Bespoke Landscape Design Services by Justin Nigh.

My comprehensive garden design service encompasses a series of steps to ensure a successful landscaping project. Here's an overview of what’s included:

1. Design Vision Session: I begin by engaging in a thorough discussion with you to grasp your aspirations and requirements for the garden. Once I have a clear understanding, I'll send you a written design brief for your approval.

2. Topographical Survey: To obtain accurate information about the site, I arrange for experienced third-party surveyors to conduct a detailed topographical survey. This survey provides precise depictions of natural and manmade features, including levels, and allows for the creation of your accurate 3d site model which forms the basis of your 3d concept.

3. Design Analysis: I delve further into your design brief, examine inspirational images and ideas, and conduct a comprehensive analysis of the existing garden.

4. Design Stage 1 - Concept Design: I present you with a 2D concept layout along with plant and material images, 3D visualisations and fly-through movie. This stage allows for one full round of revisions to ensure your design aligns with your preferences.

5. Initial Costings: Based on the concept design and initial material selections, I provide an initial cost estimate for your project and for the next design stage.

6. Design Stage 2 - Design Detail: I move forward with construction detailing, including layout plans, planting plans, hardscape plans, lighting plans, and comprehensive material and product specifications. This stage also includes one full round of revisions to fine-tune your design.

7. Further Design Revisions and Value Engineering: If necessary, I carry out additional design revisions and adjustments, including value engineering, to optimise your project.

8. Council Development Applications & Building Certifications: If required, council development application plans are made, and building & engineering certification sought for any elements that require it.

9. Managing the Landscaping Quotation Process: I work closely with my network of recommended and preferred contractors to obtain at least one quote that aligns with your timeframe, budget, location, and project size.

10. Site Consultancy and Inspections during the Build: Throughout the construction process, I provide regular site consultations and inspections to ensure that the project adheres to the design and specifications.

11. Project Handover: Once the construction is near completion, I conduct a final inspection to address any outstanding issues. Upon your satisfaction, the project will be signed off. I also provide you with copies of maintenance, cleaning, product, and materials guides to help you preserve and care for your garden.

12. Maintenance Schedule: I furnish you with a detailed maintenance schedule tailored to your specific plants, lawns, hedges, trees, and general maintenance tasks. This schedule can be used by you or shared with your existing maintenance contractor or gardener.

13. Maintenance after the Build: To ensure the long-term beauty and vitality of your investment, I recommend a trusted maintenance contractor who can work alongside your existing gardener or independently handle the maintenance needs of your project.

My aim is to deliver a seamless and comprehensive service that caters to every aspect of your garden design and landscaping project.

I understand that navigating a landscaping project can feel overwhelming and intimidating due to its complexity, but by choosing to work with me, you'll have a knowledgeable partner to guide you through the process, ensuring that it is simplified and stress-free.

Absolutely! I offer a comprehensive service that covers both landscaping and design, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

I work closely with a handpicked network of trusted landscapers, specialised tradespeople, contractors, and artisans. These professionals have been carefully selected based on their expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional results. You can trust that your garden will be in the hands of experienced professionals who adhere to the highest standards of craftsmanship.

Throughout the project, I provide oversight and collaborate closely with the chosen main contractor. My role includes conducting thorough site inspections and offering consulting services to ensure that the construction aligns with the design, stays on schedule, and remains within budget.

I understand that creating a beautiful and functional landscape can be overwhelming. That's why I’m dedicated to guiding you through the entire process, from design to implementation. I'm here to address any questions or concerns you may have.

With my comprehensive approach, you can trust that your landscape will be expertly designed and flawlessly executed, resulting in a stunning outdoor space that exceeds your expectations.

If you have any further questions or would like to discuss your project in more detail, please don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to transforming your landscape into a breathtaking oasis that you'll enjoy for years to come.

Yes, I can and do provide a design only service.

The Native Garden Blueprint and Native Garden Design Guide packages are inclusive of design only, while the Full Native Garden Creation package is inclusive of design and construction support.

While I offer the option to provide you with a comprehensive design that you can use to manage the landscaping yourself, I strongly advise against relying solely on your builder for landscaping, as it requires the expertise of highly skilled tradespeople. Landscaping projects often involve various specialised contractors, including groundwork specialists, soft and hard landscapers, electricians, and professionals like pool and garden studio contractors.

While I respect your choice, I highly recommend taking advantage of my end-to-end service. By doing so, you eliminate the hassle and stress of coordinating the project on your own. Over the past 10 years, I’ve carefully chosen and vetted the industry's top contractors, ensuring the highest quality of workmanship for your project.

Choosing my comprehensive service ensures that your landscaping project is seamlessly executed, guaranteeing exceptional results.

