COS Design

Today’s design world is a sophisticated, complex, interactive process that requires a professional approach and attention to detail for every layer of this exciting process. With qualified landscape architects and draftspersons on staff, the team at COS Design treat every project individually with the highest level of experience, skill and creativity to ensure your end result exceeds your expectations.

There are many layers to the design process however we are flexible with our services and can be used purely for the concept stage or as a complete turn-key operation where every stage is managed by Steve and the team ensuring the end result is second to none. Alternatively, our services can be engaged to any stage beyond the concepts as per your specific requirements.

SCOPE AND SERVICES

• Consultation
• Initial Concept
• FinalConcept plans
• 3D Renders
• Design development
• Town planning
• Building permit drawings
• Tender
• Introduction
• Contract administration
• Procurement

The landscape design process all starts with a professional 2-hour on-site consultation. A generalised design brief will be created from a tour of the spaces and the client's requirements. Steve will broadly discuss design ideas and roughly mud map some generalised thoughts to convey his initial concepts and ideas at the consultation. 

The initial ideas create the basis of more detailed, holistic discussions on the design and construction processes, budgets (both design and construction), general local building code compliance concerns, engineering, staging of construction works and the complexities of the project. From the consultation, Steve will be able to provide a design brief summary and a tailored concept design fee proposal should you wish to continue with the design service. The concept design proposal is sent via email within 5 working days after the consult. 

Initial 2-Hour Onsite Consult $495 Inc Gst 

Zoom/Teams online consult can also be arranged for $275 Inc Gst (1 hour) 

Prices for Interstate and international consults can be arranged upon request. Please note all consultation payments are payable on the day of consultation

Site Assessment
The concept plan process starts with a preliminary site assessment by one of our team members or by one of our recommended registered land surveyors for larger, more complex sites. The preferred option will be assessed at the initial consultation

Initial Concept
From the Site Assessment, the initial schematic design responses are created based on the brief obtained at the initial consultation. Once completed the initial concepts are presented and workshopped with you at our Camberwell office(or via video conference). Selected reference images are provided to articulate the design language along with general plant palettes & structural materiality elements.

3D Renders
To fully appreciate and understand the initial design in a near real-life format, COS design now offers professional 3Drenders which transform 2D paper plans into realistic render images that present the garden concepts to a new level of reality. Multiple images, angles and aspects can be clearly viewed which allows you to truly appreciate the spatial zoning, bespoke design elements and overall palette and feel of key garden areas. Please note that 3D renders can also be delayed until the final concepts are completed to ensure the final design is clearly represented. If 3D renders are explored as a part of the initial schematic presentation, they can be updated to the final concept plan for a small additional fee. Prices will vary and are subject to the number of amendments required.

Hard Structures
After providing your initial feedback the plans are then electronically amended and presented as a structural plan for your approval. Once the hard structure plans are approved, we then commence the final stage of the concept plan process.

Final Concept
The final concept plans include scale floor plans, functional explanations of each garden zone, plant schedules,plant&landscape reference images, material palettes, furniture recommendations and garden lighting plans. Initial 3Drenders can also be updated upon request & quote approval.

Please note: concept plans are generally not detailed enough to obtain building permits or finalised quotes. Engineering and working drawings may be required to obtain building permits and fixed-price contracts

Design Development
This is the stage where we delve deeper into the details of the design by exploring and further documenting our concept plans to assist with general construction processes and execution. Design development will deliver fully dimensioned hard structure floor plans as well as selected elevations where required as part of the standard package.

Selected typical details for standard landscape elements will be also included as required. 

To value add to the base level we can also tailor a technical package of intricate design details, workshop drawings and cross sections to ensure the attention to detail of the project is delivered to its full potential on-site. GeneralIrrigation, drainage and lighting zones can also be explored upon request to fully complete the design development package. 

All design development works are optional. Quotes will be tailored to each individual project’s requirements as required. 

Please note these are not drawings that will obtain building permits.

TOWN PLANNING
Newbuildings, extensions as well as structures including landscaping works on sites with planning overlays may require town planning documents. Every site and individual councils have specific overlays regarding planning requirements. For new home builds or renovations, our concept plans generally suffice as Town Planning documents when accompanied by the new house plans, however, when the landscape design alone triggers Town Planning, additional documentation will be required and is priced upon request.

