Projects
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Name
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What are
our services?
01
Landscape Architecture
This is our core service. You will delegate the creation of your outdoor space to a professional team. We will approach the project from a broad perspective, considering the built structures (such as a garage, courtyard, spa etc) to the furnishings and the selection of plant material.
02
Garden Design
The focus of this service is the creation of a garden planting plan. Each project has unique characteristics regarding climate, space, location, maintenance possibilities and many more. We have a deep knowledge of horticulture and landscaping and we enjoy incorporating it into each design project.
03
Project management and construction administration
One of our distinguishing features as a design studio is that we have more than 15 years of proven experience directing the projects we design. This is without a doubt the best way to ensure the quality and level of detail is carried throughout construction. We work in collaboration with the main landscape contracting companies in Alberta and we are open to collaborating worldwide.
04
Consulting and Curating
Maybe you already have a garden that you love and there is just one thing that needs improvement or you want to change. We offer limited spaces for consultation and curation, online or in person, to share the best ideas and resolve your concerns together.
Frequently asked questions
Questions? Very normal.
Refer to our frequent asked questions.
What is landscape architecture?
Landscape architecture is the study and practice of designing outdoor space, while encompassing elements of art, environment, architecture, engineering and sociology.
The design of these areas aims to achieve environmental, social-behavioural, and aesthetic outcomes. The profession is broad and can include a variety of scales, from the design of a bench to a community masterplan.
Do you only design residential landscapes?
We focus on residential landscapes, from multidensity developments, acreages and ranches, to single family dwellings. However, we are registered landscape architects and work on all scales and project types, from the design of furnishings to masterplans.
When is the best time to hire a landscpe architect?
Now! The sooner we are on site the better, so we may gain greater understanding of the ‘native and undisturbed’ landscape prior to any development taking place. This way, we are able to assist in determining initial discussions of layout of buildings and structures.
When possible, in site planning, we follow the concept of ecological planning established by Ian L. McHarg.
Do you work exclusively with builders, contractors, architects or landscapers?
Because we are all different, and every project has its own goals and scope, we have an open and flexible philosophy. We would be pleased to collaborate as colleagues in any team.
Over the years we have built a strong rapport with many contractors, consultants and trades, and are willing to recommend the most appropriate for the specific project at hand.
Is there a fixed design fee or estimated cost?
Because every project varies in time and scope we work this flexibly. Once we have an initial meeting, we gain understanding of the project scope, we provide a Design Free Proposal for conceptual and detailed design accordingly.
From there, we charge hourly fees (time and materials) for change of scope, detailed design of specific elements, shop drawings, construction administration, etc.
As a reference, an average residential design ranges from $3000 to $5000. However, we do tailor our fees specifically to your project and needs.
I live outside of Canada, may I hire you for your services?
Absolutely! We work globally and are excited to collaborate with an international team.
How would you describe María Galdón & Co’s style?
We’ll let others describe it for us: “Talented, elegant, sophisticated and beautiful… forgot to mention gracious” Bill L.
What makes your designs differ?
We value and try to follow these established principles:
– Form follows function, Louis Sullivan
– Less is more, Mies van der Rohe
– Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Margaret Wolff Hungerford
With these at the forefront, through our process we aim to create your ideal space, aesthetically, functionally, with your budget, your requirements and your interest. We promise to give you our best version of this, to create your dream outdoor space for you to enjoy for years to come.
As a studio, we highly value Thomas Church’s principle that Gardens are for People. Working with these four principles through the design process: unity, function, simplicity, and scale.
What does elegance as a concept imply?
Elegance is graceful, pleasingly ingenious and simple.
A landscape with a stylish appearance and manner, but not necessarily ‘modern’. Elegance is timeless. It has a concise and proper consideration of its elements, nothing more, nothing less
