A design project can be looked at in multiple phases:

Phase one: Questionnaire.
The design questionnaire is intended to gather as much information as possible about the project: the vision, wants and needs around it.

Phase two: Onsite consultation.
Review and evaluate the questionnaire onsite at the project location. (Or virtually online in some cases.) The consultation is usually 2-4 hours. The consultation is a stand-alone service. During the consultation the scope of further design work can be discussed and agreed upon.

Phase three:  Detailed design project initiated.
At this phase the scope and goals of a design project are agreed upon.

Phase four: Base-mapping
The base map is a detailed accounting of what is already existing on the site.  The mapping phase can include contour maps, geological maps, climate maps, etc.
The site survey is an accounting of all other relevant data that may pre-exist on the site but can not be included on the base map.

Phase five: Design work
This is a cyclical process of applying design methodology to create the design. It will include on-site or online meetings to discuss options and decisions and review the draft design as it is developed.

Phase six Final designs
The final design will be presented according to the needs of the project. Possible assets include: detailed write ups, photos, videos, a web-site, diagrams, maps, implementation and maintenance prioritization and time-lines, species lists and plant source lists, costing analysis etc.