BUILDING PERMIT PLANS
In Victoria, obtaining a building permit is a highly regulated process that requires registered drafting or architectural practitioner to complete the formal drawings for the building permit application. COS Design will forward all complete documentation onto one of their (or your) preferred drafting practitioners to obtain a quote on your behalf to assist with your building permit application

TENDER INTRODUCTION
COS Design works in conjunction with some of the country’s finest landscape contractors. They understand and respect our designs, delivering projects to the highest standards. COS Design can introduce you to one or two of our recommended contractors that will tender your project.

Please note: the accuracy of their quotes will be subject to the level of design you have invested in.

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
Once the designs are complete, the contractors are chosen, permits are obtained and you are ready to break ground, Steve and the team can continue their involvement throughout the entire construction process. With weekly site meetings, ongoing phone and email support, design evolution, problem-solving solutions, variation management and general quality control through to hand selection and placement of the plant stock, we help manage the process on your behalf to ensure the very best outcome is achieved.

This service is optional and will be quoted upon request

PROCUREMENT
COS Design also offers a procurement service where we can source and supply the very best plant stock, garden artwork, pots and decor along with some of the finest outdoor furniture brands in the country. With trade buying, power we can often save you money on supply items ensuring your garden is finalised to perfection.

COS Design is arguably Australia’s most awarded Landscape Design company, with over 145 state and national awards to our name.

2021:

AILDM Awards

• 2021 - Gold Residential Landscape Design - Large Scale, Project: Capri Drive

Master Pool Builders Association Australia Awards

• 2021 - Gold Best Landscape Design - Over 200m2 Featuring a Pool or Spa, Project: Capri Drive

Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers Awards

• Steve Taylor was honoured to be awarded the role of judge at the 2021 LVML Awards of Excellence

2020

AILDM Awards

• 2020 – Winner Residential Landscape Design of the Year, Project: Marine Parade
• 2020 – Gold Residential Landscape Design Over 150m2, Project: Marine Parade
• 2020 – Silver Rural / Coastal Landscape Design, Project: Marine Parade

SPASA – Victoria

• 2020 – Gold Best Landscape Design Over 200m2 featuring a pool or spa, Project: Marine Parade

SPASA – National – Associated Awards

• 2020 – Highly Commended Concrete Pool and Spa Combination – Laguna Pools, Project: Marine Parade
• 2020 – Highly Commended Concrete Pool over $100K – Laguna Pools, Project: Marine Parade

SPASA – Victoria – Associated Awards

• 2020 – Gold Best Concrete Pool Over $100K – Laguna Pools, Project: Marine Parade
• 2020 – Highly Commended Best Pool and Spa Combination – Laguna Pools, Project: Marine Parade

2019:

Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers Awards

• 2019 – Winner Residential Landscape of the Year: Sorrento Project
• 2019 – Winner Landscape Design over 200m2: Sorrento Project
• 2019 – Winner Plants in the Landscape: Sorrento Project
• 2019 – Winner Landscape Design under 60m2: Kingsville Project
• 2019 – Winner Grant Saltmarsh Feature in the Landscape: Caulfield North Project
• 2019 – Commended Landscape Design over 200m2: Caulfield North Project
• 2019 – Commended Landscape Design 60m2 – 200m2: South Melbourne Project
• 2019 – Commended Pool in the Landscape – Design: Kilmore Project

Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers Awards - Associated Awards

• 2019 – Winner Landscape Construction $75,000 - $150,000 – Esjay Landscapes + Pools: Ormond Project
• 2019 – Winner Landscape Construction under 60m2 – Bayon Gardens: Kingsville Project
• 2019 – Highly Commended Pool in the Landscape – Construction – Esjay Landscapes + Pools: Ormond Project
• 2019 – Highly Commended Pool in the Landscape – Construction – Esjay Landscapes + Pools: Kilmore Project

AILDM Awards

• 2019 – Gold Rural or Coastal Landscape Design, Project: St Pauls Road
• 2019 – Gold Plantscape Design, Project: St Pauls Road
• 2019 – Gold Plantscape Design, Project: Coronation Street
• 2019 – Silver Residential Landscape Design Less than 50m2, Project: Coronation Street
• 2019 – Silver Residential Landscape Design – 50-150m2, Project: South Melbourne
• 2019 – Silver Residential Landscape Design – 50-150m2, Project: Howitt Road

