Why Hire a Landscape Designer?
A
Landscape Designer can help bring your vision to life using their
design education, advanced horticultural knowledge, graphic and drafting
skills and hands-on experience. Their first priority is to
listen closely to understand your ideas, desires and priorities. An
analysis of your existing site will assist them in creating a plan to
help you visualize the final, transformed space. This plan will also be
used to provide clear instructions for the contractor(s).
Installing
a landscape without a plan can frequently result in higher costs,
inappropriate plant material for your site or climate area and,
basically, results that don't meet your expectations.
What is the Design Process?
- You compile your ideas and budget (please also see the "Landscape Design Checklist")
- The
initial consultation (can take 1-2 hours): We discuss your desires,
expectations and budget. We try to fit what you'd like into that
budget.
- You
provide a copy of your property's site or plot plan OR we have a company
that can perform this exercise and obtain accurate measurement data.
- We develop a program and fee proposal based on project requirement.
- Your project is designed, upon receipt of the retainer and requested items.
- Your project is bid and built.
- You enjoy your investment!
Landscape Design Checklist:
These
questions are not meant to be comprehensive, but to stimulate your own
thinking about how you might derive the greatest satisfaction and
enjoyment from your outdoor living spaces.
Budgeting Basics
Having a realistic budget based on the design intent and project is the best first step in developing your project!
Nobody
likes to discuss their budget and, frequently, when asked what it is,
many people develop a blank stare because they haven't thought it out
completely or, sometimes, their defenses go up.
A client is not ready to discuss their project well until
they know their budget. Realistic landscape budgets are directly
related to the design, and once the conceptual design is made and
presented, the budget can be modified further.
Budgets are for determining priorities in a project and not for forcing a "design by numbers."
David Cristiani of The Quercus Group has created some excellent resources for budget determination.
In
addition to the information provided, please keep in mind that if you
plan to do the installation yourself, you will need to budget for waste
receptacle rental, transportation and disposal fees. Please see our
resource page for additional information.
