The scope of landscape design
The work covers studying the site, laying out green areas, planning paths, seating, pergolas, and water features, and designing irrigation, drainage, and outdoor lighting. Execution then turns those plans into built work on the ground.
The core elements
- Hardscape: paths, paving, seating, pergolas, outdoor stairs, fountains, waterfalls, and decorative architectural elements
- Softscape: trees, shrubs, lawns, flowers, and plants suited to the local climate
- Irrigation: a network sized to the planting and lawn areas so water reaches every zone
- Drainage: planning for rainwater and surface runoff, especially where water could pool
- Lighting: exterior fixtures that highlight paths, architecture, plants, and seating at night
The design stages, in order
- Site survey: measuring dimensions, levels, entrances, exits, and existing structures to avoid conflicts
- General layout: placing gardens, paths, seating, pergolas, and green zones, balancing use and aesthetics
- 3D model: to visualise the result and review changes before building
- Irrigation network design matched to the planting layout
- Drainage design to manage surface runoff
- Hardscape execution to the drawings and specifications
- Ground preparation, then planting trees, shrubs, and lawns
- Installing exterior lighting to the lighting plan
Considerations for Jeddah
Villas usually suit layouts that serve family use — lawns, seating, and play areas — kept visually consistent with the building's facade. Palaces and large commercial projects need coordinated planning across architecture, grading, drainage, irrigation, and lighting. In Jeddah's hot, saline climate, heat- and salt-tolerant, water-efficient planting is preferable.