2018:

HIA Awards – South Australia

• 2018 - Winner Associated award best outdoor project (won by Platinum Fine Homes), Project: Ramsgate St, Glenelg SA

AILDM Awards

• 2018 - Winner Residential Landscape Design 50m2 – 150m2, Project: Woodlands Avenue
• 2018 - Best in Category Residential Landscape Design 50m2 – 150m2, Project: Woodlands Avenue
• 2018 - Gold Residential Landscape Design more than 150m2, Project: Lockhart Street
• 2018 - Gold Residential Landscape Design more than 150m2, Project: Devon Street
• 2018 - Silver Residential Landscape Design more than 150m2, Project: Dean Avenue

SPASA – Victoria

• 2018 - Winner Best Landscape Design - Under 200sqm featuring a Pool or Spa, Project: Harcourt Avenue
• 2018 - Highly Commended Landscape Design Under 60m2, Project: James Crescent
• 2018 - Winner Best Landscape Design - Over 200sqm featuring a Pool or Spa, Project: Rainbow Valley

SPASA Associated Awards

• 2018 - Best Residential Renovation - 37 South Pools - Up to $25,000, Project: Hopetoun Avenue

SPASA, National Awards

• 2018 - Winner National Pool Landscape Design, Project: Rainbow Valley

Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapes

• 2018 - Winner The Grant Saltmarsh Memorial Award, Project: Kew East Project
• 2018 - Highly Commended Landscape Design under 60m2, Project: Abbotsford project
• 2018 - Winner Landscape Design 60-200m2, Project: Kew East project
• 2018 - Winner Landscape Design over 200m2, Project: Caulfield project
• 2018 - Commended Pool in the Landscape, Project: Alphington Project

Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapes 2018 - Associated Awards

• 2018 - Winner Pool in the Landscape - Domain Pools & Landscapes, Project: Eaglemont Project
• 2018 - Winner Residential Landscape Constructions $30k-$75k - Esjay Landscapes, Project: Kew East project
• 2018 - Commended Residential Landscape Constructions $30k-$75k - Esjay Landscapes, Project: Caulfield North project
• 2018 - Winner Residential Landscape Constructions $75k - $150k - Esjay Landscapes, Project: Caulfield North project
• 2018 - Winner Residential Landscape Constructions $150k - $250k - Esjay Landscapes, Project: Kew East Project
• 2018 - Winner Residential Landscape Constructions over $250k - Domain Pools & Landscapes, Project: Eaglemont project

2017:

SPASA, Victoria Awards

• 2017 - Gold Award Best Lighting Feature, Project: Bayside project
• 2017 - Gold Award Best Landscape Design 60 – 200sqm Featuring a Pool or Spa, Project: Naroon Road project
• 2017 - Highly Commended Best Landscape Design 60 – 200 sqm Featuring a Pool or Spa, Project: Nelson Road Project

SPASA Associated Awards

• 2017 - Gold Best Residential Concrete Spa, Project: Woodside Project, Pool Company: Laguna Pools & Spas

SPASA, National Awards

• 2017 - Gold Landscape Design of the Year, Project: Naroon Road
• 2017 - Gold Lighting Feature, Project: Bayside project

SPASA Associated National Awards

• 2017 - Gold Spa of the year, Project: Woodside Project, Pool Company: Laguna Pools & Spas
• 2017 - Gold Residential In-Ground Spa, Project: Woodside Project, Pool Company: Laguna Pools & Spas

Landscape Victoria

• 2017 - Winner Landscape Design Under 60m2, Project: Canterbury Project
• 2017 - Highly Commended Landscape Design Under 60m2 Project: Hawthorn Project
• 2017 - Winner Landscape Design 60m2 to 200m2, Project: Wattle Street Project, Hawthorn
• 2017 - Commended Plants in the Landscape, Project: Mornington Project

