Hiring a landscape architect

[atgcpaul]

We want to hire a landscape architect to layout our yard. I don't want to mess
around with those DIY software packages. We know what we want to do--more
or less. We want the free initial consult, drawn or computer generated layout,
and one redesign if needed. We will do all the work ourselves but just need a
plan--we have to pass all this stuff through City council because we live in a
historic district.

If you've gone through this process, how much did it cost? I don't want to low
ball anyone for their talent, but I'm not looking to get ripped off either.


Thanks, Paul

[Tom Miller]

I don't want to low ball anyone for their talent....

I don't think you'll be in a position to low ball anyone -- they'll tell you up front what they charge. But, the design cost will depend greatly on things like the lot size, and how many planting beds, any "water features", is irrigation involved (either a new system, or redesigning your current system), etc. etc.

If you go to a large nursery, they may charge little to nothing depending on what you want, either because you agree to buy your plants from them, or because they think you will.

If you go to a real landscape architect, and don't plan to have them do the work, you'll obviously have to pay more. Keep in mind that if you get "free" planning from the nursery, it's already figured into the cost of the plants that you're planning to buy yourself, anyway.

Regards,
Tom

[mrnewman3]

We hired a landscape architect in 1999 to draw up a plan for our yard. We have a cul-de-sac type lot that is a half acre. We have a large deck as well as a creek. We asked that he draw up a plan to put materials/beds all the way around the house as well as island beds and landscpape around the deck (2 story) and clean up the creek (more creek rock/boulders). Multiple small retaining walls. walking paths.... fence...

We were very pleased with the results and the guy came with a good portfolio.

He drew up a VERY detailed plan and even provided alternatives in some areas.

Anyway, the cost was about $1300... He estimated that if we subbed out all the work that the work and materials would probably run us around 40k. He had relationships with various nurseries and landscape companies and he would act as a general contractor if needed, but his bread and butter was design. So, I felt confident that he would be more interested in drawing up a nice plan rather than trying to sell plants/trees.

We wanted to do the work ourselves (gluttons), but we wanted a plan we could attack rather than putting a plant/tree here and there and looking like the typical goofballs.

Anyway, we were very happy with the results. We have implemented about 80% of the plan and have spent about $7000 on materials and plants/trees.

Also, we live in the Midwest area.......