look forward to working with you in the near future!

The Design Process and Design Services

1. THE INITIAL CONSULTATION shall be conducted on site to discuss the perspectives clients’ needs and desires. Following this meeting, a detailed proposal outlining the design process and an estimation of the design fees shall be prepared and submitted.

2. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE PLAN follows the initial “on site” consultation visit. A site survey and analysis is conducted in order to gather site information. A comprehensive “base map” illustrating existing site conditions shall be composed based on this information. A variation of this SITE PLAN will be used in the development of future plans.

3. PRELIMINARY SKETCHES are the next phase of the design process. Both hardscape and landscape plans are developed at this time. Creativity is most present during this phase. Not only is creativity a vital portion of this phase but also proposed elevations and drainage issues must be addressed and solved.

4. THE CREATION OF THE MASTER PLAN is now in order. Subsequent to the review and approval of the preceding plans, the final comprehensive plan may be developed. The MASTER PLAN will specifically display and identify in detail the recommended hardscape and landscape material. Also, the drawing will illustrate and specify the proposed finish elevations and their impact on the site and residence.

5. PLANT LIST AND SPECIFICATIONS  both directly correspond to the Mater Plan. The PLANT LIST is an informative directory listing plant names and sizes. The SPECIFICATIONS serve as instructions on how to best prepare the soil and install the plant material.

6. THE CONSTRUCTION DETAILS are detailed drawings and specifications of the proposed amenities. These working drawings serve as documents from which contractors are able to accurately bid and implement the design.

7. PROVIDING PROJECT ADMINISTRATION services is the final step of the design and installation process. Serving as the clients’ representative through the bid process and the installation/construction phase of the project, assures the clients’ that their interests are not only protected but also are of utmost importance.