Why You Should Hire a Landscape Designer

When planning a landscaping project, many homeowners assume that hiring a contractor who offers design services as part of the package is the simplest and most cost-effective route. However, bringing in an independent landscape designer—separate from your contractor—can elevate your project, save you money in the long run, and ensure your outdoor space truly reflects your vision. Here’s why making this choice is a game-changer.

The Benefits of Hiring an Independent Landscape Designer

• Unbiased Expertise and Creativity: An independent landscape designer’s sole focus is crafting a functional, beautiful, and personalized outdoor space. Unlike contractors who may prioritize efficiency or push designs that align with their crew’s skill set, an independent designer works for you. They bring fresh ideas, horticultural knowledge, and design theory to the table, free from the constraints of a contractor’s agenda.
• A Tailored Vision, Not a One-Size-Fits-All Plan: Contractors often rely on templated designs to streamline their workflow. An independent designer, however, takes the time to understand your lifestyle, preferences, and property’s unique characteristics. Whether it’s a serene garden retreat, a vibrant entertainment area, or a sustainable native plantscape, they create a bespoke plan that’s yours alone.
• Better Project Oversight and Advocacy: When your designer isn’t tied to the contractor, they act as your advocate during the build process. They can review the contractor’s work, ensure the design is executed as intended, and catch costly mistakes early. This independent oversight keeps the project on track and true to your vision.
• Access to Specialized Knowledge: Landscape designers are trained in areas like soil science, plant compatibility, drainage solutions, and sustainable practices—expertise that some contractors may lack. This knowledge ensures your landscape thrives long-term, reducing maintenance headaches and replacement costs.

The Process

This journey begins with a free 30-minute virtual consultation so we can have a formal introduction and to discuss your project details and budget range. This will help develop a strategy to tackle your project design with your specific needs at the forefront.

Every project has an array of challenges and characteristics about it. This requires some back-end work to be done prior to getting the design process started. We will first need a formal property survey. If you have a survey completed, we can take the next steps. If not, we can assist in the selection of a land surveyor for you.

This vital document will allow us to design within the parameters of the property bounds and setbacks, avoiding utilities, septic systems, wells, wetlands, buffers or other items. It is the responsibility of the homeowner or contractor to do their own due diligence in ensuring a properly constructed project can be completed.

Any permitting or approvals required from your local town or county building department will be the responsibility of the property owner or contractor performing the work. You may be required to submit pictures of your property and some pre-determined measurements of specific areas of your property.

Next is the contract; We will work together to detail the scope of design work needed for your project and you will be presented a contract to formally execute the landscape design services. If you have any questions about this document or the services it encompasses, we can discuss before signing.

"I don't design in order to have clients...
I have clients in order to design."