Concept Development guides design, innovation and problem-solving with clarity & purpose

Site Evaluation

If an existing space is being upgraded or a water feature is being added, a site evaluation often benefits the concept development significantly. The look and feel of the space will provide direction for the design, for example understanding the environment, such as the number of trees near by, will effect the filtration and treatment needs. In this example, there were several site specific attributes sch as the space being above a parking garage, which had to be considered for proper design development.

A courtyard with lounge chairs, a small pool, and two people talking in front of a peach-colored apartment building with multiple windows and balconies.
View from a covered balcony looking out to a pool area at a beachside hotel with lounge chairs, palm trees, and a building in the background, with two people conversing.
View from a covered balcony overlooking a pool area with lounge chairs, small hot tub, and two men standing and talking in the outdoor space surrounded by palm trees and apartment buildings.
Outdoor patio with plants, a palm tree, and two people standing near a white railing in front of a pink building.
Empty pool with a textured concrete floor and a small blue tiled area with a metal pole, surrounded by beige stone tiles and lounge chairs.

Concept sketching aids the concept development process by allowing designers to quickly explore and communicate ideas in a visual and intuitive way. These sketches help translate abstract thoughts into tangible forms, enabling rapid iteration and creative problem-solving without the constraints of technical precision. They also serve as a valuable tool for collaboration, helping clients and team members visualize potential directions early in the design process and provide feedback before significant time and resources are invested.

Concept Sketching, Charrette Drawings and Materials Palette

A pencil sketch of an outdoor scene featuring a small turtle in a square pond, a dolphin, a crocodile, several flowers, and surrounding natural elements with directional markers.
Sketch of palm trees with notes indicating south-facing direction and colorful palms in a planting bed.
A hand-drawn sketch of a landscape featuring a large, curvy palm tree, a fountain labeled 'Island Fountain,' and a raised platform or skate ramp on the right. There are labeled components indicating a 'Power' and 'Drain' system connected to the fount
Line drawing of a backyard with a raised pool and water features, surrounded by a fence, with a small deck and pathway.
A cartoon palm tree with a drooping trunk, surrounded by falling snow and ice, with a large snowball or ice formation on top of the tree.
A blue and grey portable plastic mirror with a flexible stand, reflecting a snowy landscape.

Concept Renderings

3D renderings are powerful tools that bring design concepts to life by providing realistic, spatially accurate visualizations of how a project will look in the real world. They help bridge the gap between abstract ideas and physical reality, allowing clients and stakeholders to clearly understand scale, materials, lighting, and context. By simulating different perspectives and environmental conditions, 3D renderings support informed decision-making, highlight potential design issues early, and enhance communication throughout the development process.

A colorful splash pad with water fountains and a hot tub area, surrounded by a white fence and adjacent to a peach-colored residential building with multiple windows and balconies.
A pool area with a small pool, a splash pad, and lounge chairs, surrounded by a white fence and some plants, with a pink building wall in the background.
A small fenced-in children’s playground with a colorful whale-themed splash pad, a small hot tub, and several lounge chairs outside.