Just get started…
Do you want to improve your property? Build the backyard of your dreams? Begin by creating a design “Wish List”. List everything your perfect backyard landscape should include, take photos, thumb through books, magazines or do an internet search for landscape images you find appealing. You heard the old saying “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” right? It is important to identify your sense of beauty and share it with the architect. The designer’s job is to create the landscape with your vision in mind. Once you have your list and example images, Makeover Step #1 is completed. You are ready to design!
Makeover Step #2 is to meet the architect and discuss your list, review your existing landscape, and establish your landscape vision. Once your project goals are clearly defined, a detailed design approach/outline will be forwarded to you for review.
Additional Makeover Design Steps:
A sketch map of your existing landscape will be created and used to prepare design plans. The amount of detail on the mapping is commensurate with the complexity of the project. Once the mapping is completed, conceptual design will begin.
You will be presented with a conceptual design plan(s) including all the project elements which achieve your vision. This plan will be modified as/if needed to address your comments. A revised conceptual plan will be presented at a follow up meeting.
When conceptual design is completed, a final design plan(s) shall be prepared containing critical information required for construction. Plans may contain one sheet or a full set of drawings. The number of drawings and detail required will vary depending on the complexity and technical elements integral to the design.
A Note on Cost and Construction Phasing…
The cost to construct your landscape may be concerning. You do not need to build everything at once. A well prepared plan(s) provides the flexibility to construct your vision over several season. Knowing “Where everything goes” relative to site elevations, drainage, utilities, etc. will avoid mistakes and conflicts as you install over time. Taking a few years to complete the effort is better than never getting started.
My Portfolio: I have designed over 100 residential landscapes, and at our first meeting I will share plans and photos of my projects.
Let’s get started!
Mark J. Papa, Landscape Architect.
Residential Landscape Design
Small to large projects for any use. Outdoor Spaces, Deck and Patio Design, Custom Pool Design, Landscape Structures, Planting Plans and Complete Property Design
More about me…
“Sometimes I stop and smell the dirt to remind me where my journey started and where it is taking me”
My journey started well over 30 years ago, perhaps a right of passage for a then younger man, trying to focus on the path ahead of me. Along this vaguely defined path, I dug many holes, both literally and figuratively, installed thousands of plants, feld my share of trees, poured concrete, built landscape walls and laid plenty of flagstone. Hard work, dirty work, but perfect for a young guy gaining experience one step at a time. As the path became more defined, I continued on to earn degrees in Landscape Architecture, Horticulture and Geographical Information Systems. I am a professionally licensed Landscape Architect in CT, and I’ve planned and designed projects from simply small to very large and complex here in CT as well as across the USA. I’ve been employed by large engineering firms, nationally recognized planning consultants and pushed my own design pencil for 23 years. My clients range from Mrs. Johnson down the street to some of the worlds largest corporations. Now, after all the years gone past, I’m migrating back to my roots, reconnecting with residential property design. Although I don’t dig many holes these days, I do take the time to smell the dirt, that wonderful dirt, the foundation of every landscape project.
Design Calendar
2025 Spring- Summer - Fall
“Spring Ahead” Now is the time to get a jump start on your summer landscape enjoyment. The planning and design process can take up to 3 weeks depending on your project. Finding a contractor and beginning construction is easier to accomplish in spring. "Early bird gets the worm.”
Swimming Pools: When planning for a swimming pool it is extremely important to consider its location, solar exposure, elevations, drainage, etc. as they relate to future landscape improvements/features. A pool generates other social activity associated it, and its location is critical to ensure the entire property/yard is designed harmoniously. A master layout plan is a good idea before installing a pool.
“Plan Ahead” Another adage! Larger projects will require more discussion, planning, detailed design, material selection, etc. Begin planning ASAP and be ready to build when the time is right for you.
“Pesky Regulations” Some projects may require regulatory / town approvals, variances, permits. This process can significantly delay construction. One consultation can determine quickly if your project requires regulatory approvals.
“Spring and Fall are for planting” I’m sure you heard this before. Yes, Spring and Fall are great times of year to plant. Planting design requires less time then other construction projects. A planting plan can be completed in as little as 2 weeks. I will suggest plant material based on site conditions: soil, solar orientation, functions, etc., You will also have the opportunity to review a photo library of trees, shrubs and perennials/flowers to select from.
Planning ahead also allows you to better develop a budget and gather competitive quotations from contractors. I will be glad to help you with project costing and budget estimates while we design.
Site Plans / Technical Drawings
Residential, Commercial / Retail
Your first thought may not be to call a landscape architect to prepare site plans, technical documents or regulatory approval plans, but LA’s are professionally licensed to prepare site design/development drawings. I am affiliated with professional engineers, surveyors and architects, that when needed, will contribute their expertise to a project. Below are types of services completed for clients:
Site Approval Plans : Residential Housing Construction, Commercial Building Construction, Additions/Expansions
Wetland Enhancement / Disturbance Mitigation Plans
Change of Use Site Plans (Commercial, Retail, etc.)
P&Z / ZBA/ Inland Wetlands Compliance Plans
Grading and Drainage, Layout, Landscape, Lighting Plans
Construction Documents: Site, walls, structures, pools, decks, etc.
Public Improvement: Streetscape, Town Greens, Trails
Professional Presentation Graphics. Photo Realistic Renderings.
Site Planning and Design Experience
My professional career began 28 years ago as an employee for a large multi-discipline engineering firm. While an employee at the firm, I prepared site development plans which included site layout/design, grading, drainage, zoning compliance, public hearing/presentation plans, etc. Projects included residential building lots, subdivisions and large mulit-family housing complexes. Other design projects included restaurants, donut shops, retail/commercial plazas, gas stations, public parks and public trails.
I entered into my own practice 23 years ago where I continued to prepare site plans and design / manage construction projects for public schools, public streetscapes, transit projects, cemeterys, town greens and private sector projects. I was fortunate to be associated with a nationally recognized consulting firm, specializing in environmentally impacted sites and communities, which tasked me with designing projects for large corporations, cities, towns and private clients throughout the USA.