How to transform your terrace into a calming garden sanctuary in five easy steps - Step 5 - Installing your garden project
Over the last few weeks, we’ve explored how to transform your terrace into a calming garden sanctuary – from understanding the architectural context to selecting the right plants and creating an atmospheric lighting design.
Now we’re at Step 5, where all the planning comes together. It’s time to look at how your garden will actually be built and delivered.
🌳 STEP 1 Create a garden design that works with the architecture of your home
🌳 STEP 2 Creating a terrace tailored to your needs
🌳 STEP 3 Select the right plants
🌳 STEP 4 Create the perfect lighting design
🌳 STEP 5 Building and project managing your garden project
STEP 5: How do you want your garden delivered?
This is the moment where the dream takes shape. But for many people, the delivery stage is where things can start to feel overwhelming.
We always ask our clients:
How busy are you right now?
How much time can you realistically dedicate to figuring out the design, researching the options, and pulling together the right information to get reliable quotes?
Do you have a team you trust who can deliver the project smoothly, on time and within budget?
Some clients enjoy getting hands-on at this stage – researching products, comparing quotes, coordinating suppliers, and overseeing the works themselves. Others prefer to hand over the reins and simply enjoy watching their garden take shape.
The reality of garden builds
Regardless of which camp you fall into, it’s important to recognise that creating a beautifully designed terrace garden involves coordinating a wide range of moving parts.
Even a modestly sized terrace can require:
The Garden terrace in progress
A builder to carry out any structural works such as benches, raised beds, or water features
A lighting specialist to install fittings, run cabling, and set up controls
An irrigation expert to ensure your planting scheme is easy to maintain
Skilled gardeners to handle soil preparation, planting, and aftercare
In addition, you may also need input from a drainage consultant, joiner, or metalworker depending on the specifics of your project.
The benefits of professional project management
At Nancy Gouldstone Architects, we take care of all the coordination for you. We create a comprehensive drawing and specification package that enables builders and garden installers to quote accurately and work efficiently.
Our process includes:
Detailed construction drawings – so everyone on site knows exactly what’s required
A clear programme of works – sequencing tasks so that the project progresses logically and smoothly
Selecting the right team – we collaborate with a trusted network of builders, gardeners, and specialists who understand the level of care and precision we expect
Budget control – ensuring quotes are realistic and aligned with the design from day one
Quality assurance – making sure every detail is delivered exactly as envisioned
Communication is key
One of the reasons clients choose us is for the peace of mind that comes with knowing someone is overseeing every aspect. We stay in close contact with you throughout the project, so you know exactly:
What stage we are at
What’s happening next
How the works align with your personal schedule, whether you’re hosting a summer event or heading away for the holidays
We also handle the inevitable surprises that can crop up on site, resolving issues swiftly so the project stays on track.
Tailoring our service to your level of involvement
Every client is different. Some prefer to be closely involved throughout, while others want to contribute at the design stage and then step back while we manage delivery.
We offer flexible services depending on how much you’d like to do yourself:
Full project management – where we handle every aspect, from design development through to completion, keeping you informed but freeing up your time.
Partial support – where we prepare all drawings and tender packages, help appoint contractors, and remain on hand for advice while you manage the day-to-day delivery yourself.
Why this matters for your lifestyle
Ultimately, our role is not just to create a beautiful garden but to ensure the process is as seamless and stress-free as possible. We know that life is busy, and managing a garden build can easily become a full-time job without professional support.
We’re here to align the project with your life – whether that means coordinating trades to complete the garden in time for a summer party, or phasing works to suit your travel plans.