Landscape design, concept through construction documents, code review, and observation
Hal Blevins-Landscape architect, Licensed in CA and HI.
CA # 3522
HI # 9582
Keywords: Landscape Architect
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
I first opened up Exterior Images as a landscape architecture firm in 1987. Being a client driven company I offer a design to meet their needs. There is no one given style. Again the client's desire to blend the landscape with their project is the direction I will take the design.
What is your primary product or service?
Provide landscape design services, concept through working drawings, offering project observation during the construction phase. As a licensed landscape architect I offer hardscape detail and design that unlicensed designers can not offer without the license. I offer my knowledge to the clients with regards to envirionmental issues, water issues, grading, drainage, view strengths or weakness that should be addressed. But it is the client that must let me know what they desire to put into their space based on their needs meeting all of the required codes and restrictions. With years of providing designs on projects from personal residential,residential communities, apartment complexs, commercial sites, and master planning on high rise office buildings my background offers answers for questions you may not even know you have. I provide associations plan reivew services meeting their codes covenents and regulations.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I graduated with a degree in architecture from the University of Nebraska. My interest in landscape architecture grew out of wanting to finish the exterior of a building design to enhance it and pull the interior outside to create a fully functional exterior space.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
As a licensed landscape architect Exterior Images differs from other licensed landscape architect through our abilty to work with the client and allow them to drive the design. As a landscape architect the license gives me the ability to be able to give the client what they want without a bias towards an landscape installation companies strength be it, softscape, pools, hardscape, or woodwork.
The so called landscape design companies must be backed by a contractor's license or they couldn't be in buisness, or charge for their designs. This means the client is stuck using the designer's contractor to build their project so the project will be biased towards the contractor's licensed strengths.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
I work out of one location currently, California. But I am licensed in both California and Hawaii with the CLARB certification to add more states at any time. I have completed projects through out California, Hawaii, Nebraska, Montana, and Texas. The design can be completed anywhere. The project installation must be completed by competent licensed contractors in the area that the project is located.
Provide detailed directions to your location
I work from a location in Irvine California and Rancho Mirage California. The best way to reach me is through my email or by phone.
Email: halblevins@yahoo.com
Cell phone: (408) 202-9920.
I prefer to go to the client rather than the client coming to me. I must see the site, to be able to put together my proposal. So I might as well meet the client at the site.
What type of payments do you accept?
At this time I accept checks. I charge a small fee for the initial site visit. Once I have put together my proposal the payment schedule is included. Usually based on a total project fee rather than an hourly fee. The fee is based on the clients desires for the site, time frame, and detail required.
Which areas do you service?
Exterior Images provided landscape design through out the state of California, and Hawaii. Again with CLARB certification I can obtain a license in any state.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Exterior Images is a sole proprietor. Hal Blevins doing business as Exterior Images. I am the company and it represents my philosophy and is designed to work for my clients best interests.
What are your hours of operation?
I would like to say the hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM West Coast Time Zone,Monday through Friday. But since it is client driven, I usually have client meetings on the week-ends and the hours are when my clients need me.