InfoMinute Seminar

Orientation Essentials

What did they say they needed? 
Michael scheduled a consultation because he needed a full backyard renovation. He said he needed:
<ul>
<li>
A new paver patio
</li>
<li>
A covered structure (pergola or pavilion)
</li>
<li>
Better lighting
</li>
<li>
Privacy screening
</li>
<li>
A cleaner “high-end” look
</li>
</ul>
His obvious need was the outdoor space. But what stood out immediately was that he kept circling back to one line:
 
“I just want it to feel finished… and I want it to feel like it matches the house.”
 
He said the yard felt unfinished, and he didn’t want to keep throwing money at it in pieces.
 &nbsp;Why did you think that was important to them? 
He wasn’t just shopping for a patio.
Michael had a beautiful home, but the backyard didn’t reflect the life they were actually living. He had kids, a busy schedule, and limited time off — and he felt like when he finally had time to breathe, the space didn’t support it.
He was also carrying stress from a few past contractors who had “done work,” but the results didn’t feel cohesive, and he didn’t trust the process anymore.
So the real importance wasn’t design. It was control. He wanted a plan, a professional, and a result he didn’t have to second-guess.
 At the core, what did you discover truly mattered to them? 
What Michael truly wanted was to create a place where his family would naturally gather — without effort.
The deeper truth came out when he mentioned:
<ul>
<li>
His kids growing up fast
</li>
<li>
Their weekends being packed with activities
</li>
<li>
The fact that they were always “going somewhere” to relax, instead of relaxing at home
</li>
</ul>
At the core, Michael didn’t want a patio.
He wanted a home base.
He wanted the feeling of walking outside, seeing everything complete, and thinking:&nbsp;
“This is ours. This is where our memories happen.”
&nbsp;
His Commander’s Intent wasn’t “a nicer backyard.” It was building a legacy space — a place his family would actually use, remember, and associate with comfort and togetherness.

Think of a real client. Use any first name. Share what they told you they wanted. Then tell us the deeper reason — the why behind the why.
Identify this pattern in your answer:
 Level 1: What they did they say they needed?‘
 Level 2: Why did you think that was important to them?
 Level 3: At the core, what did you discover truly mattered to them.
Commander’s Intent is specific to each person. Don’t repeat a response.

Merve Adams Landscape Architect

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