What is the first step in the landscape design process?

The first step in the landscape design process is site analysis. This involves assessing the physical characteristics of the site, including its topography, soil quality, climate, drainage patterns, and existing vegetation. By conducting a thorough site analysis, designers can identify both the opportunities and constraints of the landscape, which is crucial for developing a design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable.

Understanding the site's unique conditions lays the groundwork for all subsequent steps. It informs decisions about what types of plants will thrive, how water will flow through the space, and what features are feasible within the existing landscape. This step is foundational and ensures that the design is rooted in the reality of the environment where it will be implemented.

On the other hand, while a client interview helps clarify the goals and preferences of the client, it doesn't provide the critical understanding of the site itself that site analysis does. Without this foundational knowledge, any design ideas would lack context and might not align with the site's capabilities or constraints. Likewise, concept development can only be effectively pursued once there is a thorough understanding of the site through analysis.