7 Reasons You Shouldn’t Hire Me To Design Your Residential Landscape.
I love what I do and I’ve worked with some incredible clients over the years BUT not everyone is suited to working with me. And that’s fine. Hiring someone to design your residential landscape is an important decision and often a significant investment.
Below, I wanted to outline the main reasons why I think you shouldn’t work with me.
1. You can’t afford it.
Landscape design prices can vary. The average design can cost anything from $850 to $10,000+. My landscape design prices start from $8794. This can be off putting to some homeowners. I get it. My designs are a significant investment, but they’re exactly that, an investment.
The reason I charge this amount is based on the time it takes and research and accumulated knowledge that’s involved in developing and presenting your design. I create a design concept that is tailored around your specific goals, whether that’s to create your tranquil sanctuary or to enhance the beauty and value of your home. I have to understand your needs and lifestyle fully to be able to design you an effective landscape plan.
Some homeowners don’t want that. They just want a garden facelift. If that’s what you want, I’m probably not right for you.
For a more detailed idea of what influences the cost to hire a landscape designer, read my post, How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Landscape Designer?
2. You don’t want to do any work.
To be able to create the best possible landscape, I need some help from you. If you were hoping that I’ll do 100% of the work and that you won’t have to lift a finger then things are going to be difficult.
Before I begin designing your landscape I’ll send you a questionnaire to fill out. Then we’ll have a meeting at your property. We’ll spend an hour or two talking about your existing landscape and finding out more about your overall vision and specific landscaping goals. I’ll need to ask questions to try and understand as much as possible before we move forward.
It’s a worthwhile process, but it does take some effort on your part. I really want to understand your landscape aspirations, lifestyle, and the opportunities and constraints of your property. All of this valuable information will add to the final design which makes it extremely important. It takes some time but it’s worth it.
3. You want a design fast.
If you’re looking for a rush job, then I’m not the landscape designer for you.
Landscape designs take 8-10 weeks on average to complete and for good reason. Your landscape design is the most important tool in creating your dream garden because it clearly defines the vision and provides the blueprint to achieve it.
Below, I’ve detailed my process and why it takes longer than you might think.
Landscape Design Vision Session (2 weeks)
To be able to design a garden that’s right for you, I need to spend a certain amount of time learning about you and your property. Along with doing my own research I’ll be gathering information from you via my questionnaire and initial meeting at your property. Then I’ll prepare and send you a design brief that clearly defines and summarises your project so that we’re on the same page before moving forward.
Proposal (1-2 weeks)
Following our design vision session, I prepare and then present your landscape design proposal to walk you through the proposed design services and pricing. Once accepted, we move to the landscape design stage.
Landscape Design (4-6 weeks)
I gather more detailed information and documentation of your property before I can start planning out your landscape. This will include lots of sketches, bubble diagrams, and scribbled notes. Then I bring together all of the research and planning to create a drawing of your new landscape and a 3d model that shows you how the landscape will look before it’s built. I’ll also meet with you to present your design and explain why I designed it the way I did.
Landscape Design Details (3-4 weeks)
After you’ve seen the 3d model and are happy, I then get to work on the finer details of your new landscape. This includes; planting plans, hardscape plans, dimension plans and all the other stuff that comes with creating a detailed landscape blueprint.
Factoring all these things in, the whole process can take 2-3 months and believe it or not I see that as a good thing. I think I’d be doing you a serious disservice if I could get your landscape designed quickly, which is why I just don’t work that way. Good design takes time.
4. You don’t have time to provide me with information.
I understand, you’re busy. I’ll need around 5 -10 hours of your time if you choose to hire me to design your landscape. If you can’t find this time, I might not be the right fit for you.
Below, I’ve included a breakdown of how much time you will need to set aside.
Filling out your questionnaire – 1hr
Sending me images and documentation – 1hr
Initial consultation & design brief – 2hr
Reviewing your proposal – 1hr
Reviewing your concept and giving feedback – 2hr
Email conversations and phone calls – 1-2hr
Let’s face it, you know your landscape and lifestyle more than me, and I treat you as the expert.
Yes, I will research, plan, and design your landscape. However, for it to work effectively, I need your help. The more information I have, the better the landscape design will be.
5. You want a Yes Man.
Some people know exactly what they want their landscape to look like. They’ll have the exact design in their heads. The plants, the layout, the materials…everything. They just need a landscape designer to do it for them. Unfortunately, I’m not that kind of designer.
Unless you’re a landscape designer with years of experience, it’s likely that your ideas need some improvement. It’s expected to have a vague idea of how you want your landscape to look, however, you need to trust that I know what I’m doing. That’s why you’re hiring me, after all.
I have years of experience in designing unique landscapes that reconnect you with nature, provide a sanctuary for relaxation, and enhance the beauty and value of your home, why would you not want to use my expertise?
I view the relationship with my clients as a partnership, where I invest myself into your landscape and its success. Sometimes, that might mean I come up with new ideas, or make suggested changes. Plus, I’d struggle to keep my mouth shut if I thought something wouldn’t work. It’s in my nature.
6. You want someone to do some ‘landscaping’ but don’t want or need a design.
If you are planning to do some landscaping work but don’t want a clear vision and detailed blueprint guiding you to a successful outcome, or don’t need a design because you’re only putting in a retaining wall, fence, or small patio that do not require design work, then I recommend seeking the services of a highly experienced, qualified, and insured landscaping contractor.
For more details about when and why to work with a landscape designer, see my post, Why Hiring a Landscape Designer is a Wise Investment.
7. You don’t like Australian native plants.
I specialise in designing landscapes that celebrate the beauty and natural resilience of Australian native plants. I think it makes a lot of sense to use plants suited to the local conditions in our landscapes and gardens because of their low-maintenance qualities. Through careful selection of Australian native plants, I cultivate a sustainable ecosystem that attracts local wildlife and promotes biodiversity.
But if you’re not into that kind of thing then I might not be the right fit for you.
Summary
So there you have it. The 7 reasons you shouldn’t work with me.
I pride myself on being upfront and transparent, which is one of the reasons for this particular post. I would hate for anyone to hire me for the wrong reasons.
If you’re still here and excited, then great! I’d love to hear more about your ideas, your values, and what you want to achieve.
If you’re interested in getting a landscape design, then why not request a landscape design vision session with me?
Request your Landscape Design Vision Session today.