Build supervision

Working with a contractor to build your garden? I can be there during the build to make sure the design is understood and faithfully realised on site.

Ask about build supervision
Stone walling and construction in a garden designed by Sally Tierney

Bridging the gap between design and build

A garden design is a set of intentions. Build supervision is about making sure those intentions survive the path from paper to ground.

Even the most experienced landscapers and contractors can misread a drawing, make a practical decision on site that compromises the design intent, or encounter an unexpected issue that needs a considered response. When I'm present during critical stages of the build, I can ensure these decisions are made in line with the design, not against it.

This is available as an optional add-on to any design package, quoted separately based on the scope and complexity of the project. It's particularly valuable for projects involving significant level changes, custom features, or complex planting arrangements where getting the sequencing right is important.

For clients who want to feel confident that the garden will be built as designed, it's simply a reassurance. I've seen what happens when that bridge is missing. I'd rather be there.

A stone terrace under construction in a Yorkshire garden

What I look for on site

Level changes are where most builds go wrong. A gradient that looks fine on a drawing can feel completely different when you're standing in it. I check that levels, steps, and retaining walls match the design intent, not just the measurements.

Materials matter too. The right York stone looks entirely different from the wrong York stone. I check that what arrives on site is what was specified, and that it's laid in the way the design intended — including bond pattern, joint width, and pointing style.

For projects with complex planting, sequencing is critical. Which plants go in first, how deep, how far apart, and what the soil needs before anything goes in. These details are in the planting plan, but having someone on site who designed the scheme makes sure nothing gets lost in translation.

Sally was there on every critical day of the build. When the contractor had questions, she had answers. When something unexpected came up, she made a decision on the spot that kept the whole design intact. That presence made all the difference.

— Margaret & David H. · York · Silver + Build Supervision

Questions about build supervision

How much does build supervision cost?

Build supervision is quoted separately based on the scope and complexity of the project. It depends on how many site visits are needed and the duration of the build. I'll give you a clear indication once I understand the project. There are no hidden costs.

Do I need build supervision if I have a good contractor?

Even excellent contractors benefit from having the designer on site. Drawings can't anticipate every on-site decision — unexpected drainage, a tree root, a material substitution. Having someone present who understands the design intent means these decisions are made well, not just practically.

How many site visits does it involve?

This depends on the project. For a straightforward build, it might be two or three visits at critical stages. For a larger or more complex project, it could be more frequent. I'll discuss this with you and your contractor before the build starts so everyone knows what to expect.

Can I add build supervision to any package?

Yes. Build supervision is available as an add-on to Bronze, Silver, or standalone planting plans. It's already included as standard in the Gold package, where I'm on site during planting to make sure everything goes in as designed.

Will you work with my chosen contractor?

Absolutely. I work alongside your contractor, not instead of them. My role is to represent the design and make sure the intent is understood and followed. I can also suggest trusted local landscapers if you haven't chosen one yet.

Designing since
1997
Gardens designed
300+
Registered Member
SGD
When it matters
On site

You might also be interested in

Silver Design Package

Build supervision pairs naturally with Silver, where you have a detailed design and planting plan ready for a contractor.

Learn about Silver

Gold Design Package

Gold includes on-site planting supervision as standard. The complete service from design to planted garden.

Learn about Gold

Would build supervision be useful for your project?

Get in touch and we can discuss what's involved and whether it's the right option for your build.

Send an enquiry