AILDM

• 2017 - Gold Landscape Design Less than 50m2, Project: Hawthorn Project
• 2017 - Gold Landscape Design Less than 50m2, Project: Canterbury project
• 2017 - Gold Landscape Design 50m2 – 150m2, Project: Wattle Street, Hawthorn project
• 2017 - Silver Landscape Design 150m2+, Project: Hopetoun Ave project
• 2017 - Silver Landscape Design 150m2+, Project: James Street
• 2017 - Silver Landscape Design 150m2+, Project: Mornington Project
• 2017 - Gold Rural / Coastal Landscape Design, Project: Mornington Project
• 2017 - Gold Landscape Design Plantscape, Project: Mornington Project

2016:

SPASA Associated Awards

• 2016 - Gold Best Residential Concrete Pool – Under $100,000, Project: Brighton Project, Pool Company: Good Soil & Water
• 2016 - Gold Best Residential Concrete Pool and Spa Combination, Project: McGregor Street project, Pool Company: Aloha Pools
• 2016 - Highly Commended Best Residential Courtyard Pool, Project: Nelson Road, Pool Company: Aloha Pools

Landscaping Victoria

• 2016 - Winner Landscape Design 60 to 200sqm, Project: Hopetoun Ave project
• 2016 - Commended Landscape Design 60 to 200sqm, Project: Caulfield Project
• 2016 - Highly Commended Landscape Design Under 60m2, Project: Abbotsford Project
• 2016 - Highly Commended Landscape Design Under 60m2, Project: Ivanhoe Project
• 2016 - Commended Landscape Design Over 200sqm, Project: Essendon Project

Landscape Associated Awards

• 2016 - Winner Residential Landscape Construction $50,000 - $150,000, Project: Hopetoun Ave project, Company: Esjay Landscapes

AILDM

• 2016 - Gold Award, Category: Residential under 50m2, Project: Abbotsford project
• 2016 - Gold Award, Category: Residential under 50m2, Project: Ivanhoe project
• 2016 - Silver Award, Category: Residential under 50m2, Project: Woodside Project
• 2016 - Gold Award, Category: Residential more than 151m2, Project: Panoramic Terrace
• 2016 - Silver Award, Category: Residential more than 151m2, Project: Hopetoun Ave

2015:

Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers

• 2015 Winner of Allan Correy Award for Design Excellence - Awarded to the best entry across all categories - C.O.S Design, Bayside Project
• 2015 Best in Category, Landscape Design over $150K - C.O.S Design, Bayside Project
• 2015 Gold Medal, Best Residential Design over $150k – C.O.S Design, Bayside Project
• 2015 Silver Medal, Best Residential Design over $150k - C.O.S Design, Alphington Project
• 2015 Silver Medal, Best Plantscape Design – C.O.S Design, Malvern Project

Landscaping Victoria

• 2015 Winner for Landscape Design Under 200m2 - C.O.S Design, Alphington Project
• 2015 Highly Commended (2nd) for Landscape Design Under 200m2 - C.O.S Design, South Melbourne Project
• 2015 Winner for landscape Design Over 200m2 - C.O.S Design, Bayside Project
• 2015 Highly Commended (2nd) for Landscape Design Over 200m2 - C.O.S Design, Malvern Project
• 2015 Commended for Plants in the Landscape - C.O.S Design, Bayside Project
• 2015 Commended for Plants in the Landscape - C.O.S Design, Malvern Project
• 2015 Winner for Grant Saltmarsh Memorial, Feature in the Landscape - C.O.S Design, Alphington Project

Associated awards - Landscaping Victoria

• 2015 Winner for Hard Structures in the Landscape - Hamilton Landscapes, Bayside Project
• 2015 Commended for Hard Structures in the Landscape - Esjay Landscapes, Surrey Hills Project
• 2015 Winner Residential Landscape Construction up to $50k – Esjay Landscapes, Ivanhoe Project
• 2015 Commended for Residential Landscape Construction up $50k-$150k - Esjay Landscapes, Surrey Hills Project
• 2015 Commended for Residential Landscape Construction up $50k-$150k - Hamilton Landscapes, South Melbourne Project
• 2015 Winner for Residential Landscape Construction above $300K - Hamilton Landscapes, Bayside Project
• 2015 Commended for Grant Saltmarsh Memorial, Feature in the Landscape - Esjay Landscapes, Ivanhoe Project
• 2015 Winner for Landscape of the Year - Hamilton Landscapes, Bayside Project