The timeline for a landscape design project can vary significantly based on various factors, including the project's size, location, budget, specific requirements, and level of complexity. To ensure optimal planning, scheduling, and budgeting for your project, I highly recommend starting the design process as early as possible, especially if you’re undertaking a new build so that you’re not stuck with a finished house and a bare landscape.

While every project is unique, my typical design process starts at around 8 weeks, excluding surveys, meetings, and site visits. To ensure a comprehensive and thoughtful design, I usually allocate 12-16 weeks for the entire design project. However, please note that these timeframes are subject to adjustment based on the specific details of your project.

To maintain a smooth workflow and stay on track, I typically allow for two weeks of feedback time between design stages and revisions. This timeframe, including two weekends, allows time to provide your valuable input. However, if you require more flexibility with the feedback period, I’m more than willing to accommodate and adjust the schedule accordingly.

It's important to consider that other factors such as house works, renovations, or extensions may impact the design and landscaping schedule.

I understand the importance of timely and efficient project management, and my team is committed to delivering a well-crafted and personalized landscape design within a reasonable timeframe. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss your specific project timeline, please don't hesitate to reach out.

The duration of your landscaping project can vary significantly based on various factors, ensuring a unique timeline for each project. Some of the key factors that can influence the duration include:

Access: The location and accessibility of your property can impact the project's timeline. If the garden area is challenging to reach or situated in a remote location, it may require additional time for completion.

Size: The size of your garden plays a crucial role in determining the duration. Generally, a small garden will typically take a minimum of 4-6 weeks to complete, while a medium-sized garden may require around 8 weeks. For larger gardens, the timeline may extend to at least 12 weeks.

Project Budget: The allocated budget for your project can affect the timeline. More intricate and high-end projects usually take longer to complete than simpler ones, as they involve detailed craftsmanship and specialized materials.

Project Specifications: Specific elements of your project, such as the selection of materials, plants, lighting, and irrigation systems, can influence the timeline. Complex designs may require additional time for installation and integration.

Seasonal Considerations: The time of year when the landscaping is being conducted can also impact the project timeline. Each season has its advantages and disadvantages. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while winter provides cost-saving opportunities for larger plants and trees. Spring and autumn are favourable for planting, but factors such as weather conditions and availability of landscapers need to be considered.

Please keep in mind that your project will be tailored to your specific needs, property, and the custom design created for you. My recommendation is to exercise patience and wait for my contractors to be available, as rushing construction projects can lead to mistakes. Rest assured, I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way and provide the necessary assistance throughout the process.

Your planned investment value varies depending on the scope of the project. I provide you with a detailed proposal after our vision session. You can also see the services page for ‘starts from’ values.

Determining the planned investment required for your landscaping project can be challenging. On average, gardens can cost between AUD $135-150/m2 (for larger gardens) and AUD $180-200/m2 (for smaller gardens), depending on the project's size and scope. Several factors influence the planned investment value, including garden size, location, access, project timeframe, and specific materials and techniques used.

It's important to consider that not every area of your garden may require a complete redesign, such as existing lawns, terraces, or driveways. These elements should be taken into account when calculating your garden size. Providing a precise cost estimate before completing the design is difficult, as the design process allows me to consider your specific site, preferences, planned investment value, and any specific requirements you may have. However, I’ve included a rough budget guide for gardens of different sizes in the table below to give you an idea of the general cost range for your project.

I value transparency and open communication, and I’m always available to answer any questions you may have about the design process and its impact on the final cost of your project. I encourage you to discuss your ideas in detail with me so that I can provide a more accurate estimate.

Please note that the figures provided are average cost estimates for all hard and soft landscaping, including labour, materials, and plants. However, they do not include large, expensive, or complex items such as pools and garden structures. I will work closely with you to develop a design that fits within your budget and may suggest alternative materials or techniques that are more cost-effective.

The final planned investment value of your landscaping project will depend on its scope. It's important to note that the investment value per square meter decreases as the size category increases due to economies of scale. The cost per meter is spread over larger areas of focus, including cheaper areas such as lawns and planting. Additionally, logistics and access costs are typically reduced for larger properties.

I design gardens exclusively with Australian native plants because I believe they work so well in Australian gardens to create a uniquely Australian space that blends with the landscape and adds resilience by virtue of their durability. I tend to include materials like hardwood timber, natural stone, weathering steel, boulders, and gravel. Relaxed, natural, timeless, and practical are words I’d use to describe the style and aesthetic of the gardens that I create together with my clients.

I prioritise sustainability in my designs, using environmentally friendly materials and native plants to create low-maintenance, eco-friendly landscapes.

I primarily service the Sunshine Coast, and Brisbane, Queensland areas, but can also accommodate projects in other locations with my remote design service.

Click here to request your design vision session or by using the buttons on this page.