Brad Dodge Designs

Brad Dodge designed my landscape project in 4Q’2010 and every time I see my backyard (and courtyard), I can’t believe how GREAT it all turned out!
First some background:
I moved into my Pleasanton home in 1Q’2009 and went through a very long landscaping process before choosing to work with a landscape designer. I was in no hurry and wanted to do it right and on my terms (i.e., wanted to get the best quality for the best price!).
I first met with landscapers. That didn’t work out because I could never get an idea if my vision matched theirs and there was no way to get an apples-​to-​apples comparison to compare bids.
Next, I met with landscape design and build companies. Here, I was able to get more of an idea what their vision was and could give direct input to describe my needs for my yard. However, with landscape/​build companies, I was still not able to get an accurate way to compare bids because of lack of detail within each bid.
Finally, I met with independent landscape designers. This was the first time I felt like I could have any chance of being able to compare bids accurately. I met with around 7 or 8 landscape designers, and honestly, Brad was the best of the bunch (best quality for best price). Because of the amount of detail in his design plans (materials, plants, lighting models, etc.), he provided me a means to get landscapers (or landscape install companies) to give me bids that I could directly compare. And, the best part was, there was such a LARGE price range in my landscape project bids (there was a +/​-​$ 15K difference from the avg. of all my bids) that I had absolutely zero thoughts about having ‘wasted my money’ on a landscape design plan.
Now, about my landscape design:
I had some ‘desired’ features that I wanted to put in to my backyard such as: BBQ Island, firepit, paver patio, planters, water features, and certain trees. One unique item I also wanted was a Bocce Court. Brad created a number of ‘concept designs’ and one in particular stood out. He was extremely creative in the way he designed the firepit and the Bocce Court. It definitely wasn’t cookie cutter design and you’d have to ask him to show you my plan to see how wonderful it looks!
And, now about Brad:
Brad has extensive knowledge of building materials and construction (as he used to work for a design and build company) needs for landscaping. He is also extremely knowledgeable in plants. And, not just plant names, but how things will eventually ‘fit’ into the space it is planted and how different plans ‘look’ in combination of one another. One of the coolest things he did was meet with us at a local nursery before coming up with our ‘planting plan’ to get an idea of plants that we liked or disliked. However, the best thing about Brad is his great personality and his willingness to ‘listen’ and ‘work with you’ to make your landscape design perfect for you!
CONCLUSION:
If you are looking at starting a landscape project, I highly recommend that you first hire an independent landscape designer. If you want to hire one that will give you the best quality for the best price, hire Brad Dodge!
[FYI: I am an avid Unilocal user (or more accurately — a lurker), but never posted a single review… but, because of my awesome experience with Brad, I felt like he should be my first post.]