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Our Approach

Discovery

The foundation of our original designs is our process. Each client is unique, and each property is unique. Our Signature Discovery Process helps us understand you and see hidden potential in your property. The budget is also discussed, maximizing the potential of the property and original design results.

Concept Design

An original design concept plan is created and presented along with supporting photographs and imagery.

*Also offered as a stand-alone consultation

Permitting

With over a decade of experience permitting projects in the coastal towns of Fairfield County Connecticut as well as projects along the Hudson River, the Hamptons, and many upland towns, we have a great track record of working with municipalities and our consultant partners to get approvals.

Design Development

The concept plan is further developed to show hardscape details, specific plant names, wood construction details, light locations, equipment and furniture specifications, etc. An overall estimate is discussed. 

Construction Documents

Depending on the size of the project, light or full construction documents are prepared. Documents include site preparation instructions, soil amendment instructions, construction methods, layout plans, etc. This set of plans is distributed for bidding.

Project Management

We assist our clients in obtaining bids, contractor selection, and overseeing construction.

Procurement

Planters, furniture, and special items are ordered so they arrive as they are needed on site.

Final Walk-throughs and Adjustments

As each trade completes their scope, a walk though is done to approve the work. Adjustments and additions are made to finalize the design intention.

Maintenance

A lush, thriving landscape starts with the installation but ends with maintenance. We put the right plan and people in place so the landscape will flourish.

Discovery

The foundation of our original designs is our process. Each client is unique, and each property is unique. Our Signature Discovery Process helps us understand you and see hidden potential in your property. The budget is also discussed, maximizing the potential of the property and original design results.

*Also offered as a stand-alone consultation

Concept Design

An original design concept plan is created and presented along with supporting photographs and imagery.

*Also offered as a stand-alone consultation

Permitting

Should permitting be needed, it begins at this stage and happens concurrently with design development.

Design Development

The concept plan is further developed to show hardscape details, specific plant names, wood construction details, light locations, equipment and furniture specifications, etc. An overall estimate is discussed. 

Construction Documents

Depending on the size of the project, light or full construction documents are prepared. Documents include site preparation instructions, soil amendment instructions, construction methods, layout plans, etc. This set of plans is distributed for bidding.

Project Management

We assist our clients in obtaining bids, contractor selection, and overseeing construction.

Procurement

Planters, furniture, and special items are ordered so they arrive as they are needed on site.

Final Walk-throughs and Adjustments

As each trade completes their scope, a walk though is done to approve the work. Adjustments and additions are made to finalize the design intention.

"Thank you very much. I quickly looked through the Pinterest boards and you nailed my style...can't wait to spend some time this weekend studying the various pages to think about how to incorporate these beautiful bushes and flowers on my property. I definitely want your continued support."

"MLA’s thorough design process made us feel connected to the project even with our extremely busy schedules. A year later, all the plantings are thriving and the hardscapes and lighting are still in great condition. We highly recommend MLA." 

"Jessica is a high-level professional who is reliable, creative and quite brilliant. We have a unique property on the banks of the Hudson River,  packed with challenges and opportunities. Jessica has a method in place to truly understand her clients wishes. She brings her vision into focus to morph with her clients landscape ideas. She is flexible, caring and generous. She welcomes your input and opinions, which is not always the case with a high-design processional. I cannot recommend her more highly." 

What people are saying about our discovery process:

“Thank you very much. I quickly looked through the Pinterest boards and you nailed my style…can’t wait to spend some time this weekend studying the various pages to think about how to incorporate these beautiful bushes and flowers on my property. I definitely want your continued support.”
-Jen D.

MLA’s thorough design process made us feel connected to the project even with our extremely busy schedules. A year later, all the plantings are thriving and the hardscapes and lighting are still in great condition. We highly recommend MLA.
-LuAnn Nigara

Jessica is a high-level professional who is reliable, creative and quite brilliant. We have a unique property on the banks of the Hudson River,  packed with challenges and opportunities. Jessica has a method in place to truly understand her clients wishes. She brings her vision into focus to morph with her clients landscape ideas. She is flexible, caring and generous. She welcomes your input and opinions, which is not always the case with a high-design processional. I cannot recommend her more highly. 
-Dana Sotille