Design Software For The Landscape Contractor

By John Porco, CEO, VisionScape Interactive, LLC

According to the company, this software enables contractors to design complete outdoor living and dining spaces. This circular design features Belgard Mega Arbel with Elements patio design and accompanying appliances. Photos: John Porco, CEO, VisionScape Interactive, LLC

As competition increases for projects, landscape contractors are leveraging the power of computer software for everything from plant identification and specification, to irrigation management to project design.

In the project design arena, VisionScape Interactive, LLC. offers a whole new approach to landscape and outdoor living design with a suite of design, presentation and collaboration tools. The company's 3D landscape design software is called the Virtual Property Architect.

Surrounded with an array of Proven Winners and Monrovia plants, shrubs and trees, this gazebo garden retreat showcases realistic plant material.

The software sets itself apart from other 3D design and CAD programs with its approach to design. This allows the contractor to create both 3D designs and 2D CAD plans, with real manufacturer products that can be saved and shared online.

A driving force behind the success contractors are having with this software, is the capacity to create powerful presentations. A struggle as old as the profession itself is the frustrating attempts as a contractor to communicate with clients what they can expect of their new property. A solution for this has been found in a concept known as the Virtual Property.

''Last year was the worst year of business we had. This year is the best year of business we have had. I can honestly say a lot of the reason is VisionScape.'' -Scott Kuhl

Virtual Property

This is a complete virtual replica of a landscape design project that allows clients to see the completed project beforehand. Users can create walkthrough videos in minutes, capture screenshots, compile project photos and detailed 2D plans, all of which are housed within the software and ready to share with clients.

Contractors can show their clients exactly what to expect of their new landscape and outdoor living design.

What Users Are Saying

''Finally, a design that looks realistic and is easy to use,'' attests Scott Kuhl, president of Kuhl Outdoor Living Designs, Inc. ''Everything I was trying to explain to a potential customer I can now show with 3D
realistic imaging.''

''This tool has enabled me to convey my design concepts in a much clearer and impressive way, which both educates and excites the customer,'' said Burnell Weaver of Weaver's Landscaping Company.

The software allows the user to show what a project will look like both during the daylight and at night.

Homeowners have a full understanding of exactly what to expect of their new property, without any surprises or miscommunications. The software not only manages their expectations, but also helps them make an informed
sales decision.

''When I can email a movie of my design to a potential client and show them what we can build for them, the closing rate is nearly 100 percent,'' declared Weaver.

''VisionScape is a robust design solution that has an intuitive interface with exceptional user functionality,'' asserted Ray Rodenburgh of Unilock. ''Compared to other design platforms, it can be learned quickly and put to work right away.''

This outdoor fireplace features Unilock Brussels Dimensional and Copthorne paver accents.

Smart Tools

With Smart Tools, software users can design virtually any aspect of a project in minutes. From hardscape to backyard pools and spas, gardens and plant materials, outdoor lighting and even the house itself, every element can be designed and modified for exactly what a client is looking for.

The Smart Tools allow users to approach design in a way that is both simple and logical, allowing for such things as the ''One-click Retaining Wall.'' Simply select the wall tool, create the shape of the desired wall and watch as it automatically render the entire retaining will.

With simultaneous 3D and 2D rendering, users benefit from the ability to work within the 3D design and automatically have a 2D plan rendered and saved and vice versa.

With the wall tool, users can create walls in seconds, including wall caps, accents, insets and pillars.

These designs are all created from an ever-expanding product catalogue. The company has currently partnered with a number of landscape and outdoor living manufacturers to feature their products within the software, and continues to expand its partnerships as the company grows. Current featured manufacturers include Belgard Hardscapes Inc., Unilock, Harmony Outdoor Living, Inc., Proven Winners, and Al's Garden Art.

''Being able to incorporate actual manufactured products into 3D designs is huge,'' attests Joe Raboine, president of Harmony Outdoor Living, Inc. ''When homeowners understand that they can get the exact product shown in the design, it takes a level of uncertainty out of the equation.''

Users can even input a client's zip code to set the proper north and have accurate shadow patterns for the different times of day and year. Contractors are able to show clients how an outdoor seating area will remain in the shade, what type of sun exposure they can expect over their pool and how the landscape will look in outdoor lighting.