About our Process and Pricing
We work with you to create a Landscape Design including a 2D Plan with material specifications, 3D Renderings and Hand Sketches so you can implement yourself or with an installer we recommend. We are not a General Contractor and we do not Project Manage, However, we can assist with bidding, handoff and installation coordination. This Design Build Coordination process that we have developed with our installation partners saves you money in additional GC markups and design fees by avoiding heavy construction documents.
We create a custom design proposal for each project. Minimum rates for a Landscape Plan start at $1500 with typical design drawing packages ranging from $2500-$5000. Typical full service projects including coordination during installation range from $3,500 up to the $10,000 range over the course of construction, which can last up to a year. We can also provide hourly consults and coordination for $150/hour.
Putting together a Landscape Design on the front end helps you to focus on what exactly you are looking for and expedite the estimating and installation process. It also helps to keep everyone on the same page and make sure all of your expectations are met. The entire design and estimating process takes a few months. It typically takes 1-4 weeks to put together the conceptual design. Following your feedback, consolidated rounds of revisions can be completed in about a week. Once the design is complete, it typically takes about 1-2 weeks minimum to put together the corresponding estimate with your installer of choice.
Design Process
STEP 1 Initial Chat
As a first step we can set up an initial 15 minute phone call to discuss your project and what you are looking for. During this call, Aimee will explain how we can help and a typical price range for the design services you need. We will create a custom pricing and design proposal for each project which can be completed following our initial call or first site meeting.
STEP 2 Design Proposal and Site Walkthrough
Next, we will schedule a time for our first site walkthrough meeting. We typically charge an hourly rate of $150/hour for this initial walkthrough, allowing us to really dive in and discuss ideas. We treat this first site visit as the first Design Meeting where we thoroughly collect all site information and direction from you about the goals of your project. Following this meeting we will provide you with a customized design proposal and pricing. Your initial $150/hour payment will be applied to your design fees invoice as a credit.
We typically require 100% of design fees upfront to begin design work as the majority of our time is spent on the front end. For larger projects, we can split this into smaller retainers due prior to beginning design work, upon completion of bid plans, and acceptance of your install estimate to begin construction. We are typically available to add coordination services as needed during construction, which we can provide on an hourly basis or by retainer for larger installs.
STEP 3 Conceptual Design
Upon payment of the initial design fees we are ready to begin your design! We will create a conceptual design, present this to you, and walk you through all of our ideas. Following our meeting we can make consolidated rounds of revisions to the plan or renderings. The types of drawings we create including 2D Plans, 3D renderings, hand perspective sketches or elevations, and the number of revisions to expect are tailored to your needs and outlined in your initial design proposal.
STEP 4 Final Plan and Bid Coordination
Once a final Landscape Plan with specifications has been approved, we will facilitate coordination with our Landscape Install Partners to create a corresponding estimate to install your project. We can utilize phasing and value engineering to help find the right price. With approval of the estimate your landscape install can begin!
STEP 5 Installation
During installation we can continue coordination for an hourly rate or lump sum retainer package including site visits and unlimited email and phone communication. We will help to coordinate and double check landscape materials, installation practices and answer any questions along the way. We begin this process with a Site Handoff Meeting where we perform a walkthrough with you and your installer with the plan and prepare to begin the project. At substantial completion we will perform a Punch List walk with you and your installer to create a list of items for completion of the project and final payment.
STEP 6 Finished Landscape and Maintenance
We will help you set up a plan to enjoy your new landscape for years to come! As your project comes to fruition, we will coordinate with our installation partners to provide ongoing maintenance. This may include a simple list of irrigation watering instructions up to a full weekly maintenance contract including irrigation management, fertilization, pest and disease control, tree trimming and color change outs. We are always available in the future for additional design phases or seasonal consultations at our hourly rate. We have clients that reach out every spring and fall just to check in and get our expert advice!
STEP 7 Professional Photography and Referral
In the coming months and years, we will coordinate professional photography of your completed landscape design to share with potential clients and followers. We will share these images on our social media, website and potentially print articles. We also consider your referral to any friends or family as our highest compliment. We enjoy working for many family members and friends of our clients as our business has primarily grown by referral over the last 10 years!
We are ready to get started for you right away and look forward to creating beautiful outdoor spaces for you, your family, and friends to enjoy for years to come!