What Goes Into Creating a Landscape Design?

Most landscape projects begin long before installation day ever arrives. Behind every finished patio, walkway, outdoor kitchen, planting plan, or gathering space is a thoughtful design process that helps shape how the space will ultimately look, function, and feel.

At Agassiz Landscape Group, landscape design is about much more than choosing materials or deciding where plants should go. It’s about understanding the property, the people using the space, and how all of the elements can work together to create a landscape that feels intentional, functional, and lasting.

Understanding the Property

Every property comes with its own opportunities and challenges, especially here in Northern Arizona where elevation, drainage, sun exposure, existing trees, and natural terrain can all significantly impact a landscape design.

One of the first steps in the design process is evaluating the site itself. This includes considering:

• grading and drainage

• access and circulation

• usable outdoor space

• existing vegetation and trees

• sun and shade patterns

• privacy and views

No two properties are exactly alike, which is why thoughtful planning plays such an important role in creating a successful landscape.

Designing Around How the Space Will Be Used

A landscape should not only look beautiful — it should support how the homeowner actually wants to live outdoors.

Some clients are looking for quiet, low-maintenance retreat spaces, while others want areas designed for entertaining, gathering, outdoor cooking, or creating more usable yard space for family and guests.

During the design process, we often consider questions like:

• How will people move through the space?

• Where will gathering naturally happen?

• How much maintenance does the client want?

• What areas need shade, privacy, or lighting?

• How can the landscape feel cohesive with the home itself?

These decisions help shape everything from patio layouts and walkways to planting plans and outdoor living spaces.

Selecting Materials and Plants

Material and plant selection also play a major role in the overall feel and longevity of a project.

In Flagstaff’s climate, it’s important to choose plants and materials that can handle seasonal temperature swings, varying moisture levels, and higher elevation conditions. A well-designed landscape should not only complement the home visually, but also hold up well over time.

This phase often includes selecting:

• pavers and hardscape materials

• retaining wall styles

• lighting elements

• trees and shrubs

• mulch or decorative rock

• irrigation considerations

Balancing aesthetics with long-term functionality is one of the most important parts of the design process.

Bringing the Design to Life

One of the most exciting parts of landscape design is helping clients visualize the finished space before construction even begins.

In addition to traditional 2D landscape plans, Agassiz Landscape Group now offers in-house 3D landscape visualizations to help clients better understand layout, scale, materials, and overall flow before installation starts.

These visualizations create a more collaborative and interactive planning experience, allowing adjustments and ideas to be explored early in the process while helping homeowners feel more confident moving forward with their project.

Creating a Roadmap for the Entire Project

A strong landscape design ultimately creates a roadmap for the entire installation process. It helps guide decisions, improve communication, and ensure that the finished project feels cohesive from beginning to end.

While the finished landscape is often what gets the most attention, the design process behind it is what helps bring everything together successfully.

Whether the goal is a simple refresh or a complete outdoor transformation, thoughtful planning is one of the most important steps in creating an outdoor space that feels beautiful, functional, and built to last.

Interested in starting your own landscape project? Contact our team to learn more about our landscape design services and new 3D visualization offerings.