How can you encourage clients to prioritize sustainable landscape strategies in their designs?

1 Explain the benefits

One of the first steps to encourage clients to prioritize sustainable landscape strategies is to explain how they can benefit from them in the short and long term. For example, you can highlight how sustainable landscapes can reduce water and energy consumption, lower maintenance costs, enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services, improve indoor and outdoor comfort and air quality, and create a distinctive and attractive design identity. You can also use examples and case studies of successful projects that demonstrate these benefits and show how they align with the clients' vision and needs.

2 Address the challenges

Another important step is to address the potential challenges and obstacles that clients may face or perceive when implementing sustainable landscape strategies. For instance, you can anticipate and respond to some common concerns, such as higher initial costs, regulatory constraints, technical difficulties, or lack of expertise or support. You can also provide solutions and alternatives that can mitigate these challenges, such as applying for grants or incentives, collaborating with experts or consultants, using innovative materials or technologies, or adopting a phased or modular approach.

3 Involve the clients

A third step is to involve the clients in the design process and decision making, and make them feel part of the solution. You can do this by asking for their input and feedback, listening to their preferences and expectations, and educating them on the best practices and principles of sustainable landscape design. You can also use interactive tools and methods, such as sketches, models, simulations, or workshops, to illustrate and demonstrate the potential outcomes and impacts of different strategies, and to solicit their opinions and suggestions.

4 Showcase the options

A fourth step is to showcase the variety and diversity of options and opportunities that sustainable landscape strategies offer, and to inspire the clients with creative and innovative ideas. You can do this by presenting them with different design scenarios and alternatives, and explaining how they can achieve different goals and functions, such as stormwater management, urban agriculture, wildlife habitat, recreation, or education. You can also show them how they can customize and personalize their landscape design, and incorporate elements that reflect their culture, values, or identity.

5 Follow up and evaluate

A final step is to follow up and evaluate the performance and satisfaction of the clients after the completion of the project, and to provide them with ongoing support and guidance. You can do this by conducting surveys, interviews, or site visits, and collecting data and feedback on the environmental, economic, social, and aesthetic aspects of the project. You can also offer them advice and assistance on how to maintain, monitor, or improve their landscape design, and how to address any issues or challenges that may arise. By doing this, you can build trust and rapport with the clients, and encourage them to share their positive experiences and outcomes with others.