The Indah Bulan
partners have a revolutionary albeit simple design process.
"Over the years of designing for busy people, we have
learned that the design process and the installation process both
must be organically flexible. For what ever reason, we (or our
clients) are inspired to go even further which has evolved into a
basic plan, but with openness to continue to create as
inspiration leads." Indah Bulan strives
to exceed expectations; often by pulling ideas and inspirations
from clients which they had not seen within themselves.
Michael adds..."Lovingly pushing their creative
envelope.. Living outside the box is what IB is about!"
The design duo is committed to remaining in budget, unless we all
agree the inspiration is worth it. Whether the project is a large
estate plan or a small backyard garden, this organic philosophy
works and works well for our clients because they feel a
tremendous sense of pride through this collaboration. |
Indah Bulan's
design sensibility embraces the styles they encounter from other
areas of the States, Canada, Europe and especially South East
Asia. "Each project is different for us, and that is what
we look for in clients---people who love style, but also
something that is uniquely created for them. It does take a
special person to boldly go where no one else in your
neighborhood is going.... especially if everyone in the
neighborhood has the same amount of grass, and a bunch of
overgrown plants in the front!" Their design process is
based on classic principles and is always in good taste.
"Another issue we face is that lots of
people want a garden that looks like it has been in place for
years and years. If you want a low maintenance garden,
this is not possible. Most landscapers, who are not classically
trained, plant with no concern of how gardens, if over-planted,
will look in three years. (These standardized unthoughtful
gardens are easily recognized.... they all look alike, too!) The
first year it may or may not look wonderful, perhaps the second
year, too... but the third year it is an overgrown jungle.
(The first year your garden sleeps, the second it creeps,
the third it leaps!). This is a great catch phrase to
remember when considering just putting some plants in the ground.
What will the plants do as they mature? Even if you plan to
be there only a few years, it is just not fair to the new
property owners to have to deal with the mess that should have
been avoided by hiring a professional who knows what is going on.
Real Estate is your most valuable asset (besides your health and
family). By asking a trained professional to help you plan a
garden, your garden becomes an asset that buyers will easily
envision themselves enjoying, instead of... oh my, ...the garden
needs LOTS of work, and possibly pass up your otherwise great
home! "I'd say half of our clients need us to do
corrective landscape architecture---taking care of the mess some
designer created to look beautiful without consideration of what
a jungle they are really creating." Indah Bulan
encourages the proper plant for the proper area. Stephen adds,
"if you think a plant is pretty at the nursery, ask the
nursery sales staff how large does this plant grow in 3, 5, 20
years and imagine what that plant is going to look like mature
and give it room to grow!" Pruning takes lots of time
and money. "Do it right the first
time!" |