Associated awards - SPASA

• 2015 Winner for Best Residential Concrete Pool and Spa Combination - The Pool Company, Middle Park Project
• 2015 Winner for Best Pool and Landscape Combination - The Pool Company, Park Orchards Project

2014:

• Steve Taylor was honoured with the head judge for all Landscaping Victorias awards program as well as maintaining his role as head judge of construction. Based on this, COS Design was unable to enter in for the design categories

2013:

• Awarded the role of head judge for Landscape Victoria covering all construction categories
• Designer of SPASA pool of the year – built by Goldfish Pools

2012:

• Steve Taylor was once again the head judge for all construction categories for Landscaping Victorias annual prestigious awards
• Winner best landscape design under 150sqmtrs for their Sanctuary Lakes Project
• Abode winner for best landscape design under 500sqmtrs – Sanctuary Lakes Project
• Abode winner for best swimming pool design – Berwick Project
• Abode high commendation for best use of plants – Radnor Street
• Abode high commendation for best landscape feature – Garrell Street

2011:

• Awarded the role of head judge for Landscape Victoria covering all construction categories
• Designer of SPASA pool of the year – built by Goldfish Pools

2010:

• High commendation landscape design up to 150sqmtrs – Parslow Street
• High commendation landscape construction $150–300k – Parslow Street
• High commendation landscape construction over $300k – Natalie Court
• High commendation plants – Park Street

2009:

• 2009 National Residential Landscape of the year (under $100,000) – for Danks Street, Albert Park
• 2009 Highly commended (2nd) Residential Landscape of the year over $300,000 Maleela Ave, Balwyn
• 2009 Highly Commended (2nd) Residential Landscape Design of the year 150 – 1000 sq mtrs Dendy Street, Brighton
• 2009 Highly Commended (2nd) Residential Landscape of the year $150,000-$300,000 Karens Close, Mitcham
• 2009 Highly Commended (2nd) Residential Landscape Design of the year under 150sq mtrs, Karens Close, Mitcham
• 2009 Highly Commended (2nd) Feature in the Landscape Dendy Street, Brighton
• 2009 Highly Commended (2nd) walling in the Landscape, Karens Close, Mitcham
• 2009 Highly Commended (2nd) Sustainable Landscape, Dendy Street, Brighton
• 2009 Highly Commended (2nd) Apprentice of the year, Edward Moodie

2008:

• 2008 Apprentice of the Year – High Commendation for Joshua Fais
• 2008 Landscape Design – Commendation (3rd) for Orrong Crescent Project
• 2008 Landscape Construction $150,000 – $500,000 – Commendation (3rd) for Kirkstall Close, Frankston South
• 2008 The Sustainable Landscape – Commendation (3rd) for Kirkstall Close, Frankston South
• 2008 MBAV Project Home of The Year $600,000 – $800,000 won by DDB Constructions with our landscape design and construction services for Balaclava Road, Caulfield

2007:

• 2007 Landscape Design of the Year – Winner for Hard surfaces for Danks Street, Albert Park
• 2007 Landscape of the Year – $50,000 – $100,000 for Danks Street, Albert Park
• 2007 Landscape Lighting of the Year – High Commendation (silver) for Danks Street, Albert Park
• 2007 Landscape of the Year – over $100,000 – Commendation (bronze) for Fawkner Road, Blairgowrie
• 2007 Apprentice of the Year – Tyson Owen – High Commendation (silver)
• Aloha pools won a highly commended award for Fawkner Avenue, Blaigowrie with our design and construction inputs

2006:

• 2006 Landscape Design of the Year – Winner for Hard surfaces for Drake Street, Brighton
• 2006 Landscape of the Year – over $100,000 High Commendation (silver) for Drake Street, Brighton
• 2006 Water Wise Garden of the Year – Commendation (bronze) for Drake Street, Brighton
• 2006 Landscape Lighting of the Year – Commendation (bronze) for Drake Street, Brighton
• Drake Street, Brighton – Highly commended award for swimming pool under $50,000 won by Aloha Pools with our design and construction inputs
• Highly commended award for courtyard swimming pool won by Aloha pools with our design and construction inputs
• 2003 Landscape of the Year – under $35,000 – Disraeli Street, Kew
• Helmsley Avenue, Lysterfield – Bronze Medal Victoria "Water Feature for SPASA" Won by Aloha Pools with our design and construction inputs