landscape design - what to know before you get started
At 317Grow, we approach our designs from an artistic perspective. We don’t simply customize a basic design to fit your yard – we strive to come to each project with fresh eyes, with each detail tailored precisely to you and your property. Every site and every client is unique, and so every design should be too. In our quest to design the perfect product for you, we spend time getting to know you, your style, and what you believe in. This deep level of understanding is at the core of our design process, helping us create innovative outdoor spaces that enrich clients’ lives. We have a series of phases and steps starting with a consultation and ending with a plan to begin installation. Each step along the way is crucial to ensuring that the project is a success.
what is the cost of a landscape design?
Landscaping can be a considerable investment and one that can and should add value to your home and/or property. The cost of a landscape design has many variables. A few of them are fairly obvious, such as, but not limited to:
Fees for the time and expertise of the designer or landscape architect
The size and location of the property
The topography of the existing property
Existing features and conditions of the property or space
Specific site elements such as drainage, grading, patios, retaining walls, firepits, lighting, etc.
The degree of detail that may or may not be necessary (construction details, etc.)
Like anything else, the more time and years of expertise that goes into the planning and design of a landscape, the more the design will cost. Understanding how much time goes into the a landscape design can be difficult for many clients to understand.
Over the years, we have found that it can also be one of the biggest challenges for a landscape designer. Estimating the time it will take to design a landscape is something that ALL experienced landscape designers have struggled with from time to time. As landscape architects and landscape designers (many of us also wearing many hats such as business owner, bookkeeper, superhero, etc.) we strive to create a unique, creative and functional design, while at the same time price it so that we can have the creative space and time we need to do the best work possible.
what all goes into a landscape design?
Site measurements in order to create an inventory & analysis.
Inputting all site measurements and notes into AutoCAD to create an accurate survey/base plan.
Understanding and researching setbacks, utilities and any possible restrictions.
Initial development of design concepts based on the integration of specific site elements requested.
Creation of precedent image sheets with photographs to use as visual aids.
Meeting to review the design concept and associated materials.
Perform design revisions from concepts plans to create your master plan for construction.
Execute design details as necessary (firepits, fireplaces, paver patterns, etc.).
Create the detailed planting plan and plant key.
Final meeting to review the master plan, design details and planting plan.
There is much more that goes into a landscape design than most people realize. This being said, there is really no such thing as a typical design or design fee due to the fact that each project and property is unique and can carry it’s own limitations and/or restrictions. Because every designer and/or company will have something different to offer based on their style, level of expertise and overall craftsmanship, it makes it impossible to give an average cost for a landscape design. Our designs can range anywhere from $1000 (small renovations or simple planting plans) to thousands of dollars for a full master plan, details, and additional materials.
how do i get started?
There are many ways that companies and designers may charge for their design services which may include hourly rates (while providing a range and 'not to exceed' amount), a flat fee, a determined amount based on the square footage of the property, or a percentage of the construction cost.
To schedule an initial design consultation, there is a charge of $75 (virtual consult) or $150 (on-site consult) that is due in order to secure the consultation date. This is non-refundable.
To begin the design process with our team, we work off of a retainer amount which is determined based on how many hours we estimate the initial design will take. We provide our clients a breakdown of all of our design work and where the time was allocated so they have a clear understanding of the tasks performed. Depending upon the size of the design, this breakdown is provided every 2 weeks via an emailed report along with the invoice for those hours of work. For additional work such as revisions, permitting, construction details, 3D Modeling or additional requested meetings, we charge per the hour.
