The landscape designer works closely with each client to create a personal and customized design that is best suited to their home, lifestyle and unique set of wants and needs. He or she provides guidance, an artistic touch, and a comprehensive plan of action, while keeping your best interests at heart.

A professional landscape designer:

  • analyzes the property from an architectural, environmental, horticultural and artistic viewpoint and uses these findings to create a Master Plan that is customized for the site.
  • develops site-specific solutions to the problems and opportunities of the site using education, experience, imagination, talent and creativity.
  • provides an artistic eye and gives the outdoor space a form and a sense of style that will be the heart of the design.
  • helps choose the most appropriate design elements, materials, and plants for the site.
  • works within a budget, and provides advice on how the landscape plan might be installed in stages if needed.
  • helps avoid costly mistakes by providing a clear direction in which to proceed.
  • brings a network of industry professionals to help insure the immediate and ongoing success of the project.
  • acts as an independent advocate for the client throughout the process.

 

Start your search for a Certified, Professional, or Associate member

The Association of Professional Landscape Designers® (APLD®) is an international organization dedicated to establishing the highest standards for the landscape design profession. The goals of APLD are to advance landscape design as an independent profession and to promote the recognition of landscape designers as highly qualified, dedicated professionals.

Factors to consider when hiring a landscape designer include education, experience, creativity and compatibility. Ask what level of formal training the designer has achieved and to see samples of their work. This may be photographs or plans from a portfolio or website, or the designer may refer you to an installed design.

Equally important is finding a designer whose style and personality are a good fit for your project. Landscape design is a collaborative process, so trust and confidence are vital to a successful designer/homeowner partnership.

Landscape designers may provide design ideas, landscape plans, planting plans and lighting plans. Some also offer installation-related services such as material selection or plant placement. While they may provide conceptual ideas on garden structures, irrigation, and hardscape layout, most are not licensed to provide construction drawings. Likewise, while they may work closely with contractors overseeing the aesthetic elements of an installation, most are not licensed to provide actual construction services. Their education is in residential design, which emphasizes design strategies, hardscape options, and plant materials appropriate for residential projects.

 

Landscape architects are licensed by the State of California and, in addition to the plans typically provided by a landscape designer, are qualified to produce construction-ready plans that may include complex retaining walls, grading and drainage plans, and physical structures. Their training emphasizes design for large public and commercial spaces such as parks and commercial landscapes, although some specialize in residential projects.

 

Landscape contractors are licensed to install the designs created by landscape designers and landscape architects. Some are design/build businesses, and provide design services as well. When working with a design/build firm, be sure to clarify the design process used and whether you will receive landscape drawings for your review and approval or just a verbal or written description of the landscape to be installed. Some design/build companies bundle the design fees with the cost of construction, but it is still important to understand the design cost component should you decide to switch to a different company for installation later on. Landscape contractors can provide designs for the gardens they intend to install, not as independent designers for others to install. To learn more about Licensed Landscape Contractors in California, visit the web sites for the California Landscape Contractors Association, and the Contractors State License Board.

While the process may vary depending on the designer, the client’s needs, and the complexity of the project, most residential design projects include the following:

Initial Consultation. This is a chance to meet the designer and review the requirements and objectives of the project. Many designers charge for this visit, so to get the most out of the experience, ask the designer the best way to prepare and be sure you understand exactly what will be covered at this meeting. To start developing your requirements, click here.

Concept Plan. After listening to your ideas and priorities, the designer analyzes the site’s character, strengths and problems, and then develops one or more alternative concept plans for review.

Master Plan. The final master plan represents the culmination of your choices with the designer, and typically includes a complete spatial layout for your outdoor living spaces and other hardscape or architectural concepts.

Planting Plan. This is a working drawing from which the garden will actually be planted, and includes botanical names, container sizes, specific plant locations, and planting instructions to the contractor.

Additional Plan Documents: Depending on the scope of your project, your designer may also provide a lighting plan, specialized guidelines on planting or irrigation, or notes and sketches on design elements such as water features or furniture and accessories placement.

Installation Assistance: Many landscape designers will assist you in soliciting and reviewing construction bids, including referring contractors appropriate for your project. Others may choose to provide drawings only. Designers often stay involved throughout the installation phase to advise on design modifications, material selections and purchase and placement of garden art and accessories.

Yes and no. Shows like Curb Appeal and Landscape Smart correctly demonstrate the vision, creativity, practical advice and plain old fun a designer brings to a project. In fact, many APLD members have appeared on these shows.

Some shows, however, may mislead homeowners as to the time and money the design and installation processes actually require. Design time and construction labor are not included in the installation costs revealed at the end of the show, and materials have often been discounted or donated. Cost and time for important installation components such as demolition, grading, and irrigation are often ignored.

You purchase a landscape designer’s expert consultation time, and, typically, your project’s design plan. Landscape designers bill for their services in various ways. Design is ordinarily billed on an hourly basis or as a flat fee. It is important that the homeowner and the landscape designer have an early discussion and agreement about the cost of services.

There is extensive documentation of the value that intelligent, thoughtful landscape design can add to your home. In many parts of California, the value of the land surrounding your home is equal to, or sometimes even greater than the value of the home itself. Well designed, installed and maintained landscaping can lead to a substantial increase in the overall value of your home. A budgeting rule of thumb for a complete landscape installation or renovation is 5-10% of the total value of your home, including the land. Therefore, if you own a $550,000 home, plan to spend between $27,500-$55,500 for a basic, functional landscape that will return up to 200 percent in value. Unusual materials, mature specimen plantings, or elaborate hardscape will add to this figure.

The most successful landscape projects start with a realistic budget. Don’t hesitate to share your budget with the landscape designer. The designer can help strike a balance between special materials and cost-conscious choices to create a beautiful space that meets your functional, aesthetic, and budget preferences before you ask contractors for bids.

Finally, be sure to budget for the ongoing care and maintenance of your new surroundings. Good maintenance will protect your investment, as well as ensure many years of personal enjoyment and satisfaction.

Photo by Blue Hibiscus Gardens

Photo by Blue Hibiscus Gardens