I suppose I could be considered old-school because, although we use state-of-the-art computer technology to create working drawings, our design process starts by walking the site with a topographic map before sketching with paper and pencil.  Great golf holes and great golf courses don’t happen by chance, it takes weeks or months to understand the nuances of the property.  We look at natural drainage patterns and existing vegetation as well as things like sight lines and vistas that don’t show up on a topographic map or aerial photograph. On existing golf courses, we work closely with the superintendent and the golf professional to understand drainage issues and problems with safety or pace of play. I also like to visit other courses in the vicinity to understand what the competition has to offer and what we can do to differentiate our project.

Once the design phase is complete, we prepare detailed plans and typewritten specifications which will be used for cost estimating, bidding and construction.  We have been told by a number of contractors that our drawings are the most detailed in the business.  That means our plans are easy to understand, easy to bid and have fewer change orders and cost over-runs.  Detailed plans and specifications also mean our clients can take full advantage of the negotiated bid or competitive bid process.  It insures that both the owner and the contractor thoroughly understand the scope of the project prior to breaking ground and that allows the contractor to submit his bid with confidence based on definitive quantities of materials and labor.

During construction I make frequent visits to the site to monitor progress and to look for opportunities to make the course better. We believe that having a regular presence on-site minimizes unnecessary change orders or cost over-runs.  This is particularly important as we begin fairway contouring and the shaping of greens and bunkers where subtle details can make the difference between a good project and a great project.